Forza Horizon 4 remains one of the most popular racing games even years after its release. But to really enjoy dynamic driving around Britain, it’s not enough to just get behind the wheel - you need to competently pump up the car, adjusting it to your driving style and type of competition. In this guide, we will look at all aspects of upgrading your car: from basic upgrades to fine-tuning the suspension, from choosing the right spare parts to strategies for earning credits for top-end tuning.

It is important to understand that pumping in Forza Horizon 4 - This is not only about installing the most expensive parts. Plays a role here balance of characteristics, compliance of the car class with racing requirements, as well as the ability to adapt settings to specific tracks. For example, a supercar with maximum power may lose out to a well-tuned hot hatch on winding rural roads. We'll show you how to avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect combination of speed, controllability and reliability.

In the article you will find:

  • 🔧 Step-by-step upgrade plan from zero to top level
  • 📊 Comparison tables for parts and their impact on performance
  • ⚙️ Guides for setting up suspension, transmission and aerodynamics
  • 💰 Ways to quickly earn credits to buy the best spare parts
  • 🚗 Recommendations for choosing cars for different types of races

1. Basic principles of pumping: where to start?

Before spending credits on expensive upgrades, decide on target vehicle class. B Forza Horizon 4 classes are designated by letters from D (weakest) to X (the most powerful). For example, if you want to do street racing, a class is enough B or A, and for elite competitions you will need S1 or S2.

Start with improvement engine and transmission - This is the basis of speed. However, don't forget about brakes and suspension: car with 1000 hp It's useless if it gets carried away at every turn. Optimal sequence of upgrades:

  • 🔥 Engine: Increase power to class level (e.g. for B 250–300 hp is enough)
  • ⚙️ Transmission: Improve gearbox for smooth acceleration
  • 🛑 Brakes: Upgrade to a level that matches the weight of the machine
  • 🌀 Suspension: Basic springs and shock absorbers for stability

A critical rookie mistake: pumping only power without improving handling results in the car becoming uncontrollable at high speeds, especially on wet or gravel roads.

📊 What class of cars do you prefer in Forza Horizon 4?
D–B (street racing)
A–S1 (balanced)
S2–X (supercars)
I don't know, I haven't tried it yet

2. Detailed analysis of upgrades: what to improve first?

B Forza Horizon 4 upgrades are divided into several categories, each of which affects the behavior of the car. Let's consider them by priority:

Upgrade category Effect on the car Recommended improvement order
Engine Increase in power (hp) and torque 1. Air filter
2. Exhaust system
3. Turbocharger (for naturally aspirated engines)
Transmission Improved acceleration and gear shifting 1. Clutch
2. Gearbox
3. Differential (for drifting)
Suspension Cornering stability and comfort 1. Springs
2. Shock absorbers
3. Anti-roll bars
Brakes Reducing braking distance 1. Brake pads
2. Brake discs
3. Brake calipers
Aerodynamics Downforce at high speeds 1. Front splitter
2. Rear spoiler
3. Diffuser (for track cars)

Pay special attention tires. B Forza Horizon 4 their choice depends on the type of route:

  • 🏁 Racing slicks - maximum grip on asphalt, but wear out quickly.
  • 🌧️ Rain tires — mandatory for wet tracks (improves handling by 30–40%).
  • 🏜️ Mud/gravel tires - for off-road and cross-country.
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Before installing an expensive turbine, check whether your current one is blocking it car class. For example, for a class B A naturally aspirated engine with an improved air filter is sufficient.

3. Suspension tuning: secrets of perfect handling

Suspension tuning is the art of balancing rigidity and comfort. A suspension that is too soft leads to roll in corners, and a suspension that is too hard leads to loss of traction on bumps. The optimal parameters depend on the type of machine:

For sports cars (for example, Nissan GT-R or Porsche 911):

  • 📉 Front spring rate: 50–70% of maximum
  • 📈 Rear spring rate: 40–60% (for better handling)
  • 🔄 Shock absorbers (rebound/compression): 5–7 clicks from the middle

For drift cars (for example, Toyota Supra or BMW M3):

  • 🌀 Stabilizers: front 20–30%, rear 5–10% (for easy skidding)
  • 🛑 Braking force: front 40%, rear 60% (for drift control)

Unique life hack: there is a hidden parameter in the suspension tuning menu "Dynamic Balance" (Dynamic Balance). Its increase by 10–15% reduces the likelihood of rear axle drift at high speeds, especially useful for rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Set spring stiffness in the range of 50–70%|

Adjust the shock absorbers 5-7 clicks from the middle|

Check stabilizer balance (front/rear)|

Test the car on a track with different surfaces -->

4. Transmission optimization: how to win on acceleration?

The transmission is the heart of your car's acceleration. Incorrect settings can ruin even the most powerful power plant. Basic parameters for tuning:

Gearbox:

  • 🔄 Final transmission: For drag racing reduce (eg 3.5-4.0), for track racing increase (4.5-5.5).
  • ⚡ Gear ratios: Keep the first 3 gears short for quick acceleration and 4th-6th gears long for top speed.

Differential:

  • 🔒 Lock: 30–50% for front-wheel drive, 60–80% for rear-wheel drive (for drifting - 100%).
  • 🌀 Preload: 10–20% for street racing, 30–40% for track.

Setting example for Honda NSX (S1 class) for circuit racing:

Final pass: 4.7

1st gear: 3.2


2nd gear: 2.1


3rd gear: 1.5


4th gear: 1.2


5th gear: 1.0


6th gear: 0.8


Differential lock: 65%
How to check if the transmission settings are correct?

Run a test ride on a straight course of 400-500 meters. If the car reaches maximum speed in 5th gear, and 6th is used only to maintain the pace, the settings are optimal. If the engine “rests” in the red zone of the tachometer in 4th gear, increase the final gear by 0.2–0.3.

5. Aerodynamics: when are spoilers and splitters needed?

Aerodynamic improvements are often underestimated, but they are critical for stability at high speeds (over 200 km/h). Selection rules:

Front splitter:

  • 🚗 Street racing: not needed or minimal (level 1–2).
  • 🏁 Track racing: Level 3–5 for downforce.

Rear spoiler:

  • 🌀 Drift: small spoiler (level 1–2) to control skidding.
  • ⚡ Speed races: Large spoiler (level 4–5) for stability.

For class cars S2 and X (for example, Koenigsegg Agera or Bugatti Chiron) aerodynamics are required. Without it, the car will “take off” on straight sections of the highway Derwent Water or Lakehurst Forest.

💡

Aerodynamics add weight to the car, which can impair acceleration. Always check the downforce to weight ratio in the tuning menu (Aerodynamics → Balance).

6. How to quickly earn credits for top tuning?

Upgrading your car to class S2 or X requires millions of credits. Here are proven ways to earn them:

1. Racing with high reward ratio:

  • 🏆 "The Gauntlet" (series of 3 races) - up to 150,000 credits for a full race.
  • 🌉 "Danger Sign" (jumping) - 50,000–100,000 for a record 3 stars.
  • 🚜 "Dirt Racing" — off-road racing gives a 20% bonus to the reward.

2. Investments in real estate:

  • 🏠 Buy Bamburgh Castle (2,000,000 credits) - weekly bonus of 100,000.
  • 🏡 Lake Lodge (750,000 credits) - bonus 50,000 + 10% discount on upgrades.

3. Trading at auction:

  • 🔄 Buy rare cars (for example, Ford GT 2017 or Porsche 911 GT2 RS) at the lowest price and resell with a 20–30% markup.
  • 🎨 Look for cars with a unique paint job - they sell for more.
⚠️ Attention: Don't spend credits on buying class cars X until you upgrade at least one car of the class S1 up to level 50. Many top cars require specific driving skills, and without experience you will lose even in powerful cars.

7. Top 5 cars to upgrade in 2026

Not all cars lend themselves equally well to tuning. Here are the best options for different racing styles:

Model Class Race type Benefits
Honda NSX (2017) S1 Circuit racing Ideal balance of power and handling, easy to tune.
Nissan GT-R (2017) S2 Drag racing Instant acceleration, stable at high speeds.
Toyota Supra (1998) A–S1 Drift Lightweight rear axle, holds skid well.
Ford Focus RS (2016) B–A Street racing Cheap to upgrade, excellent handling.
Koenigsegg Jesko X Speed records The maximum speed is 480+ km/h, but it is difficult to control.
⚠️ Attention: Machines with front wheel drive (for example, Volkswagen Golf R) is more difficult to tune for high classes due to the tendency to understeer. If you're a beginner, choose rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive models.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about leveling up in Forza Horizon 4

🔧 How to reset all car upgrades?

Go to the tuning menu (Auto → Tuning → Improvements) and select the option "Reset to default". All installed parts will be removed, but you will get back 50% of their cost.

💰 How much does it cost to upgrade a car to class X?

The cost depends on the base model, but on average you will need 3–5 million credits. The most expensive components are the engine (1–1.5 million), transmission (500,000–800,000) and aerodynamics (300,000–500,000).

🏁 Which suspension settings are suitable for rainy weather?

Reduce spring stiffness by 10–15% of standard values, increase ground clearance by 1–2 cm and install rain tires. Also reduce your differential lock to 30-40% for better control.

🚗 Is it possible to upgrade a car without loans?

Yes, but it will take a long time. Use daily and weekly challenges (give 50,000–100,000 credits), and also prize boxes for completing tasks in "Festival Playlist".

⚙️ How to save tuning settings for different tracks?

B Forza Horizon 4 can be saved settings presets. To do this, in the tuning menu, select "Save settings" and give them a name (for example, "Drift", "Track", "Rain"). They can be quickly downloaded later.