10 Car Mods That Will Take Your Performance and Style to the Next Level
Image: trailersoftheeastcoast from Mocksville, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
10 Car Mods That Will Take Your Performance and Style to the Next Level
For as long as there have been automobiles, owners have wanted to customize them to make them their own.
During the 1930s, auto enthusiasts restyled running boards and fenders, added fender skirts, altered suspensions, and even replaced engines.
In the early days of custom modification, there were no hot rod magazines or aftermarket car part manufacturers.
But the desire to create unique works of art and function grew until the revolution became what it is today.
Enthusiasts have good reasons to mod their cars and it's never been more achievable with part options and a vibrant and supportive modding community.
Many modders strive for top performance, squeezing out the most horsepower possible. Others favor style, making their rides the most visually stunning possible.
Let's look at these ten categories of popular mods:
- Engine mods
- Suspension mods
- Exhaust mods
- Intake mods
- Wheel and tire mods
- Brake mods
- Interior mods
- Exterior mods
- ECU tuning
- Lighting mods
As we examine each group, we will discuss examples of mods you can perform that fall in each category. In doing so, you might just find your car project for the next rainy day.
Image by Christoph Schütz from Pixabay
Engine Mods
One popular class of car mods is alterations to the engine. These have a direct effect on horsepower, responsive acceleration, and fuel economy.
Some engine mods may alter the look of the car but this class of upgrades isn't about looks; power and speed are generally the end goals.
The first type of engine mod we will highlight is forced induction. The principle behind forced air induction is that more oxygen is better. Denser air entering the engine causes it to burn more fuel which leads to greater power.
An air compressor - either a supercharger or turbocharger - forces more air into the engine and gives a corresponding performance kick.
Both forced induction methods can be pricey, but the supercharger tends to be more expensive. Expect an aftermarket supercharging kit to ring up between $1500 and $7500.
Cold air intake is a second kind of engine mod that can boost performance. The purpose is to increase the flow of oxygen to the combustion chamber.
The intake draws in cooler, denser air from above the hood, under the front bumper, or from another less hot spot in the engine compartment.
The benefits of this mod are increased power and improved acceleration. It is often an expensive upgrade and can be time-consuming to install due to its complexity.
Expect the intake itself to cost several hundred dollars, plus the costs associated with installation.
A third type of engine modification is a nitrous oxide (NOS) system. It is a method to deliver increased oxygen to the system. It provides a significant boost to the horsepower of an engine, albeit a temporary one.
The nitrous oxide splits into its separate components of oxygen and nitrogen at a temperature of about 570 degrees Fahrenheit. The oxygen allows for a richer gas input, which means more power. Nitrogen has the added benefit of providing significant cooling to the intake air.
Nitrous kits can be cheaper than other systems like superchargers or turbochargers. Because the wiring can be quite involved in the installation process with nitrous, seeking professional help is recommended.
Engine Mod FAQs
What's the difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger?
Turbochargers and superchargers are both methods of forced induction whereby an engine received a greater amount of oxygen into the engine cylinder - and a proportionally greater amount of fuel - to create a larger combustion and, therefore, more power.
The turbocharger is not as powerful as the supercharger and is powered by a turbine spun by the stream of exhaust gases. It does not connect mechanically to the engine. It can reduce an engine's carbon emissions.
The supercharger physically connects to the engine and is powered by the crankshaft. While more powerful than a turbocharger, the supercharger leads to lower fuel economy because it is directly drawing power from the engine.
Can you install an aftermarket cold air intake on any car?
Most cold air intake systems will work for any vehicle. Of course, it's a good practice to choose a system that caters to your brand of vehicle just to be safe.
Remember that you will also likely need to custom-tune a car's electronic control unit (ECU) to compensate for changes in the airflow.
Image by: nzhamstar via flickr
Suspension Mods
Suspension mods can improve vehicle handling and afford a more comfortable ride. Consider two types of common suspension upgrades.
An air suspension system replaces standard springs with an enclosed flexible rubber membrane. It can be inflated and deflated on command to control the height of the car.
Based on performance and aesthetic preference, you can lower the vehicle for a sleek appearance or raise it to navigate over obstacles safely.
An air suspension kit's cost will vary based on the car model, but generally land around $3500 for a complete system.
Coilovers are a combination of coil springs and shock absorbers that adjust a car's height, damping, and camber. Coilovers can cost up to a few thousand dollars.
Suspension Mod FAQs
What's the difference between lowering springs and coilovers?
Lowering springs relies on spring rate and height to change your vehicle's height. Meanwhile, coilovers use a spring seat's location on the shock to raise and lower the vehicle.
Lowering springs is a cheaper undertaking, but coilovers replace springs and shocks simultaneously.
Can you adjust the ride height of the air suspension?
Yes, modern air suspension systems are adjustable and allow the driver to choose between a variety of settings to match the driving conditions and location.
Image: Public Domain, CC BY 1.0 , via rawpixel
Exhaust Mods
Exhaust mods can improve engine performance by improving the flow of exhaust gases to escape, allowing the engine to work more efficiently.
These mods can also change the sound of the exhaust, making it louder, deeper, and more aggressive.
Modding the exhaust system can run between $500 and $2000 depending on the model of vehicle and the parts that will be replaced.
One common alteration is a large bore exhaust. The larger opening allows for an improved sound and greater exhaust flow.
Another mod is an aftermarket exhaust manifold. This is the first section of the exhaust system that attaches to the cylinder heads, leading the exhaust away from the engine.
Improvements to the manifold, or header, lead to greater engine efficiency as the emission gases are directly smoothly away from the engine.
Exhaust Mod FAQs
What's the difference between a cat-back and axle-back exhaust?
An axle-back upgrade replaces the exhaust system from the axle back. A cat-back exhaust mod replaces the exhaust system from the catalytic converter, back, including the muffler. An axle-back system will always be less expensive.
Can an aftermarket exhaust improve fuel efficiency?
Aftermarket exhaust mods can increase your miles per gallon by providing improved airflow.
Karamitchen, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Intake Mods
Intake mods increase a car's performance by improving the airflow to the engine. We've already discussed cold air intake systems. But consider other mods that you can apply to your vehicle.
Improved air filters address the most restrictive part of stock induction systems. The air filter keeps contaminants from entering the combustion chamber.
Most factor paper-style filters don't allow for good airflow as compared to aftermarket companies. Higher airflow means that the engine doesn't have to work as hard to produce the same amount of power.
Intake Mod FAQs
What's the difference between a short ram and a cold air intake?
A cold air intake provides cool, compressed air with more oxygen to the engine. This is done by pulling air from outside of the engine compartment.
A short ram intake decreases the distance the air has to travel to get to the engine. But it pulls in the warmer air from the engine compartment.
Can a high-flow air filter damage the engine?
A high-flow air filter is focused on performance, not its main job of filtering. They don't usually filter contaminants as effectively and can increase the amount of dirt and dust in your engine oil.
This can have a detrimental effect on engine part wear and tear.
Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
Wheel and Tire Mods
Wheel and tire mods can provide better handling and performance on the road. Some car modifiers choose to add larger tires that offer better traction and improved performance when cornering.
Others may prefer cosmetic changes like customized lug nuts that add a pop of color. These don't have to be expensive buys and can be pulled off for as little as $50.
Wheel and Tire Mod FAQs
Can you put wider tires on stock wheels?
Yes, it is possible to put wider tires on stock wheels. There may be tradeoffs though. It could lead to lower fuel efficiency and acceleration.
Steering may be more difficult or produce a rougher ride in the case of shorter sidewall tires.
A car's speedometer measures speed by tire rotation. So, a tire with a different radius may produce incorrect speed measurements.
What's the difference between summer and all-season tires?
All-season tires are useful in most driving conditions. In summer months in some locales they may provide less grip than summer tires.
Summer tires are made from a softer compound and provide more traction in warm weather. They may also wear faster.
Image by: cameronestrada via flickr
Brake Mods
Brake modifications, while unnecessary for stock cars, may become essential after powering up a vehicle. Improved brake pads are one of the more popular options.
Since brakes are such an integral part of the safe operation of a car, choose quality parts and don't overdo the modding with new pads, calipers, and rotors. You have the potential to spend more money than performance return warrants.
It's a good choice to seek out other enthusiasts to see what they've accomplished in the way of brake upgrades.
Brake Mod FAQs
What's the difference between ceramic and metallic brake pads?
Ceramic brake pads are made from a ceramic compound with embedded copper fibers. They are very quiet and can be reliable in a wide range of temperatures and driving conditions.
Metallic brake pads are used in high-performance cars and provide the best heat dissipation. They also don't compress much so less pressure needs to be applied to stop the car. They can be noisier and put more strain on the brake rotors, however.
Can you upgrade the brakes on a stock car?
Yes, but be cautious about over-extending yourself. With the proper safety tools and equipment, you can do brake work yourself.
Dust from old brakes may contain asbestos and brake fluid is caustic to paint. So take the appropriate precautions before beginning any maintenance.
Image by: Random__Alex via flickr
Interior Mods
The interior of the car is the driver's domain. They'll spend countless hours behind the wheel and there's a lot that can be done to elevate the experience.
Many interior mods involve little changes that affect the style and comfort of the ride while others might be higher-dollar investments.
One of the cheapest and easiest mods is a steering wheel cover which is installed in minutes and provides maximum self-expression. These replacement covers may start at around $5 and move upward from there.
Interior Mod FAQs
Can you install racing seats in a street car?
Racing seats are designed to fit in a variety of cars but are not universal. They won't work in every car or be comfortable for every driver. Make sure to select seats that are rated for your model.
What's the difference between a shift knob and a short shifter?
A shift knob is found at the end of the gear shifter and is what a driver grasps to shift the engine between gears. Some drivers prefer a weightier knob to give a crisp, solid shift.
A short shifter is a replacement shift arm that has a shorter throw than the stock variety. In other words, your hand travels less in between shift movements, speeding up the shift and keeping the engine revved.
Image by Anonymous Traveller from Pixabay
Exterior Mods
Every face of the car is up for modification when it comes to the exterior of your ride. Replacement or addition of body components can give a car a sportier appearance and change its aerodynamics.
Front splitters and spoilers are two of the common alterations that the worldwide mod community supports.
Splitters alter the air hitting the front of the vehicle, allowing it to slice through the air more easily. Spoilers create more downforce which can lead to greater stability at high speeds.
Besides the cost of the parts which range in price from under a hundred to several hundred dollars, it will require a few hours of work to get the new parts attached to the current chassis.
Exterior Mod FAQs
What mods can add value to a car?
Body kits can give your car a new look and really make it stand out from the crowd. These all-in-one kits usually come with everything needed to install them.
Repainting a car provides the greatest opportunity for individuality and could be considered an investment. It adds to the resale value and can certainly be a head-turner too.
What are the cheapest and quickest exterior car modifications I can get?
Window tinting is a cheap and easy upgrade that has practical purposes too. It reduces UV rays and improves privacy - but also looks cool. Make sure to check local laws relating to window tints to keep things legal.
Custom hood ornaments also provide a cheap way to alter a car to make it more unique to the owner. A word of caution, though. If done incorrectly, it may be difficult to undo this kind of modification.
Autoclassicservice, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
ECU Tuning
ECU tuning refers to the practice of changing the settings found in a car's engine control unit. This remapping, or overwriting with new software.
The changes in ECU tuning allow the owner to reprogram the car to manage fuel injection, airflow, and sensors to make it run better and use less gas.
ECU tuning can be expensive, costing several hundred dollars to tweak the performance just right. It often isn't necessary for stock cars but can become beneficial once you add other performance mods.
ECU Tuning Mod FAQs
What's the difference between a piggyback and a standalone ECU?
A standalone ECU replaced the factory ECU with a completely new unit. This option may be chosen if a manufacturer uses an ECU chip that is coded so it cannot be tuned.
A piggyback ECU works with the factory ECU to produce modified performance. This could be done through the interception of signals from or to the stock ECU to trick the engine into performing the way you want.
Can ECU tuning void the car's warranty?
Yes, because ECU tuning adjusts the factory settings (or completely overwrites them) it will void the warranty.
It may also void insurance coverage, though some companies allow you to specify modifications to a vehicle, including ECU tuning.
Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay
Lighting Mods
Interior and exterior lighting can alter the presence and functionality of a car greatly. Accent lighting throughout will conform the car's style factor to meet your high standards.
The top lighting mod for vehicles is one that delivers not only a style boost but also serves a functional purpose.
Replacing stock headlights with LED ones can give better results when it comes to output, beam pattern, and longevity.
LEDs run cooler and use less power than halogen counterparts and last much longer. Many drivers want to take advantage of those benefits.
The replacement process is pretty quick and painless and one of the least expensive upgrades you can perform on a vehicle - in some cases for under a hundred dollars and ten minutes per headlight.
Lighting Mod FAQs
Can you install LED headlights on any car?
Yes, halogen bulbs can easily be replaced with LED lights. In some cases, a conversion kit will need to be purchased to provide compatibility with the car's wiring.
Some models of LED headlights are plug-and-play and contain the necessary conversion technology as part of the bulb itself without the need for additional wiring modification.
What's the difference between HID and LED lights?
LED lights use electricity from a high-output diode to produce light. High-intensity discharge headlightsuse gas, usually xenon, with an electric charge passed through it to generate energy-efficient light.
Think of car headlights in terms of residential lightbulbs. Halogens are comparable to incandescent lightbulbs, HIDs are like neon lights, and LEDs are like LED bulbs found in modern lighting systems.
Conclusion
To summarize, there are many mods that can be made to vehicles to improve their performance and style.
Engine, intake, exhaust, and ECU modifications can improve the overall power of a car and push it to the upper limits in terms of speed.
Tweaking suspension, wheels/tires, and brakes can adjust the handling of the car to give it just the right feel in terms of drivability.
Interior and exterior adjustments as well as lighting mods can alter the look and styling of an automobile until it becomes your dream machine and truly embodies your unique character.
Take time to research a mod fully before purchasing and installing it. You'll want to confirm that mods are rated and compatible with your specific model and work with any existing modifications you've already made.
There are few things that are as satisfying as completing a mod to your auto and remaking it into your perfect version.
Share your experiences in the comments or on social media. Your contribution to the modding community won't go unappreciated.
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