What should I do to my first 86?

[MarkR171]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

1) Wait.
2) Drive.
3) Decide what you want to do based on learning the car.
4) Save to get quality parts.
5) Get quality parts.
6) Install them properly.
7) Start over at #1.

I'm quoting this in case the OP decided to keep reading after this. This is the only post needed in this thread.

[everythingsablur]

From a performance standpoint, everyone is right; drive and learn about the car stock first.

But since you said you just wanted to start with cosmetic things, well that's going to be pretty subjective. What do you want to change about the looks? Given that the car is used (or I assume it is since it's a 2013; I can't imagine a new one sitting on the lot for 3 years), you might want to consider paint correction and paint protection just to bring it back up to like new paint quality. Invest in some good detailing products, and/or have a coating applied like Opti-Coat Pro for pretty much permanent shine (but maybe don't do this if you are considering putting on a body kit).

Changing the wheels and tires is probably the easiest thing you can do to change the look of the car. Is it still running the original Michelin Primacy HPs?

Window tint can also be a nice touch. Get a little privacy, add some mystery, and keep the car cooler.


If you like the dropped look, start saving up for good coilovers. Don't cheap out on lowering springs (my opinion at least) or used coilovers (who knows what stresses the previous owner put them under). You'll also need an alignment if you do this since this can really change the driving dynamics of the car, and a bad alignment will unevenly wear your tires.

Generally, follow the car guy's motto: Do it nice, or buy it twice.

[frsvr4]

Please don't black out the lights. It's tacky and makes it easy to identify you as a poor noob that just had to be different. Keep it simple and tasteful. Less is more. She's a great looking car as-is.

[Fishbed77]

Please don't black out the lights. It's tacky and makes it easy to identify you as a poor noob that just had to be different. Keep it simple and tasteful. Less is more. She's a great looking car as-is.

Agreed. I can't think of a more idiotic mod.

Crossover-driving soccer moms already aren't looking out for low sports cars while they tool around texting on their phones. Why do you want to make your car even less visible?

[FX86]

IDK what do you want to do?

[geezerbrzeezer]

Exhaust.

Even with a simple axleback you'll be turning heads every time you wind through the gears next to your fellow 'masses are asses' motorists, and the pure aural pleasure means you'll never regret getting a red light again - wind 'er down, wait for green, wind 'er back up, smiling all the while.

You can't see the your exterior mods while driving, but the engine and exhaust are with you every yard of every mile.

[soulreapersteve]

Cut your springs and put 19 inch wheels on.

[WorldRallyB]

Come on guys, this "driver mod" thing gets old. Don't forget we are all on this forum because we all care a little bit more about our car than the average person. Stop knocking the guy down for wanting to spend more time with his car!

Here are some tasteful ideas to help you 'get to know' your beautiful car until you figure out what you really want out of her

1) paint chip/scratch repair
2) window tint
3) carpet cleaner!
4) mud flaps
5) all season floor mats
6) new oem or aftermarket air filter
7) cabin air filter
8) tranny fluid change
9) center console arm rest
10) shift knob
11) license plate frame
12) bushings! (oem or aftermarket, always a good idea on high mileage or older vehicles)
13) fog lights
14) air freshener (the "like new" car smell one )
15) some colored or black lug nuts
16) a cat back exhaust to make her purr
17) a hot chick in the passenger seat (i still haven't figured out how to install this one, may need some help)

[86geek]

Originally Posted by WorldRallyB

Come on guys, this "driver mod" thing gets old. Don't forget we are all on this forum because we all care a little bit more about our car than the average person. Stop knocking the guy down for wanting to spend more time with his car!

Here are some tasteful ideas to help you 'get to know' your beautiful car until you figure out what you really want out of her

1) paint chip/scratch repair
2) carpet cleaner!
2) mud flaps
3) all season floor mats
4) new oem or aftermarket air filter
5) cabin air filter
6) tranny fluid change
7) center console arm rest
8) shift knob
9) license plate frame
10) bushings! (oem or aftermarket, always a good idea on high mileage or older vehicles)
11) fog lights
12) air freshener (the "like new" car smell one )
13) some colored or black lug nuts
14) a cat back exhaust to make her purr
15) a hot chick in the passenger seat (i still haven't figured out how to install this one, may need some help)

Yup what he said....buy a drop in filter & cat back exhaust!

[MrFisty]

switch to scion badges. #1 mod. Don't forget heavier wheels.

[wireman957]

It really all depends on what you want out of the car. Like others have said, and I think you took to heart, seat time to get to know your car is the first thing. I've had mine a little over a year now (not my first sports car, by the way) and I've drooled over some of the available mods but decided I was just going to drive the thing and decide that way what I wanted to do.

In my case, I have tried to just make minor changes to expand on what the car does naturally which is put a smile on my face every time I drive it and to do things that will prolong the car's life. Replaced trans and diff with Motul 300, change my oil every 5,000 miles (so far Mobil 1 works just fine) and a K&N drop-in. I will be replacing brake fluid and installing SS lines and a master cylinder brace in a couple of weeks. I did add spacers, 20mm front and 25mm rear which do make even the stock wheels/tires look better. Not expensive spacers, just check torque frequently and zero problems. I will probably upgrade both wheels and tires when the OEM tires wear out, but the damn things have 29k miles on them and still look half-new!

The car is fun by nature and what changes you make should be based on driving experience. Not on what other people think needs to be done. Just drive the car, save up some cash and when you get to the point where YOU feel something could change for the better, do it! Much less pressure that way and greater chance of getting what you really want.

[DarkSunrise]

If you're just looking for cosmetic mods, tail lights and wheels look great. Welcome btw!

[Cole]

Spend about 10 hours going through build threads, then take your top 5 and copy their builds entirely.

On a serious note. Look at what other people are doing and go from there.

Personally, I wanted to slam my car and go with crazy aggressive offset wheels. After being slammed with moderately aggressive wheels for about 6 months, I sold all that shit, got springs that had a pretty low drop and got lightweight wheels. Why? My car doesn't scrape on pebbles. It's fun to drive, and not a burden. I have grip for days and can go 140+ KMH around corners on 80kmh limit roads (not that I've ever, or will ever do that, of course). Finally, I just want to drive the car.

I've also wasted a bunch of money on exhausts (8 of them, 2 of them being the same one). Go to meets and listen in person for your "perfect" sound.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Jayden86

Thanks guys definitely take in the advice just waiting another month for my p plates so I don't have to have the old folk in the car


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by WorldRallyB

Come on guys, this "driver mod" thing gets old. Don't forget we are all on this forum because we all care a little bit more about our car than the average person. Stop knocking the guy down for wanting to spend more time with his car!

Looking back through the thread I see no posts "Knocking him down".

Also see no pushing of the "driver mod" but do think in this case that is EXACTLY where he needs to start!

Provisional Licence

"P1 license plate NSW.png
Provisional Licence applicants must be at least 17 years of age, held a Learner Licence for a minimum of six months, recorded driving experience a learner logbook with a supervisor who has held an open licence for twelve months for the class of vehicle used or an accredited driving instructor, or has passed a practical driving test"

The focus on maintenance cosmetics is however appropriate as well.

I maintain my statement of drive, learn, save and mod to taste with quality parts. Doesn't need to run out and slap a cheap ass exhaust or ricer lug nuts on it just to say he "upgraded" his car.