So, you and your buddies saw a certain drag racing flick this summer nearly half a dozen times and you're itching to get in on the thrills, chills and spills of the underground racing scene.
Hey, you. Yeah, you in the upside-down visor. I'm talking to you.
Unfortunately, thanks to your summer job selling shoes for just under minimum wage, you haven't saved up quite enough to pick up that sweet Skyline import you've been dreaming about. Only 85 grand to go.
Well, just because you can't jump straight to the big leagues doesn't mean you can't play ball, baby. With just a few hundred bucks and some elbow grease, you can turn your Mom's old Honda into a dream machine.
You can't change your own nerdiness, so you might as well not drive a nerd's car. Here's how to avoid it.
Let's start on the outside and work our way in.
Body Kits
Almost every piece of your car's chassis can be modified, from the hood to the doors to the truck. The body kit defines the primary appearance of your car. It is primarily responsible for making a car look less like a granny-mobile and can turn it into a sweet ride.
Fiberglass parts are often cheap and usually come in a variety of shapes and styles. However, they tend to damage rather easily, especially when placed under constant driving stresses.
Urethane is the material of choice for body kit connoisseurs. It lends a superior quality to your auto and is significantly more durable than the fiberglass equivalents. Of course, it'll cost you.
Rims
Depending on the car you drive, there is a wide range of rim fitments available. Currently, the most popular sizes are 19s (as in, inches), if they fit on your car. Rims range anywhere from $100-$1000 per wheel. Rim designs satisfy all aesthetic forms and tastes and come in one to three pieces, although more pieces equals more expensive. Just for the look, Suburbans can run 23s; for those of the smaller makes, putting 15s on, say, your Civic will make your baby look absolutely badass (for tires on the 'Net, check out http://www.superbuytires.com and http://www.wheelpower.com).
Tint
Darkening your windows is the cheapest and simplest way to make your car look significantly different, with the added bonus of giving you that air of mystery that is oh-so-attractive to the opposite sex. Tints usually run around $200 - a small price to pay. Obviously, to really look good, you'll go illegally dark.
Performance
ECU - This engine management software will change the way your car drives, allowing you to go a little faster than normal, in most instances.
Exhaust - This gives you the deep, sexy purring sound you crave as well as performance enhancement and will run you around $300-$600, depending on the make and model of your car.
Intake - Responsible for sucking in the air your engine and exhaust need to perform well. One costing you around $200 should be able to do the deed.
Springs - Eibach and H&R are the best brands of springs. Lowering your car will give you better control when cornering, and a sweet look, although look to spend around $350, including installation.
Sound
Subwoofers - If you want your car to bump, you've gotta have these. Go with 10s to approach loud, 15s to go crystal-crackin' overboard. These range from $75-$400 per speaker.
Amplifiers - This is what will power your sound system. There are lots of different types to choose from, depending on what you want to get out of your car - that is, whether or not you want it to shake.
Stereo - This is your deck - the basis for your sound system - so it's absolutely essential. This is pretty much the first thing to change when you want to achieve better sound quality. There are CD, cassettes, MD and even DVD-players available, if you've got the dough.
Speakers - Depending on how your car is set up, for the most part, stock speakers are crap. This would be the second step people take towards sound quality nirvana, but the price of heaven will empty your wallets when you have to change out 6-8 speakers. Nevertheless, those willing and able to throw down the Benjamins will find that they will handle the power from your new amps to give you a smoother and louder sound. Generally, you'd change your speakers the same time you change your amplifiers.
For tips, tricks and secrets from your fellow fanatics, check out some of these discussion forums on the Internet:
BMW: http://www.dtmpower.net
Audi: http://www.audioworld.org
Lexus IS: http://www.IS300.net
Toyota Camry:
http://www.camryman.org
VW: http://www.vwvortex.com/
Honda and Acura:
http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/
Nissan Maxima:
http://www.maxima.org
For car parts on the 'Net, visit http://www.optauto.com/webstore/ and www.speedoptions.com
Good 'zines to reference: Import Tuner, Turbo, European Car, Max Power, Lowrider
Good site for audio equipment, visit http://www.onlinecarstereo.com.
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