HAVE you noticed the number of vehicles on our roads today that have been modified?
Have you ever wondered why the vehicle needed those modification works and who might have done this incredible work here in Fiji and how much it might have cost?
Most of the time we read, hear or see modified vehicles in its final glory but don’t really consider the amount of effort placed in getting a normal car to its modified or glorified version.
There are certain vehicles that are easy to modify with others proving to be difficult to change from its original manufactured version.
Today we look at some simple cars listed by www.carophile.org that are commonly modified by street racers around the world.
Honda Civic
Thanks to the first Fast and the Furious film, the Honda Civic is a common choice for the street racing scene.
The older models are relatively inexpensive to purchase used, and there is a plethora of aftermarket parts available for all models of the Civic.
Many of the older Civic models have weaker motors, so tuners commonly perform motor swaps on the vehicle, replacing the weaker single cam motor with a dual overhead cam engine from the SI version of the Civic, or a beefy Acura Integra motor.
Turbochargers are easily installed on the Civic, and newer models have much sturdier engines, capable of handling far more boost than the older models. Body kits and other aesthetic modifications are plentiful for the Civic, allowing tuners to make their Civic unique.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Another vehicle made popular by the Fast and the Furious franchise, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is often modified by tuners.
While the newer models aren’t often modified, the models from the late 90’s still are. The older model Eclipse is an inexpensive purchase, and certain models already have turbochargers.
The GSX model Eclipse came with not only a turbocharger, but all-wheel drive as well, making it a beast around turns. The turbochargers in the Eclipse were often replaced with bigger, better turbos, as the stock turbos suffered from end play issues.
Body kits of all kinds are available for the Eclipse, as well as a variety of hood designs and wings, to give the vehicle your own personal flair.
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is another vehicle that comes from the factory ready to rock. Coming equipped with a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the WRX STI is a force to be reckoned with before modifications. Upgrading the turbo is a usual first step, as well as adding a boost controller for more precision tuning.
Engine internals may need to be upgraded depending on how crazy one goes with the turbo boost. Many tuners focus on the outside of the WRX, installing body kits and customized hoods.
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is likely the most popular German car for tuning. The GTI is favoured for its low weight, great handling, and practical performance from the factory.
The cost for the GTI isn’t too severe for a new one, and a used one can be found for a fair price.
The low cost leaves plenty of money on the table for modifications.
Turbochargers and engine upgrades are common, as well as handling upgrades like sway bars and shock replacements.
When it comes to customising the outside and inside of the GTI, there is a sea of aftermarket parts for the vehicle. Body kits, door modifications, wings, custom hoods, different gauges and seats.
