If you’ve read our previous blog covering the laws of modified cars, you’ve now got the green light to begin your modification journey. Whether you’re a car enthusiast who has just bought their first car or someone who is looking to get involved with the ever-evolving community, we’re here to help.
Insurance
As we’ve already mentioned, we highly recommend declaring any modifications you make to your car to your insurance provider. It can be easy to avoid telling them and thinking they won’t find out, which they probably won’t. However, if you’re ever in an accident they’ll be sure to look for a way to not pay out, and undeclared modifications are a simple way for them to do so.
But is it going to cost an arm and a leg to declare any modifications you make? Luckily, there are more and more insurance companies appearing, specifically catered to modified cars. Below are a few of the more recognised companies offering such a service.
Car Styling Parts
There has always been a market for “upgrading” how a car looks. We quote upgrading, as it is and always will be subjective. Everyone has their own opinion on what makes a car look good, which is great as it makes for a healthy yet diverse aftermarket industry leading to new designs and innovation.
Thinking back to the Max Power days where bigger often meant better, we now have much more variation, but don’t get me wrong, Liberty Walk is still on top of the game and ABT is up there with them.
However, more recently, there seems to be a transition and demand for OEM+ products. Without further ado, of course, we plug Maxton Design. Our products are a great entry point into the world of car modification, as they are first-time modifier friendly and they also won’t break the bank. The type of car styling parts we offer are a great way to improve the aesthetics of your vehicle without being too over the top, which is why we believe they deserve a place on this list.
ECU Flash/Mapping
If you’re not wanting to improve how your car looks, you’re likely wanting to improve the performance which can be costly. Remapping is a fairly cost-effective way that has a lot of traction in the car community. Essentially, it is the adjustment of your engine control unit, or ECU for short, to bypass any restrictions the car manufacturer has set.
There are both positives and negatives to having this done, but the main goal is to improve your cars performance, overall power, throttle response and smoothness. If you can contain the excitement of this immediate change and avoid accelerating too quickly, you may even see an increased MPG.
However, be wary of the additional strain that may be put on the engine. Ultimately and most importantly, enjoy the new and improved driving experience you’ll be sure to have.
Revo is a staple name and holds a great reputation in this industry.
Adjustable coil overs
There are two main benefits to this modification; lowering your car and improving the handling. Both of which are achieved hand in hand.
The closer your car is to the ground, the lower your centre of gravity, leading to much better handling when taking corners. Therefore, you will notice that most race sports have cars with a low ride height.
Stanced or slammed are terms most commonly associated with a style of modifying cars which emphasises a lowered look, and coil overs help produce this aesthetic element. As we all know, the closer your car is to the ground the cooler you are.
We recommend purchasing adjustable coil overs because public roads are far from the utopia that racetracks are. Speedbumps, potholes, and poorly managed roads can be a pain with a lowered car, a big threat to any exterior styling that is positioned in lower, vulnerable areas. Having the ability to raise it when you need to can be a car-saver.
We recently visited Progressive Parts to have new springs put on our BMW M2, check out the YouTube video here.
Exhausts
Your car now looks the part, but does it sound it? If you’re looking to upset or annoy non-car enthusiasts, an exhaust system is the way to go. But it’s not always about how much louder it makes your car as some really do offer a lot of power gain.
I’m sure the obnoxiously loud boy racer sound still has its place. However, a leader in aftermarket exhaust system, Milltek Sport, sum it up with their slogan: 'Performance to blow your mind, not your ears!'.
We have a fantastic relationship with them, and their exhausts provide an 8%-10% power gain, depending on your vehicle.
We have worked with them on a project for the Ford Fiesta MK8 ST, and more recently the Audi RS3 and BMW 1-Series F40 M135i.
For those who can’t be bothered to read the full blog, I don’t blame you. Here’s a great podcast that analyses and discussing the change of car modifications are their popularity.