Here's a distrubing news article from the Detroit News Autos Insider. It explores whether aftermarket auto parts might "disturb" or hurt the stability of your vehicle. Some aftermarket parts could cause stability control systems to become confused. Certain elements of the Federal Government (and consumer pressure groups) want stability control systems on all cars in the next few years.
I see this as a much bigger issue than just stability control systems. The reality is that there are lots of aftermarket parts which will hurt the handling, braking, stability, and emissions of the vehicle they are put onto. There are a lot of poorly designed products on the market that aren't designed by certified engineers... much less tested according to the same (or better) standards which OEM vehicle manufacturers must follow. There is of course some stuff which is better than OEM... but it's in the tiny minority.
Most car enthusiasts modify their cars - so what do we do to get it right? One issue is that the purchaser is most often the installer. What experience do they (we) have in selecting parts and installing them? And testing (verifying) the results of our work? My observations:
- I see a lot of modified cars in my travels on the streets. Cars with seemingly every possible unrelated part tossed onto the car, usually for appearance. I've said it before and I'll stick to my belief that the great majority of these types of cars suffer from haphazard choices of parts and installation. While they might gain a bit of steering response or improve in some other single element, they will absolutely and inevitably suffer in many other aspects of handling dynamics, braking, or stability. The results of these issues are frequently in the news and they are very visible to insurance companies, consumers groups, and inevitably to the Feds.
- I also see (and drive) a lot of cars in my travels on race tracks and this is where you start to see a more serious effort towards developing a methodology which includes measurement. Still largely amateurs (and I count myself there), but working to understand and develop a systematic approach to their goals, and who (thanks to the track) have the means to do a degree of testing to measure the results. They (we) need an approach to finding solutions, and that approach does involve engaging more highly skilled and experienced professionals (for "tuning" both the car and the driver).
When I look for aftermarket parts manufacturers, I look for companies that employ engineers with professional certifications. I also look for testing facilities and methodical testing programs. Unfortunately I rarely see this type of information described on websites or in product documentation.
When I look for parts installers, I look beyond just the means of installation - I want their professional experience applied to defining and reaching my goals. I look for a person who has built their business around the methodology of a systematic approach. That type of installer is (more importantly) a designer - who will methodically design a package of parts that will work well together based on their superior knowledge & experience. And I also look for a person who knows how to drive cars hard and well on racetracks - and who does so on a regular basis. What better way to stay familiar with enthusiast issues, to continue to gain experience with parts manufacturers, and to test and improve their own approach? There is only one such person and business here in Austin TX. In my experience, and in the experience of people I have met who do well in this hobby, this is the best way to get to our goals.
And then of course there is the driver - always the weakest and most uncertain link. Unlike a car, where we take it to a certain point and leave it there or replace it, humans need a program of continuous improvement. There is only one way to approach that issue.
The reality is that going forward we'll find more and more constraints placed on our hobby. Emissions regulations and testing have tightened up in most counties and states. Insurance companies will inevitably look at modifications to individual cars and take that into account for policy coverage, pricing, and claim payouts. On-board "black boxes" from most manufacturers already record many aspects of how we drive - particularly in the last moments before a breakdown or a crash. Manufacturers have access to that data and apply it in warranty coverage cases. Insurance companies are seeking access to that data and it's murky in the existing laws as to who owns it. Don't assume you own that data - particularly if your actions have led to a crash with somebody else.
Fortunately we have SEMA working for us. Hopefully they will be able to influence these upcoming laws and leave enthusiasts some room to move. But like it or not, we'll have a narrower field to work in here. All the more reason to get better educated, and to approach modifications methodically in order to get them done right.
Background: SEMA letter: http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf100/444767_web.pdf
Check YouTube for even more videos of this beast: 
Some smart webmaster has jumped right in and created a forum for the new Pontiac G8 (demonstrating yet again how easy it is to setup a board powered by vBulletin). Follow the link to the new site.
