Muscle cars in racing games like Need for Speed often require specific tuning to unleash their full potential. While these powerful vehicles boast impressive horsepower, their handling can be a challenge. This guide dives into the best tuning strategies for muscle cars, focusing on achieving optimal performance.
Chassis tuning options for muscle cars are often limited, as these vehicles inherently have a less rigid structure compared to their sportier counterparts. This can result in a less responsive feel, particularly when cornering. The Mustang GT generally offers a slightly more connected driving experience, likely due to its lighter weight compared to other muscle cars.
Tire selection is crucial for muscle car performance. Often, these vehicles come equipped with tires that lack grip, especially in racing scenarios. Upgrading to a stickier compound drastically improves braking and cornering abilities. However, game regulations, as seen in the Buick GNX seasonal event example, sometimes restrict tire upgrades. Even with wider tires (265 front, 295 rear), controlling the GNX with the stock compound remained challenging, highlighting the importance of tire compound over width.
A fundamental rule in car tuning, both in real life and in games like Forza Horizon, is the trade-off between aesthetics and performance. Visually appealing modifications often negatively impact performance. Wheels, for example, can add significant weight, hindering acceleration and handling.
For muscle cars in the B700 class, upgrading to Race parts for handling is generally recommended, except for tires. Street tires, and occasionally Sport tires, are typically sufficient for this class. To minimize wheelspin, increasing chassis stiffness is beneficial. Weight reduction is particularly effective for muscle cars due to their inherent power. A Street gearbox is often suitable for B700, but cars with lower engine speeds, like the Charger, might benefit from a Sport gearbox. Lightweight wheel options, such as those from Cragar, American Racing, Mickey Thompson, and Weld, can improve performance while enhancing the car’s appearance.
Muscle cars in Forza Horizon 4 often excel in the B class with appropriate tires. The introduction of Vintage compound tires in FH4 provides a visually appealing option without significantly sacrificing performance.
For higher classes, like A800 and above, engine swaps are often necessary to remain competitive. Upgrading to Race tires and adding aerodynamic components also become essential at these higher performance levels.
