Poll: to mod or not to mod

[new2subaru]

Originally Posted by alan.chalkley

No need to mod.
The car is "fun to drive" straight out of the box.

It absolutely is.

But, if you choose to modify, this car has a huge aftermarket and following.

[86TOYO2k17]

Ls swap? Best of both worlds.

[Tcoat]

Define mod. Changing a shift knob is a mod but so is an engine swap. If you have certain goals in mind and have researched what the gains, costs and risks will be and are willing to accept the results then knock yourself out. If the risks are not acceptable then stay away.
As I recently said in another thread though DO NOT MOD if worried about warranty. To mod your car and then expect sombody else to repair it if something breaks is the definition of feeling entitled.

And why do half of the poll options include "save for something else"? Was this car a settle for situation since others cost too much? If so then modding isn't an answer since no amount of changes will turn it into a Cayman, Supra or Vette.

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by stranger things

For example, I'd like to get wider rims, TRD springs, and a UEL header.

Wider rims can be sold whenever you like and lowering springs are not that expensive. An UEL header is not optimal and if you want to change it just for the sound an alternative is to check for an axleback exhaust.


Additionally, think the reason that you need the car. Is it a daily driven car or a weekend fun car or track car? Are you going on twisty roads or just on the autobahn? What are the speed limits in your area? Overall, no car is BETTER just because it is more expensive. It depends the application you need it, unless you need something for show off.

[86MLR]

Handling mods are a must IMO, every new car I have ever owned has had the handling mods done from near on day one.

If staying NA and your not racing for sheep stations just get an exhaust so it at least sounds good, but then sound is relative to taste, but nothing really gives you a power to cost increase thats worth the money for a street car IMO.

But, if I was more flippant with my money the car would get the full monty, built engine, turbo running about 350 horse.

A nice responsive light(ish) RWD manual running at around 350 is just about perfect IMO.

Yeah, so do that.........

TL;DR, do what ever you want, it's your money

[Leonardo]

It is the reason I purchased the car: to mod it.

[meadowz06]

Originally Posted by stranger things

While I love driving my FR-S, I've been holding off on doing any pricey mods because I've been debating with myself on whether or not it's worth it. For example, I'd like to get wider rims, TRD springs, and a UEL header.

If I decide to keep the car for a relatively long time, then yes, it's probably worth it. But I keep asking myself if I should just save my money for something faster like a used C6. I think I'd be less tempted to mod something like a C6.

Just wondering where others stand.

You won't have as much fun with any Corvette on the street. Enjoy your car, and if you feel like doing some mods, then do it! Just sold my super rare 520+hp C5 for another FRS.

[Enkrow]

If you bought the car because you couldn't quite stretch for another you wanted more, I'd just keep it stock and save up.

But if you bought it specifically because you wanted a twin, I wouldn't feel bad about spending some money on mods. Just make sure you're changing something you actually want to change, rather than letting the internet build the car.

At the end of the day though, there's nothing wrong with leaving the car stock if you're already happy with it.

[Summerwolf]

Originally Posted by meadowz06

You won't have as much fun with any Corvette on the street. Enjoy your car, and if you feel like doing some mods, then do it! Just sold my super rare 520+hp C5 for another FRS.

Super rare?

[Adam_L]

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

No matter what car you get, you will want to mod it in some way.

True, even a window sticker is a mod. One of the main reasons I bought my FR-S was that it came stock pretty much exactly how I wanted it, wheels, interior,etc. The only mods I've done after 2 years is protective items ( 3M tint, weather tech floor mats, mud flaps, clear bra, 3M protective clear for the door handle and door trim, and Cover King storm-proof car cover).

There most likely will come a time where I may do a RCE spring install, maybe 1-2 other suspension upgrades, but after that I'm done. No engine mods, keep it clean, maintain with the best fluids....and keep Rollin smooth.

[Adam_L]

Originally Posted by 86MLR

A nice responsive light(ish) RWD manual running at around 350 is just about perfect IMO.

I'm hearing that. If I ever make another move toward another sports car, after taking some test drives it would most likely be a '10-12 C2 or C2S, 997.2 era (probably not, but maybe) , or a Cayman S '14-'16 (well optioned to how I would like it) . A GTS or GT4 is going to be $10-35k more money. The dilemma / decision would be to configure which transmission to go with

I'd rather buy a car with 320-350 hp , versus trying to build something up months/years later and dropping lots of coin. Bought, not built is my motto.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by Adam_L

True, even a window sticker is a mod. One of the main reasons I bought my FR-S was that it came stock pretty much exactly how I wanted it, wheels, interior,etc. The only mods I've done after 2 years is protective items ( 3M tint, weather tech floor mats, mud flaps, clear bra, 3M protective clear for the door handle and door trim, and Cover King storm-proof car cover).

There most likely will come a time where I may do a RCE spring install, maybe 1-2 other suspension upgrades, but after that I'm done. No engine mods, keep it clean, maintain with the best fluids....and keep Rollin smooth.

You can mod the iSt as well

[Adam_L]

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

You can mod the iSt as well

I have, but I'm done with it. I only did: wheel / tire, suspension ( eibach pro, Tokico adjustable front struts, TRD rear anti-sway bar)....handles 8x better then stock, tint, TRD drop in air filter, stereo system, and that's it. The ultimate would be to drop in the 1.8L vvtl-i celica/ corolla/ matrix engine, with 6spd manual....but i highly doubt ill ever get to that point with the car ( its more of a commuter, reliable, good mpg car). I'll try and post a picture of it here..at some point.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by Adam_L

I have, but I'm done with it. I only did: wheel / tire, suspension ( eibach pro, Tokico adjustable front struts, TRD rear anti-sway bar)....handles 8x better then stock, tint, TRD drop in air filter, stereo system, and that's it. The ultimate would be to drop in the 1.8L vvtl-i celica/ corolla/ matrix engine, with 6spd manual....but i highly doubt ill ever get to that point with the car ( its more of a commuter, reliable, good mpg car). I'll try and post a picture of it here..at some point.

Wow, yeah, that's pretty much all you can do to it short of FI. Can get a DC header (definitely helped out my Yaris).

I have a couple of friends who swapped in the 2ZR in their Yarii, with one using a 6-spd (C60????).