Do you prefer functional, aesthetic or performance car mods

I'm more of a function over form guy and prefer my mods to be maximum like an OEM fitment. This can also have a mix of aesthetic mods but I am strongly inclined towards functional modifications or upgrades.

BHPian jithin23 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Most of the BHPians are car nuts, that's a given. There are some of us who like to modify our cars to our taste or our needs.

One thought which came to my mind is what kind of modification I'd prefer. I prefer a modification which is functional and adds more value to my vehicle. I'm more of a function over form guy and prefer my mods to be maximum like an OEM fitment. This can also have a mix of aesthetic mods but I am strongly inclined towards functional modifications or upgrades.

Functional Mods: Gives us more detailed insight about our vehicle and can help in proactive monitoring of our vehicle or enhancing a particular OEM feature. This type of mod can either be OEM or aftermarket. Warranty stays intact in most cases. Ex: TPMS, GPS trackers, a speedometer from a higher variant of the same vehicle, Headlight upgrades.

Aesthetic Mods: This type of mods are more based on sprucing up the looks of the vehicle. Here too, the warranty is not affected. Ex: Alloy wheels, leather seats, spoilers, Roof Blackening.

Performance Mods: These type of mods take the car's driving characteristics to another level which can be either good or detrimental depending on the type of performance mod and tuning of the ECU. These can impact engine life as some specs exceed OEM tolerance limits and in most case can void Warranty. These type of mods need to be done if you have sufficient knowledge about the car and the tuner or mechanic is a reliable person.

Which type of a mod you prefer and why?

I posted this as I'm curious to know what kind of mods are the most preferred by BHPians.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

My Jeep has been modified on all 3 parameters. Functional mods have included increasing the driver's legroom, removing the rear seat (additional cargo), taller final drive for cruising (on the 2.1L engine) etc. Has got a bigger 2.5L diesel under the hood, compared to the factory 2.1L. They say no two old Jeeps are the same and that's certainly the case with mine. It's one of a kind...worldwide.

The 530d is very sorted, so no functional mods. However, it has had some aesthetic & performance modifications. Black sporty grille, black roof, better rims, switch to tubeless tyres (from RFT), engine remap, gearbox remap etc. The Skoda Superb will also see similar mods as it ages. I like to modify cars as they get older because it keeps them interesting & exciting. Because I keep cars for 10 years or more, it's important that I don't get bored of them. Hence, the need to periodically "spice" them up.

On the other hand, I will never get serious modifications in the after-market like say, turbo-charging an NA motor. The reliability & quality is just not there.

Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

I prefer a balance, even in the extent of the modifications. I will avoid anything that can be called Overdone. Many of the changes I have done are small, often not visible to the eye. Small things, but which can add to the over all driving experience.

Here's what BHPian v12 had to say on the matter:

Nice thread! I would prefer functional and aesthetic modifications. Since these modifications do not impact the warranty and can be easily un-modified. I try to keep away from any performance mods because you never know how reliable or unreliable they could be.

A few years ago, I preferred resto-mod's but I guess I have matured now and prefer to keep my vehicles stock.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

Very specifically, I’ll spend my money on better/wider tires, a headlight upgrade, an ECU tune for a diesel and perhaps a speaker upgrade. Having the seats bolstered for additional lumbar and shoulder support is much needed on budget cars. Basically the idea is to address the shortcomings of the vehicle while ensuring it’s reliability and its warranty coverage (if possible) remain intact. Not a fan of useless aesthetic mods like skirts, bumper lips and spoilers. I will however be open to the idea of getting a CNG kit installed if possible.

Here's what BHPian AMG Power had to say on the matter:

In my ongoing look for another car, one of the models that was brought to me was a 2011 single owner 30,000 km run RS 5 - the owner was quoting 35 lakhs. The car was not an unknown quantity and the owner is known to maintain his cars in extremely good condition. However as is the case with these cars, they can shock you to kingdom come if something goes wrong.

The owner had done some aesthetic mods - black alloys, big racing stripes, skirts - which to my eyes spoilt the original look. I had requested for the original wheels and wraps be removed and the car brought back to the OE look to which he agreed.

So on the subject of this thread I do not like doing any modifications internally or externally and like to keep my cars stock. I might agree to minor aesthetic ones but that’s about it.

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