There are more aftermarket mod options than there are car models on the market. You can find mods for just about any part of your daily driver, from bumper to bumper. With that in mind, searching for the right mod can be overwhelming — especially when you consider there are just as many mods that don’t perform. So, which car mods are worth the money? Can you install them yourself, or should you bring in a professional?
1. Cold Air Intake
Can you run a mile while holding your breath? The answer is no, but that’s what you’re expecting your car to do by driving with a dirty air filter.
Take it one step further and replace your stock air filter with a cold air intake. This makes it easier for your car to get the air it needs for efficient combustion, which boosts its performance. These are simple to install — all you usually need is a bit of time and some basic hand tools.
2. Catalytic Converters
Stock catalytic converters aren’t designed for engine performance and can often cause back pressure in the exhaust system as they get clogged. Opt for a performance OEM model, but note that it’s illegal to alter your catalytic converter in some parts of the country. In others, you need an OEM converter to pass a registration inspection.
3. Suspension
The stock suspension system in your car is probably sufficient for your daily driving needs. But if you find yourself wanting to spend a bit more time off-road — or you’re restoring a project car that’s seen better days — a suspension upgrade is a great way to spend your money. Don’t go crazy lifting your vehicle, though. Lift kits can detract from its value rather than add to it.
4. Ceramic Coating
Your car’s exterior plays a significant role in generating someone’s first impression of your vehicle, and there’s nothing that looks worse than chipped paint or rust spots.
You can protect your clear coat and paint with a ceramic coating. This silica-based liquid gel bonds chemically with the surface of the vehicle. The coating is hydrophobic, so it repels water and anything else that wants to stick to the surface. In addition to protecting your paint, it also keeps your car cleaner and makes it easier to wash.
5. Fuel Injectors
Whether you’re working on a newer model or an older project car, if you’ve put some miles on the vehicle, chances are good your injectors aren’t working at their peak. This can be a great way to save a bit of money on project cars, since aftermarket options are often much more affordable than OEM parts for classic cars.
6. Slotted Brake Discs
Standard brake discs are functional, but there’s always room for improvement. Consider upgrading your standard discs to slotted and drilled models — especially if you live or drive in an area that’s prone to heavy or frequent rainfall.
Drilled and slotted discs help your brake system stay drier, so it functions more confidently. Plus, they stay cooler if you’re doing lots of heavy braking.
7. Fuel Pumps
It’s hard to get the job done if you’re starving. Likewise, an old or weak fuel pump eats into your engine’s performance. This isn’t an easy fix, since most require you to remove the fuel tank to access the pump.
But if you find yourself trying to eke more horsepower out of your engine and you’ve run out of things to modify, adding a performance fuel pump could be just what you need.
What’s Next on Your Project List?
So, which car mods are worth the money? This list has gone over many, but it isn’t exhaustive. It should still give you a few ideas to help you sort through the overwhelming options on the market. Most of these are easy DIY projects, while others might require a bit more knowledge and experience.
Either way, these upgrades improve the value and performance of your car, often without breaking the bank.
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.
