Enthusiasts make use of the internet and specialist sections in high street auto shops in order to purchase the parts necessary for souping up their vehicles – both inside and out. Every part of a car can potentially be modified, either to improve performance or to add a touch of style to their vehicles.

Many enthusiasts will spend a lot of money on buying parts and decals for their cars and motorbikes, before wheeling their vehicles to gatherings and rallies in order to show off and pick up hints and tips for future modifications.

But modification doesn’t just have to apply to souping-up cars for show. Many classic car enthusiasts will spend time and money on restoring older cars to their former glory. And with a wide range of online shops and enthusiast websites out there, it has become easier to find parts and handy hints.

If you are looking to make modifications to your car, you also have to think about how it will affect your car insurance quote. Many insurance companies will have reservations about covering certain modifications due to an increase in risk of both theft and potential accidents. However there are a number of specialist insurers out there that cater for car modification enthusiasts, taking the time to compare car insurance quotes before deciding whether the work will be worth it.

So, whether you’re looking to add a snazzy design to make your vehicle look good from the outside, or add filters to the engine to make it go that little bit faster, it’s always best to double check with your current insurance policy to see if any modifications to your vehicle will be covered by your current policy.

More Car Modify Articles

If that isn’t enough you can purchase all kinds of LED lights and other nifty gadgets that glow and go along with your car while dancing to the beat. If you want to make a splash driving down any boulevard, this is definitely one way to not only be seen but also leave a lasting impression. Your creative genius with your auto sound system will cause quite a stir and give plenty of people much to discuss the next morning and plenty of people a great deal of inspiration to try to mimic or at the very least incorporate into their units somehow.

There are all kinds of sound systems for automobiles. Many of these systems are sold as part of a package and readily available to multiple consumers. You have the option as a creative modding genius, to take the plane Jane package and turn it into something so much better than it is or to even go off on a tangent and invent a total package of your own by mixing and matching pieces and parts from several different packages or pieces of packages.

It doesn’t matter where your creativity ends and begins there is never a challenge too great for a true modder at heart. From cars, trucks, boats, and computers to car stereos there is no task too demanding or too complicated for a true modding mind to tackle and transform. Perhaps it’s the blinking lights or all the wonderful possibilities that abound but auto sound system mods are among my favorite to see in action. It’s amazing the things that can be thought up by a wicked imagination and accomplished with a little time and a lot of effort.

Seriously though, if you are going to go to all the trouble of dressing up your vehicle shouldn’t you also take the time to dress up your auto sound system? There are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos you can buy that will work with the music your speakers are pumping in order to create a fabulous overall affect of music and light that is sure to get some great reactions from those you cruise on by. These are perfect accessories for summer time beach driving if you know what I mean. Growing up on the coast, I found a great section of people who were constantly modifying their cars and sound systems. I think it is incredibly amazing what can be done with metal, glass, color, light, and sound and really enjoy seeing all of the amazing creations that are made.

Even if you haven’t really given much thought to modifying your auto sound system before, I hope that you will consider it now if you are a serious modder. I honestly believe you might amaze yourself at some of the fabulous tricks of sound and light that you can come up with when properly challenged and inspired.

Take the time to check out the interesting things that have been done, and then formulate a hypothesis on what can be done. It is truly amazing the wonderful things that have been created as the result of a glove being thrown so to speak. Jump in and create a fabulously modified sound system that will be the absolute envy of everyone you pass along the way.

Modifications can take place in many forms, for example, engine backing (which allows the engine to run at higher speeds), adding a turbo or even adding some alloy wheels to your car. These modifications can be extremely expensive and time consuming, and if not done correctly, could higher your insurance by miles. So the question is, is having a slightly more powerful engine worth paying so much money for?

Before making any kind of modification, even if it seems relatively minor, always check with your insurer whether it will make your policy more expensive. Your insurance provider will tell you what your policy is likely to be after the modification has taken place. A question your insurance company will ask is whether you will be getting a professional to modify your car. A DIY job could significantly increase your insurance further, as it is more likely to cause implications in the future, as opposed by getting it done by a certified professional. Also, don’t be tempted to be anything less than truthful. By choosing not to mention small modifications, or modifications that you think will not make much difference to the price of your policy, could severely backfire on you if you do need to claim for a pay out.

It is understandable why insurers decide to increase premiums after a car has been modified. Powerful cars are more expensive to insure, especially when considering younger drivers. By younger drivers taking out an insurance premium for a less powerful car, and then making it powerful means that insurers have no choice but to increase the rate again, as more powerful cars are more likely to cause accidents.

Even though modifying your car will mean higher car insurance, not all companies will offer such astronomical prices. Compare car insurance online to see which companies offer what, and you will be sure to find some cheap car insurance

.

If you are one of the many people around the world who happens to be into cars and the new pastime called ‘modding’ I’m sure you have considered the implications of modding your auto sound system. For many the idea of modifying an automobile is very exciting. It’s a way to take the standard canvas purchased from the dealer and turn it into a work of art that you drive to work and play each and every day. The same theory holds for your sound system as well. You can take the basic pieces and parts and turn them into something so much more than they were to begin with.

If that isn’t enough you can purchase all kinds of LED lights and other nifty gadgets that glow and go along with your car while dancing to the beat. If you want to make a splash driving down any boulevard, this is definitely one way to not only be seen but also leave a lasting impression. Your creative genius with your auto sound system will cause quite a stir and give plenty of people much to discuss the next morning and plenty of people a great deal of inspiration to try to mimic or at the very least incorporate into their units somehow.

There are all kinds of sound systems for automobiles. Many of these systems are sold as part of a package and readily available to multiple consumers. You have the option as a creative modding genius, to take the plane Jane package and turn it into something so much better than it is or to even go off on a tangent and invent a total package of your own by mixing and matching pieces and parts from several different packages or pieces of packages.

It doesn’t matter where your creativity ends and begins there is never a challenge too great for a true modder at heart. From cars, trucks, boats, and computers to car stereos there is no task too demanding or too complicated for a true modding mind to tackle and transform. Perhaps it’s the blinking lights or all the wonderful possibilities that abound but auto sound system mods are among my favorite to see in action. It’s amazing the things that can be thought up by a wicked imagination and accomplished with a little time and a lot of effort.

Seriously though, if you are going to go to all the trouble of dressing up your vehicle shouldn’t you also take the time to dress up your auto sound system? There are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos you can buy that will work with the music your speakers are pumping in order to create a fabulous overall affect of music and light that is sure to get some great reactions from those you cruise on by. These are perfect accessories for summer time beach driving if you know what I mean. Growing up on the coast, I found a great section of people who were constantly modifying their cars and sound systems. I think it is incredibly amazing what can be done with metal, glass, color, light, and sound and really enjoy seeing all of the amazing creations that are made.

Even if you haven’t really given much thought to modifying your auto sound system before, I hope that you will consider it now if you are a serious modder. I honestly believe you might amaze yourself at some of the fabulous tricks of sound and light that you can come up with when properly challenged and inspired.

Take the time to check out the interesting things that have been done, and then formulate a hypothesis on what can be done. It is truly amazing the wonderful things that have been created as the result of a glove being thrown so to speak. Jump in and create a fabulously modified sound system that will be the absolute envy of everyone you pass along the way.

This is a project of industrial tuning. I tune and modify things in a car that would factory do, not tuning companies. This is a proposed dodge coupe, as it should have been differentiated from Mitsubishi sibling. Check out rah-68 Comanche replacement at theadvancedboy.blogspot.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Related Car Modify Articles

The first thing to look at is the cold air intake. OEM, original equipment manufacturer, intakes absorb warm air that surrounds the engine. This can really decrease the performance of your engine. Cold air intakes produce a steady stream of cold air which can really increase the efficiency of your engines combustion. As a result, your sports car will receive more power per stroke, seriously improving your cars speed and performance.

Another after market change you may want to make in your sports car is a custom ignition system. This includes performance sparks plugs and spark plug wires. You will find that by adding these to your engine you can really get some great added horsepower. Another option that you have to increase the power of your engine is advanced timing. The reason why this can increase the power of your engine is because performance spark plugs, as the name implies, produce sparks which ignite the fuel when it reaches your engine. When you add this to the boost you are already getting from the improved cold air intake, you can really get some added power.

The next way to increase the performance of your sports cars engine is to invest in turbos and superchargers. A turbo basically has one purpose, to increase the performance of your engine at greater RPMs. A turbocharger is really unnecessary for regular street driving. The only time it is really used is for track racing. If you want to just increase your cars performance for the street, then a supercharger may be more for you. These superchargers provide a wide range of benefits from all across the spectrum.

Many people do not consider radiators when they are thinking of souping up their rides, but high performance radiators can do a lot to increase power. However, you should take into consideration that high performance engines are going to produce a lot more heat, so an improved radiator may even be mandatory. The last thing you want is to blow your new engine that you have put so much time and money into.

As you can see, these are four simple things that you can do in order to improve the performance of your engine. While installing these yourself will help you to save money, dont attempt to do so unless you have had some experience with engine modification.

Find More Car Modify Articles

Virtual Tuning por Joabe Alves joabedesigner.blogspot.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

This pass was made on October 23, 2006 at Atco Raceway in New Jersey. The car is a stock 2006 Corvette Z06 without any modification EXCEPT running drag radial tires. Density Altitude at the time of this pass was 300 feet. Sharp viewers will find two kisses of the rev-limiter on this run. So I expect the car to do better with improved driving. Others modify the car to go faster; I mod the driver. Details on techniques I use and my forthcoming DVD are at www.rangeraccleration.com Best to all, Ranger

The popularity of these films and the culture they’ve highlighted means more people are looking to alter their cars to get a unique look or an extra boost in performance. What many drivers are unaware of is that some of these modifications can be dangerous or even illegal to add to their vehicle and could invalidate their insurance.

Performance modifications are often a key question when applying for car insurance and can add serious amounts to your premium. If you fail to declare any modifications you could invalidate your insurance agreement which would leave you seriously out of pocket should you have an accident or need to make a claim.

Visual modifications can be cheaper than expensive after-market performance parts such as body kits or interior decoration such as floor mats and gear knobs. A large portion of these will not affect your insurance as they do not affect the safety features of the car. It is worth checking prior to any modification you have planned and keeping your insurer notified though.

Another common modification is a new car radio or CD player; many modern car audio products have lots of features and so makes them pretty irresistible to car thieves. When choosing a car stereo make sure it has a removable face panel and take this with you whenever you are, not left in the car. This way the car thief will know that even if they stole the unit out of the car it would be useless.

Modifying cars can be a fun and expressive medium and as long as you take care not to compromise your car’s functionality and safety. This way you can achieve a unique looking car that is the envy of all your friends, but also be covered via valid insurance and protected from threat of theft at the same time.

More Car Modify Articles

In order to keep up in the fashion show happening on our roads some drivers have expressed their individualism and made changes to their run of the mill vehicles. These changes can be subtle ones such as a new set of alloy wheels through to extreme changes such as redesigned body kits or enormous spoilers strapped to the back of their cars.

With films like the Fast and the Furious and video games like Need For Speed glamorising this subculture of modifying cars and whilst most people in the UK have limited their changes to strictly cosmetic elements, there are some people who illegally modify the ECU (Electronic Control System) of their engines to get a performance boost. Others add items such as induction kits and turbo superchargers all manner of parts and gadgets that get the petrol head’s blood flowing.

Whilst this would certainly make driving on the roads more interesting and varied it has a downside: Insurance. Unfortunately most modifications you make to your vehicle can affect your car insurance premiums.

The thing is that most elements that set your car apart from the factory standard will potentially increase your car insurance and this can be as small as a GPS device or leather upholstery. There are some items such as roof racks or permanently fitted child seats that are not likely to affect your car insurance quotes.

It’s probably best to check with your insurer before making any changes to your car so you don’t end up having to pay out extra on car insurance as well as however much the weird and wonderful modifications may cost too.

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.

Car users modifying their cars with passion
Video Rating: 2 / 5

This was a car people really took to their heart, seeing a raft of extras and aftermarket parts springing up on the market to suit every style of customisation.
From rally style lights to full wide arch bodykits, even the Cooper family who prepared engines for F1 saw the potential of this little car, rebuilding it and giving
rise to the Mini Copper, a car that is still an icon to this day. Car modifying and customising has came a long way since then, from uprated suspension,
engine parts, bodykits and light sets for almost any car you could imagine, giving birth to a trade worth billions in the UK alone.

You would be mistaken to think this was a young mans game, all car enthusiast have taken to car modifying with equal vigour. Classic cars have just as many modified parts available to them as the little Vauxhall Corsa or the old Citroen Saxo’s we are so used to seeing being driving by the teenagers today, covered in aftermarket parts, sporting in car entertainment systems that quite often cost more than the car they are installed in. This in its self has created a car culture of its own, the cruise scene.

People from all walks of life turn up in car parks all across the country to show off their modified pride and joy. Mazda RX-7’s, Honda Preludes, Nissan Skylines that have had ten thousand pounds worth of extras, from full bodykits, uprated suspension, bugger turbos, uprated engine internals, full interior re-trims, some of the latest technology crammed in them, satnavs, ear splitting sound systems, games consoles, in fact more things that you would ever expect to see in a car. There are the modifiers that only go for pure speed, who would rather strip bare the interior of their car to save weight rather than fill it with all sorts of ICE.

Cars like the little Honda Civic and Nissan Pulsar that modifiers have managed to sqeeze over 300 BHP from the engine, putting quite alot of super cars to shame, and costing a fraction of the cost. Even manufacturers have gotten in on the act, Volkswagen showing the world their modified Golf, with a mid mounted W12 650BHP engine wedged in where the back seats should be, borrowed from a Bentley. Renault with the equally insane V6 Clio, this too doing away with the rear seats in favour of a V6 power plant, giving this little car power that would only be seen in the likes of a Porsche 911.

Car modifying and customisation has created a class of its own, giving rise to a whole host of magazines like Max Power, Redline, Banzai, Fast Ford to name a few, as well as films such as Fast and Furious. Race tracks have also seen the rise of this car culture and have opened their doors to allow car enthusiasts the test their machines on a wide open racetrack, giving them the freedom to test the cars and their own reactions, in the safe setting of a real race track.

Car modifying is here to stay.