• You can increase horsepower and performance in the Altima.garage image by Gerd Reiber from Fotolia.com
  
  The best performance tips for the 1998 Nissan Altima will help you achieve increased engine horsepower and improved handling while getting the most out of each dollar you spend. It is easy to spend a small fortune on car parts and end up with an expensive build that still runs the same as it did before you started. Understand that, while the Altima will not achieve speeds of 200 miles per hour, several things will improve horsepower and performance.
  
  

Cold Air Intakes

• Remove the OEM (original manufacturer equipment) air intake box and install a high-flow performance, cold air intake. A cold air intake allows a larger amount of cold air taken from the inner fender well into the combustion chamber. This lets the engine produce more horsepower. According to Auto Anything.com, engine performance gains of 5 to 10 horsepower are typical with a cold air intake installed. To achieve maximum horsepower gains, have the ECU (electronic control unit) reprogrammed by an auto performance shop. You can also purchase an ECU already set up and simply replace your original manufacturer ECU.
  
  

Performance Exhaust

• Install a performance exhaust with a high-flow muffler. Reducing back pressure on the exhaust system allows exhaust gas to escape the combustion chamber at a faster rate. This means air and fuel can get into the combustion chamber more quickly. The result is increased horsepower and a more aggressive exhaust note.
  
  

Lowering Springs

• Lowering springs lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle, thus reducing body roll. Body roll is the feeling that the vehicle might tip over during fast cornering. If a driver feels body roll, the vehicle is not under his control, and the likelihood of an accident rises. With a reduction in body roll, a vehicle is able to power through corners with less braking. This improves overall speed. Lowering the vehicle also gives it an aggressive stance.
  
  

Low-Profile Tires

• Lower-profile tires reduce the amount of sidewall on the tire. Lower sidewalls reduce body roll and pitch. Pitch happens when the sidewall of a tire flexes during cornering, creating a situation in which the tire could cause the vehicle to bounce to the side. A lower profile will allow the side to slide if necessary. This makes the controlled four-wheel slide of "drifting" possible.