First Modifications?

[DabbinTooHard]

Jeeze that's a lot of info to take in. I understand basics and know that it's not some crazy thing to dump money into. I've waited on this and been patient for a while for a reason. I want the car to last. I don't rag it out every chance I get, that's where you get problems. I absolutely love this car and it would hurt me internally to see it go bad because of me.
I don't know how going catless and using winter tires work in Nevada but if anyone here knows let me know. I'm also new to the state.

[Jdmjunkie]

What part of Nevada are you in? When I lived in Reno I used a set of performance snow tires. They kept the car fun to drive, but when there was snow and ice on the ground it was controllable. Now that I am in Vegas I just have a set of 200TW summer tires!

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by DabbinTooHard

Jeeze that's a lot of info to take in. I understand basics and know that it's not some crazy thing to dump money into. I've waited on this and been patient for a while for a reason. I want the car to last. I don't rag it out every chance I get, that's where you get problems. I absolutely love this car and it would hurt me internally to see it go bad because of me.
I don't know how going catless and using winter tires work in Nevada but if anyone here knows let me know. I'm also new to the state.

I suggest you google that and try to sort it out for yourself -

[Dirty Harry]

I’d drive it stock for at least 6 months, in that way you know the car and can at least feel the difference once you put the mods on. Use good quality parts and do your research as others have said.

I’d start off with coil overs or lowering springs and a set of light weight (forged if possible) 18 inch alloy wheels and some high performance tyres. I think it’s the best bang for your buck, the car will perform better and look better too, with the 18 inch wheels filling out the wheel wells and getting rid of the wheel gap.

At this point you then have wider gripper tyres as a starting point for adding more power if you want.

Good luck.

[Spuds]

My first mod was a set of full plastic/fiberglass underpanels that the American cars didn't get. Reduces road noise and drag a bit, and makes you take a look at the bottom of the car front to back.

If you do your own maintenance, I tell everyone who will listen about the wonders of the fumoto oil drain valve.

I would start with 3 things in mind. Budget, what you want to change, what direction you want to change it and by how much. Folks can probably give you more direct answers if you can post any of the above information.

[VTEC]

Originally Posted by DabbinTooHard

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum as am I new with my FRS. This is going to be the first vehicle I've owned that I have the ability to modify outside of cosmetics

If your mods are going to be more performance focused than aesthetic focused, I suggest you make driving skills a priority. It will be the most effective performance mod you make and it is also the most fun mod to install (HPDE/track days, autocross). When you attend these events you will also see what cars are really fast and the kind of mods those people are using. (Especially autocross since you are required to reveal your mods for classing purposes)

[86MLR]

Q. Bumpy roads?

A. 16 or 17 rims with some sidewall.(brake size dependant)

18" and up will start to lose some of the added suspension compliance characteristics that more side wall will give you.

Unless all your roads are smooth.

Then go 17".....

Your not driving a racecar.

[Dirty Harry]

Originally Posted by 86MLR

Q. Bumpy roads?

A. 16 or 17 rims with some sidewall.(brake size dependant)

18" and up will start to lose some of the added suspension compliance characteristics that more side wall will give you.

Unless all your roads are smooth.

Then go 17".....

Your not driving a racecar.

I have STI lowering springs and 18 inch wheels on mine and it really isn’t that bad. I didn’t notice much difference compliance wise, but personal preference/subjective of course. Sits flatter with STI springs around corners, love it!

Mix of good and shit roads where I live too.

[m.box.design]

The most underrated and overlooked modifications is a quality set of tires. Cornering grip and braking improvements will shave more time off your lap times than any bolt on power or suspension mod will do.

[troyguitar]

First mod I did was the MTEC clutch spring. Big help at least on my 2020.

[Silviacrazed]

Originally Posted by troyguitar

First mod I did was the MTEC clutch spring. Big help at least on my 2020.

Honestly, this is one of the best mods. I did it about a month after I bought mine and honestly, should have been the first or second thing I did.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Th3rdSun]

For this car,whether it be for performance or looks,you should always start with new wheels and tires. The Prius tires are garbage and while kicking the back out at will on a set of 210's can be fun at times,this car should've come with no narrower than 225s,imo. Ever since I went with a wider wheel and tire,the car feels more like a scalpel on the road.Much more precise than the stock wheels and tires.

No matter what you do to your car,the tires are the only points of contact the road(unless you are one of those stance boys scraping the oil pan on the ground),so you might as well make sure they are the best that suits what you are going for.

[mrg666]

Originally Posted by DabbinTooHard

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum as am I new with my FRS. This is going to be the first vehicle I've owned that I have the ability to modify outside of cosmetics and doing self maintenance.
I am interested in what some good starter mods would be for my 13 FRS. Nothing too crazy or pricey from the start, just things that make the overall drive more enjoyable. If its things I can do at home/on my weekends that's a huge plus.

Get better tires first. An 2013 car will have shocks pretty much at the end of life; replace shocks with Bilstein B6 or B8 (and bushings if you want to go all the way) and get a good alignment. If you have not had a brake service yet, also replace rotors and brake fluid and get ceramic pads. If you still have the budget, I would get lighter wheels. These will completely change your driving experience.

Regarding power mods ... no comments.

[radroach]

@DabbinTooHard I've had the car for 130,000 miles and only have a few mods which improve driveability, quality of life, or durability.

- K&N panel air filter - more vroom

- Fumoto oil drain valve - makes oil changes easier, and I change my oil a lot.

- Whiteline / Perrin positive shift kit - fixes shift quality and makes the driveline nice and tight

- Sticky tires in size 215 or 225

- adjust clutch pedal actuation point so it engages closer to the floor

- revised clutch throw-out bearing # SU003-07349 or 30502AA150

- ARP wheel studs - better durability for when you're taking wheels on and off a bunch.

I have a couple more whiteline parts for the rear end and also planning on putting on a 2018-2020 suspension, and have a feeling these will go on the list of "must haves" as well.