Top Performance Upgrades for 451

Want more performance from your little 451 then check out the list below. I would like to thank all the 451S members who helped compile the list. These upgrades can be done in any order and are tested by Dyno Results posted on this web site.

1 Remap ECU Veloce 10% gain
2 Exhaust
3 Air filter
4 Aerodynamic upgrades (Brabus)
5 Tires and wheels (Front 195/45x16 Rear 215/40x16)
6 Horns dual from Hella
7 H7 Brighter bulbs front beams
8 Keeping the 451 washed, waxed and tires inflated to proper pressure (Nitrogen filled)
9 Scan gauge a must check the Scan gauge website
10 Driver's side "blind spot" mirror. (Important Upgrade)
11 Goodridge G-Stop Brakeline Kit
12 Add to this list..........

Tags: 451, exhaust, horns, performance, remap, tires, upgrades, veloce, wheels

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by jackb on August 3, 2008 at 4:07am: You may have already answered this question in a previous post. If I missed it, sorry. Are you recommending the Breathless unit over the one from Doug Thorley? If so, why?

BTW, thanks for taking the trouble to research and compile this list. It's the voices of people like you that make this site both fun and useful.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by oops on August 3, 2008 at 4:40am: I agree

I would also add the Ram Air Intake and Audio upgrades but otherwise looks good!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Logan J on August 3, 2008 at 4:53am: Not all of these are related to the "performance" of the smart....?

Great list though.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on August 3, 2008 at 5:24am: I have a Breathless Exhaust but I think they both are very good Exhausts as long as they provide you a DYNO test that shows an increase in HP. As more and more vendors come out with new products we as customers should ask them to post accurate Dyno test results.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BJ on August 4, 2008 at 8:18pm: I changed my H7 to Hids and very happy.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on August 5, 2008 at 3:47am: One change in the list. I was talking to Evil Twin Smart Car tuners in England and they pointed out the following.
Before you Remap get a good Exhaust because the remap is going to put out allot of gases. To unleash the true power the Smart needs to breath.

"For political reasons a Smart car leaves the
factory heavily restricted and Smart themselves quickly resolved this problem by licensing Brabus to de-restrict the car and develop a handling package."; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on August 14, 2008 at 1:52am: Adding a layer of 4x4 Dynamat.

I added Dynamat to my 451. Just placed it on the engine cover. I just got a 4x4 piece of Dynamat lifted the black carpet cover over the engine bay and placed it under it. Big change to the inside cabin quietness. Then added some of it to the back trunk opening. Makes a big difference. Check the sound inside my car. I have a BTH sports exhaust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g8AoYAtKWE; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Logan J on August 14, 2008 at 1:59am: Nice.

Your 0-60 is FAST too!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on August 14, 2008 at 3:32am: It would get better with Speed Shifting.
That is where the ECU takes over and up shifts at max RPM. I did not want to push it but still good.
Thanks; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BigPerformance on August 14, 2008 at 5:09am: """"One change in the list. I was talking to Evil Twin Smart Car tuners in England and they pointed out the following.
Before you Remap get a good Exhaust because the remap is going to put out allot of gases. To unleash the true power the Smart needs to breath.

"For political reasons a Smart car leaves the
factory heavily restricted and Smart themselves quickly resolved this problem by licensing Brabus to de-restrict the car and develop a handling package."""

What a crock.

The exhausts for the 71 and 61bhp N/A versions are very good BUT heavy.

Brabus do not do a N/A version.

Brabus smarts are another way to get you to part with alot more of your money for very little extra.

A good exhaust will make a difference but not as much as people expect, more to do with weight loss than anything.

Why not go down the route of stock UK version parts from the head to the exhaust silencer?

A 2way cat replaces a 3way BUT you can then put on some sexy TI exhausts that weigh 800grams!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on August 15, 2008 at 1:02am: I have not seen the TI exhaust. We in USA don't have a good air cleaner available.; ▶ Reply to This