Tips for Modifying Any Vehicle

Article by www.turbolabracing.com

Having been in the auto performance industry for over a decade one of the most common questions I'm asked is, "What are the best mods for my car?" I've collaborated the advice and information I always give to each of my customers when approached with this question.  If I knew how to do an algorithm in blog form that would be ideal, but I don't, so you get a list ;)

1. What is the purpose for modifying my vehicle?
This is the most critical step in choosing mods for your car. Car mods are seemingly endless so you need to decide what your purpose is behind the build. This way you can narrow down your options and get results that fit your needs without wasting money on unnecessary modifications. Some questions to ask yourself are:
Do I want or need more power, am I going to want more power in the future? How much power?
Will this be for racing? What kind? Drag, Road Course, AutoX, Drift...
Do I need to increase fuel efficiency?
Are the mods just for looks?
Do I want weight reduction? (this is your biggest bang for the buck)
Is it going to be more cost effective to buy another car that may do exactly what I am looking for?

2. Decide on a budget
There are some instances when I have customers where money is no object. But for the rest of us, we live within some sort of budget. Decide what you can afford and stick with it. Make sure that the project you've chosen is something you are comfortable with financially. If not, you may want to reconsider and simplify things or wait til you have a little more cash flow. Please understand most builds are 20% MORE than what you budgeted due to unforseen problems.  For example you went to install rods and pistons in your block, and realized the head is no good.

You may also be able to break up your project into "phases." For example, say you want a fully built motor, suspension, turbo system, the works. Break down the cost for each modification project and figure out what can be done now and what can wait for later. Like you may want to modify the engine first and wait on the turbo system for later as this can be added on anytime after.  When you find a good tuner, he or she will be able to help you decide what you need and the cost associated with those things.

3. What after market parts are available for my vehicle?
After market mods for cars has become extremely popular. There are some vehicles (like Honda Civics) that offer endless parts at virtually any price point. Other cars (like an '05 V-6 Honda Accord) may be more limited on choices and the least ideal for modifying. You can find out online with a google search pretty quick on the amount of options your car has.

4. Can I get more for less?
When it comes to performance parts, price matters and definitely makes a difference. If using a performance shop, find out about the quality of parts they are using. You may wonder why some shops charge $2000 for a turbo kit and some charge $5000. It usually comes down to the quality of parts. American made turbos, for example, are always the best and of course are the most money, but they last a long time and won't put you at risk of damaging something else under the hood (as the failure rate is extremely low). Buying chinese parts are great cost wise but are a big risk to your project as they have a short shelf life. Bottom line, more money equals better quality and longer lasting.

5. Is gas mileage a factor?
Many times vehicle mods such as turbo systems can actually increase fuel mileage a few mpg...but sometimes heavy mods can make it much much worse. Be prepared for the extra cost of fuel including having to use a higher octane or find more eco friendly mods that will satisfy your green conscience.

6. Will this void my factory warranty?
If you are considering doing after market mods (I'm not talking about a spoiler I'm talking engine mods) on your new vehicle be aware that 9 times out of 10 these will void your factory warranty.  Find out more from your dealer about the factory warranty on your car and go from there.

7. Can I do this myself or do I need to hire a shop?
There are basic mods that mechanically inclined people can do themselves. Or, if you are really good at following instructions and don't mind getting your hands dirty this can work too. However, some projects are reserved for the experts. Many projects require special tooling, fabrication ESPECIALLY the low cost turbo kits on ebay and so forth, and may be out of most's element. Also established performance shops have already gone to the school for hard knocks and have paid their dues in blown up motors, connecting rods that have turned into licorice, fried ecu's, and my personal favorite-blowing a flywheel through a bell housing, etc. There are many little tricks and details they've learned along the way to avoid utter catastrophe and in the end, can actually save you money and headache.

I hope this list has given you some great pointers in starting your project. Happy tuning!

P.S. Street racing is dangerous, there is no purpose for it any longer, there are plenty of tracks where you won't be t-boning a minivan full of kids or causing injury to you or someone else.  You will lose your vehicle and possibly your freedom if you are caught street racing, trust me, I know.  That was my political agenda thanks for listening.