Cheap mod that actually improved your car the most vs. the one that was a total waste?
Posted by Mental-Philosophy3@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 85 comments
sfo2@reddit
It’s not “cheap,” but the universal answer here is tires.
Other options would be better brake pads (if brake feel is an issue), and a modern stereo head unit on an older car.
ILoveHorse69@reddit
For a big enough vehicle, a bed frame, or for a smaller one, an inflatable bed that fits in your back seat. Being able to fall asleep wherever you want in your car is not just useful but also responsible. Do not drink and drive, or even drive while tired. You can pull over in a safe place, take a nap until you feel refreshed,and you can hit the road again. Its great for after concerts, road trips, crashing at a friend's place, camping, festivals, etc.
UniquePotato@reddit
Good glass cleaner makes a world of difference if you can call that a mod
256684@reddit
I am actually looking for a good product right now. what do you recommend?
mhn_10@reddit
Stoner Invisible glass
I guess most of the the brands should work. You need to look for ammonia free. Invisible glass is usually recommended in r/detailing
UniquePotato@reddit
Autoglym fast glass
ChemistAdventurous84@reddit
Any product suggestions?
reap_the_fallen@reddit
I use maguires for my cars seems to do the trick for wheels and interior cleaning.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
I call that a mod and you’re right
SokkaHaikuBot@reddit
^Sokka-Haiku ^by ^UniquePotato:
Good glass cleaner makes
A world of difference if
You can call that a mod
^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
SunRev@reddit
Tinted windows are great if you live in a sunny area.
Properly inflated tires.
Suspension alignment.
The best tires you can afford.
StunningAttention898@reddit
A hardwired dash cam.
ChemistAdventurous84@reddit
I’m about to do that. I installed a Y-cable to pull accessory power from behind the mirror (lane assist computer). I’m also putting one on the rear window powered from the wiper motor (yess, there’s accessory power there, too, so the wiper parks after the switch is turned off) - that’s a little more advanced. I’m using Garmin Mini 3s - they’ll operate independently but the app will connect to both and sync video exports. No cables all over the place - worth the effort.
RacingNeilo@reddit
Wouldn't hard-wiring it in be better through the fuse box?
How i did mine.
StunningAttention898@reddit
Mine is powered through the obd2 port as it’s much easier and if I have any engine problems I can just unplug it. Using the obd2 port also powers the parking mode.
ChemistAdventurous84@reddit
Yeah, if I had wanted parking mode I would have done it differently.
ChemistAdventurous84@reddit
With the Y-cable, it’s using the same fuse as the computer. I’m using a 4” USB cable and no wires to run across the top of the windshield/rear window, under the headliner or A/C pillar trim. Nice and clean.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
I b definitely agree to that
CameronsTheName@reddit
Window tint or sound deadening / mass loaded vinyl.
A proper ceramic/ UV tint can make a car feel so much nicer. Reduced interior temperatures in the summer, no sunburnt arm on long trips. And the car looks like a higher trim model.
Sound deadening in the boot, front doors and firewall make a massive difference to the tinny noises in your car. Mass loaded vinyl under the carpet and between the roof & roof liner reduce so much road noise. Your car goes from feeling like a 90's Hyundai to a Lexus.
I drive a little 2007 base model VW hatchback and people have commented on how quiet it is on the highway. Stock it was horrible, but with $500 of sound deadening/MLV and insulation with a weekend worth of work put in made a huge difference. It's quiet, no rattles, no twangs, barely any road or wind noise nothing. The doors feel heavy and thud when closed instead of being tinny.
bratikzs@reddit
The sound deadening gives me so much hope! Once I finally sort the trunk leak (ugh. Buhumbug) that’s the next thing on the to do.
Any recommendations on materials to use?
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Definitely
bauertastic@reddit
A garbage bin made my car way better, especially for road trips
505backup_1@reddit
Converted the dumbass Chrysler kickdown linkage to a cable using junkyard parts off a Chevy, so much better
YozaSkywalker@reddit
Tires tires tires tires. It's the only mod that will actually make your car perform better without spending many times more
EvilCaveBoy@reddit
Driver mod. Take a track day with a good instructor in your passenger seat.
nachofred@reddit
Properly inflated tires. They can have an impact on handling, safety, fuel economy, and ride comfort.
smthngeneric@reddit
That's not a mod that's just bare minimum maintenance.
Imaginary-Feeling362@reddit
You'd be surprised
smthngeneric@reddit
That's not how it works. Just because someone doesn't do it doesn't mean it's a mod. Is an oil change a mod? How about new brake pads? Serpentine belt replacement mod? See my point yet?
Imaginary-Feeling362@reddit
No I mean like you'd be surprised how many people don't check their pressure lol.
smthngeneric@reddit
Ok? I never said everyone checks it i just said it was basic maintenance, because it is.
Imaginary-Feeling362@reddit
Go eat a Xanax my boy. You need a chill pill king
michalfabik@reddit
Is this actually ever an issue or am I just abnormally lucky? The only times I've ever dealt with tyre pressure was when I had a puncture (3 times in ~20 years IIRC). Other than that, I inflate the tyres to precisely 2.3, then 6 months later when I'm swapping tyres, I check the pressure again and it's precisely at 2.3, no exceptions. Is it so common that people's tyres are leaking or that they somehow underinflate them?
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
I thought only I noticed it, though I don’t see it as a mod but rather a basic necessity
mtndewsme@reddit
I feel like I’m getting old with this answer, but a car wash package vs hand washing. When I was younger I wanted to wash and wax by hand. Anymore I just don’t want to dedicate that type of time to it.
Routine maintenance vs “mods.” Simple things like air filter, cabin filter, oil changes and tire rotations (all of which can be done at home) vs cold air filters, or fancy coil packs. Seems like most things labeled as a “mod” are generally considered hacky gimmicks and for the whipper snappers.
neverfakemaplesyrup@reddit
So far idk if I'd call it a mod, and imo far from cheap- I caved and bought my first set of jack stands cause I'm tired of like an entire months pay for basic maintenance- but just un-fucking a car. The only cheap thing is a BT receiver for the aux, and rain deflectors that I installed myself to help with the weak AC- can keep the windows cracked now in rainy Rochester and not worry about the car getting flooded by a sudden storm. Keeps the car from getting roasted and stuffy.
Brakes- rotors, pads, calipers- new rear suspension, new serpentine belt and pulley. $6k in so far. New right headlight assembly. The left one I plan to polish as I am cooked, budget-wise, rn.
The car went from "I think I'm going un-alive myself if I'm in this any longer" to "Okay, I can kinda see this being an alright car. I should see if the frame is okay enough to merit finding a Subaru specialist willing to fix the engine. Maybe it can even handle a drive to the Adirondacks now..". But damn, far from cheap.
akhimovy@reddit
HUD display. I can see exactly how fast I'm going at all times without taking my eyes off the road.
ChemistAdventurous84@reddit
Heads Up Display display? Like an Automated Teller Machine machine? 😉
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Yes I like it, I’d need that too especially that I am bad multitasking
Pathfinder5243@reddit
Removing the roof rack for better fuel economy.
711straw@reddit
Bean bag for the inside of your car. If you live in an area with a colder climate. putting a bean bag in your car (on dash) removes like 90% of the fog from the glass in the morning when you go to start you car up. no sitting for 10 mins waiting for the windshield to clear.
13dinkydog@reddit
Bean bags are wayyyy too big for my dash. Will a hacky sack work?
viskro@reddit
Dogbone insert mounts make a pretty noticeable difference on fwd and pretty cheap
phoneystoneybalogna@reddit
New shifter knob for my JDM fozzie was probably the cheapest/best. The one that came with it felt like the handle of a hammer, got a ball shifter and it feels so much better in my hand
ChainOut@reddit
Short throw shifter, especially if the stocker is old and worn. Very high QOL value $100-$200
MWMWMMWWM@reddit
Guess it depends on the car but exhaust is probably best mod as it completely changes the experience of the car.
Bigredtruckguy@reddit
All of my “fun” cars have been manuals. And as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realize one of the best mods is an aftermarket shirt throw shifter. It makes the driving experience so much better.
I’ve had MGW in my 2015 GT. I have it currently in my C5Z06.
I had a Hurst in my 1990 Foxbody and a Steeda Triax in my 98 cobra.
hourGUESS@reddit
Bigger intercooler. Cooler charge equals more power than any exhaust is going to add.
chillaxtion@reddit
Good floor mats.
itsjakerobb@reddit
Good tires.
They’re not cheap, but they’ll make a bigger all-around performance difference than almost anything else you could ever do.
scream4cheese@reddit
Changing your tires, wheels or both can make a difference as well. Whether it’s lighter wheels, downsizing or up sizing, it makes driving your car like a new experience. Also a nice set of tires make a difference just tires alone
docnsx01@reddit
throttle controller ! i used roar pedal , simple and effective , all new cars use computer to detect the speed and force to which you depress the acceleratior! once depressied it sends the signal to engine to accelerate! if you noticed there is always a delay vs old school when done by a throttle cable (no lag)
this basically a new wire harness that goes inbetween the orig harness and wire to computer allows you via the app to dial in to 30 plus levels of response time making the car more responsive! it does NOTHING to the actual engine horsepower or metrics it gives this more spriited feeling of responsiveness which makes car feeel faster and in my eyes safer like when waiting to make a left across traffic and you depress gas there is no lag anymore! some cars the lag is more noticeable then others!
easy installation after you contort under the dash by accelerator just unplug the harness in gas pedal and plug this in to gas pedal and reattach the orig plug on back end and open app!
there are others , pedal commander , sprint booster etc all do the same but roar is in my opinion best fit the price point , i have the sprint booster i one car only bc i didnt know about roar but have this in three of my others that are automatics, my other garage queens are old school manual !
https://roarpedal.com/products/roar-pedal-controller
SteveHofmeyr@reddit
Higher profile tyres.
icemonsoon@reddit
Cut up slices of heavy duty rubber hose wedged into the stock engine mounts.
Free and improved the lash enough to stop the exhaust hitting the chassis
Vs
Stuff i paid for and left in the garage for years
ArmoredGoat@reddit
A single slab of sound deadening vinyl under the hood. Amazing how much noise car bonnet makes even at 30mph.
that_dutch_dude@reddit
Good: bought high end tires.
Bad: stainless exauses that turned out it wasnt stainless
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
lol I feel bad for you
kelpat14@reddit
Best cheap mod was swapping stock 17x7 wheels for 15x8. Much better performance and ride. Actually ended up saving me money because I sold the stock wheels and replacement tires were much cheaper.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
I think the mod is best for different drivers depending on the car
CameronsTheName@reddit
I remember putting a strut brace on my 1986 Celica at age 17 and thinking "oh yeah ! I can definitely feel the difference".
NO... I couldn't. But it looked cool and that's all that matters. I needed that street cred.
Luckily strut braces and sway bars are usually cheap, so it's not a huge loss.
Mash_man710@reddit
Decent tires beat almost all other 'cheap' mods. Most times an expensive exhaust makes noise and does little else.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Good tires make a world of difference.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Just Aura farm
limp-triscuit-@reddit
One of those little hula girls from Hawaii, makes me happy every time I see it
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Hula Girl or the bobbly headed dash dog.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
See what?
TellemTom@reddit
Good brake pads/fluid, and tires will vastly increase your pace around technical courses.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Yes I agree with this
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
What do you count as a "mod"?
Cheap mod that improved vehicle... window tint. Doesn't have to be pitch black limo tint either. Just some (usually in most jurisdictions) 35%. Helps with UV fade on the interior, helps with temps, actually makes the A/C more effecient (if you use it) because it's not having to fight as solar heat gain.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Hmmmm
Successful_Piano8118@reddit
Proper tune > muffler delete
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Yes actually
not-a-toad@reddit
Someone can tell me if I’m wrong but my friends love to drop big $$ on expensive clutches when theyre replacing them when i feel like they don’t really do anything if the motors making around stock power. Legit just makes it a harder driving experience. In a similar vein, i WOULD recommend a lightweight flywheel when youre in there. Very cheap and worthwhile upgrade imo.
DefrockedWizard1@reddit
best was old style running boards for my F150. like $200 and fit the factory bolts so I was able to install them myself. they form an actual step with treads not those stupid unsafe tube things that are way more expensive
sendme_your_cats@reddit
Tuning software to increase power (600ish dollars)
Vs.
Non-stock intake. (Doesn't do shit except make cool woosh noises so that's a plus)
CameronsTheName@reddit
Lots of people chuck a pod filter in place of the stock intake.
Often the car actually looses power because it sucks in hot air, but it sounds so much better.
I'll take a hot air intake that makes noises over a standard intake that's got mufflers built in.
sendme_your_cats@reddit
Oh no I got the tune and the filter.
Dyno'd at 500whp, so if I'm losing 1 or 5 hp it's definitely worth it because induction noise goes brrrrr
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
lol that’s one, so you mean you prefer the non stock intake
sendme_your_cats@reddit
Yeah, who doesn't want to hear turbo noises?
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s actually cool, what car did you add this mod too
monkeyplex@reddit
Not sure if it counts but one of those wireless Apple CarPlay/Android auto units that just plug into cigarette lighter. Road trips so much nicer for nav and music.
CauliflowerTop2464@reddit
My only mods in my older cars was a bt stereo.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
It does count,I can tell you’re enjoying your mod
rolph4@reddit
Depending on what car you drive the suspension can actually improve quite a lot. It can also f*ck up quite a lot.
Mental-Philosophy3@reddit (OP)
I’d like to know more about this, what car do you drive