Car enthusiasts come up with all kinds of weird and wonderful creations. Many people decide to buy high-performance models and tune them up for extra power. But, some folks don't find that an interesting or challenging way to create a unique way.
One alternative is to build a sleeper. From the outside, the car looks like a run-of-the-mill vehicle. In fact, there's nothing particularly special about it. But, when the driver hits the gas, that's when the real magic happens!
Do you like the sound of that idea? If so, you may be wondering how to create such an auto. While there are no "rules" per se, there are some guidelines to creating a sleeper. These ones will help you build one of the best out there:
Buy a solid but basic car
The first step is to get yourself a vehicle that is solid and has no significant rust on it. It should also be a car that has a basic trim level. Why? Well, you want to build a sleeper, don't you? There's no point buying a range-topping model. Otherwise, you'll just end up doing the same thing most other folks do!
You might not think it, but there are two advantages to buying a basic but rot-free car. First of all, it's likely it won't have had any abuse from its former owners. And, second, it serves as the perfect blank canvas for your plans.
Install a high-performance engine and transmission
Once you get the car, it's time to pull out the motor and gearbox. Sure, you could spend money upgrading the parts on it for extra power. But, it's always cheaper to just transplant something that's already powerful as standard.
Regardless of the engine and transmission you choose, one thing's for certain. You will need to spend some time welding new engine mounts on the chassis under the hood! On some cars, you might get lucky and find you can do a "straight swap."
It's important you check everything works before you install them in your car. Otherwise, you'll just have to take it all out again. I recommend testing the engine and gearbox in the donor car by driving the vehicle around.
Are you fitting an automatic gearbox? If so, make sure it shifts well. If you don't, you'll have to pay for a transmission repair. And that, of course, means spending more money!
Upgrade the suspension and brakes
The last thing you want to do is drive a sleeper car around on stock suspension and brakes! Once the new engine and gearbox are in the car, it's time to do work on all four corners of the vehicle.
Coilover suspension is a cost-effective and simple way to improve your car's handling. Larger brake rotors, pads and calipers ensure you'll stop on time.
Whatever you do, make sure you don't cheap out on these parts. They are essential comfort and safety components. Only stick with the best parts money can buy!
Fit bigger stock wheels
Last, but not least, you'll need bigger wheels to fit in front of your new brakes. The trick here is to opt for genuine stock wheels that are larger but similar in design to your existing ones.
I hope you've found today's guide useful. Thanks for checking it out!
One alternative is to build a sleeper. From the outside, the car looks like a run-of-the-mill vehicle. In fact, there's nothing particularly special about it. But, when the driver hits the gas, that's when the real magic happens!
Do you like the sound of that idea? If so, you may be wondering how to create such an auto. While there are no "rules" per se, there are some guidelines to creating a sleeper. These ones will help you build one of the best out there:
Buy a solid but basic car
The first step is to get yourself a vehicle that is solid and has no significant rust on it. It should also be a car that has a basic trim level. Why? Well, you want to build a sleeper, don't you? There's no point buying a range-topping model. Otherwise, you'll just end up doing the same thing most other folks do!
You might not think it, but there are two advantages to buying a basic but rot-free car. First of all, it's likely it won't have had any abuse from its former owners. And, second, it serves as the perfect blank canvas for your plans.
Install a high-performance engine and transmission
Once you get the car, it's time to pull out the motor and gearbox. Sure, you could spend money upgrading the parts on it for extra power. But, it's always cheaper to just transplant something that's already powerful as standard.
Regardless of the engine and transmission you choose, one thing's for certain. You will need to spend some time welding new engine mounts on the chassis under the hood! On some cars, you might get lucky and find you can do a "straight swap."
It's important you check everything works before you install them in your car. Otherwise, you'll just have to take it all out again. I recommend testing the engine and gearbox in the donor car by driving the vehicle around.
Are you fitting an automatic gearbox? If so, make sure it shifts well. If you don't, you'll have to pay for a transmission repair. And that, of course, means spending more money!
Upgrade the suspension and brakes
The last thing you want to do is drive a sleeper car around on stock suspension and brakes! Once the new engine and gearbox are in the car, it's time to do work on all four corners of the vehicle.
Coilover suspension is a cost-effective and simple way to improve your car's handling. Larger brake rotors, pads and calipers ensure you'll stop on time.
Whatever you do, make sure you don't cheap out on these parts. They are essential comfort and safety components. Only stick with the best parts money can buy!
Fit bigger stock wheels
Last, but not least, you'll need bigger wheels to fit in front of your new brakes. The trick here is to opt for genuine stock wheels that are larger but similar in design to your existing ones.
I hope you've found today's guide useful. Thanks for checking it out!
