P.I. Speed Shops 1964 - 2022

We couldn't fix your car, but we could make it better

58 Years of High Performance in Canada

In the performance auto parts business since 1964, Performance Improvements prided ourselves on serving the needs of our customers. As car guys (& gals) ourselves, we knew the frustration of laying in the driveway missing the part we need to get back on the road! We tried to help you take home all the parts you needed to actually install that performance auto part or accessory on your car. 

Canadian Family-Owned Speed Shop

In 1964, a young Susan McKee was tired of listening to her boyfriend, Bob McJannett, complain about the bad customer service he received while buying his performance auto parts, and thought they could do better. She invested all her savings, $1,500, to open their own part-time speed shop in Etobicoke. (Susan wisely waited a year to see if her investment would pay off, before investing in Bob and becoming Susan McJannett.) 58 years later, this family-run Canadian business finally closed its doors.

All Canadian Speed Shop opened in 1964

Toronto-based Speed Shop began in 1964. Originally located at the corner of Kipling and the Queensway, Performance Improvements ("the Modern Hot Rod Shop") was a part-time job for Bob. His goal in selling Carburetors, Manifolds, Mufflers, Wheels, and Tires to fellow car enthusiasts was simply to make enough money to cover the rent. Success came as a result of the commitment to customer service, standing by every product sold with a no-hassle return policy.

Second-Generation Family-Owned Speed Shop

Since 2001, day to day operations were handled by Andy & Rob, second-generation merchants of speed. Our focus on customer service allowed us to grow both in our bricks and mortar stores and online. The passing of our founder and father in June 2022, caused a lot of soul searching for the McJannett boys. After a long discussion about work/life balance, Andy and Rob made the difficult decision to pull the plug. September 30, 2022 was last day of regular operations at the Toronto, Barrie and Hamilton stores.

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS were the industry leaders in Canada. Not only SEMA members, but the winners of the ‘SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award.’ Our founder, Bob McJannett is the only Canadian winner of the prestigious ‘SEMA Person of the Year’ and was inducted into the ‘SEMA Hall of Fame’ for his lifelong commitment to the performance industry.