Cosmetic Modifications -- Your Thoughts?

"Burrito de EJ25" (alexcarrillo01)
09/08/2013 at 19:35 • Filed to: None

As some of you may know, I'm the proud owner of 2013 WRX sedan. It's been mine for about 11 months. I really, really love it, but there are some things I'd like to personalize. I'm not a fan of large scale cosmetic changes, so I'm looking into stuff like !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and blacking out the chrome trim Subaru thoughtlessly installed on the bottom of the door window frames.

Other things like !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and a better head unit. Modifications that, to the untrained eye, look like it came from the factory.

I'm envisioning those black Special Edition WRX trim pieces with the vinyl chrome delete and a set of black, 18" RPF1s on the stock ride height and my, my, it's lookin' good.

I'm not looking into spending big on cosmetic changes. That money is better spent on performance down the road, though, again, nothing bonkers.

So, what do you guys think? Does your car remain unmolested for the duration of your ownership? Performance modifications only or go home? Do you take the conservative approach, or are you the type that goes wild?

DISCUSSION (34)

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 19:40

My car is strictly Performance mods.

I have a 2.5 inch exhaust tip, makes a hell of a noise though.

I've never been a fan of cosmetics, just the engine mods.

dropthatclutch > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 19:40

I mostly focus on performance modifications, but almost always the first thing I do with any car is de-badge it. Typically gives it a cleaner look.

Bandit > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 19:42

I say do it. I'm a big fan of subtle modifications. I wouldn't buy rims yet the stock rims are awesome looking, spend the wheel money on performance bits.

hollanddjw 1 > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 19:45

If you're going for RPF1s (which, in my mind, aren't strictly cosmetic), I'd get wheels that are wider or with more offset than stock, provided they don't rub. Just my 2 cents.

A bonus to buying wheels: you can use the stockers for winter duty!

Burrito de EJ25 > Bandit
09/08/2013 at 19:48

That's later down the road. Performance precedes cosmetic, but the stuff I plan on doing to the car's look are so cheap that it really doesn't eat into my "performance budget".

And I agree. The stock rims are nice. Although, they do look a bit goofy from certain angles. They're an inch too small (17s).

NinetyQ > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 19:49

I am of the type that modifies nothing and just fixes stuff. But I'm poor, cheap, and my newest car is a '96, so that makes sense.

Burrito de EJ25 > hollanddjw 1
09/08/2013 at 19:53

They're really lightweight. I included them to paint a better picture of what I want the car to look like.

I really don't want anything that's going to compromise daily driving duties. This is my commute companion, so any rubbing is a big no-no for me.

Also, I live in Los Angeles. What is " winter" ?

Bytemite > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
09/08/2013 at 20:06

Because an exhaust tip is a performance mod.

Bytemite > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 20:09

I don't know why you would want to tear up your brand new car's interior by fitting aftermarket boots and gloves on your shifter and handbrake...Just leave it alone and enjoy your brand new ride. Anything you do to it right now isn't gonna match the fit and finish of a 2013 car.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Bytemite
09/08/2013 at 20:09

What I meant is the car has a full 2.5 inch system.

And the tip is just pipe.

Not giant 5 inch tip like most people with a custom exhaust.

Bytemite > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
09/08/2013 at 20:13

I see. What car do you have and what exhaust did it come with?

Burrito de EJ25 > Bytemite
09/08/2013 at 20:14

Those I could take it or leave it, but it's not changing much. The car's shifter boot is black pleather. This is leather with red stitching to match the steering wheel and seats.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Bytemite
09/08/2013 at 20:15

I have a Cobalt SS.

Came totally stock.

I did a catless downpipe, and when I worked at a mom and pop shop I made my catback system when I got bored one day, its a full custom 2.5" with a small glasspack.

Engine is an A20NFT, eurospec GM perfromances 4 cylinder engine, with a k04 turbo, 9.5:1 compression ratio, all forged bottom end, aluminum pistons, stock top end minus the 75lb valve springs, custom intercooler and piping plus intake.

A custom tune.

48 Spoons > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 20:16

I like a bit of both style an performance. If its going to look fast, it better be fast.

MountainCommand > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 20:20

I think they call it OEM+

Thats my current approach as well. Its all these little things that were never given to my USDM spec car.

Speaking of red stitching, i admire your taste. I put in a JDM red stitched steering wheel and shift knob into my car. Now im trying to find a complete new leather interior. But thats a challenge.

The little things are nice. Its the day to day things you notice and care about.

Also, look into what was offered for the japanese market for you car, and see if you can find any of them. Usually japan got all the awesome little do-dads.

ohmysti > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 20:28

I've got a hatch, so only black window trim on mine. I had 2 sets of wheels in the first year of ownership, but STI BBS look great on any WRX use adapters to get the right PCD and help push out the rim to get that flush look.

Ferrero1911 > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 20:28

I like the subtle cosmetic modifications. Here's what I've done to my Abarth:

17in OZ Alleggerita's in red (quite light, but also for looks)
H&R lowering springs (looks great, handles better)
30% tint all around
Anodized aluminum shift knob and new shift boot.
A very large red vinyl scorpion on the roof

I like the idea of blacking out the chrome on your car. A subtle, cheap change that will really look great.

Bytemite > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
09/08/2013 at 20:57

That sounds like a complete overhaul on a stock SS...Why did you decide to do all that for a FWD car. The stock 200 HP is balanced for how much power wrong-wheel-drive can handle. Any more than that and you're gonna have trouble using any of that expensive power. Is this a drag car, autoX, or DD?

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Bytemite
09/08/2013 at 21:04

Mines the Turbo SS, so 260 at the crank stock.

And its my Daily Driver...

I did it to be different. And have fun. I like the FWD platform, I can have plenty of fun in a high HP FWD car the same way you can have fun in a RWD car. People don't expect my car do do much, but last I was at the drag strip on my other engine and stock clutch I was running mid 12.

And you'd be surprised, with 400wtq at the wheels it holds up pretty well

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 21:07

Some stock sized lightweight rims.

For the love off all things good and holy do not rice it out with wings stickers and fart cans.

http://www.cobbtuning.com/Subaru-WRX-STI… is a nice one.

Black rims look good on a white car. Also lighter.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCl…

Burrito de EJ25 > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
09/08/2013 at 21:11

My car has quad exhaust tips, so that Cobb system wouldn't fly on my car.

Invidia has some nice stock-looking catback systems.

And those are the exact wheels I'm planning on buying.

LeadfootYT > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 21:31

Good, taseteful choices. The beauty of visual mods is always in the eye of the holder of the keys, but I would nevertheless avoid RPF-1s without even a mild drop. At stock height, they just look... cheap. Your car, though, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it either way.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 21:33

Gotcha, i'm not huge into subi's so i just grabbed the one off Cobb's site. lol

Good choice on rims. I really dig that brand of rims not super expensive but still quality.

I don't know how good the stock blow off valve is but putting an aftermarket one on will change the sound.

Burrito de EJ25 > LeadfootYT
09/08/2013 at 21:35

I'll take that into consideration!

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 21:42

NEEDS MORE STANCE DAWG. At a 15• angle so it's not hellaflush, but aggressively fitted. Also get a numeric racing shifter. The ones they make for Porsche are ill as fuck.

Bytemite > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
09/08/2013 at 21:54

That is a crazy ass FWD car man...400 wtq...for a DD.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Bytemite
09/08/2013 at 22:00

Yeah, it's fun haha.
From a 40 roll I can lay a 50 foot strip barely into it.

If I brake boost I have no grip at all

YSI-what can brown do for you > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 22:35

Subtle?

Bad72AMX > Bytemite
09/08/2013 at 23:33

Luckily, the cars interior is from 08 and on par with the rest of the world's 03. Had one, loved it, but man was that interior cheap. Not at all the point in a WRX, so it didn't bother me at all.

Marshycantdrive > Burrito de EJ25
09/08/2013 at 23:51

Kinja'd!!!

Whatever you do, make sure the fuel lines are tight. I took this picture Friday.

Burrito de EJ25 > Marshycantdrive
09/09/2013 at 00:49

Sad! What happened?

Marshycantdrive > Burrito de EJ25
09/09/2013 at 07:21

Not sure. But the world is less one STI.

hollanddjw 1 > Burrito de EJ25
09/09/2013 at 09:21

I'm sure NASIOC has plenty of information about the correct size and offset to get- be thankful that your car has a large aftermarket.

"Winter" is a time where everything turns shitty. Trust me, you're better off not knowing.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Burrito de EJ25
09/10/2013 at 09:54

Those seem tasteful and restrained, so I say go ahead.

I really like modified cars, but it is easy to go wrong. doesn't look like you'll have that problem though.