I've come to the conclusion that modifying a car is.....
Discussion
Pointless.
Does anyone here think modifying a car is a waste of time?
I'm beginning to think it is, you spend a load of money that you never get back, and quite often most modifications don't actually improve the car, and in some cases can make the car more unreliable.
Look at those who turbo and supercharge mx5s, it's not uncommon for things to go wrong.
The more I think about it, the more I hate the fact I can't negotiate speed bumps, and the sound of my exhaust droning on motorways.
To top it off in 99% of cases modifications of any kind actually devalue a car.
Is it not better to just buy a car that is the way you want, for example why buy a seat ibiza fr, slam it, put a bigger turbo, add brembos etc, why not just buy a cupra r.
And if you can't afford it, then isn't it just not meant to be?
I'm guilty of being one of those that had a 1 litre and stuck an exhaust on it, but at the time I thought it was a good idea.
I'm still guilty of that now, I've realised I look like a prick when you get a middle aged woman zoom past you in her diesel as your car is screaming for dear life...
With modifications are some of you against them altogether, or is it dependant on the car, e.g an exhaust on a fiesta is wrong, but on a tvr is ok?
What about lowering a golf? But getting uprated suspension on an elise is ok?
What about changing the wheels, heavy aftermarket wheels wrong? But some super lightweight wheels is ok?
The manufacturers have spent a large amount of money on research and development, who are we to decide we can improve things.
I guess I'm wondering whether most people are in the "all modifications are wrong" camp, "some are fine" or "only certain cars should be modified camp"
I do find it odd that some people will moan about a loud exhaust on a corsa waking everyone up, but a tvr with a loud exhaust added is ok.
Do you honestly think the person you wake up cares what car it is?
I'd also like to hear from those that used to modify cars but that have now given up with it.
Does anyone here think modifying a car is a waste of time?
I'm beginning to think it is, you spend a load of money that you never get back, and quite often most modifications don't actually improve the car, and in some cases can make the car more unreliable.
Look at those who turbo and supercharge mx5s, it's not uncommon for things to go wrong.
The more I think about it, the more I hate the fact I can't negotiate speed bumps, and the sound of my exhaust droning on motorways.
To top it off in 99% of cases modifications of any kind actually devalue a car.
Is it not better to just buy a car that is the way you want, for example why buy a seat ibiza fr, slam it, put a bigger turbo, add brembos etc, why not just buy a cupra r.
And if you can't afford it, then isn't it just not meant to be?
I'm guilty of being one of those that had a 1 litre and stuck an exhaust on it, but at the time I thought it was a good idea.
I'm still guilty of that now, I've realised I look like a prick when you get a middle aged woman zoom past you in her diesel as your car is screaming for dear life...
With modifications are some of you against them altogether, or is it dependant on the car, e.g an exhaust on a fiesta is wrong, but on a tvr is ok?
What about lowering a golf? But getting uprated suspension on an elise is ok?
What about changing the wheels, heavy aftermarket wheels wrong? But some super lightweight wheels is ok?
The manufacturers have spent a large amount of money on research and development, who are we to decide we can improve things.
I guess I'm wondering whether most people are in the "all modifications are wrong" camp, "some are fine" or "only certain cars should be modified camp"
I do find it odd that some people will moan about a loud exhaust on a corsa waking everyone up, but a tvr with a loud exhaust added is ok.
Do you honestly think the person you wake up cares what car it is?
I'd also like to hear from those that used to modify cars but that have now given up with it.
Yes.
I agree totally, after 10 years of modifying and messing with cars I've realised it is a total crock and utterly pointless (Unless you are talking big money tuning, which is a different kettle of fish)
The feeling of getting in a brand new car with 250bhp, recaros, brembos and 19's which does more than any car I've ever owned makes you realise some things are futile.
The bug is hard to get rid of though
I agree totally, after 10 years of modifying and messing with cars I've realised it is a total crock and utterly pointless (Unless you are talking big money tuning, which is a different kettle of fish)
The feeling of getting in a brand new car with 250bhp, recaros, brembos and 19's which does more than any car I've ever owned makes you realise some things are futile.
The bug is hard to get rid of though
Nope. Though I've definitely set a limit these days. I did stupid amounts of modding to two of my cars previously, and probably slightly excessive with several more. These days I won't spend stupid amounts on them, but I still find it impossible to leave anything standard.
I seem to have a big case of upgraditis with the truck, which is unexpected, but I don't mind. Most of what I've bought for this one will fit a newer model anyway which is all I'm interested in replacing it with. I've spent just under $8k (USD) on it to date, and the only other stuff I want now is a set of wheels and tyres which I'm guessing will see that figure upped to $10k. While I don't think for a minute I'll get much of this back, it's certainly not cash that's written off, but I've done it because the stuff I've done is what I wanted to do, so I'm happy.
I've already resigned myself to the fact my next 'fun' car, when I can afford it, will be heavily modded.
One thing I do like to do with cars at least, is keep them looking relatively standard on the outisde (truck excepted). Previously I loved the Japanese tuning scene, now the bulk of exterior stuff I see just looks like chav tat. P'raps my tastes have changed.
I seem to have a big case of upgraditis with the truck, which is unexpected, but I don't mind. Most of what I've bought for this one will fit a newer model anyway which is all I'm interested in replacing it with. I've spent just under $8k (USD) on it to date, and the only other stuff I want now is a set of wheels and tyres which I'm guessing will see that figure upped to $10k. While I don't think for a minute I'll get much of this back, it's certainly not cash that's written off, but I've done it because the stuff I've done is what I wanted to do, so I'm happy.
I've already resigned myself to the fact my next 'fun' car, when I can afford it, will be heavily modded.
One thing I do like to do with cars at least, is keep them looking relatively standard on the outisde (truck excepted). Previously I loved the Japanese tuning scene, now the bulk of exterior stuff I see just looks like chav tat. P'raps my tastes have changed.
Edited by Stu R on Sunday 17th July 16:35
Depends on the car and what the modification is.
I took a Mustang from 300BHP upto 577BHP, was it worth it, hell yes 0-100mph in circa 8s.
I fitted fully adjustable suspension, roll bars, adjustable arms, the lot, was it worth it, yes as it could then put that power down and it handled supremely well for the kind of vehicle, not quite as a good as my CSL but certainly as good as a regular E46 M3.
So yes it was worth it and the mods in question to such a car made it very desirable and hence they were not money down the drain and the car was re-sold quite easily.
Been the car in question to get it towards 600BHP cost less than 4k and the suspension was circa 1.5k, not a of money. I paid 26k for the car and 18 months later sold it for 32k, all in all the money put into the car was not lost and the difference it made to how it went and handled was sublime, so much so I got in touch with the guy who purchased it from me and swapped him my CSL at the time for it.
I've got a 911 now, I've added PSE and extra radiator, resulting in better sound and car running cooler, both well worth it and come re-sale time a PSE always adds to the value as a retro-fit cost circa 3k.
I took a Mustang from 300BHP upto 577BHP, was it worth it, hell yes 0-100mph in circa 8s.
I fitted fully adjustable suspension, roll bars, adjustable arms, the lot, was it worth it, yes as it could then put that power down and it handled supremely well for the kind of vehicle, not quite as a good as my CSL but certainly as good as a regular E46 M3.
So yes it was worth it and the mods in question to such a car made it very desirable and hence they were not money down the drain and the car was re-sold quite easily.
Been the car in question to get it towards 600BHP cost less than 4k and the suspension was circa 1.5k, not a of money. I paid 26k for the car and 18 months later sold it for 32k, all in all the money put into the car was not lost and the difference it made to how it went and handled was sublime, so much so I got in touch with the guy who purchased it from me and swapped him my CSL at the time for it.
I've got a 911 now, I've added PSE and extra radiator, resulting in better sound and car running cooler, both well worth it and come re-sale time a PSE always adds to the value as a retro-fit cost circa 3k.
Edited by Gibbo205 on Sunday 17th July 16:36
cheesyblob said:
Ermm, your MX5 doesn't look standard.
It's not which is why I said:"The more I think about it, the more I hate the fact I can't negotiate speed bumps, and the sound of my exhaust droning on motorways."
This weekend has made me think a lot of what I want to do in regards to my motoring, I am just fed up of spending dead money, looking like a prick with a car that sounds faster than it is, and not being able to go over speedbumps.
I have FINALLY decided that I will never modify another car again in my life.
I've never been one for modifying. I have never made cosmetic modifications to any of my cars. I can see the attraction but ultimately I decided you look a total tool in a modified car and the mods usually make the car more compromised and less valuable. I'm 22 now so I think I have escaped the danger years!
IMO anyone older driving a badly barry'd car needs to have a re-think!
IMO anyone older driving a badly barry'd car needs to have a re-think!
Are you having an argument with yourself?
Anyway, modifying a car badly will lead to you owning a badly modified car. Do it properly and you have a car that is better at doing the things you want it to do, while being worse at things you don't need it to do. A car with lower track biased suspension is going to be horrible on the road but better on track.
Its not rocket surgery.
Anyway, modifying a car badly will lead to you owning a badly modified car. Do it properly and you have a car that is better at doing the things you want it to do, while being worse at things you don't need it to do. A car with lower track biased suspension is going to be horrible on the road but better on track.
Its not rocket surgery.
You'll often spend a lot more money you won't get back for buying a more expensive car than if you mod an existing one, within reason. There's nothing wrong with spending money on mods that improve driveability or performance, or indeed looks if done well. Putting a drainpipe exhaust on a 1.1 Fiesta isn't so much a mod as silliness.
pops and bangs said:
It's not which is why I said:
"The more I think about it, the more I hate the fact I can't negotiate speed bumps, and the sound of my exhaust droning on motorways."
This weekend has made me think a lot of what I want to do in regards to my motoring, I am just fed up of spending dead money, looking like a prick with a car that sounds faster than it is, and not being able to go over speedbumps.
It's called growing up, we all do it eventually."The more I think about it, the more I hate the fact I can't negotiate speed bumps, and the sound of my exhaust droning on motorways."
This weekend has made me think a lot of what I want to do in regards to my motoring, I am just fed up of spending dead money, looking like a prick with a car that sounds faster than it is, and not being able to go over speedbumps.
It depends what you modify. Apart from a mild chip the engine in the E30 has not been touched.
Handling on the other hand, KW shocks and spings 60/40 drop, adjustable anti roll bars, twin tube strut brace, lighter wheels, better tyres etc.
Then there are things that do not make much of a difference, sport seats, sterio, etc
Handling on the other hand, KW shocks and spings 60/40 drop, adjustable anti roll bars, twin tube strut brace, lighter wheels, better tyres etc.
Then there are things that do not make much of a difference, sport seats, sterio, etc
Haighermeister said:
Yes.
I agree totally, after 10 years of modifying and messing with cars I've realised it is a total crock and utterly pointless (Unless you are talking big money tuning, which is a different kettle of fish)
The feeling of getting in a brand new car with 250bhp, recaros, brembos and 19's which does more than any car I've ever owned makes you realise some things are futile.
The bug is hard to get rid of though
Yeah that's exactly it, I find the thought of getting in a car that already has big brakes, nice wheels, lowered suspension and big power more appealing than me modifying the car myself.I agree totally, after 10 years of modifying and messing with cars I've realised it is a total crock and utterly pointless (Unless you are talking big money tuning, which is a different kettle of fish)
The feeling of getting in a brand new car with 250bhp, recaros, brembos and 19's which does more than any car I've ever owned makes you realise some things are futile.
The bug is hard to get rid of though
The reason for this thread is I've reached a crossroad with my car, I'm fed up of certain things, and my choices are to either sort the car, or get rid and go down a different route.
For example I'm fed up with the rubbish mpg, now before anyone says it, I'm not after good mpg, if I was I'd have looked at a different car, but I resent having poor mpg with a car that isn't pwoerful.
Now my option would be to splash out and supercharge or turbo it, but then I think what's the point. It'll cost me a fair bit as I'll have to pay someone to do it, and chances are it won't be as reliable as it is now.
I could sell the car for 3500, add the 2000 that I'd spend making it faster and just buy something better in the first place and not have the extra premium and limit potential insurers.
I've always liked modifying cars, but now I think I'm fed up of pissing money away, if I buy a fast car for 5 grand it will depreicate as normal, but if I spend 2 grand on a 3 grand car I'm pissing away my money.
its very car/person/situation specific in my opinion. the monaro i own would be a great example. the engine is massively de-tuned in factory settings. the 5.7/6.0 Ls range is begging to be taken advantage of and for much less than you could buy a "quicker" car for. its only morons like me that leave them standard
on the other hand, about 10 years ago i "made" a calibra turbo 311bhp and about 1cm off the ground. it was an undrivable mess and i sunk 10k into it!
right car, right mods, right resons and modifing is still the right thing to do if you get your kicks that way.
on the other hand, about 10 years ago i "made" a calibra turbo 311bhp and about 1cm off the ground. it was an undrivable mess and i sunk 10k into it!
right car, right mods, right resons and modifing is still the right thing to do if you get your kicks that way.
Personally I think its a case of each to their own.
I have had the exhaust sleeved on the TVR as I love the sound of it (Im sure mr Saxo loves the sound of his dustbin exhaust too)
The ST had a full GGR conversion done as IMHO ford missed a trick by making it sit too high and not giving it the power it deserved.
However the Ibiza wont be touched as at the end of the day its a 1.4 runabout which is exactly what I bought it for.
I have had the exhaust sleeved on the TVR as I love the sound of it (Im sure mr Saxo loves the sound of his dustbin exhaust too)
The ST had a full GGR conversion done as IMHO ford missed a trick by making it sit too high and not giving it the power it deserved.
However the Ibiza wont be touched as at the end of the day its a 1.4 runabout which is exactly what I bought it for.
Depends what modifications are being made... The King of all chavs who modified the car I now own didn't do a bad job lowering it 40mm and putting 195/45/15 tyres on, it definatly goes round bends a lot lot lot better than a standard 106 1.1 zest 
Also, I think tasteful visual modifications are ok (adding a reasonably sized spoiler) I like the idea of changing a car to suit your personality (to an extent) it stops everything being the same and boring.
Oh, and a remap to any turbo diesel is a good move
Edit: 194/45/15 tyres don't exsist :P
Also, I think tasteful visual modifications are ok (adding a reasonably sized spoiler) I like the idea of changing a car to suit your personality (to an extent) it stops everything being the same and boring.
Oh, and a remap to any turbo diesel is a good move
Edit: 194/45/15 tyres don't exsist :P
Edited by StottyZr on Sunday 17th July 16:46
To answer a few people.
No I'm not arguing with myself, not sure what I'm doing actually...
Yes it seems like I'm finally maturing.
And lastly while a car can be improved take this scenario:
Bob down the road buys an mx5 for 4 grand and spends 6 grand modifying it, it's faster and handles better.
But it's worth nowhere near what he spent on it, or he can buy a ten grand lotus, it will be just as fast and probably handle better, and will be worth more when you come to sell it.
Yes modifying is a hobby, and if people get enjoyment out of it then fair play.
But I'm just wondering why people can't see error of their ways, what about those who claim they spend tens of thousands modifying their car, like the guy with the impreza who spent 70 grand, would he not have just been better off buying a "better" car for less money....
At the end of the day most of us modify cars because we like certain things, e.g we lower a car as we like the stance, and improved handling etc, or those that get big brake conversions.
But surely most people do that because they can't buy a car that already comes like that.
I don't believe for one second someone chooses to buy say a seat ibiza fr because they get enjoyment out of modifying and then add brembos etc, if they could afford a cupra r they would have just got one no?
I know I added a twin exhaust because I like them, and wanted a honda s2000 but couldn't afford the insurance.
For me modifying a car was to get as close as possible to a car I really wanted. Given a choice of a modified car, or one that came like it standard, I'd know what I'd choose.
No I'm not arguing with myself, not sure what I'm doing actually...
Yes it seems like I'm finally maturing.
And lastly while a car can be improved take this scenario:
Bob down the road buys an mx5 for 4 grand and spends 6 grand modifying it, it's faster and handles better.
But it's worth nowhere near what he spent on it, or he can buy a ten grand lotus, it will be just as fast and probably handle better, and will be worth more when you come to sell it.
Yes modifying is a hobby, and if people get enjoyment out of it then fair play.
But I'm just wondering why people can't see error of their ways, what about those who claim they spend tens of thousands modifying their car, like the guy with the impreza who spent 70 grand, would he not have just been better off buying a "better" car for less money....
At the end of the day most of us modify cars because we like certain things, e.g we lower a car as we like the stance, and improved handling etc, or those that get big brake conversions.
But surely most people do that because they can't buy a car that already comes like that.
I don't believe for one second someone chooses to buy say a seat ibiza fr because they get enjoyment out of modifying and then add brembos etc, if they could afford a cupra r they would have just got one no?
I know I added a twin exhaust because I like them, and wanted a honda s2000 but couldn't afford the insurance.
For me modifying a car was to get as close as possible to a car I really wanted. Given a choice of a modified car, or one that came like it standard, I'd know what I'd choose.
Edited by pops and bangs on Sunday 17th July 16:52
pops and bangs said:
To answer a few people.
No I'm not arguing with myself, not sure what I'm doing actually...
Yes it seems like I'm finally maturing.
And lastly while a car can be improved take this scenario:
Bob down the road buys an mx5 for 4 grand and spends 6 grand modifying it, it's faster and handles better.
But it's worth nowhere near what he spent on it, or he can buy a ten grand lotus, it will be just as fast and probably handle better, and will be worth more when you come to sell it.
But Bob wanted a fast well handling MX5.No I'm not arguing with myself, not sure what I'm doing actually...
Yes it seems like I'm finally maturing.
And lastly while a car can be improved take this scenario:
Bob down the road buys an mx5 for 4 grand and spends 6 grand modifying it, it's faster and handles better.
But it's worth nowhere near what he spent on it, or he can buy a ten grand lotus, it will be just as fast and probably handle better, and will be worth more when you come to sell it.
I spend bucket loads on Mk 1 and Mk 2 Escorts when I was younger, Bilsteins, Spax, twin 40's, Piper cams, 205 8 spoke wheels, exhausts, ported heads, different gearboxes, diffs.
Same sort of things with bikes too.
Now i drive a normal diesel car and wouldn't thank anyone for a modified car or a bike thats had serious engine work. 1k for Carrillo rods 20 years ago. They lasted a season before making their way through the crankcase wrecking a set of wiseco pistons. A dropped valve next time saw me never bother again with a tuned motor.
Gearboxes on bikes are a nightmare too.
Werthers originals are where its at for me now.
Same sort of things with bikes too.
Now i drive a normal diesel car and wouldn't thank anyone for a modified car or a bike thats had serious engine work. 1k for Carrillo rods 20 years ago. They lasted a season before making their way through the crankcase wrecking a set of wiseco pistons. A dropped valve next time saw me never bother again with a tuned motor.
Gearboxes on bikes are a nightmare too.
Werthers originals are where its at for me now.
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