Replace your car's stock intake with a cold air intake to increase horsepower and fuel efficiency. Swap out your exhaust system with higher flowing parts to maximize your engine's performance. Opting for higher-performance tires, shocks, springs, and brakes can significantly improve your car's performance.
Full Answer
What are 50+ inexpensive car modifications that you can do yourself?
50+ Inexpensive Car Modifications that You Can Do Yourself . 1. Headlight Covers - Use to protect your headlights from damage, they are a very easy to install car modification that can change the shape, color and look of your headlights. 2. Vanity Plate - Vanity plates are a fun way to personalize your vehicle by creating a specific license plate.
What kind of mods can I add to my car?
There are so many types of car modifications (mods) you can add to your car. Most people love the performance mods and the mods that completely reform the vehicle’s body style and aerodynamics and look, such as suspension, turbo, exhaust, body kits, performance wheels… but these types of mods can be extremely costly.
What are the best performance mods for your car?
Adding a turbocharger or supercharger to your car is another popular performance modification. These devices "boost" your engine by forcing in more air, thus creating more power.
Do car modifications affect the performance of a car?
Some are simply cosmetic, but others affect the car's performance. There are tons of car modifications that are totally harmless, but others are likely to get the car's owner slapped with a ticket and fine because the alteration isn't actually street legal.
What parts of a car can you modify?
10 Popular Car ModificationsSuspension Upgrades. As long as you stay within your state's limits for ride height adjustments, an aftermarket suspension system is totally legal. ... Turbochargers and Superchargers. ... Sport Seats. ... Paint Jobs. ... Window Tint. ... Nitrous Oxide. ... Underbody Neon Lights. ... Racing Harnesses.More items...•
In what order should I mod my car?
0:5710:50The 5 First Mods You Have To Do To Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo just have three thousand dollars for air suspension is your first modification. But coil overMoreTo just have three thousand dollars for air suspension is your first modification. But coil over suspension. First modification out the gate.
Do modifications add value to a car?
No, they do not. Modifications do not add value to your car. Of course, nothing in life is quite that simple. But in general, aftermarket mods will not increase the resale value of your automobile in a private party transaction.
Does modifying car reduce value?
The short answer is, yes they do, and for the most part negatively. Depending on the car but especially the buyer, modifications can significantly hurt the resale value because simply put, cars are built to spec for a reason.
Whats the first mod you should do to your car?
5 First Mods to do to Your CarCoilovers. First and foremost, we feel that coilovers are definitely one of the best first mods you can do to your car. ... Wheels. Wow, this one probably comes as a surprise from a wheel company. ... Tires. Tires are the most aesthetically subtle way to drastically improve your car. ... Exhaust. ... Aero.
What mods make a car faster?
The Best Ways To Make Your Car Go FasterUpgrade Your Spark Plugs. ... Get New Electric Fans. ... Look At Your Exhaust System. ... Reduce Your Car's Weight. ... Order A New Exhaust Header. ... Install A Larger Diameter Throttle Body.
What car mods decrease value?
The Car Mods That Affect Saleability The Most1. Wonky wheels' (extreme negative camber)41.49%2. Car lowered37.44%3. Modified exhaust31.65%4. Eyelashes on headlights31.50%5. Novelty decals, for example flames31.30%15 more rows•Nov 24, 2020
Should you keep your car stock?
Keep your car's stock parts If you do plan on modifying your car, then make sure to keep the stock parts in case you plan to sell it. Also, if you already have a modified car and would like to get more money for it on the used market, then you might want to look into returning it back to stock first.
Does modifying your car void warranty?
Although car enthusiasts commonly believe that any modifications will void a warranty, the truth is a little less straightforward. In fact, a modification won't void a warranty unless an automaker or a dealer can prove that an aftermarket part caused the need for repairs.
What is the most popular car modification?
Most Popular Car ModificationsBrakes. To be able to brake the car faster is one of the biggest and greatest car modifications you can consider implementing in your vehicle. ... Engine. ... Fuel upgrades. ... Wheels and Tyres. ... Lights. ... Exhaust System. ... Number Plates. ... Spoilers.More items...•
Does adding aftermarket parts increase value?
Adding custom alloy wheels to the vehicle, for example, can not only add to the appearance of the car but add value as well. Other common aftermarket improvements, such as the addition of an upgraded sound system or body kit, may also increase the value of your vehicle.
What increases car value?
Keeping up with regular maintenance, making repairs, upgrading the features, having the right documentation and getting your car appraised by a professional can all help raise the value of your vehicle when you sell it.
What modifications increase horsepower?
Adding a turbocharger or supercharger to your car "boosts" your engine by forcing in more air, thus creating more power.
Is it legal to modify cars?
It is legal to modify cars; however, be sure to be aware of the rules in your area since certain modifications may be illegal depending on your state.
Is it worth modifying a car?
Modifying your car can add value, improve cosmetic aesthetics and upgrade the performance of your car.
What car is the easiest to modify?
Jeep Wranglers, Chevrolet Camars and Mazda MX-5 Miatas are some of the most popular cars to modify.
What modifications should I do to my car?
A few popular modifications include suspension upgrades, turbochargers, superchargers, sport seats, paint jobs and window tints, among others.
Can you reversibly change your car without hurting the value?
The truth is there are usually a number of non-invasive, easily reversible modifications that can transform the driving experience without hurting the value of the car. (That excludes the cost of the procedure and reversing it, if need be.)
Can you add power steering to a vintage car?
For example, modern power steering can be added to many vintage cars, either by means of the new electronic systems that mount to the steering column or hydraulic systems that use modern steering boxes and pumps adapted to original mounting positions.
What are some modifications to a car?
Other great modifications that are worth mentioning are quick-ratio steering, a clutch and flywheel, and engine internals that warrant much more than a simple article to address. Quick ratio steering will allow you to reach full lock in either direction with fewer revolutions of the steering wheel allowing you to quickly steer at the flick of a wrist, maintaining better overall control and making counter-steering a simple task. A lightweight clutch and flywheel will allow engine revs to increase faster with less rotating mass to spin and will perform much better. Engine internals like racing camshafts, lightweight rotating assemblies and porting will all give you noticeable gains, but we’re now talking serious engine work.
How to reduce body roll in all wheel drive?
For an all-wheel drive car that understeers, install a stiffer rear sway bar; for oversteer in an all-wheel drive, try a stiffer sway bar in the front. All a sway bar does is reduce body roll during cornering, but that has such an effect on performance that a solid bar between the control arms almost seems too simple.
Why do race cars use high octane fuel?
That is the ONLY reason racecars use a high octane fuel, as well as other performance cars with high compression ratios that exceed low octane fuel’s ability to wait for the spark. Putting this in a car that doesn’t require it is wasting money, and you will see no gain from its use.
Does a belt driven supercharger heat up induction air?
The more dense the air, the more you can cram in, so don’t get cheap now. Remember that exhaust heat is only a part of the problem, anytime you compress a gas its temperature will rise, so a belt-driven supercharger will also heat up induction air.
Does body flex transfer loads to suspension?
All this weight will flex and contort the body of your car, acting as one huge, un-dampened spring. Eliminating that body flex will transfer all the loads to the suspension and allow those pretty coil-overs to earn their keep behind your Momos.
Do performance plugs blow horsepower?
A super spark isn’t going to blow horsepower through your engine. Performance plugs do offer a higher resistance to wear due to a different metal composition, and since worn plugs deteriorate performance, it’s ok to assume that performance plugs will last you longer.
What is the best way to boost your engine?
Turbochargers and Superchargers. Adding a turbocharger or supercharger to your car is another popular performance modification. These devices "boost" your engine by forcing in more air, thus creating more power.
What is the name of the gas used in street racing?
Nitrous Oxide. If you've ever watched a movie about street racing, you've probably heard at least one of the characters refer to nitrous oxide, or NOS. Nitrous oxide tends to wax and wane in popularity, but there's no disputing that it's a cheap way to add a lot of power to a car.
Is a car modification cosmetic?
By: Cherise Threewitt. Some car modifications are simply cosmetic, but others affect a car's performance. wbritten/Getty Images. Car enthusiasts across the U.S. make modifications to their car. Some are simply cosmetic, but others affect the car's performance. There are tons of car modifications that are totally harmless, ...
Is it legal to upgrade your suspension?
Suspension Upgrades. As long as you stay within your state's limits for ride height adjustments, an aftermarket suspension system is totally legal. Furthermore, the right aftermarket suspension system can be a great way to upgrade your car's performance.
What is the best thing about cars?
One of the great things about cars is that they're essentially blank canvasses, and through the wonderful world of modifications, you can pick and choose which aspects of your car you want to focus your efforts (read: money) on. Unfortunately for many poor souls, all that time, effort, and money goes into a hodgepodge of poorly chosen parts that ultimately make the owner look like a complete moron.
What happens if you don't have a limited slip differential?
If your car didn't come from the factory with a limited slip differential (and relatively few cars do today), then it's likely being driven by just one wheel -- and whichever one has the least amount of traction, at that. A lot of people will spend double, triple, or quadruple the price of one good LSD on engine modifications that deliver ever-diminishing horsepower gains. Instead, being able to effectively use the power you already have will yield even greater results. Just trust me on this one.
How do shock absorbers work?
Shock absorbers, by the very act of absorbing the shocks that come from driving over bumps, etc ., help keep your tires planted firmly on the pavement. They also help control the natural up and down motion that springs are wont to do after they've been compressed, thereby making your car feel much more stable. Combine good shocks -- there's no need to go with fancy, adjustable versions unless you honestly know what you're doing -- with a stiffer and lower set of springs, and you'll start to see a sort of multiplier effect of all the good geometry you've been working towards.
Is it possible for a steering wheel to fall off?
No, your steering wheel (hopefully) isn' t about to fall off. The nut behind the wheel is you. That's an old saying amongst drivers, and it doesn't mean you're crazy, just that the single greatest barrier between your car, and your car being fast ... is you.
Does a Mustang Cobra have a steering rack?
This won't work with every car, but it's worth doing your homework to see if another version of your car (i.e., a Mustang Cobra if you have a Mustang GT) came with a quick-ratio steering rack, aka, one that turns your wheels faster as you move the steering wheel. Or sometimes there's a company that makes one for your specific car. If you can do it, this will positively transform the way you drive and really make your car feel much sportier.
Is shopping for wheels as challenging as shopping for new shoes?
Shopping for wheels is just as challenging as shopping for new shoes — there are countless colors, styles, and price points to choose from. One thing to keep in mind is the more affordable the wheel, typically the heavier it will be (and adding weight is always a bad thing). 11 of 50. Auxiliary Gauges.
Can you get coilovers for a song?
You can sometimes get them for a song, but as we mentioned in a recent feature, you really shouldn't go too cheap when it comes to a coilover suspension upgrade. Make your choice with caution, because it's quite easy to wind up with a suspension setup that's too firm or too soft for your intended use.
What is the most common aftermarket modification?
Probably the most common and easiest-to-install aftermarket modification is simply the air filter . There are a plethora of air filters that exist, both throwaway and washable, which can and will improve performance. A clogged air filter reduces air intake to the engine, thus reducing power.
What do aftermarket modders do?
From trying to eke out a few extra horsepower, increasing fuel efficiency, or just upping performance, changing out OEM parts with aftermarket parts is the ultimate goal.
What does a spoiler do?
What does a spoiler do? A spoiler is an upside-down wing, like an airplane wing, which creates a downward force on a car to create greater pressure on the car’s wheels and reduce the chance of liftoff. Spoilers are great for rear-wheel-drive cars, as they put more weight and pressure over the drive wheels. This reduces the chance of spinout and the loss of traction. However, on a front-wheel-drive car, the spoiler literally does nothing to help the car. In fact, spoilers, in general, on streetcars make no sense. The benefit of the spoiler is directly related to how fast the car is moving. Most street cars don't get up to speeds where the spoiler would be of any use. There's a greater benefit for a spoiler to be on a rear-wheel-drive car than it would be on a front-wheel-drive car during normal use, and only a handful of front-wheel cars would see any benefit in a racing situation. So, a rear spoiler for a front-wheel-drive car is simply a waste of money and not a great aftermarket modification.
How much does a Mazda Miata kit cost?
These kits range in price and vary from car to car, but as an example, the Mazda Miata has such a kit available, which costs around $50, and users report a 5-8 bhp increase in power after installation. These kits are usually easily installed by the owner with only a handful of tools, and they’re definitely worth it.
Why is my catalytic converter clogged?
This isn’t normally a problem, but if a catalytic converter becomes clogged, it can reduce power, cause the engine to stall, and kick error codes in your OBDII ECM.
Why do cars need brakes?
The brakes of a car are its number one safety gear. As a car’s performance is increased, it's necessary to improve braking. Switching out old brake pads and brake discs is part of this process. The biggest problems with conventional brake discs is the dispersion of heat.
Is a spinner rim a waste of money?
There are also reports of the spinners becoming detached and acting as a projectile. In short, spinner rims are a huge waste of money and probably an insurance liability nightmare.
What are aftermarket modifications?
Aftermarket Modifications to the Engine. Some people have a need for speed and the average engine just won’t do. Some auto enthusiasts love to tinker with their cars’ engines, adding more power or improving fuel-efficiency.
What happens if you sell a used car that has too many modifications?
If you go to trade in or sell a used car that has too many modifications, it will significantly lower the resell value of the car. The following are modifications to avoid if you plan on selling or trading in a typical car down the road.
What are aftermarket taillights?
Aftermarket Lights. Aftermarket headlights and taillights are available for nearly every type of car available on the market. They offer your car a unique look that, unfortunately, can instantly drop your car’s resale value.
Why do you need a muffler?
The real purpose of a muffler is to reduce how loud the exhaust comes out, but in doing so it obstructs the flow of gasses from the engine to the atmosphere creating a negative impact on the engine’s power output.
How does kinetic energy work in a car?
Combined with fuel, it forms a unit of energy, which is turned into kinetic energy (or horsepower) via combustion, thanks to an ignition from the spark plug. So to make a car have more power, go faster and to increase the engine’s performance a modification is needed.
What does it mean if you tweak your car?
But if you have an average car and choose to make these tweaks, it means you’ll be damaging the value of your car.
Do aftermarket modifications reduce value?
Most aftermarket modifications actually reduce the value of your car. Once you’ve found the car of your dreams and made it yours, it can be easy to start thinking about all the aftermarket modifications you want to make to it to truly call it your own. After all, your car is a small extension of who you are so why not add tweaks to more accurately ...
