Modding 101 – Turning your car into a beast.

Sometimes normal is not enough, those standard alloys just don’t cut it. Modding by definition is altering/enhancing your vehicle by adding or replacing components geared to making your car stand out in appearance or perform better.

Most of us are usually content with the cars we purchase, making little or no mods to it other than tinting windows and replacing standard rims with alloys. This article however addresses the other modder, the one who is not content with the turbo on his car and wants two; wants to replace the stock exhaust with a third party performance kit and add a Nos System. That’s my guy.

Going by the resent Masinga TT event that happened a few weeks and many other events held in Kenya and the wider East Africa, there is a growing class of people who are improving their vehicles. Some are cosmetic such as installing Body Kits and changing panels while others are more adventurous, swapping engines, exhaust systems, suspension and so on. It’s a young industry that should be nurtured.

If you are looking to dip your toes into modding, there are a few key things you need to take into consideration.

First understand your car before modding. Never mod a vehicle before you have driven it for some time. Why you may ask? This allows you to get to know your car, understand its shortfalls thus allowing you to make better decisions on the alterations you wish to make. This is especially true for a new car as you have to break it in and this does take a bit of time. As for second hand cars, it may have hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent, therefore taking time may alloy you to find these issues and address them before modding. In the same breadth, some mods may void your warranty especially if the car is new and/or not get covered by insurance.

Secondly, modding your car will not necessarily equate to increase in value of the car. This is because by modding your vehicle, you reduce the number of people who would be interested in purchasing your vehicle. Most people want stock vehicles as they are easier to service and parts are way cheaper. On the other hand, fellow modders may also not be into the mods you have put and instead may prefer to purchase a stock car that will cost less. It is therefore wise to keep all the parts you remove from your car so that you can return them when you wish to sell your car. Also selling the performance parts separately may earn you more money than selling the car modded.

Thirdly, always remember to re-tune and remap your ECU with every upgrade you perform. This allow you to get maximum output from your vehicle and ensures that your car doesn’t have those pesky check engine lights popping up on the dashboard or worse still, your car constantly engaging limp mode. Should you purchase a modded vehicle, it may be worth your time to take it to a professional to check the tune and ECU before adding any more mods or racing the vehicle. This may be the difference between being king of the road and wrapping yourself around a tree.

Lastly, create a plan of action. Modding is a marathon, not a sprint especially if you are not buying a car specific Kit. Some items may not be compatible with others and a slow installation process allows you to test each part and ensure they work well before getting and installing another. Do remember that you are experimenting and be prepared for failure at some point. Not all you envisaged mods will work as expected. Take it as a learning opportunity.

Here’s to a great journey ahead for you.