What are the most popular auto accessories on the market? AutoSpeed visits a typical auto accessory shop and finds the ten best-sellers.
One of the scorching sellers is the aftermarket under bonnet air filter. Unifilter rampods seem to sell very well, and to a very wide group of customers. They're the rage from Hyundai Excels to boosted Holden VL Turbos with serious mumbo. "Up to 8% more power" is the claim of the higher flowing ram pod. However, make sure that hot underbonnet air can't breathed!
Air intake ram tubes are common for people with either Weber carbs or multiple throttle EFI intakes. A lot of people leave them bare for appearances at car shows, wisely opting to use air filters over them when the car is actually being driven. They're available in chrome, blue or red. But they're an expensive proposition on a Jaguar V12 engine with six dual-barrel Webers!
Also on the power enhancement front, the black bottle of Super 104+ octane booster is a great seller, especially amongst the "turbo guys". It's an easy step to prevent detonation when the boost pressure is cranked right up.
K-Mac springs lowered about 1-2 inches are a common purchase for (especially) the owners of late model Japanese cars They are often sold in conjunction with Koni adjustable dampers - it is recommended that springs and shocks are up-rated as a combination rather than just sticking in the lowered springs. Konis are amongst the most popular shocks in Australia, with items to suit MacPherson struts about twice as expensive as conventional shocks. A big hike!
With a Momo brand name, anything sells well. The Momo Race steering wheel is a popular item, as it looks at home in a wide variety of cars.
This wheel is often complemented with a Momo Race Air leather gear knob which certainly "lifts the interior appearance".
For those with a little more financial flexibility, or the urge to go rally or circuit racing, the Momo T-frame seat is a well-recognised product. A fixed, non-reclinable seat, it is designed primarily for competition use but is still extremely comfortable.
TRS Clubman racing harnesses are an affordable safety addition to any road car (check local legality though before buying!), and a necessity for a racecar. With a normal automotive-style buckle, it comes in either 3 or 4-point configurations.
For those on a less generous budget, a pair of seat belt shoulder pads can give a 'harness' look. These pads are sold mainly to the owners of Japanese cars, as they are embossed with Japanese manufacturer names.
Another interior accessory is the racing pedal set. Razo and Sparco are probably the most credible and they're to breeze to fit. Obviously an automatic car will need one less pedal pad and therefore has a cheaper kit.
Big diameter tachos (not the ones you eat) impress your passengers in direct proportion to their size - well, that's what we were told! Mallory's Pro-Tach 1 5-inch tachometer with a built-in rev limiter and shift light is suitable for 4,6 and 8 cylinder engines at up to 10,000rpm.
Brand name stickers are also quick to leave the rack. HKS, Trust, Tanabe, APEX'i, Mugen - you name them, there'll be a sticker to represent 'em!
The fact that your car might not have any such brand name parts on it doesn't matter; we're talking cosmetics here. But if you spend the money, make sure the sticker is on an appropriate one. A Honda Civic with a Nizmo or Ralliart sticker will not get quite the desired response from observers...
Automotive books sell up a storm. These cover everything from basic vehicle histories and events to hard-to-get technical manuals which are always sell quick-smart. Rotary engine building literature, Weber carby information, how to set up a car for rallying and various other technical topics are covered by at least one available book. Automotive videos are also selling well. These cover everything from classic cars to the current F1s. Imported from Japan, the Option videos are a great view for anyone with an NTSC video player. Even better when you can understand Japanese...
That should give you an idea of what's "in" - now you can buy accessories with confidence! Thanks to Autosport (+61 8 8332 8811) in Adelaide, South Australia for showing us through.
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