Polaris Slingshot Performance Buyer’s Guide: Intakes, Exhausts & Suspension

The best Polaris Slingshot performance upgrades start with what you want to improve: engine response, exhaust sound, ride control or braking hardware. A well-planned build matches those goals to your model year and the way you drive.

At Slingshot Only, we help you choose parts that belong together. Use this complete buyer’s guide to understand cold air intakes, exhaust systems, shocks, sway bars and brakes: what each upgrade changes, who it suits, what to compare and what to budget. Each main section links to the relevant Slingshot Only collection so you can explore the available options.

What should you upgrade first?

Start with the part of the driving experience you want to change. If the ride feels unsettled, suspension adjustment may be more useful to you than a louder exhaust. If you enjoy the handling but want a different engine sound and airflow setup, look at an intake or exhaust designed for your year.

• More control over ride feel: start with adjustable shocks, then consider a compatible sway bar.
• A different intake sound and airflow path: compare cold air intakes for your engine generation.
• A different exhaust note or outlet location: compare complete exhaust systems, including cabin sound and clearance.
• A brake hardware refresh: inspect the current system, then compare compatible rotor and pad options.

Before adding parts, address worn tires, overdue maintenance, alignment problems or damaged suspension components. An upgrade works best when the vehicle underneath it is in good condition.

2015–2019 vs 2020 and newer: fitment comes first

Polaris changed from the Ecotec engine to the ProStar 2.0L for the 2020 model year. That makes engine-generation compatibility a key buying decision for intakes and exhausts. Polaris explains the 2020 engine change here.

Check the exact product listing rather than assuming “Slingshot” or “2020+” means every model through the current year. Some products below are listed through 2024; the Twist adjustable shocks are listed through 2026. For newer vehicles, confirm the part before ordering.

• Provide your model year, trim and transmission type.
• Tell us about existing headers, exhausts, intakes, wheels, brakes, suspension and battery-tray changes.
• Confirm included parts, installation requirements and any calibration needs for the complete combination.

1. Cold air intakes: airflow, sound and engine fitment

An intake changes the filter and the path air takes into the engine. Compare tube construction, filter access, shielding, mounting and compatibility. Intake sound may become more noticeable; a louder induction note by itself does not measure added horsepower.

How to choose a cold air intake

A good intake purchase is a complete system matched to your engine. Look beyond the tube color: where the filter draws air, how it is supported and how easily you can service it all matter in everyday ownership.

• Air source and shielding: compare the filter location, enclosure and hood seal. Ask how the design separates incoming air from engine-bay heat.
• Filter care: check whether the element is replaceable or reusable, how it is cleaned and whether the manufacturer specifies oiling. Use the filter’s own care instructions.
• Complete installation: confirm couplers, clamps, mounts, breather connections and any sensor provisions.
• Finish and lead time: a custom powder-coat color may change both price and delivery.
• Future plans: if a larger engine build is planned, confirm whether this intake will remain compatible.

Good fit for: owners who want a revised intake setup, a more noticeable induction sound or a coordinated engine bay. Compare documented performance testing if a specific power increase is your deciding factor.

Shop all Slingshot cold air intakes →

Product examples: Twist Dynamics intakes

2015–2019

The Twist Dynamics Cold Air Intake starts at $377.98, with many color options listed at $415.73. It uses a one-piece mandrel-bent, high-nickel steel tube with a powder-coated finish. Its enclosure seals against the hood to draw air from the front of the engine compartment.

This is an option for owners who want a coordinated engine-bay appearance alongside a revised intake layout. It is specifically listed for 2015–2019 and is not compatible with the 2020 engine. Confirm the production schedule for your selected color; the listing describes made-to-order lead times.

2020–2024

The 2020–2024 cold air intake is listed at $415.73. It includes a reusable air filter and breather filter, with a one-piece steel tube and multiple finish options. The listing states that no ECU reflash is required for this intake; confirm requirements if you are combining it with other engine changes.

Compare all cold air intakes →

2. Exhaust systems: tone, routing and comfort

Choose an exhaust you will enjoy at cruising speed as well as during acceleration. Ask about the tone, sustained cabin resonance, outlet location, heat shielding and compatibility with your header and catalytic converter. Roofs, windshields and other body changes can affect airflow around the cockpit.

Shopping for the connection at the engine? Browse Slingshot headers separately, then confirm compatibility with your selected exhaust system.

What to compare before buying an exhaust

• Connection point: a cat-back system connects downstream of the catalytic converter. Check exactly which components the selected package retains or replaces.
• Sound on a real ride: listen to cold start, acceleration and steady cruising clips. Microphones cannot fully reproduce cabin volume or drone.
• Outlet location: compare side- and rear-exit routing with your windshield, roof, luggage and other accessories.
• Materials and hardware: compare construction, flanges, hangers, gaskets and heat protection included in the package.
• Access and clearance: confirm the battery tray, underbody and any aftermarket parts around the exhaust path.

Good fit for: owners who want an exhaust note and outlet layout that match their build. For longer rides, prioritize sustained cabin comfort alongside the sound heard from outside.

Shop all Slingshot exhaust systems →

Product example: Twist Dynamics WP Outsider Gen 2

The WP Outsider Gen 2 cat-back exhaust is listed at $1,290.60. It uses aluminized steel construction and CNC-machined flanges, and connects to the stock catalytic converter. Its rear-exit layout is worth considering when exhaust routing is a priority for your build.

Check battery-tray compatibility before ordering: the listing specifies the original tray arrangement or the approved Twist Dynamics conversion. It also notes that taller windshields and roofs can allow fumes into the cabin. Discuss your complete vehicle setup with us rather than choosing by exhaust photos alone.

Product example: 1320 Performance for 2020–2024

The 1320 Performance Sport and Track Spec Race options are each listed at $799. The product uses stainless steel construction and is described as a direct bolt-on system. Compare the sound clips on the product page: the Sport version is described as a deep tone, while Track Spec Race has a more aggressive note.

Confirm the selected system’s requirements for where and how you use the vehicle. Product names such as “Sport,” “Race” or “cat-back” do not establish approval for every location.

Compare the full Exhaust Systems collection →

3. Shocks and suspension: tune ride comfort and control

Shocks are worth considering when you want more control over how the Slingshot responds to bumps and changes in road surface. Choose the adjustment range and installation support you will actually use.

Understand the adjustments

• Compression damping: resistance as the suspension compresses over a bump or under load.
• Rebound damping: control as the suspension extends again.
• Spring and ride-height setup: check the spring specification, supported adjustment range and clearance requirements for the complete kit.
• Single vs separate controls: check which settings a particular shock adjusts together and which can be changed independently.

What to look for in a shock package

• Confirm whether the price includes the front and rear units, springs, hardware and adjustment tools needed for your installation.
• Compare rebuild or service support, corrosion protection and access to the adjusters once installed.
• Choose a starting setup for your usual roads, passenger load and preferences. Ask for help if the available settings are unfamiliar.
• Budget for installation and any alignment work associated with changes to ride height.

Good fit for: owners seeking adjustable ride feel and more deliberate suspension setup. Describe the behavior you want to change—harsh impacts, repeated bouncing or cornering response—so the recommendation addresses your actual concern.

Shop all Slingshot shocks and coilovers →

Product example: Twist Dynamics adjustable shocks

Twist Dynamics double-adjustable shocks give you separate compression and rebound controls. Compression controls resistance as the suspension compresses; rebound controls its return. That lets you work toward a ride that suits your roads and preferences.

The listing specifies 18-click compression and rebound adjustment, up to 2 inches of ride-height adjustment, billet aluminum bodies and individually dyno-tested shocks. Fitment is listed for 2015–2026. Standard Gray starts at $971.98; listed custom colors are $1,079.98.

Begin with the installation guide’s recommended settings. Make small, recorded changes so you can judge their effect. The firmest setting or lowest height is not automatically the best setup; preserve the required travel and clearances, and have the alignment checked when appropriate after height changes.

Compare shocks and coilovers →

4. Sway bars, end links and mounts: refine cornering balance

A sway bar connects the left and right sides of the suspension to resist body roll. It addresses a different part of handling from a shock, making it a useful category to compare when you want to refine cornering feel.

Fixed vs adjustable sway bars

A fixed bar provides a defined setup. An adjustable bar offers different attachment positions so its effective stiffness can be changed. Choose a setting as part of the complete suspension, tire and alignment combination; more stiffness is not a universal improvement.

Look at the supporting hardware

• End links: connect the bar to the suspension. Confirm length, joint clearance and compatibility, particularly if the vehicle’s ride height has changed.
• Mounts and bushings: check bar diameter, condition and any lubrication requirements in the instructions.
• Included parts: a bar, a pair of end links and a set of mounts may be separate purchases. Compare the complete installed cost.
• Baseline setup: identify your factory bar and existing modifications before choosing the upgrade.

Good fit for: owners who want to tune body-roll response and are prepared to check the full suspension setup. If the current system has worn joints or bushings, address those first.

Shop Slingshot sway bars and related hardware →

Compare sway bars, end links and mounts →

5. Brakes: rotors, pads and complete-system compatibility

Brake performance depends on the condition and compatibility of the rotors, pads, fluid and tires. Begin with an inspection and choose hardware for your actual brake setup and driving demands.

Choose the level of upgrade you need

A replacement rotor purchase and a larger brake conversion solve different buying needs. For a rotor refresh, match the dimensions and hardware to the existing system. For a larger conversion, compare the complete kit and its wheel-clearance requirements before committing.

• Rotor fit: verify diameter, thickness, mounting and compatibility with the fitted calipers.
• Pad choice: discuss everyday operating conditions, noise, dust and the manufacturer’s recommended use.
• Kit contents: establish whether pads, calipers, brackets, lines or fluid are included or needed separately.
• Wheel clearance: a bigger caliper can require additional space inside the wheel. Use the kit supplier’s fitment information.
• Installation: plan professional help where needed and follow the selected components’ bedding procedure.

Good fit for: owners refreshing worn hardware or planning a brake system for more demanding use. Brake changes should be selected alongside tire condition and intended driving, not by rotor pattern alone.

Shop brake rotors and big brake kits →

Product example: DDMWorks two-piece rotor set

The DDMWorks upgraded rotor set contains three pre-assembled two-piece rotors, with aluminum hats. The listing describes stock-size replacements and covers 2015–2024. Prices are $449 for Standard Vented, $525 for Slotted and $625 for Cross Drilled.

This is a rotor set, not a complete big-brake conversion. If your vehicle has different factory or aftermarket calipers and rotors, confirm compatibility before ordering. Follow the supplied installation and bedding instructions. Rotor appearance alone does not establish a shorter stopping distance.

Compare brake rotors and big brake kits →

Performance categories: compare and shop

The product examples above provide starting points for budgeting. Their prices cover the specified product or package; the collections let you compare the wider range. Add any required hardware, selected finishes, shipping, taxes, labor, alignment or calibration. Confirm availability before booking installation.

Build your budget in three steps

• Parts: total the selected products, required supporting hardware and finish upgrades.
• Installation: add labor, alignment or calibration where the chosen setup needs them.
• Timing: confirm stock, custom production and delivery before booking work or planning a trip.

Three ways to plan your build

• Daily driving: address maintenance first, then prioritize the ride adjustment or sound change you will enjoy most often.
• Cornering feel: evaluate tires and alignment, then plan shocks and sway-bar settings together. Review brake condition at the same time.
• Engine-focused build: choose an intake and exhaust for the correct engine, and confirm that the combination matches your future plans before buying twice.

For tuning, turbocharging or supercharging, arrange a separate discussion about engine condition, fuel, calibration, cooling and drivetrain requirements. This guide’s intake and exhaust prices are not a quote for a complete forced-induction build.

Polaris Slingshot performance FAQs

What is the best first performance upgrade?

Choose the upgrade that addresses your main goal. Adjustable shocks suit owners seeking more control over ride feel. An intake or exhaust suits buyers looking to change the airflow setup or sound. Start with a maintained vehicle and verified fitment.

Do 2015–2019 engine parts fit a 2020 or newer Slingshot?

Do not assume they do. The 2020 engine change is a major dividing point. Use the exact product’s year range and confirm compatibility with your existing parts.

How much horsepower will an intake and exhaust add?

There is no single reliable number for every combination. Look for before-and-after testing on the same engine, tune and test setup. Do not add separate advertised gains together and treat the total as a guaranteed result.

Does every intake require a tune?

No. Requirements depend on the product and the rest of the build. The Twist 2020–2024 intake listing states that no ECU reflash is required for that system. Other parts or combinations may have different requirements.

Should I buy shocks or a sway bar?

Shocks offer control over suspension motion and ride feel. A sway bar resists body roll and changes cornering balance. Choose based on the behavior you want to improve; the parts have different roles and can be planned together.

Are the listed brake rotors a big-brake kit?

No. The featured DDMWorks set contains three stock-size replacement rotors for a compatible brake setup. Confirm your existing calipers, pads and rotor dimensions.

Can Slingshot Only help with installation?

Yes. Contact us about Slingshot service and installation. Provide your model year, current modifications and priorities so we can help plan the parts and work.

Before you order: your performance buying checklist

• Model year, trim, engine and transmission confirmed.
• Current modifications and relevant wheel, brake or mounting details recorded.
• Main goal defined: sound, airflow, ride control, cornering feel or brake hardware.
• Package contents and supporting parts checked.
• Complete installed price and delivery schedule understood.
• Installation instructions and any required setup support arranged.

Plan your Slingshot performance upgrade with us

Tell us how you drive, what you want to improve and what is already installed. We can help narrow the choices, check fitment and build a parts list around your budget.

Shop Cold Air Intakes →

Shop Brake Rotors & Big Brake Kits →

Get help choosing the right combination →

Building comfort into the same project? Read our Slingshot seat buying guide and Canvas Frame vs Gullwing roof guide.

Product details and prices checked September 15, 2026. Prices, availability and options may change.