There’s something magical about making your car truly yours. It’s not just about turning heads (though that’s definitely a perk). It’s about crafting a ride that responds to your touch, moves the way you want it to and gives you a thrill every time you slide behind the wheel. This is why, according to a report, 7.9 million young people choose to customise their cars, spending around USD$ 7.2 billion (roughly GBP£ 5.6 billion) every year.
Maybe you’re after that perfect exhaust note, craving more horsepower or dreaming of hugging those corners like never before. Whatever your goal, customisation lets you build the car of your dreams. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Determine your goal
Before you start throwing parts in your virtual shopping cart, take a breath and think: what do you really want? Are you looking to:
- Boost horsepower and acceleration?
- Nail those corners like you’re on rails?
- Stop on a dime?
- Turn heads with a killer look?
- Squeeze more miles out of each tank?
- Hit the track without embarrassing yourself?
Having a clear goal will keep you focused and help you prioritise your next move.
Step 2: Know your ride inside and out
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people mess this up. If you’re planning to customise your car, you need to know:
- The exact year your car rolled off the assembly line
- What’s under the hood (engine size, number of cylinders, etc.)
- Any mods you’ve already done
- What kind of transmission you’re working with
- Whether you’re pushing, pulling or doing both (FWD, RWD, AWD)
Why all the fuss? Because even within the same model, there can be big differences between years or trim levels. The last thing you want is to order a part only to find out it doesn’t fit your car’s needs.
Step 3: Research
Now comes the fun part – learning all about performance car parts. But before you start drooling over shiny new parts, it’s time to do your homework. Here’s where to start:
- Enthusiast forums: These are goldmines of info. Find forums for your specific make and model, and prepare to fall down a rabbit hole of upgrade discussions, common issues and real-world experiences.
- YouTube: Watch other gearheads document their builds. It’s like having a friend walk you through the process, minus the beer and pizza.
- Performance shop websites: Even if you’re planning to buy elsewhere, these sites can give you ideas and help you understand what’s out there.
- Manufacturer websites: Go straight to the source for specs and benefits of specific parts.
- Car parts marketplaces: These shopping centers for performance car parts can also be a great place to start. Want to know the different brands you’re dealing with? The price range? The best-rated products? These platforms got all this covered, helping you narrow down your choices even further. And when you’ve finally made up your mind, you need not go somewhere else. You can make a purchase right away.
Remember, you’re not just shopping – you’re learning about pros and cons, potential headaches, and how different mods play together.
Step 4: Learn popular upgrades
Since the auto parts aftermarket is a growing industry with a staggering value of USD$ 448 billion (around GBP£ 348 billion), there surely is a pool of upgrades you can choose from. But here are some crowd favourites:
Exhaust systems
From cat-back systems to full replacements, these can help your engine breathe easier, bump up your power and give your car a growl that’ll make your neighbours’ heads turn. Just be mindful of noise laws unless you enjoy chatting with the local PD.
Suspension components
Coilovers, lowering springs, sway bars and strut braces can dramatically improve your car’s handling. Plus, they can give you that low-rider look if that’s your thing.
Brake upgrades
Bigger rotors, grippier pads and stainless steel brake lines can seriously improve your stopping power. These are extra important if you’re cranking up your horsepower – you need to be able to rein in all those horses!
Cold air intakes
These can boost horsepower and fuel efficiency by increasing airflow to your engine. In fact, some manufacturers even highlight a five- to 20-horsepower boost! They’re often one of the first upgrades people make because they’re relatively cheap and easy to install.
Engine management
Tuning devices or ECU flashes can optimise your engine’s performance, especially if you’ve made other mods.
Forced induction
Turbochargers and superchargers can give you a massive power boost, but they’re also complex and pricey. So, they’re not really for the faint of heart (or wallet).
Wheels and tires
Often overlooked, but a good set can transform both your car’s look and performance.
As you’re picking out parts, think about how they’ll all work together. Some upgrades might need supporting mods. For example, if you’re significantly boosting your power output, you might need to upgrade your clutch or differential to handle all that extra power.
Also, consider the order of your upgrades. It usually makes sense to start with the basics (like intake, exhaust and a tune) before diving into the more complex stuff.
Step 5: DIY or call a pro?
Once you’ve got your shiny new parts, you need to decide – are you installing them yourself or are you leaving it to the pros? This depends on your skill level, your tools and how complex the installation is.
Some upgrades, like cold air intakes or shift knobs, are pretty straightforward and can be great DIY projects. Others, like slapping on a turbo or overhauling your suspension, might be better left to people who do this for a living.
If you decide to DIY, make sure you have the right tools and a safe place to work. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t be too proud to ask for help if you get stuck.
Final thoughts
Customising your car is rarely a one-and-done deal. As you enjoy your upgrades, you’ll probably start dreaming about what’s next. Maybe you’ll want to fine-tune your current mods or perhaps you’ll be eyeing that next big upgrade.
That’s the beauty of being a car enthusiast – there’s always something new to learn, some way to improve, some goal to chase. So keep exploring, keep learning and, above all, keep enjoying the unique thrill that comes from driving a car that’s truly your own!
