what’s a car mod that’s actually worth it?
Posted by Lucifer220778@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 230 comments
I see a lot of mods online, but it’s hard to tell what really makes a difference vs what’s just for looks
for example, I have a honda civic and adding better tires and upgrading the brakes made a huge difference in how it feels to drive
what’s one mod you think is 100% worth the money? And is there one you regret doing?
tnsipla@reddit
Strut brace and beefier swaybar and links
CaseyAnthonysMouth@reddit
Seat covers, tint, good floor mats will go a long ways to keeping everything nice. Here in Texas, dash covers can help protect from sun.
PyroMedic1080@reddit
Suspension.
interesting_oddball@reddit
Something light worth doing is exhaust intake headers but you also need a tune for all these to sing properly and feel it and these mods alone without it don’t really do anything.
You could go with the looks route and get coilovers and some wheels you can get away with this for maybe 1500 or less if your looking to mod for something cheaper than than that does something id look into front and rear strut brace looks cool and ridgids the car or any accessories you like such as lights or lug nuts (not aluminum) maybe custom headlights or tail lights depending on the gen I know some switch to to hybrid tails so that they’re clear you could also get like a carbon fiber hood or trunk these are more in the 900 an under mod range.
Beautiful_Climate_18@reddit
Rear sway bar.
A couple hundred bucks and it will keep your car completely planted going thru corners.
ratmanmedia@reddit
Tires Wheels Brakes Catch-can (if direct injection only) Suspension
In that order, reverse tires/wheels if you’re rolling on extremely thin tires to accommodate large factory wheels.
frikkinfai@reddit
Suspension, not just coilovers but refreshing all the bushings, particularly cars that are 20+ years old and/or 150k+ miles. New bushings really tighten up the feel of the car
ratmanmedia@reddit
With what you wrote/how you worded it, I’d say that’s just following maintenance more so than moding
JCDU@reddit
\^ this, people somehow expect bushings and things to last 10+ years even though they wouldn't expect set of tires to.
A mate of mine once said, if you want the car to handle like a new car, fit new bushes + suspension... So many folks fit "upgraded" stuff and claim it's better when in reality just refreshing it with good OEM stuff would give the same or better result for less money.
There's a reason racers sometimes spend more on suspension than they do on engines - the Baja & rally guys especially.
UpYourAsteroid@reddit
Upgrading to coils or even just springs is still going to give you better results than new oem suspension on most cars, especially if not performance oriented.
Same goes with sway bars, strut braces etc… but obviously maintenance on oem is going to be a huge improvement
JCDU@reddit
WDYM "upgrading to coils or even just springs"... almost all cars run coil springs so you're saying "upgrading your springs to springs or springs"...
I get that good quality aftermarket springs/shocks/coilovers can be an improvement, but it's also the case that the original stuff was designed last at least 100k+ and 10+ years which a hell of a lot of aftermarket stuff isn't - and folks comparing old worn-out OEM stuff to new aftermarket are not making a fair comparison, almost anything new will feel better for a while.
If you spend proper money you can get good stuff, but for the price of genuine/OEM it's often quite hard to get a setup that's *as* good or *as* reliable or as well balanced.
UpYourAsteroid@reddit
Aftermarket springs or coil overs from a performance standpoint are almost always better than OEM if you’re talking handling of the vehicle/body roll is all I’m saying
KillerKittenwMittens@reddit
That's simply not true. Most cheaper coilovers have inadequate or incorrect damping for those purposes. By cheaper, I mean anything about $1k or less, just as a starting point.
I would take a car with full refreshed stock suspension including bushings, dampers, spring perch/mounts, and bumpstops over a car on bc racing or similar coilovers with no other refreshes done. If we're being realistic here, this is usually the case.
The things you're overlooking are actually some of the more important elements of suspension design. Changing the spring rate (or roll rate) is one lever you can pull to change suspension behavior, but nothing about it makes the car handle better inherently. The reason it feels that way is because the car reacts slightly quicker and has slightly less ultimate movement, that's it. A suspension with worn bushings, stiff springs, and poor dampers will ultimately have less grip than the refreshed OEM suspension.
In modern cars, bushings are designed to deflect a certain way to dynamically change toe based on how hard you corner or brake. When these bushings get worn, suspension behavior becomes unpredictable and sloppy.
The best street suspension you can put on a car is usually whatever spring rate came on the sportiest street version of your car, combined with something like a koni yellow, koni special active, or Bilstein b6/8. I personally won't even entertain any other reasonably priced shock. Then, do a full suspension refresh. That's it, OEM refreshed suspension with better damping.
I'm not going to get into how to calculate spring rate and everything, but for street use you want lower rates than the track, yet many of these coilovers come with rates that are stiffer than what many people actually run on track.
palmoyas@reddit
Serious question: when people say "bushings" are they just talking about sway bar bushings, or am I missing some other areas where bushings can be replaced?
frikkinfai@reddit
There are bushings inside all your control arms as well. Either replace the bushings or swap for a brand new control arm, which contain new bushings
Auqakid07@reddit
Maintenance>mods.
cactusjackalope@reddit
True, but it's also really easy to mess things up. Shocks and springs are designed to work together, and changing one but not the other can make everything handle worse. The best bet, usually on an older car, is OEM replacement units.
chris77982@reddit
You mean maintenance
Malarky3113@reddit
A friend in high school had thousands of dollars into suspension, wheels, and tires into an EG Civic. I was too much of a newb to remember what exactly was done, but the thing was on rails at any speed the stock d-series to get it to. Truly impressive. I lost touch with the guy, but I know he had plans for a motor swap. I wouldn't be surprised if he still had it honestly.
frikkinfai@reddit
90s Honda had a really good suspension system out of the factory (front & rear double wishbone) and lightweight. They really benefit from upgraded suspension and are a blast to drive even if they're extremely underpowered and front wheel drive.
rudbri93@reddit
yea even just new stock bushings will be a great improvement. dont have to go crazy with poly and such.
Obsession88@reddit
From a visual standpoint you can’t beat wheels. New wheels can change the whole vibe
OkCartographer175@reddit
people really in here trying to pretend like maintenance and tires are mods...
"my favorite thing to spend money on is my savings account" type answers lol
KillerKittenwMittens@reddit
It's because a lot of people spend money modding things that they don't know aren't working properly. A good example that I saw in here was suspension. A ton of people will slap cheap coilovers on a suspension with shot dampers and bushings talk about how much better it is when they could have just fixed the stock suspension.
dlok86@reddit
Does my answer of roof bars count?
OkCartographer175@reddit
das a mod yeah
SirWillae@reddit
Window tint, especially if you live in a hot area.
AmericanEncopresis@reddit
Including 50% windshield tint with a 5% visor. No need for sunglasses anymore.
John_Q_Deist@reddit
How is that at night?
B5_S4@reddit
Perfectly fine. I've got 50% on my BMW and no one who has ridden in it has even noticed the tint was there. It has very little impact on visibility. At night I can see better than I could in my untinted NA miata with it's sealed beam headlights.
Complete-Decision698@reddit
ale z
to nie ma żartów tego auta
Pozdrawiamy Nathaniel Tomica.
yentlequible@reddit
It's dark. If you don't have decent headlights, you'll struggle. Very worth it, especially if you live in a snowy area to cut down glare.
710HQ@reddit
You can get a clear ceramic tint.
ZucchiniAlert2582@reddit
It sucks. You can’t see shit. I Removed windshield and front window tint from my most recent pre-owned vehicle. Good riddance.
KennyWuKanYuen@reddit
And it works great against bright LEDs. People always neglect to mention this when complaining about bright LEDs.
Diarrhea_Eruptions@reddit
Ceramic tint
alexseiji@reddit
The driver.
airmech1776@reddit
If your car doesn't have it already, an Android Auto head unit is a HUGE quality of life upgrade.
spiritzqt@reddit
Tires always. If you are looking for a more engaging experience. A more aggressive alignment
TeeboTime@reddit
Rear sway bar, low cost and has a big effect on handling. Best bang for buck mod.
Also Tyres
Evazzion@reddit
ECU tune
FigFew2001@reddit
Rear sway bar, particularly on a FWD car. Cheap and a noticeable difference.
Ok_Nefariousness5614@reddit
Tires, wheels, brakes, lowering springs, lsd. You won’t regret any of these. On turbo car safe stage 1 program.
710HQ@reddit
Speakers. I spent $100 on 4 basic pioneer speakers and it's crazy how much better it sounds now in my little Nissan Rogue.
CarmichaelD@reddit
Happy with an ECU tune. Added some power on an engine that can handle it.
prowlin@reddit
Ecu tune on a turbo car
Smooth_Discussion367@reddit
Best - Cat back exhaust then tires. Worse - fancy headlights usually a money grab.
metricMike00@reddit
Strut bar.
Junior_Arino@reddit
ITT people confusing regular maintenance for mods
JCDU@reddit
Then again - CarBros be spending $$$ modding a 10+ year old car that has not actually been maintained...
You gotta at least do the maintenance and replace old & tired parts like bushes before you start modding.
I've seen dudes with 10k+ of mods on a vehicle and it's broken down because the hoses were 20 years old and it's pissed all its fluids out, the wiring is held together with scotchloks and sparky tape, etc... get the basics right before you start putting lipstick on a pig.
Comfortable-Study-69@reddit
I think people are confusing the question for what you can do to a car for the amount of money people spend on car mods that’s actually worth it in terms of performance improvements, to which the obvious answer is just putting it towards proactive maintenance (especially neglected stuff like suspension) and getting good tires. Which is pretty good advice but not exactly what was being asked.
BlackDS@reddit
Sometimes it can be both. When my Miata's original shocks went bad it was time for Koni Yellows
I treat modifications to my cars like Maintenance Plus
ItchyBrain6610@reddit
I just changed the ball joints, struts, sway bar links, and tie rod ends on my wife's VW. I guess I modded her Atlas?
Tossaway198832@reddit
Yeah, I’m dumbfounded by the comments here. Haha
senpaiofnone@reddit
Tires, Maintenance, rear sway bars (on FWD cars especially) sound deadening.
Proper-Scarcity7812@reddit
Ratio de différentiel plus court. Pour moi le jour et la nuit sur une 330i e46. Beaucoup de voitures ont des rapports longs pour des raisons d'économie de carburant.
mr2jay@reddit
Tires, brakes and a tune are all stuff that is worth it to me.
SlntSam@reddit
tires.
Crazy95jack@reddit
Tires aren't a mod ... you don't declare tires to insurance.
doesnotexist2@reddit
I believe op meant “performance tires” as opposed to economy tires
BlackDS@reddit
I don't know about you, I don't declare ANYTHING to insurance.
Minimum coverage for everything baby
Zestyclose_Panda_886@reddit
Good tires. :)
SlntSam@reddit
Yeah I should have added "the right tires for the job" Could be snow, could be track, could be offroad or spirited driving.
Haunting-Safety208@reddit
Crazy bangin subs bro shake your core and just gives ur self a boost of energy when ur favourite song absolutely shakes the entire car subwoofers are fun and can make ur actual driving experience so much more enjoyable as a pose to something that just makes the car more efficient it just makes ur car become fun
funtasticassembly@reddit
Tires > proper alignment > stiffer dampers and springs > any brake stuff
Brakes only if you are needing more brake and then fix appropriately. Need the above 3 sorted before brakes imho. Big brakes add weight and can imbalance the brake system making it worse. A brake pad of sufficient temp rating with a proper brake rotor and some cooling goes a long way. Are you getting a long pedal?
Sessile-B-DeMille@reddit
I used to work in the car business. Our rule of thumb is that mods decrease a car's value by 50 to 75 percent.
The exception is a nice set of appropriate alloy wheels replacing steel wheels.
palmoyas@reddit
https://www.jalopnik.com/sorry-folks-modifications-don-t-increase-your-car-s-v-1621595096/
dbear496@reddit
I never understood why this is the case. As long as the mods are done properly and with at least some taste, I see no reason they should decrease the value of the car.
fallte1337@reddit
Because you never know if they were “done properly”
mattkime@reddit
People don't recognize good mods, assume thats the way the car came.
eagledog@reddit
Because mods are all subjective, so you'd need to find a second owner with the same taste as you
NoEmu5969@reddit
Hurting mileage, adding road noise, and increasing vibration is more important for selling a car than improving driving experience.
TexMoto666@reddit
New OEM floor mats.
Prestigious_Tiger_26@reddit
It really depends. If the wheels are lighter, it reduces unsprung weight. Quality tires can also make the ride feel better with less road noise as well.
Worthy808@reddit
Tint
bbroecker37@reddit
One underrated mod that I noticed the most positive feedback from was stiffening the chassis. I added a strut bar and rear x brace to my car, and it feels more solid. Creaks in the interior have stopped since the body of the car isn't flexing as much. Mods I regret are the ones that introduce NVH. So, mods like stiffer engine mounts. I regretted installing them on my car. Everything vibrates in the car. I ended up removing them and getting some upgraded OEM mounts instead.
FaluninumAlcon@reddit
I enjoy the induction noise of a CAI, but gains are small.
HedonisticFrog@reddit
Tinting windows. It keeps your car cooler, and prevents you being blinded by headlights and the sun.
ArgumentRelevant8274@reddit
Boost
Gubbtratt1@reddit
For offroading, a winch. It's cheaper than most mods and accessories, and the only thing that is guaranteed to get you unstuck.
Sleazy-Wonder@reddit
Tires and suspension.
Mighty Car Mods did a great test, and the most noticeable change you can make to your car for performance and handling was tires, then suspension, then everything else.
Start out with some damn fine tires, and maybe new wheels to go along with them if its in your budget.
dlok86@reddit
Roof bars.. I like them as a kayaker anyway but I've been able to strap all sorts of furniture up there that doesn't fit in the cabin
408jay@reddit
Driver training followed by good tired
EddieKroman@reddit
Good tires will make a boring car much better. Grandpa taught me this, he would switch out his bias ply tires for radials in the 1950’s. My boring Subaru Forester commuter is great with Michelins.
I once bought cheap tires for a truck and immediately regretted it.
hotrods1970@reddit
Tires, then brakes, then suspension, etc. Work from the ground up if going for performance. This way you have the things that slow you down already set up for when you decide to make it fast. I regret doing poly bushings in an OE style suspension. So much binding up. If changing springs or going to coilovers, talk to people that have done the exact same thing. See what they did. Talk to company reps to see if they offer options that work the way you want. Too many people just slap some spring/coilovers on and call it a day, then either the car rides like shit or handles like shit, or both. Most reputable companies will have spring rate & damping valving options.
BabyYodaJuice@reddit
Sway bars
TJayClark@reddit
Heat blocking window tint
I like privacy and not being hot
Sad-Tap3687@reddit
Mods that affect handling first - as others have said, tires, suspension etc. Then get a tune
Doublestack00@reddit
Window tint if you live in a hot climate.
pieindaface@reddit
Wireless CarPlay radio and homelink rear view mirror.
You can get the mirror from junkyard cars for less than $20. They can have garage door opener and compass included and are super nice for when you’re driving around and need to get out of an unfamiliar parking lot when the gps says “head west/east”.
pieindaface@reddit
Wireless CarPlay radio and homelink rear view mirror.
You can get the mirror from junkyard cars for less than $20. They can have garage door opener and compass included and are super nice for when you’re driving around and need to get out of an unfamiliar parking lot when the gps says “head west/east”.
hemibearcuda@reddit
Avoid lowering kits at all cost. Unless it's a dedicated track car, there is zero benefit to lowering a car for street use.
It ruins the ride.
AcanthisittaThink813@reddit
Add 1 of each to engine oil: WS2, HBN, Mos2 , No more than 4g per litre of oil, micron size of particles no more than 0.7 micron. Used by racing teams and slowly being introduced into mainstream oil production. Amazing stuff
Captkarate42@reddit
Stainless braided brake lines, and aftermarket shifters make an absolutely colossal difference in driving feel, and neither are particularly expensive.
ZucchiniAlert2582@reddit
Hitch receiver for adding a bike rack/cargo tray/towing a small trailer. Roof rails for trips to the lumber yard/kayaks.
Weird_Chemical@reddit
A window sticker that has your name and your partner's too
Oddly_employed@reddit
My would be a apple car play head unit with display. It’s a great feature I use all the time. Also upgrade to HID lights in a way that doesn’t cause glare to other drivers
6speeddakota@reddit
Better headlights. Especially for a small low to the ground car, they make a world of difference at night and on winter mornings.
Tadeush_Kostyshko@reddit
Oil cooler
Kyo003@reddit
Panoramic rearview mirror.
Cheapest, most impactful upgrade I do on every car since I first learned about it.
bean_fritter@reddit
Tires and brakes, like you said.
A quality exhaust setup is really nice.
Silly_Hurry_2795@reddit
A fish sticker on the boot.
It keeps people away
ShortSalt@reddit
Oil catch can for me cause my car has a GDI engine.
VideoLeoj@reddit
In order:
Performance Driving Courses
Tires
Brakes
B5_S4@reddit
More boost for FI cars. I'm about to put pulleys on my Jag, two parts and a belt and I get 95 more hp. Pretty decent deal.
Thereelgerg@reddit
Tint
Nstraclassic@reddit
Ones that accomplish your goal cost effectively
Mchi5@reddit
I switched to an EV but back in the day an exhaust was always my first mod of choice. If I was purely trying to extract more horsepower then you would need like an intake. Headed etc
But usually stock cars were way too quiet. My last fun car was the last gen Miata Club sport, manual. So quiet but fun. An aftermarket exhaust made it so much more fun to row the gears
HenryLoggins@reddit
Upgrading to a quality stereo system.
Sdwerd@reddit
Sound deadening. It's something that can't be seen, won't decrease the value of the vehicle, and can make a large difference to the experience of an older vehicle.
Imaginary-Thing-7159@reddit
turbo
Amarathe_@reddit
Twin turbos. Really wakes a car up
MarsupialAntique6017@reddit
I’m going to add a quality steering wheel. It’s the main input and what you touch most might as well enjoy it. I had one in my Golf and I’m trying to find a similar unit again for my new car.
simplystriking@reddit
Good tires
arabcowboy@reddit
Driver mod
VW-MB-AMC@reddit
It can depend a lot on the given car. On my VW 1302S urethane bushings, more caster angle, shorter and stiffer springs, and upgraded sway bars improved the handling quite a bit. I mostly prefer factory stock cars now, but this one was built after what I dreamt of when I was 16. This year I want to build a strut tower brace for it. The 1302 and also the 1303 is a bit soft in the front end. A brace can be a very positive addition both to improve handling. I have been tild that it can also reduce noise.
Leave_Eye607@reddit
Ceramic tint really helps with the heat
Cheap tint just bubbles, fades, and does nothing to actually help.
Badkus757@reddit
A decent sound system if you have a fairly long commute. Nothing like driving for a hour, sometimes in traffic just get to your driveway and want to wait for the song to end before you get out
R2-Scotia@reddit
Tyres, brakes, suspension
TheJumpingPenis@reddit
When i had my supercharged buick, a fenderwell intake. For $150, I could finally hear that supercharger breathe. Plus, it was always funny to blip the throttle past an unsuspecting pedestrian and spook them with a supercharger noise.
Jjzeng@reddit
Carplay
Instantly modernised my 2008 e93. Such a simple QOL update yet so brilliant, especially with the mr12volt head unit retaining the original infotainment screen
Altruistic-Rip4364@reddit
Remote start. I love this in the winter.
usernamewho1234@reddit
Heated seats. I added Clazzio leather covers to my Tacoma and got the oem style switches. Not a performance mod, but a feels great on my back every morning mod
FixMysterious5969@reddit
I know it sounds spoiled but I can't live without heated seats and steering wheel, as well as the ability to pre heat the cars 😂
Ken-_-Adams@reddit
I fitted a double din infotainment system in my wife's 2006 Honda Jazz.
I put the usb connector in the glovebox so she can use car play and the phone isn't a distraction
menamestom@reddit
Modern GDI Turbo cars - a stage 1 map. Not just for more power, but manufacturer maps are restricted by needing to cover different regions, climates, fuel standards, legislation etc. A decent country specific map that hones in on specific fuel availability and temperatures can really release the potential of the car, without going for silly power. They retain engine protection but improve torque curves and drivability.
_EnFlaMEd@reddit
Rear sway bar on on a FWD like a civic. Best bang for buck.
AcceptableSession852@reddit
For general hpde and trackday people. 90% would benefit most from an organic spacer mod
NoMaize5700@reddit
Momo steering wheel. Was an option on my car, 20+ years after it was originally made with optional bodykit, performance engine, leather, bigger wheels - but not the momo - I found a second hand wheel, fitted it, and it feels like a complete package now.
If there was no such option on the civic, there's a for workshops that can mod your wheel or make a new one from scratch, even retain airbag and sometimes buttons in some cases.
Dinglebutterball@reddit
Nitrous.
Imaginary-Room1202@reddit
And a green Neon glow underneath the car. Preferably he gets 2 more identical civics.
Fast_Professional_30@reddit
Really just rims, a set of beautiful alloy rim n maybe window tint
tires n suspension r just regular maintenance items.
Everything else is a waste of money
promethazinep@reddit
Dumb question...
If I take my car in for new brakes or a new suspension, I don't pick the parts.
I dont even know what brand they use, they just do it.
Can I ask them to upgrade the parts? Or is that a specialty shop?
I have a newish car, but its nothing fancy. I would like to maintain it for as long as I can though.
UniqueAnswer3996@reddit
You can ask. Lots of mechanics will give you some options and hopefully explain the pros and cons of using them vs the stock version.
UniqueAnswer3996@reddit
Cosmetic changes are worth it if you appreciate the difference in appearance enough compared to the cost.
Same goes for things like exhaust or intake mods that mostly change sound and only give negligible performance benefit.
If you get more enjoyment out of those noises then maybe it’s worth it.
It doesn’t have to be all about performance, although if your preference is exclusively performance then they’re maybe not for you.
Suspension upgrades can give you a good benefit in handling, but I would recommend not cheaping out on things like coilovers or you might end up with something worse for a daily drier than if you left it stock. There are tradeoffs too, like a stiffer ride, which some people don’t like.
Viking2151@reddit
I depends on the vehicle for me and I don't feel like 1 answer really fits everything, like brakes and tires might be good for your civic but may not really be worth it on idk, a under powered Geo Tracker lol, idk.
mikewilson2020@reddit
The biggest difference i noticed was when I swapped the ditchfinder 5000s for a set of pilot sport 5 and ps 4 on 2 different cars.
Wet handling is amazing Grip is phenomenal They hold up better to pot holes too
V8sOnly@reddit
Great sounding audio cures a lot of ills IMO, then definitely replacing steel rims with aluminum, and a set of tires for the way you drive.
Calm-Frog84@reddit
I have a Honda civic as well, I think adding floor mat, carpets and phone holder were really worth the money invested.
Quite happy about the tow hook as well, really useful. I tow a 1 250 kg glider trailer over 600-800km and return every year and have lot of fun on my holidays, best add on I have made.
Less_Improvement8583@reddit
Nos sticker
awqsed10@reddit
Radio and speakers. The factory ones are terrible compared with the cheap Chinese amplifier and headunit.
thelazygamer@reddit
Depends on the car. I always buy used and generally prefer the adjustability of a higher trim or luxury vehicle to fit my height. Most people are using some streaming app and that's going to limit their audio experience more than a decent factory setup. That being said, there are some cars where the base trim audio is so bad (last gen 4Runner), I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
grand_speckle@reddit
This and some good sound deadening in key places are what I thought of first too. Not a performance mod obviously but if the car is getting daily driven these are super worthwhile things to do imo
kenyasanchez@reddit
Rear sway bar. Noticeable right away.
PleasantProblem5877@reddit
Broadway mirror
UpbeatAd9896@reddit
dual exhaust
franksautillo@reddit
I love my under the seat powered subwoofer.
oddchihuahua@reddit
Track day intro class.
Learn the racing line. Learn that tires like to only do one of three things at any one time- accelerate, brake, turn. As soon as you try to mix the two you quickly increase your chances of losing control. Lastly ride passenger while an instructor does a lap in the driver seat. You’ll probably be shocked just how hard you can throw a car around while staying in complete control.
00goop@reddit
Dogbone insert in a fwd car.
GezelligheidBoyz@reddit
Driver mod. Not joking
thousvnd@reddit
Ceramic window tint
OakleyEd23@reddit
Skill
ajaxp0wder@reddit
Suspension (poly bushings/good coilovers)
Tires
Wheels
Brakes (bigger / grabbier)
LS swap
Stand alone
Big Ole Wuhan war whistle.
Lonely-Implement4824@reddit
ClearPlex on the front windshield on modern vehicles is almost a necessity. It has saved me a few times!
hermit22@reddit
Taco rear power sliding glass for a gmt800 pick up.
Longjumping-Log1591@reddit
A Student Driver Magnet on the back of your car
blunttrauma99@reddit
Simplify and add lightness.
Anxious-Depth-2723@reddit
But beware The Prince of Darkness.
Zadoid@reddit
Steel braided brake lines. Especially if you drive an older car.
reddit_tookmybaby@reddit
Projector headlights on my EK Civic are amazing - I can actually see. Upgrade the bushings if they are old. Don't cheap out because they are a lot of work. I love my exhaust on the BRZ - it makes every drive happy.
kiwibrick@reddit
Short shift kit on a manual.
I also replaced all the front bushes with a roller bearing kit, made the front end unbelievably direct and accurate
Adept-Werewolf-202@reddit
A biiiig fat turbo ... defo worth the money lol
maybach320@reddit
Tires, brakes, suspension, hot take but a good radio/speakers, and preventative maintenance.
guyfromthepicture@reddit
Alignment, tires, seat time.
basscycles@reddit
Weight loss, some components are lighter, removing back seat, carpets etc. If you remove enough weight you wont need bigger heavier tires and upgraded (read heavier) brakes. Drill everything, carbon fibre for what's left.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r92int4KKZk worlds lightest Porsche
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNCY6hu33XA&t=1s worlds lightest AE86
homelab69420@reddit
A Tune. But only if you have a turbo.
heyitsYMAA@reddit
There's definitely times a tune will help even on naturally aspirated cars.
On my first gen BRZ an aftermarket exhaust manifold and a tune got rid of the infamous torque dip below 4k RPM or so. Admittedly there wasn't a huge gain in maximum horsepower, but fixing that made a big difference in daily driving. Totally worth it.
And this one might be more for motorcycles, but modern bikes sometimes stumble a bit at low RPM or have other fueling oddities trying to meet emissions standards. A good tune will usually help that too.
mangosmoothie1@reddit
I've never regretted upgrading things I constantly use or touch. Sound system, steering wheel, shifter, seat. Cooling mods or any other mod that increases reliability of the car due to a factory shortcoming. NC Miata had a plastic coolant expansion tank that would crack, and lead to big issues. An aluminum replacement was nice. A lot of cars have plastic radiators that can just explode at any moment. Some cars or use cases can benefit from oil coolers/trans coolers.
I can tell you things I did regret - Exhaust (typically ended up too loud and I'd be lying if I said I noticed the gains from a header back system vs just a cat back), suspension (too much for the use case, doing things that now need maintenance which were previously maintenance free, doing things that added NVH), na to forced induction, bigger turbo on a stock turbo car. I'm not saying I'd never do these things again, but I would go about them different ways and encourage you to pick very carefully. Do things that are well documented and supported or end up close to a factory option.
apache_brew@reddit
My buddy hector swears by his turbo charged spoon engine with motec exhaust. The nitrous kit is the icing on the cake
Slight-Addition-2488@reddit
Light wheels. Especially light wheels that you trust. Konigs are my go to.
fr33dommachine@reddit
Two best things I've done to my car so far was modern led headlights and an overdrive trans. Makes the day to day so much better.
StaarvinMarvin@reddit
Mainly fwd manuals, but sometimes engine mount inserts can be fantastic at eliminating wheel hop.
I put one in my zc33s swift sport and gear changed are better with just about no wheel hop now when giving it the boot.
brisket_curd_daddy@reddit
Performance tune if you want better performance. Eco tune if you want better fuel economy.
Tossaway198832@reddit
Half the comments here are maintenance and tires, not mods. Reddit is fully cooked.
Here’s what I’ve done to my 30 year old daily driver. (Lexus LS400, 312K, owned it for 16 years.
Add in a quality head unit with CarPlay/Handsfree that comes with a mic for the headliner/rear view mirror and sound system. Makes a 10-30 year old car feel modern and they’re pretty simple to install.
Ceramic tint all around. Great look, makes it feel private. It’s awful driving around in a fishbowl.
Adding LED lamps for your interior lights.
Upgrading your headlights/taillights.
not sure if I’d call it a mod, but nice rims and a better looking offset to make the car look more sporty/aggressive.
Engine mods are more up to your style, I’d leave it stock if reliability is #1. I left my LS400’s suspension and engine alone, I just do the maintenance and repairs when needed.
notyellin@reddit
Stopping power always before horse power. Exhaust , get a rust hole in the exhaust under the car , that hot exhaust will rot your car out in no time.
string_flickin@reddit
Jb4 is absolutely the best and accurate power mod short of an ecu tune, so if your in cali like me and dont wanna worry about passing smog jb4 is an easy 40hp gain
Jcklein22@reddit
Fart can
MutedMeaning5317@reddit
Cold air intake.
Better airflow and colder air makes for a better runner all around.
DeltaAlphaGulf@reddit
Seat covers.
Mash_man710@reddit
Driver mod. Do an advanced driving course. Once you know what the car can do, you can better decide on the mods you need.
Classic-Ad4224@reddit
Hadn’t seen anyone say the pay it off mod yet. That’s my favorite one
SurlyJohn009@reddit
Since everyone says Tires and wheels, I'll say brakes and stainless steel brake lines.
Upgraded the brakes on my TLX, amazing difference from OEM.
hk4213@reddit
You are on the right track.
Getting all major fluids flushed, brakes and tires.
After that its your choice.
demon_twink_gockie@reddit
Those are all repairs. Not mods
hk4213@reddit
But a suspension mod will make the most direct impact on your driving experience.
I want to put bilstien rally suspension on my sportwagon.
SemperBavaria@reddit
Lighter Flywheel, adjustable suspension and stabilizers
DeLaVicci@reddit
Cannot possibly go wrong with a set of Nagasaki Noisemakers.
Massive-Question-550@reddit
tires and non low profile rims. a bit of extra side wall makes for a nicer ride and will help prevent wear on your suspension.
Servant0fSorrow@reddit
LSD. Difference in handling it made on my civic was night and day in comparison to the open Differential it came with
Prestigious_Tiger_26@reddit
I took your advice and now I'm tripping balls.
RedOakNinja@reddit
Can never go wrong with the right tires for the right purpose, and good brakes. Beyond that, the most sensible mods are those that fix known issues with the car. For example, I had an E36 M3 awhile back. Those cars are notorious for cooling system failures related to plastic/weak OEM parts, specifically water pump impellers and thermostat housings. I replaced all of it with upgraded, METAL parts, and while I was at it, also upgraded the radiator and plumbing. Another one that I think is sensible is to upgrade manual transmissions to clean up sloppy or long throws.
eagledog@reddit
I did the same after my water pump failed on the side of the road during the peak of summer, and it was 100 miles from the nearest dealer they could tow it to.
Ok_Two_2604@reddit
RA1s
Glittering_Jicama175@reddit
Heavier anti-sway bars.
rudbri93@reddit
tires, brakes, driver mod. a weekend autox event can really help you get a feel for your car at the limit of grip properly.
Rashaen@reddit
Getting a new driver is especially important.
Rds707@reddit
For manual transmission cars I love anything that makes the shifter more engaging. From a short shifter to stiffer bushings. Improving the feel of the things you touch on every drive is always a benefited mod.
IntheOlympicMTs@reddit
Racing/driving school. Lessons from a pro driver will provide more gains than anything else.
Also Tinted windows. I hate the sun so I tint every cars windows I’ve got.
Kdoesntcare@reddit
Wheels and tires. Just tires will have an effect but you might want to change wheels to fit different sized tires. Smaller wheel taller tire which can improve ride comfort and the inverse.
LED interior lights, if they're not stock for the car they're nice to have.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
A rear wing, but only on FWD 4 cylinder cars.
Sweet_Speech_9054@reddit
Nitrous
MichaDaFox@reddit
Tires/ and wheels are always number one upgrades for me. Newer compounds and treads are grippier, last longer, and are usually quieter than whatever came on my cars stock. I tend to go for a more performance oriented tire. I usually do the wheels at the same time as I buy very old cars, and trying to find good tires in original rim sizes is often difficult. Newer rim designs often let you get a much lighter than OE wheel with a similar strength. Lower rotational mass is just better all around.
Mods I liked, but are not actually needed. I removed HICAS ( 4wheel steering) on my sedan because it makes the car feel odd on the highway. I replaced a lot of compliance bushings with spherical bearings on control arms and end links. Replaced fixed length (non adjustable) caster rods, Upper control arms, etc with adjustable turnbuckle style units, and used solid Poly, Delrin, or metal bushing replacements where I could. I really prefer exceptionally tight handling and will put up with more harshness and vibration as a trade off.
Mods I rather regret : Full Dump valve and and a wastegate screamer. It's rather obnoxious and while it was cool for about 5 minutes its annoying in traffic, and people absolutely give you a death stare over the two. No matter how gently I drive, people tell me they know when I leave and when I get home.
funny9uy@reddit
Window Tint. You’d be surprised how much it helps an uncharged 90s car’s A/C.
ZaphodG@reddit
Receiver hitch. It dramatically enhances the utility of the car.
I’m in snow country. TuxMat tub-style floor mats catch all the snow melt so your carpets don’t get soaked.
I have winter wheels and good snow tires.
ChemistryMedium@reddit
Aftermarket intake especially on a compressed engine. I love being able to hear the supercharger whine better. I have a convertible so going through tunnels with the supercharger screaming is glorious
Yeeeeeahbuddddy@reddit
iDrive on a turbo diesel!
Rex_Steelfist@reddit
Good tires and lighter wheels.
samuellbroncowitz@reddit
Weld in subframe connectors. It made a massive difference in how my new edge GT handled and sounded. Lots of mystery freaks and groans disappeared
Ok_Watercress_7801@reddit
Having a truck topper, camper topper, contractor topper type cover on my small pickup truck added weight, but the aerodynamic flow of things kinda balanced out my mileage & makes for a much more pleasant and stable drive, even in bad weather.
It’s a 2009 Toyota Tacoma, 5 speed manual. 4 cylinder, regular cab, long bed.
Just hit 70,000 miles last month.
Totes smooth ride
Mr_Rhie@reddit
window visors, USB ports for rear seats (mine didn't have one), dashcam and daytime running lights.
NoEmu5969@reddit
1200w Inverter.
Objective-Deal8745@reddit
Leather seats!
I did Alea Leather, but Katzskin is really good too!
DELTA_TSA@reddit
Tint
doc_55lk@reddit
Very car dependent and honestly a bit user dependent too. On my dad's car for example, a mod that's worth doing is unplugging the oil pressure solenoid. This improves the longevity of the engine. On my car, a mod that'd be worth doing is a smart top module. This allows me to operate the roof while moving. I've also considered an exhaust valve modulator so I can have finer control of the exhaust valves (therefore making my car louder or quieter when I want it to be).
A more car/user agnostic mod would be tires or some form of smartphone connectivity on an older car, whether it be through a module or something as simple as an aux cable, cassette adaptor, or FM transmitter.
ybarracuda71@reddit
Have a Bluetooth radio converter in my 30 year old car was a nice mod
DriveRightCarBuying@reddit
Reputable tune. Especially for turbocharged cars.
SilentButtDedly@reddit
Tires are enormous. Good springs/shocks or coilovers are huge too -- if they are matched to your purpose.
Sway bars can make a major difference too -- not just in body roll reduction, but can really affect steering response. Long ago when I had an EM1, a fat Progress bar really made it feel so much more responsive at turn-in...was like a different car. Huge difference for the relatively low cost compared to things like tires or brakes.
Daimler-450@reddit
Driver mod.
wolfmann99@reddit
Central diff locker button, but thats pretty specific to an 80 series lc.
Equana@reddit
Tires for sure
Fix the broken stuff, clean the car in and out
A head unit with CarPlay...decent speakers
Good seats..either aftermarket or OE from a better car
A good alignment
ChemEngTinker@reddit
Auto Start/Stop Eliminator
TacticalPidgeon@reddit
Adding forced induction to a manual V8 sports car is so much fun! But since you don't have a V8 - tires, brakes, and suspension upgrades. Adding a heated steering wheel to my truck this year since I've driven plenty of vehicles with that, and I'm tired of my hands feeling frozen in the winter. Can't believe I'm still upgrading vehicles almost a decade old or older lol.
Dirtyace@reddit
Depends on the car.
Tires and brakes are huge.
On most forced induction cars tunes and supporting mods (pulleys, fuel systems, etc) make a huge difference but you need to have a good tuner who knows what they are doing.
aquatone61@reddit
Better shocks and tires. Good tires make a car do everything better and good shocks make good tires even better.
7ar5un@reddit
The ktuner made the biggest difference for me...
_Rock_Hound@reddit
Regular maintenance
Zestyclose_Panda_886@reddit
Good tires. :)
CtrayX@reddit
AOS.
mattkime@reddit
Fuzzy dice
FailingComic@reddit
Mud flaps. First thing i do on any car.