Ghost Driver Tuning Math
Every upgrade in Ghost Driver has a real number behind it. Below, all Stage 1–3 upgrades are ranked by cost per MPH using the in-game tuning dataset — so you can spend cash where it actually moves the needle.
By Ghost Driver Wiki· Site Maintainer: CT
Last updated:
How the Tuning Model Works
Each tuning category (Engine, Induction, Weight Reduction, Fuel, Long Block, Engine Swap) has three stages. Every stage carries four variables:
- Cost — cash to unlock the stage.
- Top Speed Gain — MPH added.
- 0–60 Gain — seconds shaved off acceleration.
- Level Required — 5 / 15 / 30.
Cost per MPH = Cost ÷ Top Speed Gain. A lower number means more speed per dollar. Data source: the verified in-game tuning dataset used across this wiki (src/data/tuning.ts).
Top 4 Best-Value Upgrades
| Rank | Upgrade | Cost | Top Speed | Cost / MPH | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Engine Internals & ECU — Stage 1 | $8,000 | +12 MPH | $667/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| #2 | Fuel System & Octane — Stage 1 | $4,000 | +5 MPH | $800/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| #3 | Induction & Turbocharging — Stage 1 | $6,500 | +8 MPH | $813/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| #4 | Engine Swap & Drivetrain Swap — Stage 1 | $15,000 | +18 MPH | $833/MPH | Lv. 5 |
Note: cheapest-per-MPH does not mean best-for-traffic. Weight reduction and grip improve handling, which matters more than raw top speed when cutting through cars. See the Traffic-Cutting Guide.
All Upgrades Ranked by Cost per MPH
| Upgrade | Cost | Top Speed | 0–60 Gain | Cost / MPH | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Internals & ECU — Stage 1 | $8,000 | +12 MPH | -0.3s | $667/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| Fuel System & Octane — Stage 1 | $4,000 | +5 MPH | -0.15s | $800/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| Induction & Turbocharging — Stage 1 | $6,500 | +8 MPH | -0.2s | $813/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| Engine Swap & Drivetrain Swap — Stage 1 | $15,000 | +18 MPH | -0.4s | $833/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| Engine Internals & ECU — Stage 2 | $22,000 | +25 MPH | -0.6s | $880/MPH | Lv. 15 |
| Induction & Turbocharging — Stage 2 | $28,000 | +28 MPH | -0.7s | $1000/MPH | Lv. 15 |
| Fuel System & Octane — Stage 2 | $15,000 | +15 MPH | -0.4s | $1000/MPH | Lv. 15 |
| Engine Long Block & Internals — Stage 1 | $10,000 | +10 MPH | -0.25s | $1000/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| Engine Swap & Drivetrain Swap — Stage 2 | $40,000 | +35 MPH | -0.9s | $1143/MPH | Lv. 15 |
| Weight Reduction & Aero — Stage 1 | $5,000 | +4 MPH | -0.2s | $1250/MPH | Lv. 5 |
| Engine Long Block & Internals — Stage 2 | $28,000 | +22 MPH | -0.55s | $1273/MPH | Lv. 15 |
| Induction & Turbocharging — Stage 3 | $62,000 | +48 MPH | -1.2s | $1292/MPH | Lv. 30 |
| Engine Internals & ECU — Stage 3 | $55,000 | +42 MPH | -1s | $1310/MPH | Lv. 30 |
| Fuel System & Octane — Stage 3 | $38,000 | +26 MPH | -0.65s | $1462/MPH | Lv. 30 |
| Engine Swap & Drivetrain Swap — Stage 3 | $85,000 | +55 MPH | -1.5s | $1545/MPH | Lv. 30 |
| Engine Long Block & Internals — Stage 3 | $60,000 | +38 MPH | -1.1s | $1579/MPH | Lv. 30 |
| Weight Reduction & Aero — Stage 2 | $18,000 | +9 MPH | -0.45s | $2000/MPH | Lv. 15 |
| Weight Reduction & Aero — Stage 3 | $48,000 | +18 MPH | -0.8s | $2667/MPH | Lv. 30 |
Theoretical Max Tuning Bonus
If you max every Stage 3 upgrade across all six categories, tuning alone adds +227 MPH of top speed on top of your car's base. Build toward it as you climb from Level 5 → 15 → 30.
Put the math to work
Apply these numbers in the interactive builder, then take the build onto the highway.