Are Car Modifications really Worth it
If one is considering car modification from a financial standpoint, it is time to move on to another endeavor. In most examples the enthusiast will never recover the money spent and not be reimbursed for the labor he may have to invest. Further, the enthusiast should consider that the value of the vehicle might be negatively impacted by his modifications. Not everyone appreciates those expensive 22 inch wheels!
The reasons for embarking on a modification program will likely be to improve engine or vehicle handling performance or vehicle appearance. In the writer’s opinion, those aforementioned 22 inch wheels are one of the more negative modifications both to handling and appearance.
Too many modifications are applied in a disjointed, unplanned manner. Frequently a modification, such as the addition of an improved exhaust system, requires modifications to the fueling system in order to obtain the total benefit. In fact, not including improvement to the fueling system can be detrimental, causing the engine to run “lean” and actually hurting performance.
As a general guide to vehicle modification the following recommendations are offered:
Choose an older vehicle for modification. The initial investment will be lower and any negative financial impact on the vehicle value will be lower. An older vehicle offers more avenues for improvement. For example, a valid modification might be the addition of disc brakes to a vehicle that originally was outfitted with drum brakes, resulting in improved braking performance.
Proper choice of wheels and tires can vastly improve handling as long as the suspension capability is considered. Adapting vastly oversized wheels and tires generally requires suspension modification that actually hampers proper suspension action. These modifications may also negatively impact other systems such as the proper alignment between the differential and transmission.
Replacement of the original engine presents the opportunity to include advancements in engine design. Replacing a mid-1970’s engine, for example, with a later model power plant can offer improved fuel mileage and reduced emissions. Of course, a larger or more powerful engine may be chosen, elevating the “fun quotient”. Modern automatic transmissions are also more efficient than older models and offer improvement in fuel mileage as well.
Finally, paint and interior present an opportunity to make the vehicle unique and improve safety with the inclusion of modern seats and passenger restraints.
As a sidebar comment, there are some enthusiasts for whom the planning and execution of the modifications represent the goal. Once the vehicle has been completed and driven for a short period, perhaps shown at a few car shows, the need to begin a new project takes over. The modified vehicle is sold for the seed money to begin the next project. But, if financial gain is the object, invest in gold where a return is more likely.
