When it comes to off-roading, speed is crucial. Whether you're tackling rough terrain or blazing down a trail, a faster side-by-side can make all the difference.
The good news is that upgrading your side-by-side doesn't need to be an expensive endeavor. There are plenty of affordable ways to boost performance without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll look at various cheap ways to make your side-by-side faster. From tweaking your clutch to upgrading tires, we'll explore cost-effective enhancements to get the most speed out of your vehicle.
1. Understanding What Makes Your Side x Side Faster
Before diving into the details, it's essential to understand what contributes to your side-by-side’s speed. While horsepower and torque play a significant role, there are other components, such as gear ratios, weight reduction, and efficient drivetrain systems, that all impact your overall speed. If you want your side-by-side to be faster, you need to focus on improving various aspects of the vehicle.
The beauty of these upgrades is that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on major overhauls. Many of these enhancements are budget-friendly, and you can even do some of them yourself. Let's get started with cheap ways to boost your speed.
2. Cheap Engine Mods for Side x Side Performance
Upgrading the Air Intake System
An easy and cost-effective way to increase speed is by improving the air intake system. The stock air intake on your side-by-side may not provide the best airflow to the engine, and upgrading to an aftermarket high-flow air intake can help.
- High-Flow Air Filters: One of the simplest upgrades is replacing the air filter with a high-flow version. These filters allow more air to get to the engine, which boosts combustion efficiency and leads to more power.
- Air Intake Kit: Installing an air intake kit is another way to allow for better air circulation. You can find some affordable kits that will improve your horsepower without requiring much work.
Exhaust Upgrades for Better Performance
The stock exhaust system on your side-by-side is often designed to meet emissions requirements, not to provide the best performance. A cheap and effective way to increase speed is by upgrading your exhaust system.
- Slip-On Exhausts: A slip-on exhaust is an affordable alternative to a full exhaust system and can still give you a noticeable power boost. It allows for better airflow and improved throttle response.
- High-Flow Mufflers: If a full exhaust system is too pricey, you could go for a high-flow muffler. It will improve exhaust flow and free up a few more horsepower without costing too much.
Upgrading the Throttle Body
Another affordable engine mod to boost your side-by-side's power is upgrading the throttle body. The throttle body controls the amount of air entering your engine. By replacing it with a larger aftermarket version, you can allow more air into the engine, improving horsepower.
- Larger Throttle Body: A larger throttle body can increase the airflow and help your engine generate more power. This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade and can be completed with basic mechanical knowledge.
3. Maximizing Your Clutch for Speed
The clutch is a crucial part of any side-by-side. With a well-adjusted clutch, you can ensure that power is transferred efficiently to the wheels. Making clutch improvements can increase both acceleration and top speed.
Clutch Kit Upgrades
One of the best ways to enhance your side-by-side’s speed is to install a clutch kit. Clutch kits are relatively inexpensive and come in many variations depending on your riding style. A kit can improve low-end torque or high-end speed, depending on your preferences.
- Spring Adjustments: Adjusting the springs in your clutch can also change how it performs. By using a spring with a higher tension, you can increase the RPM at which the clutch engages, which can boost acceleration.
Changing the Clutch Weights
Another way to improve clutch performance is by changing the clutch weights. Lighter weights can allow your engine to reach higher RPMs more quickly, giving you better acceleration and increased speed.
- Adjustable Weights: Some clutch kits come with adjustable weights, allowing you to fine-tune the setup for your specific needs and riding conditions.
4. Lighter Tires and Wheels
Tires are one of the most critical factors in determining your side-by-side's performance. Heavy, lugged tires can slow you down significantly, especially if you're riding on mostly hard-packed terrain.
Choosing Lighter Tires and Wheels
- Lightweight Tires: Choosing lightweight tires will decrease rotational mass, allowing your engine to work less and increasing your top speed. Make sure the tires are suitable for the type of terrain you're riding on.
- Aluminum Wheels: Replacing your stock steel wheels with aluminum ones can help reduce weight, thereby increasing speed. This small change can have a big impact, especially in sandy or muddy conditions.
- Tire Pressure Adjustments: Adjusting tire pressure can also affect speed. For certain terrains, slightly higher pressure can reduce rolling resistance, leading to higher top speeds.
5. Gearing Up for Speed
Changing Gear Ratios
One of the most efficient ways to make your side-by-side faster without adding more power is by adjusting the gear ratios.
- Gear Reduction: If you change to a lower gear ratio, you may lose some torque but gain significant speed. This is especially helpful if your side-by-side is currently geared for low-end torque.
- Primary and Secondary Clutch Adjustments: Adjusting the primary and secondary clutches can help you get the most power to the wheels. Using a lighter clutch weight will allow the engine to rev higher, thus giving you better acceleration and speed.
Upgrading Gearing Components
- High-Speed Gears: Upgrading to high-speed gears can be an effective solution if you find yourself driving on open trails where top speed is more important than torque. This modification can make a significant difference in how fast your side-by-side can go.
6. Cheap Fuel Tuning and ECU Upgrades
Tuning Your Fuel for Optimal Performance
Tuning your side-by-side for more power doesn't have to mean buying an expensive ECU system. Instead, you can opt for a basic fuel tuner to make sure the engine is receiving the right amount of fuel at all times.
- Piggyback Fuel Controllers: Piggyback fuel controllers are budget-friendly alternatives that can enhance performance. They intercept signals between the ECU and the fuel injectors, optimizing the air-fuel ratio.
- Reprogramming the ECU: If you're a bit more adventurous, you could consider reprogramming your side-by-side’s ECU to increase horsepower. This can help you eliminate speed limiters and improve overall performance without spending a lot.
High-Octane Fuel
Using higher octane fuel can also help boost performance. High-octane fuels burn more efficiently and can allow your engine to generate more power, especially when combined with an upgraded air intake or exhaust system.
7. Weight Reduction Techniques
A great way to make your side-by-side faster is by reducing weight. Every pound you shed means less work for your engine and better performance.
Cheap and Easy Weight Reduction Tips
- Remove Unnecessary Accessories: Accessories like roof racks, spare tire mounts, and cargo boxes all add weight to your vehicle. Removing them when you don't need them can lighten the load.
- Lightweight Seats: Switching to lightweight seats is another way to reduce weight without sacrificing comfort.
- Trim Down Body Panels: Some side-by-side enthusiasts even go as far as trimming down body panels to save weight.
- Battery Upgrade: Upgrading to a lightweight lithium battery can save a few pounds and slightly improve your side-by-side's acceleration.
8. Boosting Acceleration with Drivetrain Improvements
Drivetrain Maintenance and Modifications
The drivetrain is the backbone of your side-by-side, and small tweaks can make a big difference in your acceleration and top speed.
- Upgrading U-Joints: A strong drivetrain can help transmit more power to the wheels without losing speed. Upgrading to heavy-duty U-joints helps reduce flex and improve power delivery.
- Axle Upgrades: Lightweight axles are also an affordable way to make your side-by-side faster. Less weight in your axles means more acceleration and improved speed.
- Regular Drivetrain Lubrication: Keeping your drivetrain well-lubricated reduces friction and improves power transmission, which can help boost speed.
9. Optimizing Suspension for Speed
Your suspension not only affects ride quality but can also impact speed. Proper adjustments can make a significant difference.
Suspension Adjustments for More Speed
Lowering the ride height can reduce wind resistance and improve stability at high speeds.
- Lower Springs: Consider using lower springs to bring the center of gravity closer to the ground. This will improve both acceleration and top speed.
- Adjusting Shock Absorbers: Softer shock settings can also help reduce bouncing and allow for better traction, which translates to faster speeds.
- Sway Bar Adjustment: Adjusting or upgrading your sway bar can also help improve handling, allowing you to corner at higher speeds more confidently.
10. Cheap Aerodynamic Enhancements
Improve Aerodynamics for a Speed Boost
Windshield and Body Adjustments
While not a massive factor in off-road driving, aerodynamics can still play a role in improving speed, especially on flat trails or dunes.
- Installing a Half Windshield: A half windshield is a good compromise, allowing airflow while reducing some wind resistance.
- Removing Roof Racks: If you have a roof rack, consider removing it for high-speed rides. The reduced drag can make your side-by-side a bit faster.
- Underbody Protection: Adding a smooth underbody skid plate can reduce turbulence underneath your side-by-side, slightly improving aerodynamic efficiency.
11. Routine Maintenance for Peak Performance
Routine maintenance is often overlooked when seeking to increase your side-by-side's speed, but it's one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure peak performance.
Keeping Your Side-by-Side Well-Maintained
- Regular Oil Changes: Fresh oil helps reduce friction within the engine, leading to smoother and faster operation.
- Spark Plug Maintenance: Ensure spark plugs are clean and functioning properly. Dirty or faulty plugs can reduce engine performance.
- Air Filter Cleaning: Keeping your air filter clean allows more air into the engine, improving combustion and, subsequently, power.
- Brake Maintenance: Keeping your brakes properly adjusted can reduce drag and improve your side-by-side's efficiency and speed.
Upgrade Your Side-by-Side with Carolina Cycle
Improving the speed of your side-by-side doesn't have to be a costly affair. By making a few well-chosen, budget-friendly modifications, you can make a big difference in your vehicle's performance. From upgrading your air intake and exhaust systems to fine-tuning your clutch and reducing unnecessary weight, there are plenty of cheap ways to make your side-by-side faster.
If you're ready to get started, find all the parts and accessories you need for your side-by-side at Carolina Cycle. Check out our wide selection of affordable upgrades at Carolina Cycle. Get the speed you crave without breaking the bank! Contact us with any questions you might have about upgrading your side-by-side.
