Car Modification - Modifying Your Car - A Global Trend

Modifying your car has been a popular pastime for many years. By modifying your car you are able to put your own unique personal touches on the vehicle to make it stand out from the rest. There are many cosmetic modifications that don't make the car run any different, but then that's not the point 90 percent of the time! More often car modification is done just to make your car look better or give it a more aggressive race like appearance. These types of modification are simple and will make your car stand out from the rest with very little work. As for the cost of car modifications, that is an altogether different story. Parts are freely available off the shelf from companies such as Spareco, Koni and Spax. For example you can buy Spax suspension, Janspeed exhausts, Momo rims and steering wheels, body kits, light alloy pedals, leather or led lit gear knobs, Corbeau race seats and even race harnesses.

Getting a new set of wheels for your vehicle is a popular choice. There are many alloy wheel styles to choose from. Another popular modification is having your windows tinted. Tinted windows can help keep the glare from the sun out and also makes it harder for others to see into the car. I.C.E or In Car Entertainment is vital to any car modification project. Enhancing your cars audio is extremely popular and the range of products and options available provide DIY car modifiers with a world of choices. Products to choose from include the popular iPod Car Adapter kits, USB, CD & MP3 Stereos and, multi CD changers, front and rear parking sensors (some have video), plus the leads, tv screens and tools required to fit everything. Leading brands include: JVC, Dension, Panasonic, Connects2, Dashmount, Parrot, Alpine, Autoleads, Kenwood, Pioneer & Sony.

Today car navigation systems such as Motevo, TomTom, Garmin and Pioneer navigation systems are key ingredients when modifying a car. Even satellite or GPS Navigation systems come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. The main types of in-car navigation systems are in-dash mounted navigation systems, portable GPS systems, hand held systems, motorcycle and marine systems and finally the remote navigation systems where the GPS system is plugged in to your car radio for instance. When buying a new GPS system its often better to opt for higher resolution screens as they make the map information easier to see. Large memory and a decent control chip make for smooth and efficient operating, the last thing you need is slow loading and in accurate positioning. Most GPS systems have large touch screens, working with a stylus can be tricky so it does help and lastly pay particular attention to how visible and mobile you wish your model to be. If it's a permanent fixture in your car then bigger models are great, but if you need to take it in doors after use, a smaller model may be the answer. Car security is a factor not only when modifying your vehicle but also when insuring a car with lots of expensive audio equipment in it. Phone you current car insurance company and find out what you can do before your insurance starts costing you more. They will no doubt also require an upgrade to your car security system and there are simply so many companies out there the likes of Viper, Tracker and Clifford. They all sell various systems such as standard car alarms, remote car start systems and GPS tracking systems. GPS stands for Global Positioning Systems. Professional fitment is recommended and car security shoppers should always insist on a certificate of fitment from the dealer fitting the car security system.

If you want to give your car a sporty look without spending a fortune you can have racing mesh fitted for the front bumper of your car. This looks good and can also improve the airflow around the engine compartment. "Eyebrow extensions" is another way to customise your car. These extensions are usually plastic and are fitted to your car's head lamps. You can get these in a variety of colours and are relatively inexpensive. Car engine mapping is also relatively cheap to have done and performance gains can be substantial. It is recommended that you have engine mapping performed by competent, well known companies as they are best able to advise you of other crucial safety features you should improve when doing so. Up-rated brakes being one of them and more expensive tyres make for better high speed performance and traction to handle the additional engine power. Consider upgrading the oil you use in your engine when you have this done and use an high quality performance air filter, fuel filter and also replace all perished water and oil hoses frequently, if you haven't already done so. Engine mapping or chipping is basically re-programming your cars CPU and it is given new instructions on how to fuel your engine. The more power you ask for the more gas / petrol your mapping will request along with other parameters such as increasing the airflow to the engine by tricking the motor into thinking the air is colder, this produces more power. All this power comes at a cost though. Most cars that have upgraded their engine management systems do so for more power, not efficiency and in doing so use more fuel and rev higher too. Cam belts should be replaced more frequently and if you plan any engine modifications have a word with the manufacturers about what you plan to do.

There are many things that can be done to modify a car. An entire industry has been created by the need for body styling, engine tuning, lowered suspension and big bore exhausts. Any part of a car can be modified and making modifications is a statement of individuality and personal style. The most popular cars for modifying are usually small, low insurance group hatches. Always update your car insurance company with the latest modifications to ensure your cover is not withdrawn due to something you thought may be OK which they do not. Other insurances like car breakdown cover and gap insurance cover should not be affected by modifying your car, unlike your car warranty policy which will almost certainly be affected. Give your car warranty company a call and make sure your cover will still be provided before you make any changes.

Popular Cars to Modify

Peugeot
All of the cars from Peugeot are popular cars to modify. You can even modify the 106, 206, and 306 pugs. The Peugeot 306 GTi is one of the most popular hatches to modify and tune. You can find a wide range of 306 body kits and tuning parts. Second hand Peugeot vehicles are reasonable and can be found almost everywhere. The insurance group starts off low so it makes it affordable for most. These cars have the potential to make a street racer that you can be proud of.

Citroen Saxo
The Citroen Saxo is one of the most modified cars because there is loads of modifying parts available. You can find everything from body kits to suspension. A popular choice for modifying is the Saxo VTR because it can go from 0 to 60 in less than ten seconds. It also is very fuel efficient and takes corners well. There are plenty of places to get parts and garages that work on them. You can modify a Citroen Saxo to be a real head turner.

Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the cheapest and easiest cars to modify. They are also very cheap to insure even when they have been modified. Parts are readily available and they are reasonably priced. The Corsa B is a definite favourite for modifying.

Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has always been a popular car to modify. It has grown in popularity due to the film, "The Fast and The Furious." The Honda Civic EK is one of the more popular hatches to modify. You can find a wide variety of Honda Civic body kits and tuning parts.

VW Golf
The VW Golf can be modified to look cool and there are plenty of parts available for the later Golf's. Volkswagen Golf VR6 is a poplar car to modify and there are plenty of body kits and tuning parts available.

Famous Cars

Some modified cars have become popular because of being in a film or on a TV show. Some are noted for their superior performance and some are known for the celebrity driving them. Below are a few of the cars that are considered icons today.

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback was the star of the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds." In this film the car does some unbelievable stunts, including jumping over 15 feet of cars.

1963 Volkswagen Beetle became famous in the "Herbie" series films. Herbie was a little Beetle with a Porsche 356 engine who gave the big boys a run for their money.

1969 Dodge Charger became a muscle car icon through the television series, "The Dukes of Hazzard." It had a confederate flag painted on the roof and the doors were welded shut. The modified Charger R/T, called the General Lee seemed to be always airborn.

1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was made popular by the television series, "Knight Rider." The modified Trans Am known as KITT was a hyper intelligent crime fighting automobile. This car could do everything including, see, hear and smell.

1974 Ford Gran Torino was made famous in the television series, "Starsky and Hutch." It was a powerful muscle car with a 351 Cleveland and 4 barrel Holley carburetor. It was driven hard by two California detectives in the series.

1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was made famous in the series of "Smokey and the Bandit" films. It was a powerful 6.6 liter 200hp muscle car that everyone wants to own.

1970 Dodge Charger was just one of the many fast modified cars in the film, "The Fast and The Furious." This is a classic move that all gear heads love to watch over and over.

2003 Mini Cooper S-R53 was made famous in the 2003 film, "The Italian Job." This little mite packed a supercharged 1.6L Tritect engines and was involved in some intense chase scenes.

1979 Ferrari 308 GTS was made into an icon by the television series, "Magnum PI." The mid-engine V8Ferrari was featured in the original series. The show and the amazing performance of the 255hp GTS made people flock to the nearest dealer to buy one in the 1980's.

There is a downside to modifying your car. If you don't have a specialist or someone experienced in modifying your particular make and model of car, you may be wasting your money. You need to select the right combination of modification to gain the most out of your car. If you select the wrong combination you will have spent a lot of money for nothing. Another thing you should remember is modifications to your car may affect the warranty. It will also make your insurance premiums higher. You also have to be aware that some engine modifications can violate regulations and emission laws. You have to make sure that any modifications to your car are safe and won't disrupt the reliability and stability of the vehicle. Sometimes modified engines are often touchy and require premium fuel.

It is easy to get caught up in the whole modification process and end up modifying the car too much. The rule of thumb should be; less is more. Otherwise you will spend huge amounts of money, which could add up to more than the car is worth. Also, if it is over modified it can be hard to sell and most dealers won't offer a deal to do a trade in for the car. Just keep these factors in mind when you are going to modify your car to express your style and personality.
Enjoy your new car!

Five Car Modifications for Extreme Fuel Efficiency

Improving Cars for Greater Fuel Efficiency

Once a vehicle naturally reaches its limits on fuel efficiency, most people either resign themselves to their car's gas mileage or go looking for a replacement. For a dedicated few, however, the answer is changing the car.

Here are a few unusual modifications that can boost a vehicle's fuel efficiency and ecological friendliness, sometimes at the expense of storage space or weird looks from neighbors. Drivers who take on these kinds of modifications are voiding their warranties and risking damage to their cars, but they may be doing a lot less damage to the environment.

Covering the Wheels

Wheel skirts seem old-fashioned, but they were relatively common on many classic cars, usually as part of a streamlined styling package. More recent vehicles such as the original Honda Insight have used skirts to improve vehicle aerodynamics, however.

Some car owners seek to get the benefits that Honda included in the Insight for their own vehicles by adding DIY wheel skirts. These reduce turbulence around the back wheels of the car and make sure that airflow is smooth and uninterrupted. Most do-it-yourself skirt additions are for the back of the car, but a few extreme modification fans also add skirting on the front.

Reduce Turbulence and Radiator Airflow

By adding simple grille blocks to a vehicle, fuel efficiency enthusiasts can reduce the amount of turbulence around the front bumper and the hood. This relatively cost-effective modification also helps reduce the flow of air around and through the radiator.

In cold climates, this helps the engine reach its ideal operating heat much more quickly. In hot climates, grille blocks may not be the best idea, however; they can encourage the engine to overheat.

Removing the Mirrors

While taking the side mirrors off a car entirely isn't safe or legal, replacing them with cameras does provide some aerodynamic benefit. The car takes up less space and air flows better around it. The best cameras for this purpose are tiny wireless devices that transmit to a central screen, allowing drivers to see the sides and rear of the car clearly.

A cheaper alternative includes replacing the side mirrors with convex mirrors similar to those used to spot shoplifters in some stores, but smaller. These can be mounted on the inside of the front windows and functionally replace the mirrors.

Taking Weight Reduction to Extremes

Most people realize that they shouldn't haul around old camping equipment, tools or other heavy objects when those items aren't in use. A few people take weight reduction much further, though. Drivers who don't often take passengers with them have been known to remove the rear and sometimes front passenger seats in search of better gas mileage.

Some even go as far as to remove the vehicle's soundproofing, interior trim, audio systems and any other non-essential items. This is similar to the stripping procedure that race car drivers use to get the highest speeds and uses less fuel on acceleration. The downside is that the car may be less comfortable or extremely loud on the highway.

Adding a Boat-tail

Truly extreme modifications go beyond changing accessories or interior features; they actually redesign the vehicle body. Putting a boat-tail on a car changes its look entirely for the sake of improved aerodynamics. Boat tails prevent heavy turbulence behind the car, but they make it longer and potentially more difficult to park and drive in heavy traffic.

Even though a boat tail adds significant weight to the car, the aerodynamic gains are large enough to provide a big improvement in fuel economy. These are more impressive as the vehicle reaches high speeds, of course, since the engine works less hard to move a streamlined car at Interstate speeds. The gains are smaller for enthusiasts who choose to mount a small spoiler instead of a boat-tail, but spoilers tend to be cheaper, easier to install, and less peculiar-looking.

PROTON SAGA LAMA MODIFIED KE R3

Mungkin sudah rezeki anak-anak kata orang, siapa sangka dari sebuah kereta yang nampak lusuh dan lama kini ibarat mendapat sentuhan sang emas apabila keretanya terus berubah bentuk dari rekaan lama kepada rekaan yang lebih moden sesuai dengan peredaran zaman sekarang. Begitulah tuah seorang pekerja kilang, Fadhly Hisham Roplay, 33 tahun merupakan pemenang pertama pertandingan 'Very Important Proton' (VIP) yang dianjurkan pihak Proton.

Gembira tidak terhingga melihat wajah kereta beliau yang terus berubah wajah!

Rekaan dalaman juga dibuat lebih kurang sama dengan keluaran Proton yang ada dipasaran sekarang. Dashboard R3 ini adalah dashboard custom yang dibuat khas untuk Proton Saga lama ini.

Enjin jug telah diubahsuai bagaimanapun kekuatan enjin dikekalkan.


Konsep lampu belakang dan juga nombor pendaftaran rekaan terbaru ciri-ciri R3 oleh pereka Proton.

Ini adalah rupa asal kereta Proton Saga lama ini sebelum mendapat sentuhan R3 yang dikendalikan oleh Unit R3, Bahagian Sukan Bermotor, Proton Holdings Bhd. Jika anda mempunyai kereta model ini anda bolehlah menyertai pertandingan yang dianjurkan ini dilaman sesawang www.ProtonVIP.com

(Lagi gambar anda boleh layari Facebook ProtonCLUB)

PROTON PERSONA ELEGANCE MODIFIED

Proton Persona antara salah sebuah model PROTON yang mempunyai ruang yang begitu luas dan sangat sesuai untuk digunakan sebagai kereta keluarga. Namun bagi anak muda ini, ia bukan penghalang untuk memberi sedikit modifikasi ke atas kereta ini...

Jika anda lihat bodykit yang digunakan, modifikasi yang dibuat atau ditambah adalah dari segi bumper hadapan dan belakang, bahagian tepi, spoiler dan bumper atas hadapan. Modifikasi ini membuatkan kereta yang dimiliki tampak berbeza dengan kereta Proton Persona Elegance yang standard.

Saya sendiri tidak dapat membezakan adakah ianya sebuah kereta Proton Persona Elegance atau sebaliknya tetapi apabila saya amati sebaik mungkin, ia adalah sebuah kereta Proton Persona yang dimaksudkan. Kosnya mungkin melebihi RM 5,000 namun kepuasan dimiliki oleh pemiliknya tiada bandingan.

CUSTOM PROTON SAGA BLM MODIFIED

Bagi sesiapa yang memiliki kereta jenis ini, anda boleh dapatkan sedikit idea bagaimana nak solek kereta anda supaya nampak lebih garang dan gah seperti contoh di atas. Gambar ni saya jumpa di internet so saya tertarik dengan custom yang telah dilakukan jadi saya share bersama pelawat blog ProtonClub.

PROTON SAGA FL MODIFIED

Hari ini saya ingin berkongsi dengan pengunjung ProtonClub gambar sebuah kereta Proton Saga FL (Facelift) yang telah diubahsuai tetapi ianya hanyalah melalui lakaran artis sahaja. Belum lagi saya temui pemilik Proton Saga FL ini yang mengubahsuai kereta mereka, jika ada nanti saya akan upload untuk tatapan anda semua.

UBAHSUAI SUZUKI SWIFT TURBO INJECTION

Sekali tengok gempak juga Suzuki Swift ni bila dah diubahsuai menjadi sporty. Dengan rim 5sizen bersaiz 17 nya dan tayar slick 5sizen racing memang membuatkan kita terleleh tengok kereta ni. Sebenarnya kereta Suzuki Swift ni telah ditambah kuasa pada enjinnya dengan kuasa Turbo Injection 75 lebih bhp so kelajuannya memang melebihi rekaan asal. Bodykit yang digunakan adalah custom bodykit dari Burnley Car Audio.

FORD MUSTANG GT 2011

Ford Mustang GT 2011 memang gempak! Dengan warna yang menarik menampakkan ke 'blue' an kereta ini. Agak2 kalau spray kereta aku mcmni pon cun jugak nih... He He He... Apa yang anda boleh lihat dibahagian hadapan terdapat rekaan lampu hadapan yang ditambah dibahagian tengah menjadikan rekaan Ford Mustang GT 2011 ini tampak lebih menarik! Inilah keluaran Ford dengan rekaan tersendiri.

SUBARU IMPREZA STI V4 MODIFIED

Kepada semua peminat SUBARU, kali ini saya nak share pula gambar kereta yang telah diubahsuai iaitu SUBARU IMPREZA STI VERSION 4 dimana terdapat sedikit perubahan pada bahagian enjin. Lampu hadapan pula menggunakan lampu yang dihitamkan dibahagian dalam.

HARD MODIFICATION CAR ON TRANSFORMERS 3

Transformers Car snap at behind the scene on Transformers 3. What an amazing car here, also use a hard modification and the cars looks like a robot! Nice modified dude..

AUDI A6 2001 MODIFIED

CAR COLOUR
Black

ALLOY WHEELS
20" inch rims

EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
rdt front bumper and angel eyes head lights halos audi, vip duraflx rear bumper.

PROTON SAGA BLM VIOS MODIFIED

Proton Saga BLM seperti Toyota Vios? Adakah benar? Ya! Pasti benar dengan beberapa modifikasi boleh menjadikan kereta Proton Saga BLM tampak seperti Toyota Vios setelah modding dilakukan dibahagian bumper depan kereta Proton Saga BLM berkenaan.

Modal untuk spesifikasi jenis ini masih tidak dapat diketahui tetapi anggaran saya ianya mampu mencecah hampir 1.5k termasuk cat. Apapun kereta Proton Saga BLM ini memang mudah untuk di ubahsuai kepada bentuk yang lebih menarik dan ini dapat menarik golongan muda khususnya untuk memilikinya.

JPJ Rules for Private Car Modifications in Malaysia

Guidelines on exterior modifications:

Minor modifications or add-on accessories which is allowed without asking the permission from JPJ

There are some modifications or add-on accessories which can be done without getting any permission of the Head Director of JPJ, especially those which do not give any effect of characteristics, stability and safety of the vehicle, such as:-

1. Front and rear air spoilers
2. Side skirts, aerofoils and door visors
3. Front and rear protecting guards
4. Minor modifications on radiator grilles, front bonnet or shape and design or the lamps.
5. Modifications or add-on of big bumpers (either it is metal or fibreglass) at the front and rear.
6. Bigger size of rims and tyre
7. Roof rack
8. Additional brake lamps (red in colour) or signal lamps (Amber in colour)
9. Spot lights or Halogen lamps (Both white and yellow) at the front region, which serve as an additional to the existing lamps.

Notes:

The list above will be updated and edited from time to time.

However, these minor modifications and add-on accessories have to fulfill all the needs of the law which is listed in Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959 or Motor Vehicles (Construction, Equipment and Use) Rules 1988.

Examples:-

1. Air spoiler, aerofoil or side skirt. not over 150mm measured from the area outwards from the rear tyre.



2. Door visors. not over 100mm width and height.



3. When using big rims or wide tyres, it should be fully-covered with mudguards or mudflaps.

4. Protecting guards. It should not cover the vehicle's lamps. Sharp edges or pointing parts which is more than 100mm are not allowed. Also, the overall width should not be more than the vehicle's original width.



5. Add-ons of big bumpers or protecting guards, the extra allowance should not exceed 50% from the vehicle's wheel base.

6. The distance between headlamps and signal lamps should not exceed 300mm and 400mm, measured from the widest area of the vehicle after modification.

7. Roof rack. It should not exceed the length of the roof, or width of the vehicle or the height of 400mm, measuring from the highest region of the vehicle.

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Add-on accessories which are not permited

1. Blinking lamps (except the signal lamps and hazard lamps) at the front or rear of the car.
2. Lamps which are BLUE, PURPLE or GREEN in colour.
3. Musical or two-tone horns .
4. Spotlights at the rear of the car.
5. Dark mirrors or coloured stickings (tint) at the front windscreen, rear windscreen and side windows, which the go-through rate of light is less than 70%.

Note: However, the installation of dark mirror or coloured stickings (tint) on top of the front windscreen can be as much as 20% of the width and the triangle glass of the side windows are allowed. The list above will be updated from time to time.

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Types of modification which requires the permission of JPJ before installations

If the modification and add-on of additional accessories can cause a big differences in terms of design, measurements, stability and safety, and characteristics of the original vehicle, a written permit is required from JPJ. Examples:-

1. Modification on the frame andstructure or monocoque frame of a motorized vehicle.
2. Modification on its shape or original characteristics of the vehicle.
3. Modification from a saloon car to a convertible car.
4. Modification on the fuel system.
5. Changes on the braking systems
6. Changes on the steering system
7. Changes on the vehicle's wheel base
8. The use of fibreglass body as to replace the metal body parts.
9. Changes on the engine.
10. Installation of sunroof on the roof.

Guidelines on window tints:

Kaedah 5 (1) dan Kaedah 5 (3),Kaedah-Kaedah Kenderaan Motor (Larangan Mengenai Jenis-Jenis Kaca Tertentu) Pindaan 2000, stated that the front mirrors has to be not less than 70% of light go-through, where as the rear mirror and the side windows have to be not less than 50%.

Special exception for dark mirror installations

Installations of dark glass is given to certain selected people only as written under kaedah 11(a) dan 11(b),Kaedah-Kaedah Kenderaan Motor (Larangan Mengenai Jenis-Jenis Kaca Tertentu) 1991. Those who are not listed under kaedah 11(a) dan 11(b) who are having exposed skin health problems or life threat, can be granted with the special exception on special installations of dark mirrors.