Anyone else think this way about mods? Or just me?

[Mach 307]

I finally figured out the philosophy behind how I modify my Mach 1, and I’m curious if anyone else thinks about it this way.

I’m very OEM/OEM+ minded, but I realized my rule isn’t simply “Ford parts only,” because that’s too broad. Plenty of OEM Ford parts would technically fit that I’d never touch.

My actual rule is this:

If Ford Performance has effectively recognized a category of parts as “enthusiast” modifiable, then OEM Ford parts within that same category are fair game. If Ford hasn’t opened that category, I leave it alone.

Examples:

Steering wheels:
Ford Performance sells the GT350R Alcantara steering wheel. That tells me Ford considers steering wheels a legitimate enthusiast modification category. Because of that, I felt comfortable choosing the OEM GT350 Alcantara wheel instead of the GT350R version, since it’s literally the same wheel with white stitching instead of red, which matches my Mach interior better.

Wheels:
Ford Performance sells wheel packages (including Mach 1 HP wheels). That tells me wheels are an enthusiast modification category Ford clearly supports. Because of that, I felt comfortable running OEM GT350 wheels instead of my stock HP wheels. Same Ford halo ecosystem, same S550 platform, same exact 19x10.5 / 19x11 sizing philosophy.

Strut brace / door sills / X-pipe / air filter:
These are even simpler since they’re directly Ford Performance parts.

Example of where I draw the line:

Door cards / interior conversions:
No Ford Performance pathway, so no.
(Not meaning shift knobs and things of that nature, that are FP parts.)

So my philosophy isn’t “anything OEM Ford goes.”

It’s more:

“Only OEM modifications that stay within a Ford Performance recognized enthusiast sandbox.”

That’s what keeps it feeling authentic to me instead of turning into random parts swapping.

There are some exceptions, such as my BMR jacking rails, but that’s a solution that only was solved by the aftermarket in this case.

Curious if anyone else thinks this way or if I’m just OCD weird

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[Datalux]

I totally get where you're coming from. I used to go down the rabbit hole of modding every single thing the second I got a new car, but lately, I’ve found myself enjoying the stock setup way more. There’s something nice about not worrying about fitment issues, drone, or whether a tune is going to mess with my warranty. I still love a clean set of wheels or a slightly better exhaust note, but I’ve definitely shifted toward the "less is more" approach, keeps the car reliable and honestly makes it a lot easier to live with as a daily. Sometimes the engineers actually knew what they were doing from the factory.

 

[S550HPP]

It's a fine approach you know it's gonna work, be durable and attractive, come with real warranty and retain Ford DNA. I'm the same way except audio.

 

[G.T.]

Are you really 26 years old??

But yeah, I've gone to OEM+ for most things I even feel like modding anymore.

 

[TonyNJ]

Let's see a side photo of the car with those wheels on it and maybe an interior shot with the steering wheel.

 

[Paris MkVI]

Your thinking is a reasonable approach.

Not a modder myself anymore. I did all sorts of (non-Ford) mods on my '69 Mustang back in the day. But as cars become more complex and bespoke computer modules and networking entered the car world, my modding days went away. They require an ever-increasing level of skill, knowledge, and tools I don't have. Now I just drive and enjoy.

But "have at it" my man, and have fun doing it!

 

[skinnyb]

I am largely that way. I do a few more "aftermarket" mods like all the Steeda stop the hop kit that really tightens up the suspension the way it "should" be. And headers/tune were pretty much a given for me. But everything else is OEM+... Now my boy, he is a "typical" mid 20's kid. He likes to touch and modify EVERYTHING. Very tastefully I might add, but likes to make it "his"...

 

[Slow Yote]

It depends what I’m doing. I’ve obviously heavily modified my s550, but when able I have used OEM+ (Ford Racing, Ford Performance), IE wheels and just recently FP 200amp alternator. But, there are things Ford just doesn’t make and won’t make “as good”, like stiffening up the suspension, power upgrades, and eventually a Trans, but… it could sort of be considered OEM+ since it’s a Tremec and they were put in other mustangs?

 

[NightmareMoon]

Its case by case. Function first, form second. OEM+ seats (for now), steering wheel (for now), seat delete, catch can, gears, engine parts - because they fit and work great.

Non-OEM suspension, wheels and tires, some driveline parts, and aero because I need a lot more there than Ford offers.

So I’ll look to FP first if what they have fits my needs but its not a playbook for me, Its an option if and only if it suits by goals.

I couldn’t care less what someone thinks Ford would consider is OEM+. Most of those FP parts (with exceptions) are things in Fords existing active production lines which they think they can sell. Its not a comprehensive suite of upgrades for every need.

 

[Pistol_91]

Its case by case. Function first, form second. OEM+ seats (for now), steering wheel (for now), seat delete, catch can, gears, engine parts - because they fit and work great.

Non-OEM suspension, wheels and tires, some driveline parts, and aero because I need a lot more there than Ford offers.

So I’ll look to FP first if what they have fits my needs but its not a playbook for me, Its an option if and only if it suits by goals.

I couldn’t care less what someone thinks Ford would consider is OEM+. Most of those FP parts (with exceptions) are things in Fords existing active production lines which they think they can sell. Its not a comprehensive suite of upgrades for every need.

This.

 

[MAGS1]

I stick to Ford/Ford Performance/Ford Racing parts whenever possible. There are some things they don’t do that the aftermarket fills in (IRS braces being one of them). I would also go aftermarket for lighter wheels, OEM wheels are pretty heavy. But, I would say about 80% of my mods are under the Ford parts umbrella

 

[ShadesOfBloo]

Curious if anyone else thinks this way or if I’m just OCD weird

Both things can be true.

Are you really 26 years old??

If he is, then he might be more on the "OCD weird" side.

 

[Bob Lob Law]

I have honestly never shopped Ford Performance.

 

[GTP]

I like Ford parts quality and price (when compared to some aftermarket products).

I like to buy used parts from other members. Saves money, parts are like new, and helps out a fellow member. This especially applies to parts that are unseen, such as pretty much everything underneath the car.

I design some of my own parts (simple stuff) where either I can do better, save money, or the product doesn't exist elsewhere.

After 7 years, my car is pretty much finished for HPDE/DD duty.

Now the primary criterion for a new purchase is whether or not it costs over $200!

 

[Mach 307]

Are you really 26 years old??

But yeah, I've gone to OEM+ for most things I even feel like modding anymore.

Haha I know. I feel like I have the brain of a 70 year old man about some of these things.

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