Remain Stock?

[Norm Peterson]

You just need to figure out what you want the car to do better/differently than it does, research, research, research and choose wisely. My car doesn't scream modified at all if you see it parked somewhere. Sure, it has some nice, classy, non-OE wheels, some big exhaust tips, and looks a just a little lower, but you'd have to know your S550 stuff to be sure. I went for tangible improvements in handling over almost all else, without significant compromise to daily driving; I achieved that. Engine stuff beyond a tune is a slippery slope, so if there's any area to really exercise restraint, it's that, IMO.

This ↑↑↑

Take your time defining the specific direction that you want your mod program to follow. Then stick to it, whether it be performance/straight line, performance/corner-carving, judged car shows, etc. Go for a unified theme, which could be even more subtle than what BmacIL has described, or in-your-face obvious, or anywhere in between.

Don't put yourself under any pressure to get it all done at once, either. Sometimes the details of a carefully considered plan end up being revised, so it doesn't really hurt anything to just drive it the way you drove it home for a while.

Personal opinion - appearance-specific mods are apt to look 'dated' after a while (and some are flat-out wrong to do), so maybe be extra careful if you're considering any of those.


Norm

Sponsored

 

[ahl395]

The only thing I can say is that everybody's different.

Some will be happy with a completely stock Mustang, some people will need to put $40k worth of mods into the car in mods to be happy with it. Some people will be happy with a base model Toyota Camry too.

For me, while I loved my car when it was stock, it didn't wow me. So on the 3rd week I tore it apart and upgraded the OPG in anticipation for a supercharger. Then after the blower, I still wasn't happy and kept adding more stuff and am aiming for 750+whp. Meanwhile, I have a coworker who was bragging to me yesterday about how incredibly fast his 300hp car is lol. At the same time, I do in fact just enjoy modding. I'm a mechanic and I love tinkering and building something.

Priorities are another aspect of it. Those who are paying for college, a house, kids, etc. and/or don't have the disposable income to blow on car parts will probably not see the need to put alot of money into mods, when they could use that money for a vacation, home improvements, etc. For me, my car is my only priority and my life revolves around it. I significantly delayed myself from getting a house or spending money on literally anything other than my car, and I'm happy that way. Most people don't see their car as their TOP priority, and it depends on the person where mods are in your priority list.

 

[Blue Moon]

I like having the ability to find ways to make my car better suited to me and the way I drive. And it's also cool to know that my car is unique, just a little different from anyone else's car. There's not another one quite like it anywhere in the world, and that makes it special to me. And if it's special I'm more apt to take good care of it and make it last longer.

 

[ivantwilliams]

LMAO I’m from Hackney, Mara Street. So, I get it. Flipping hilarious...

In England the car is best stock. Any mod looks like a council estate special.

 

[Indylatenight]

Keeping mine as stock as possible. Only "mod' was a new set of American Racing wheels to give it that old school look. People keep telling me that I need to get a better (louder) exhaust but face it, it's a turbo 4. It will never sound like a V8 so why try. Besides, I find it better not to have the cops hear me coming 5 miles away.... better just to spin their radar as I fly by... LOL.

 

[NYDP77]

To me the mustang was made for a wide variety of people. Gear Heads, now tuners, both men and women. Best selling sports car in the world has to compromise for a lot of people. Mine stock didn't have the right feel/sound as a muscle car. Make it your own if you want. I didnt spend too much money making it a car that I wanted.

 

[Kansas GT]

I was already scoping out aftermarket exhausts prior to purchasing my '18 GT, but I've grown to enjoy the stock exhaust since it does seem pretty loud.

I love the versatility of the Mustang and the fact that it caters to many different types of drivers. With the exception of aftermarket rims and the Steeda clutch spring (a must with the MT82 in my opinion), I'll probably stay stock for quite some time.

I've done the whole mod route with previous cars. I'm sure I'll get the bug again one day.

 

[TaraFirma]

I would venture to say that if you’re on this site or other car enthusiast forums, you’re probably not the “keep my car stock” type of person. I typically can’t make it through the first tank of gas before the mods start.

 

[rum_punch_ruby]

Always been a modder. Before I even picked this one up I had them tint the windows and the spoiler I had already bought went on about an hour after I got the car home.

 

[Norm Peterson]

I've modified every car I've ever owned at least a little. But with only about four very specific exceptions (the FRPP cold air & tune on my '08, plus three minor things spread out over the three cars in my sig that I'm not going to describe), no mod happened until after I'd driven the car for a while.

I've never felt that I needed to "re-do" a mod because of not being happy about the way the first effort ended up.


Norm

 

[swat 79]

I think mustangs need a few small adjustments depending on your driving style. For me, it was Exhaust, Steering wheel (seriously the best change), Tint, Shift Knob, and some interior trim. The only other things I have planned are to lower it, blank decklid panel, and a CS style grill. All in less than 2 grand on a base car to make it my own and maximize the fun I get from it without going overboard.

 

[Stormtrooper5.0]

The only thing I have on the car is tint and a pedal extender lol.
If I get any mods it will probably be just an intake and exhaust....possibly a tune (but most likely not)...i'm too afraid of warranty issues for now.
I will be doing more cosmetic for both interior/exterior though.

 

[gamecoc430]

poncho@home Here is where I got my trunk strap from:

https://www.amazon.com/SpaceCitySpy...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01M8MFNJ4

Very, very easy to install, only needed a small hammer to push in the retaining pin. Have had no problems with it, some have it come loose from the grunk but I think they simply don't insert the pin far enough. No more finger prints n the trunk or spoiler!

 

[tranceporter]

Just cosmetic mods and exhaust here until the car is paid off. Then its a choice between moving on or an NA build. More than likely it will be the former.

 

[2morrow]

Ive modded the shit out of every car I've ever owned. Maybe one day I'll afford a car that doesn't need to be modded (Ferrari/McLaren/etc) but until then...

For the most part it's a personal thing. You do you.

Sponsored