Can i modify vehicle movement outside the editor?

Hello,
I want to make a simple car upgrade/damage system, but i see no way to modify VehicleMovement component stats from blueprint (or C++) (for example: car takes high damage => it has worse acceleration/friction/anything, or: player buys better tires => its easier to drive on a wet surface).

Is there really no way to do sth like that without deep engine’s core modifications?

~Thanks in an advance