That being said, when it comes to car mods, there’s a fair amount of gimmicks, or so-called snake oil car mods. You’ve seen the flashy ads promising mountains of horsepower from some cheap bolt-ons.
But guess what? A handful of mods out there sound like total gimmicks or placebo, but actually deliver noticeable improvements. Whether you just want a bit more throttle response or to smooth out your engine’s performance, these mods actually work!
In this post, we will explore 5 mods that are considered gimmicky but really are quite effective. Let’s take a look at the science and the results behind it.
1. Throttle Controllers – No Tuning Needed, Tighter Throttle Response
Throttle controllers are small devices that connect to your vehicle’s throttle body or ECU to modify the throttle response. They remove the lag between pressing the pedal and experiencing the power.
Popular options:
- Pivot 3-Drive Throttle Controller
- Works Engineering E-Drive Throttle Controller
- D1 Spec Throttle Controller
Why it works: Most modern cars have what’s called electronic throttle control (ETC), which means there’s a slight lag between pressing the gas and your engine responding. Throttle controllers reduce this delay by adjusting the signal sent to the throttle. The result?
- Sharper throttle response
- Quicker acceleration, particularly in urban driving
Why it’s not a gimmick: Throttle controllers aren’t power adders by any means, but they elicit a much sportier feel from your car (with zero modification at all on the engine). It’s like getting a custom tune, without the inflated labor costs or an ECU remap. It’s one of those snake oil car mods that turns out actually to improve your driving experience.
2. AdPower Static Electricity Suppressor — Smoothens Out Your Engine
This tiny device is supposed to reduce the static electricity buildups in your car’s electrical system, which in turn should improve fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Where to buy:
- AdPower Static Electricity Suppressor
Why it works: Static electricity can disrupt your engine’s ignition and sensor signals, which can cause a less efficient burn and rougher idle. AdPower counteracts this static, resulting in:
- Smoother engine operation
- Better throttle response
- Potentially better fuel economy
Why it’s not a gimmick: By minimizing static interference, ignition timing and sensor signals can be stabilized, which contributes to smoother idling and better performance overall. Though the effects are subtle, they’re real, especially on older cars. It’s one of those snake oil car mods that doesn’t seem like much, but it works.
3. Works Engineering Twin Ball Bearing Air Charger — Lower Rotational Mass for Quicker Engine Response
The Works Engineering Air Charger is a high-performance device that increases airflow into your car’s combustion chamber by utilizing advanced ball bearing technology. It enhances the air/fuel mixture, resulting in better combustion and improved engine performance. Another option for snake oil car mods that work is the old-school one-way valve mod.
Where to buy:
Works Engineering Official Website
Various authorized car performance retailers
Why it works: By increasing the charge air into the combustion chamber, the Works Engineering Air Charger allows for a more efficient air/fuel mix. The result?
- Increased horsepower (bhp) as proven through dyno tests
- Improved throttle response for a snappier driving experience
- Better fuel efficiency, as the engine runs more optimally
- Quicker engine response due to smoother airflow
Why it’s not a gimmick: Unlike many generic aftermarket parts, the Works Engineering Air Charger is dyno-tested and has been shown to provide measurable power gains. It increases the volume of charge air entering the combustion chamber, enhancing combustion efficiency. It’s a simple, low-maintenance mod that boosts performance and fuel economy, particularly for force induction and automatic transmission cars. This is definitely not just another snake oil car mod.
4. Grounding Kits — Stabilize Electrical Signals for a Smoother Drive
Grounding kits are basic kits that hook different segments of your automobile’s electrical system to a dedicated ground, which enhances the quality of the electrical signals.
Where to buy:
- AEM Grounding Kit
- Megan Racing Grounding Kit
- Works Engineering Grounding Kit
Why it works: Electrical interference can wreak havoc on everything from the performance of your engine to the sound quality of your stereo. This interference is minimized through the use of grounding kits that provide cleaner and more stable electrical signals. The benefits?
- Better throttle response
- Reduced engine vibrations
- Better audio and brighter headlights
Why it’s not a gimmick: When you have cleaner electrical signals, it can actually allow the engine to do better, which is particularly useful for older cars with less refined electronics. It’s a cheap, simple mod that can help your car run smoother overall. This is another example of snake oil car mods that actually serve a real function.
5. Lightweight Crank Pulley — Reduce Rotational Mass for Faster Engine Response
A lightweight crank pulley replaces your car’s stock pulley, reducing the engine’s rotational mass. This can result in a quicker revving engine and smoother throttle response.
Why it works: By switching to a lighter pulley, you reduce the amount of energy your engine spends rotating the pulley and other accessories. The result?
- Faster engine response
- Better throttle response
- More efficient power transfer from the engine to the wheels
Are These Snake Oil Car Mods Worth It?
None of these mods are going to magically convert your car into a racing machine overnight, but will certainly enhance your daily driving experience. Only a few modifications can improve drivability, engine response, and overall performance.
This isn’t about throwing on a bunch of turbochargers to get some insane horsepower numbers; it’s about sharpening the way your car feels, the way it responds to the inputs you give it. If you own a Mazda 3, you may want to check out some other basic upgrades and car mods on suspension or exhaust level.
From improved throttle control to smoother engine idle, these snake oil car mods show that sometimes, the so-called “gimmicks” actually do what they claim — in their own subtle yet impactful way. Each one of these mods aims at a specific function of your car’s performance, be it to make the air intake for the engine more efficient, find a way to cut down static interference, or just tighten up the throttle response a bit.
Conclusion
It’s about those small gains — faster response from the throttle when you want it, peppier acceleration, and even a smoother and more stable-running engine. If you are the type of driver who appreciates the little things that can make your drive to work or weekend drive just a touch better, these mods are certainly worth consideration.
Sounds good to you so far? Quicker, smoother, more responsive — isn’t that just what your car needs? If you desire relatively low-cost upgrades that make an appreciable difference in the way your vehicle drives, try one of these mods on for size. These seemingly “gimmicky” mods will most likely surprise you, whether you’re interested in better throttle control, smoother engine operation, or improved fuel economy.
So, what are you waiting for? Give these snake oil car mods a go and tell us whether they change your car. Tell us how you feel, how this works for you, what tools you find useful — we want to hear from you!
