Your Best Mods

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley) 01/16/2019 at 11:14 • Filed to: None

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What is the best mod you’ve ever done to one of your cars? Is your preferred mod performance, looks or utility related? A re you a purist who chooses to never change their cars or someone from the “LS swap everything” crowd?

My favorite mods have to either be the lights or the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on the Fiesta ST. But then again, the upgraded rad has allowed me to enjoy AC without overheating. Then again, weathertech mats are nice, but not sure they are a “mod”.

JustAnotherG6 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:18

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yes.

MonkeePuzzle > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:19

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I put a jeep overhead console in my civic. I like it because it was practical, it blended well so looked factory-ish, and it was unique, I’ve not seen anyone else do similar in a Civic. 

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:20

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I dunno. Maybe the trailer hitch I made for the Rover out of plate to work as both a stronger hitch than normal and leave clearance for the power takeoff unit. Since I haven’t done the front suspension anti-harsh crank delete and spring rate + sway bar update on the Galaxie yet.

Independent rear suspension and V8 swap into the Ranchero don’t count because it’s not operational.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:20

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I don’t mod a whole lot, but my favourite was the dog leash strap on the Miata soft top. Made it super easy to close the top while sitting in the car, especially since I don’t even lift.

Found a picture of it - you just cut up a leash and screwed it under the regular handle.

My favourite aesthetic mod is the front plate relocation on the BRZ. Was expensive though - a good quality kit approaches $100.

Future Heap Owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:20

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Put an aux input in my Corolla.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > MonkeePuzzle 01/16/2019 at 11:20

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picture?  I can’t picture that, but it sounds unique!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Future Heap Owner 01/16/2019 at 11:21

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oh yeah.  that is a major upgrade.  Can’t drive without tunes

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:22

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The most I’ve done is an air intake and a tune on my Taurus SHO, the tune sure woke that car up though!

Now that I have the A6 I’m going to consider an APR tune at some point, but for now I’m enjoying it plenty as it sits.

As for weathertech mats, my A6 came with a full set (including the trunk), it sure is nice!

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:23

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i put a little strip of red tape on me pandas steering wheel

because race panda

i liked it

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 01/16/2019 at 11:25

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I have no VW products, but still peruse the APR site from time to time.  I say do it.

CalzoneGolem > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:25

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Usually it’s a stereo.

This is a pretty good one imo :  https://oppositelock.kinja.com/where-do-i-put-my-phone-1820986585

Tripper > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:26

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Best overall: The shifter in my M3. It’s a UUC evo 3 short shift kit with the optional reinforced selector rod and a weighted ZHP knob...I’m nearly $1000 all in on a damn shifter, but it is perfect.

Most improved : Ranger - It came with no power options (manual locks) a factory radio, and a pep boys shift knob. It now has:

A real stereo (Alpine bluetooth headunit, amp, speakers, and insulation everywhere but the roof)

Power locks, keyless entry, remote start, dash cam, backup cam

Wheels, AT tires, bilstein shocks

A wood console lid

A factory shift knob

Newest Mod: Just last night I bought an exhaust for the 02.

vicali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:26

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Most useful mod is probably putting a canopy on. It completely changes the truck into a usable family rig and daily driver.

Prinsu rack is probably my favourite - I left mine anodized alum rather than powdercoating it - it’s 1% of the 1% out there.

Baja Lights are the most extravagant mod, there are way cheaper lights out there but none better.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:29

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I don’t think I have a picture any more, but I put an extra cig lighter, and usb charger port in the center console of my Galant. I had the console out anyway because I had to replace the seat belts so I did it at the same time. It meant I could have a phone charger with out having to look at it. So my 1991 interior stayed The time capsule I wanted it to be.

Also added the little checker print carpet to match the floor mats that I made. 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Future Heap Owner 01/16/2019 at 11:29

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Very useful 

Ssfancyfresh > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:30

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Roof rack everything.

Cars that I have put a roof rack on:

2002 Chevy Cavalier

2005 Chevy Colorado

2001 Audi TT

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

It’s amazing the amount of utility that can be gained by adding a high quality roof rack system to any style of vehicle. I’ll never own a vehicle that cannot be equipped with a factory or aftermarket roof rack.

Rainbow > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:30

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I made a cup holder for my foxbody, which are notorious for not having any stock. No pictures, though, because that was forever ago.

Spanfeller is a twat > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:33

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De-badged my car...but I’m thinking about getting some 18in rims and an exhaust.... eventually 

MonkeePuzzle > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:34

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test fit

fibreglassed in, with new fabric laid over

in the car

interstate366, now In The Industry > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:34

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Accord Euro-R wheels on my Prelude. They’re OEM, lighter, and much better looking. Before:

After:

BeaterGT > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:35

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MGW shifter on the Z06 for precise, short shifts and a shorty antenna to get rid of the R/C car look.  Other than that, tires that were developed this decade.

Best mod on the Legacy GT is easily the hitch. Haven’t done anything else to it.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Ssfancyfresh 01/16/2019 at 11:35

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I've never had a roof rack and would never use one, but really like the way they look on som cars.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > MonkeePuzzle 01/16/2019 at 11:35

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Oh wow! That's a great idea

ihm96 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:41

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Totally forgot about that until seeing this but definitely one of my favorite mods to my Z3 is the period correct alpine unit with an aux that I stealth ran through to my handbrake lol

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:42

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I found this sweet IGLOO cubby-cupholder some years back!

TheRealBicycleBuck > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:43

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The sound wasn’t that much better, but the light show was AWESOME!!!!

Ssfancyfresh > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:46

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Yeah. It’s not for everybody. For me, it started with carrying mountain bikes. Now I carry everything: plywood, lumber, mattresses, kayaks, skis, etc. Anything that can be properly strapped down and is under the load limit goes on the roof. It’s easier (and often safer) to secure any of those things to the roof of my sedan versus inside my wife’s large SUV.

Longtime Lurker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:50

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Tires aren’t really a mod but having the right tires goes a long way to making me happy.

The LSD install on the Ranger was probably the best mod ever. Improved many factors of the truck with only downside being the huge cost.

Stereo is probably the best cheap mod I've done to all my car's.

TorqueToYield > TheRealBicycleBuck 01/16/2019 at 11:54

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Fuck I love slider equalizers not to mention the blinky lights. It’s such a pain to have to dig into a touch screen to just raise or lower the bass or highs a bit to match the song/station. Sliders for the win.

TorqueToYield > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 11:55

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good tires.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Ssfancyfresh 01/16/2019 at 11:58

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I love the roof rack on my Subaru. While it was expensive and somewhat difficult to install on a Sedan, it is SUPER convenient for carrying my skiis. Also eventually plan on using it for a surfboard and mountain bike. I am sure I could find more uses for it too! And it looks way cooler than I thought it would.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:00

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Well, building a racecar my senior year of highschool was pretty fun. Probably my favorite single “mod” was swapping original KLDE engine for a JDM KLZE in my former 93 Mazda MX6. +40hp in a 2600lbs car has a way of waking things up. The lightened flywheel and ceramic coated, port matched headers that accompanied the new engine into the car didn’t hurt either.

gettingoldercarguy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:02

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Suspension, specifically the Ohlins dampers.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:04

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In debate between tires, front sway bar, and exhaust on the Miata. Both the tires and front sway bar contribute massively towards turning ability but exhaust is so lovely that the sound alone makes driving a ton more fun. Having used 200TW, 100TW, and 40TW tires on the car, those are all so amazing compared to “normal” tires. But if tires dont really count as a mod (since they have a usage life) then I think I would definitely go with the front sway bar. It just made a massive difference in being able to turn in with no regard to losing the rear end. Spinning on course just doesnt happen anymore and while the balance is a little understeery at times afterwards, it is just wayyy more balanced than stock or just with coilovers. DEFINITELY the best sub $200 mod to the car by far!

Special shoutout to snow tires on the Miata though. Driving that car in snow is hilariously fun. 

promoted by the color red > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:05

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Shorty antenna on the Miata. One of those small aesthetic mods that replaces the long OEM unit with a more proportional replacement. 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Ssfancyfresh 01/16/2019 at 12:08

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I bought an OEM one for my BMW the day after I bought the car. I’ve used it probably 6, or 7 times in the last 11 months. I think that makes it worth while. I reall y like that it can be totally removed, or installed in about 1 minute. 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > MonkeePuzzle 01/16/2019 at 12:09

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that is awesome! I bet those extra dome lights are handy. 

Urambo Tauro > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:10

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My Mustang’s best mod IMO is the short-throw shifter, but a previous owner did that. So the best mod that I can take credit for upgrading would have to be the Cobra brakes.

I would rank my mod preference as performance first, with utility a close second, followed last by looks. My definition of mod used to be so strict that I would only accept performance-related mods, but I’ve since changed my mind. I now reserve “tuning” for performance mods (not just engine stuff, because brakes and suspensions are things that can be tuned too).

facw > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:10

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Bluetooth! Very minor on the mod scale, but extremely worthwhile.

DipodomysDeserti > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:14

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Most noticeable mod was when I turbo swapped and tuned my old WRX. Bought a used turbo off a newer WRX which saved me a bunch of money and netted me some instant power gaines.

My favorite mod has been the battery delete for my Honda. I built a 40k uF capacitor for cheaps and hid it under the gas tank. The generator is permanently polarized, so with a few kicks she fires right up. Really cleaned up the look of the bike. And makes me feel special every time I kick start her.

Weirdest mod was when I put a bobber subframe on my old SV650. That bike got a lot of attention (from cops and people alike).

DipodomysDeserti > Ssfancyfresh 01/16/2019 at 12:16

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My friend’s send me pictures of unusual cars with racks, as I’m known  to put them on everything I own.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:16

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Rally armor mud flaps. Car still dirty tho.

MonkeePuzzle > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/16/2019 at 12:17

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they were indeed. far more directional too, so if my kid was in the back doing her homework it didnt disturb my driving like havin the one terrible dome light did.

and after replacing the bulbs for LED, with all 4 on at once you could actually find things lost under the seats :D
a before and after gif of the conversion

Nothing > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:17

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So much of what I did to the Miata I enjoyed. Favorite was probably the lighter flywheel, or the Flyin Miata 2.5 suspension, or the 949 wheels/Ventus RS3 tires. Wheels and tires probably were the most impactful handling and looks wise, from the stock daisies.

One thing I do for all of my vehicles are the floorliners. I’ve used Weathertechs for a long time, I switched up to Husky Weatherbeaters in the 4Runner. I prefer the fit/material of the Huskys so far.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:22

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ATs on the van.

3.8L/4-speed swap in the van.

3.0/4-speed swap in the car.

Intake/Exhaust mods on any 90s Mopar.

5-speed swap on my old Acclaim.

Roof basket on the van.

Lowering/building the trans/building the engine in our old van.

Putting a supercharged 3.8L in an RX7.

Built 502/4-speed in a 79 Malibu wagon.

A LOT more.

Guess it depends “what” the mod was for. I mean best performance, best utility, best all around? The best changes severely depending on use.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/16/2019 at 12:27

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Those seat covers tho!

Pickup_man > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:29

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My car mods have mostly been cosmetic, chrome lights for the truck (not something I regret, but not something I’d do again), loud pipes (same), wheels and basic head units. My favorite mod I’ve done to the truck is an OEM+, changing my back seats from a flip forward style , to a newer model flip up style.

Bike and ATV mods are more my thing.

VBAK (Velocity Big Air Kit) on the Warrior, which is essentially removing the massive factory air box, and giving each throttle body it’s own long runner with high flow filters, making the bike much more comfortable, and an absolute monster at mid range RPM. A tuner went with this as well, which makes loads of power but dropped mileage, which can probably be improved if I can get it on a Dyno to fully check the tune.

Going from a 185cc 8.5:1 piston to a 198cc 10.25:1 piston in the 200x. Massive difference in power.

Everything about this bike

frame chop and custom seat, pod filters (once I finally got them tuned), muffler delete, fender delete, side panel delete, custom wiring harness, new headlight, smaller gauges, several paint jobs, at least 4 different sets of bars.... this bike is constantly evolving, next on the list is likely a refreshed and improved suspension, brake upgrade, and potentially EFI.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:29

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Removing the side steps from the 4Runner. I did this after I learned that they held water one day after it froze. Falling 3 feet directly on your back onto concrete doesn't alway end injury free, so I made sure I didn't chance it again. 

Textured Soy Protein > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:29

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MHD Flasher

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > MonkeePuzzle 01/16/2019 at 12:30

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wow. that’ s awesome. I spent 2.5 years with a car that only had a dome light half the time. You come to appreciate that kind of stuff when you dont have it.

Textured Soy Protein > Ssfancyfresh 01/16/2019 at 12:30

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Counterpoint: burn all roof racks, and draw & quarter safari rack owners.

HoustonRunner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:32

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CDV delete on my E39 540. For those not in the BMW world, they install a Clutch Delay Valve in all non M card with manual transmissions. Based on what I have read the intent is to lengthen clutch / transmission life by regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid when the clutch pedal is released (so you can’t “drop” the clutch).

In real life it does that, but in my opinion made it hard for those that know how to shift to do it smoothly.  Also, you couldn't dump the clutch for sweet burnouts.

MonkeePuzzle > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/16/2019 at 12:34

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my current civic has a dome light with faulty door sensors, so not only is the single terrible bulb pathetically weak it rarely comes on when it should.

so I get what you’re saying about appreciating what I had :D

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:34

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1) factory stereo with 6-disc changer ($10)

2) factory leather steering wheel ($45)

3) good Polk speakers in front ($120)

4) Bluetooth kit ($20)

5) factory coin holder in place of blank switch ($1)

6) factory-looking iPod / iPhone controller using repurposed switch ($5)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 01/16/2019 at 12:34

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Devils advocate here, don’t do APR. Their quality has went down while their price has not. Also, they like rebranding their stuff and not admitting it. On GTI’s their tunes tend to be turbo killers. 

DipodomysDeserti > Textured Soy Protein 01/16/2019 at 12:44

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But in places where people can actually use their Jeeps, we need them!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:48

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Stereos in everything. Alpine Type R speakers and an older Alpine head unit in my truck, junkyard factory premium speakers, an Alpine sub and a Kenwood Excelon X500 head unit in the Crown Vic and factory Bose speakers and a Kenwood Excelon X502 in the G35. I do a lot of highway slogs, so I like a decent  quality system.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:53

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My most effective mod has always been by updating the driver.

Continuing instruction, track/cone time  and going on a diet.

Jayhawk Jake > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:55

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Tires. Changing to a truly good autocross tire makes such an enormous difference at autocross that it’s almost unbelievable.

I’ve since stopped caring about tires on the street, I don’t need that level of grip. But I know that if I ever want to improve my cars handling, I’ll start with tires. More people should too. 

functionoverfashion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:58

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Rally school

gettingoldercarguy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 12:58

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Do you have the stock differential in your car?

functionoverfashion > Ssfancyfresh 01/16/2019 at 12:59

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Same here, I’ve had roof racks on just about all my cars. My favorite of course was a beater XJ cherokee where I bolted wood blocks through the roof and used bamboo for the crossbars.

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:02

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Miata-

Summer tires/wider wheels.

6 point Schroth ASM harnesses.

Hidden sound system. 

Volvo-

Turning up the boost, with accompanying mods

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > gettingoldercarguy 01/16/2019 at 13:02

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I do, I have been thinking of an LSD

AestheticsInMotion > MonkeePuzzle 01/16/2019 at 13:03

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That is the coolest thing ever

Ssfancyfresh > functionoverfashion 01/16/2019 at 13:06

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Brilliant! Maybe a little sketchy, but brilliant!

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 01/16/2019 at 13:08

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Oh yikes, who would you recommend?

MonkeePuzzle > AestheticsInMotion 01/16/2019 at 13:08

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thanks :D

gettingoldercarguy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:09

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That was the best mod I did to my fist, that and the pedal riser.

Ssfancyfresh > DipodomysDeserti 01/16/2019 at 13:10

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Yes. I love seeing racks on weird stuff.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:11

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If I had to pick the thing that has made the biggest difference I would say putting disks on the rear of the Z, over mountains they are much better than the drums and even in normal traffic they can bring this light car to a quick stop. Disks were stock in front but not rear. I may enbiggen the front disks someday. Much safer.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:13

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I put one on thr CRV for kayaks but once the M37 is done I will use the truck. 

TahoeSTi > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:17

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Short throw shifters.

vondon302 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:23

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Rubber ducky blinker fluid indicator seems to be the most popular mod I've ever done.

B_dol > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 13:43

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ZHP shift knob in all the BMW cars - s horter and heavier than the stock item allowing for smooth and quick shifts. No need to dive into an intrusive and sometimes ill-designed short shifter kit.

I have many other mods in my cars, but those are largely unnecessary. 

LedRobster > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 14:49

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+1 for MR230

Although in a few weeks when I ditch the worlds du s tiest factory brake pads that’ll probably be my new favorite.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > LedRobster 01/16/2019 at 15:13

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I put the Mountune pads, rotor and line kit on. Not sure on the improvement, but less dust!

This is my parts list so far.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/my-fiesta-st-build-long-1822395991

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 15:44

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Ported and polished the cylinder head on my 97 cavalier when I was in tech  school. Really woke that turd up! And improved gas mileage too!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 01/16/2019 at 15:56

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I know someone who swears by Unitronic, and others by United Motosports. Though if a JB4 is an option, those are nice and almost completely(pinhole in one wire insulator ) un traceable.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > MonkeePuzzle 01/16/2019 at 17:26

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OK, that looks awesome...

Spasoje > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/16/2019 at 18:36

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Suspension! I bought Eibach ProKit springs, Bilstein B6 shocks/struts, and thicker swaybars (H&R rear, GTI 337 front) for my MkIV Jetta a couple months ago.

W h a t a d i f f e r e n c e ! It feels like it’ s c arved out of one piece now, handles fantastically ( e v en the ride is pretty good) . I can take any cor n e r a t a n y s p e e d a n d c h o o s e m y l i n e w h e n d o i n g s o ( I c a n e v e n c h a n g e i t m i d - c o r n e r l o l ) . I t a l s o s i t s l o w e r ( 1 . 3 " , t o b e e x a ct), so the s t a n c e i s j u s t t h e r i g h t a m o u n t o f a g g r e s s i v e , a n d t h e wheelgap is nice and even. I t really makes the GLI wheels I have on it pop.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 01/17/2019 at 09:27

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Gotcha, out of those 3 the only one that offers a tune for A6 is Unitronic.

LedRobster > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/17/2019 at 15:06

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I’m looking at an EBC Redstuff ceramic kit front and back with some of their fancy slotted rotors.