About Modified Cars

An individual with the intention to improve the performance and appearance of the vehicle, upgrades or modifies a particular car by adding or replacing key elements. There are simple modifications such as replacing the exhaust system, as well as significant modifications such as replacing the original body with a fiberglass body kit. Most modified cars are smaller and compact. Modified race cars go through a mechanic alteration with the intention of adding speed and performance.

Modified Cars

The purpose of a modified car is to significantly upgrade the car's appearance or performance. This is accomplished by interchanging specific components of the vehicle. The individual performing the car modification uses automotive aftermarket parts to replace the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
While modified cars improve several physical aspects of the vehicle, it is not for the casual car owner. You must be a custom car enthusiast. According to Modified Magazine, modifying a car does not necessarily increase the value of the vehicle, but the cost of parts and labor can sometimes equal the actual cash value of the vehicle.

Common Modifications

Several common modifications classify a vehicle as a modified car. You can lower the vehicle's suspension by replacing the original manufacturer's shock absorbers, springs or torsion bars. This can enhance the performance and it gives the modified car a swift appearance.
You can replace the original exhaust system with an aftermarket exhaust system. Along with improving the flow of the exhaust, it produces a louder and distinctive sound. Another common upgrade is to replace the factory-installed wheels with custom alloy wheels. The aftermarket wheels are typically wider than the original wheels.
You can enhance the performance of the engine by adding a high-flow air filter. Some individuals will purchase a turbocharger kit.

Appearance Modifications

The modified appearance of the car can be significantly different from the original form. You can replace the original body with a fiberglass body, customizing the outward appearance, giving the vehicle a sleek appearance. This is a complete modification of the body-style, as well as the paint scheme. You can add spoilers and rear wings to give the car a speedy appearance.
In some cases, individuals will chop the roof, which means to lower the original roof height. This improves overall speed. Individuals will sometimes channel the body by altering the floor, moving it higher into the body, which lowers the exterior body over the frame closer to the ground. By channeling the car body, you do not have to modify the suspension.

Modified Race Cars

Like streetcars, race cars can be modified. However, the sole intention to modifying a race car is to improve speed and performance. In streetcars, improving the outward appearance is sometimes more essential than speed and performance facet.
There are several modified racing leagues in the United States. They compete on either dirt or asphalt. The race teams lower the bodies on these cars, as well as the roof, giving the car a compact appearance. The modified race cars that compete on asphalt use wider and slicker tires.
Small adjustments in modified race cars can make a huge difference in the speed and performance. Bob Harris Enterprises has a DVD explaining how to enhance the performance of an IMCA (dirt modified racing) modified race car by altering the front and rear suspensions, camber and caster angle, shocks and springs and torque links.

Good Cars to Modify

Most modified cars are smaller vehicles such as hatchback cars or compact coupes. These types of cars are easier to modify based on affordability, as well as the fact that the body styles are less demanding than larger sedans or sport utility vehicles.
According to Ask Men.com, the top six best cars to modify are the Toyota Scion, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Dodge Neon, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt and the Mitsubishi Lancer. They also state that the Honda Accord and Civic models are ideal for modifying, as they are suitable for wide array of tastes as well as budgets.