Car Modification

[stephen chung]

Hi,

Any bros here into car modifications? I thought of getting a car to do that.
Need someone to show me the rope..

[benny]

Stephen,

Changing hobby? Once you get that ride at start "modding", I don't think we'll see much of you from then on.

Anyway, what do you have in mind? There are many ways to 'mod' your ride, but basically most are divided into two camp, power or looks. I've seen some unassuming cars that will put the lastest Posche to shame and I've also seen some original Beetle looking for new and fancy and many of the latest rides.

Whatever it is, do drop by now and then and share your new hobby with us!

Cheers,

[stephen chung]

Benny,

Not changing hobby lar...Just something that I would like to do for a long time. I am more towards the power side. But don't know which car to get?

[benny]

The Mitsubitshi Evolution X just came out. Although I have had a few comments for preference to be with the older model. Alternatively, the Subaru WRX is also a favorite with most folks. The limited edition 204 (which the irritating Ah Seng from Ah Seng Aquarium never got to try) may be an option too. These rides will offer lots of options for further modication.

For me, if I have the cash, I would prefer a small compact ride, something like the Golf GTi or Golf GT. But not many options available for further enhancements.

By the way, what are you currently driving then?

Cheers,

[stephen chung]

Benny,

Alot of people ask me not to get the above 2 cars...Not worth the money. Just get the normal WRX will do and spend the money save for mods...

I am driving a RX300 now...

[FireSpitter]

I tend to disagree about getting the entry level WRX instead of the higher spec STi or S204. The latter 2 models although more expensive, offers a stronger foundation for further mods (Stronger rods, heat treated pistons etc..) unless you intend to do a complete bottom up makeover of the engine.

The Volkswagen group has been drawing much compliments with their DSG and I agree with Benny on GTi or GT recommendations. Modification options are lesser with tuning companies but if you're really into this make, I'll see if I can hook you up with a few overseas race car prep companies I used to work with. They can custom make any engine part or even fully prep the engine for race.

The options are endless.... you may wanna look at the new GTR, EvoX, or even Porsches, Ferraris but then again, without mentioning how much you wanna spend on the car and also the budget on the mods, it'll be difficult to advise further.

[bryan]

One thing to look at, is it going to be a hobby car or an everyday car? The power side aka 'dark side' is also highly disagreeable with the authorities. If you are looking for power, versatility and some excusivity, I'd recommend the parallel import Forester STI.

[learner]

I am driving a RX300 now...

that's a dream car for many..

[Aquaculture]

What would you like to mod bro?

Engine and ECU tuning or upgrade
You may heard of Ah Joo at Autopoint. He does mechanic mods while his partner, Alex, tuning via dyno. Last sat I just went down to the workshop, there's a brand new wrx there going through major improvements. Engine bay, exhaust system totally gone. And its a brand new license plate. DAMN! Wish I got that sort of sponsor!

No matter how many horses you add, I strongly advise you to improve your brakes too.

Give Ah Joo a visit to discuss what you wanna do. Tell him Joey recommend and he'll give you a discount. His no. is 9669 6675. By far, his price and service is way cheaper than the others... and because of this, please do book in advance.

Exhaust System
Fong Kim Exhaust or Jeepchee. I don't keep track of their no. as I've only changed my exhaust once and I didn't bother. Fong Kim has much better weilding skills.

ECU upgrade
Drive to Pamis Jaya (JB), its cheaper there. Give Ah Chew a ring at Visworks - 002 607 388 0602.

[eddy planer]

Benny,

Alot of people ask me not to get the above 2 cars...Not worth the money. Just get the normal WRX will do and spend the money save for mods...

I am driving a RX300 now...

RX300 is well known for high FC, well what about include new mod of CNG device... so that you will able save at least SGD400 on petrol charges for each month. As for CNG assembled device , 200km/per full CNG cylinder apply to all kinds of cars. So top up for 1 CNG cylinder is less than $20.

My few friends just installed CNG devices to their merc, volvo and Murano. They gave me thumbs up! and they can spend their extra on their new toys like GPS, piggybags and SLR cameras.

So you definitely save alot...on the ever rising precious fuel and we all will save the world enivorments!

I planning to get one real soon...for my birthday.

[benny]

With CNG conversion, you are suppose to lose a bit of power. But of course, what you lose in horsepower and torque, you can in your wallet.

The only real problem with CNG is the convenience of top up. Not too many points at the moment.

Cheers,

[valice]

RX300 is well known for high FC, well what about include new mod of CNG device... so that you will able save at least SGD400 on petrol charges for each month. As for CNG assembled device , 200km/per full CNG cylinder apply to all kinds of cars. So top up for 1 CNG cylinder is less than $20.

What's initial investment and how's the petrol/CNG distribution like? 50-50?

[Aquaculture]

Think the main issue is that CNG kiosk isn't that readily available in sg. If I'm not mistaken I've read that there are only about 4 in sg and one in JB. Price is about 50% cheaper and installation.... if I remember correctly is about $3k.

Benny's correct, it'll lose power. But high performance = more petrol.

[valice]

Did a search online and seems like some users have teething problems like stalling of cars and out of tune CNG firing.

[bryan]

I tend to disagree about getting the entry level WRX instead of the higher spec STi or S204. The latter 2 models although more expensive, offers a stronger foundation for further mods (Stronger rods, heat treated pistons etc..) unless you intend to do a complete bottom up makeover of the engine.

I agree on this point. There was once a discussion on this on the subaru forum. The conclusion was that to get a base Rex up to full STI spec. it would cost an extra 15-20K and most of the modifications will be illegal.

Do check the availablity of the current sedan model (GD series) - STI or STI-S as they are switching over to the new 5dr model which looks very bland(IMO).

[eddy planer]

I agree with you guys...the lost of power and torque. That why my few friends invested in piggybag after install CNG conversion to increase the power and torque back to normal.

They spend at least SGD 3000 for CNG conversion kits and another SGD 750 for piggybag device to increase the performance, power and torque and had configure to use the 95 petrol only.

But to me SGD3000, i rather spend it on my petrol! agree?

[benny]

I agree on this point. There was once a discussion on this on the subaru forum. The conclusion was that to get a base Rex up to full STI spec. it would cost an extra 15-20K and most of the modifications will be illegal.

Do check the availablity of the current sedan model (GD series) - STI or STI-S as they are switching over to the new 5dr model which looks very bland(IMO).

I also agree on this point. I think it's better to go straight for the highest spec (you can afford) and then work it up from there. Otherwise, the journey along the way is no less expensive and the depreciation is even higher. Not to mention that amount of time your car will be in and out of the workshop and you will be without a ride. That's assuming that that's not much problem with the modifications and legality aside.

Audi's A3 also have the DSG system and is suppose to be quite well received. Although the new VW Golf is both turbo and supercharged. Really powerpack. So further enhancements will not be too major. Perhaps something to consider?

Cheers,

[FireSpitter]

I agree on this point. There was once a discussion on this on the subaru forum. The conclusion was that to get a base Rex up to full STI spec. it would cost an extra 15-20K and most of the modifications will be illegal.

Do check the availablity of the current sedan model (GD series) - STI or STI-S as they are switching over to the new 5dr model which looks very bland(IMO).

Another point I forgot to add... Presumably you get a base WRX and spend some serious cash on it to make it "same or slightly more" than a STi model. When it is time to resell the car, the STi, even unmodded, will still fetch a better resale price (With higher OMV) than the modded base WRX.

GD series is a bit on the "slow" side. I don't if you can still get your hands on one of these, but you can still try.... WRX STi Spec C (Rally Spec Homologation model). Not comfortable, drinks like an open tap, don't even think about a quiet cabin but performance wise, you will not be disappointed.

[stephen chung]

I tend to disagree about getting the entry level WRX instead of the higher spec STi or S204. The latter 2 models although more expensive, offers a stronger foundation for further mods (Stronger rods, heat treated pistons etc..) unless you intend to do a complete bottom up makeover of the engine.

The Volkswagen group has been drawing much compliments with their DSG and I agree with Benny on GTi or GT recommendations. Modification options are lesser with tuning companies but if you're really into this make, I'll see if I can hook you up with a few overseas race car prep companies I used to work with. They can custom make any engine part or even fully prep the engine for race.

The options are endless.... you may wanna look at the new GTR, EvoX, or even Porsches, Ferraris but then again, without mentioning how much you wanna spend on the car and also the budget on the mods, it'll be difficult to advise further.

I heard from my friend that my friend that GTR , you can't do anything to the ECU.

With the WRX is, one shop tell you this and the other shop tell you another thing. I was thinking that use the money save in getting the STi and spend it on the modifications.

Porsche and Ferrari is out of my reach..

The most I can spend is about 150K...

[stephen chung]

One thing to look at, is it going to be a hobby car or an everyday car? The power side aka 'dark side' is also highly disagreeable with the authorities. If you are looking for power, versatility and some excusivity, I'd recommend the parallel import Forester STI.

bryan,

The Forrester look really Can't Make It man..! like the new 5doors WRX ..really bad man..It will be my everyday car..hopefully...