Avoid These Modifications That Can Decrease Your Car's Performance
Table of Content

    Avoid These Modifications That Can Decrease Your Car's Performance

    Cars existed before we had the vast technical ability for gearheads to do anything about them modding-wise. This was altered by World War II, which helped a generation of young boys learn technical skills and abilities that they carried into civilian life in record numbers. A few decades were all it took for the aftermarket business to have everything you could ever desire to bolt, weld, or mount on your car. Here is a helpful guide to help you choose the best improvements from the many available choices by naming the attributes for the worst modded cars that are really bad for performance goals.

    The Elements that Constitute the Least Desirable Modified Cars

    Unfortunately, not all car modifications produce the desired outcome and can be more harmful than beneficial. A modified vehicle that meets the highest technical and aesthetic standards is known as a "Tuner." The perfect harmony between the car's stock appearance and its enhanced features results in an appearance and performance that is remarkably appealing to most people. In many ways, a "Ricer" is the rival of a "Tuner." 

    "Race-Inspired Cosmetic Enhancements" is what it stands for. The Ricer is a car modified using inexpensive, frequently mismatched parts, resulting in an uncoordinated, poor-quality vehicle. Instead of considering how different modifications may be combined to improve a car's performance, modders working on Ricers frequently concentrate on noise and cosmetic effects like wheel camber. 

    Are There Any Bad Car Mods to Avoid?

    It is up to you to become what type of car you prepare for your enjoyment, but if you want performance, you can try to avoid some of the things talked about down there. But when it comes to modifying an automobile, there are only two possibilities: either it's a tremendously inventive modification or an abnormal concept. Some of them are creative mods done with little thought, so the final product is ineffective.

    Avoid Ruinous Car Modifications: Optimize Suspensions Springs for Better Performance

    Lowering a car's ride height is a straightforward way to personalize its appearance. This can be accomplished in several methods, such as modifying the suspension settings, using aftermarket lowering kits, and shortening or chopping the suspension springs in a crude but effective manner. Despite being simple to execute, this is risky and impractical because the car's handling and ride comfort would suffer.

    car-mechanic-inspecting-suspension-springs

    A Noisy Exhaust

    Installing a well-made and efficient exhaust system, which can increase horsepower and enhance the car's exhaust note, is a crucial and fundamental performance modification. Loud exhausts that do nothing more than make the automobile sound louder without a matching increase in engine power are an unnecessary and ineffective addition.

    A Wider Fender

    Some modders want to install oversized or offset tires and rims, but doing so necessitates rolling or widening the fender arches, ruining the fenders or panels and impairing the vehicle's aerodynamics. Additionally, the car's resale value will be reduced because the sheet metal and original design have been changed.

    Larger Tires and Rims

    If installed carelessly, too-large rims will reduce the car's performance and ride quality since they take more power to turn each wheel, slows down, and complicates the vehicle's motion. When turning and hitting bumps, poorly fitting rims will cause the tires to grind against the interior of the wheel well and fender flares, harming both the tires and the car's body.

    Hood Vents

    It's a risky modification since poorly placed hood holes could allow water or other debris to harm the pricey engine, electrical, or mechanical parts.

    Catalytic Converter Removal

    Removing catalytic converters and installing test pipes/high flow cats should not be regarded as an appropriate mod because they are both unlawful (Laws prohibit the removal or alteration of a vehicle's catalytic converter) and damage the performance of the car. Due to the imbalanced fuel burn (very rich or lean) brought on by this modification, power, and fuel efficiency are reduced.

    car-catalytic-converter-from-under-the-hood

    Huge Rear Wing

    The significance of aerodynamics has led to the installation of various aero kit by manufacturers and modders that is intended to enhance grip and handling on everything from race cars to road automobiles. The concept was taken to the limit by adding massive rear spoilers, which will indeed worsen the lowering of the vehicle’s back due to its weight.

    Car Body Kits

    Numerous variables affect a body kit's overall impact. The first important consideration is the caliber of the fitting job. It's more likely that more knowledgeable and professional modders will fit everything together more effectively and neatly. 

    Materials are a further consideration. Fiberglass additions are far less expensive but will also seem less expensive. Although a pricey option, carbon fiber has additional advantages for the racetrack, including exceptional strength and endurance against extreme forces when traveling at high speeds for extended periods. 

    Last but not least, how knowledgeable and carefully considered the body kit purchase was, is also a critical issue. The paint job on the body kit has a great role in the final outcome of performance if we’re digging for details, for example.

    FAQ's About Worst Modifications

    • What common vehicle modifications can negatively impact performance?

    Common mods that can hinder performance include oversized wheels, excessive body kits, overly aggressive engine tuning, and certain types of aftermarket exhaust systems.

    • Why can adding oversized wheels reduce car performance?

    Oversized wheels can negatively impact performance by increasing unsprung weight, leading to slower acceleration, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.

    • How do certain exhaust modifications affect engine efficiency?

    Some aftermarket exhaust systems can disrupt the exhaust flow and backpressure, which might result in reduced engine efficiency and power.

    • Can excessive body modifications lead to performance issues?

    Yes, excessive body kits or modifications can increase the weight and aerodynamic drag of the vehicle, leading to decreased performance and fuel efficiency.

    • What should be considered when modifying a car's suspension system?

    When modifying a car’s suspension, it’s important to consider the balance between ride quality and handling. Improperly done, it can lead to a harsh ride, reduced traction, and handling issues.

    Back to blog

    DID YOU SEE PEDAL COMMANDER’S BACKYARD?

    Want to have some fun time? Head over to Pedal Commander’s Backyard for your daily automotive-flavored entertainment!