I have just bought a 2003 Hyundai Elantra and look forward to modding it up a bit.
Any suggestion would be appreciated. My first change is some blue globes. I know it is a small one, but a start.

This post has been edited by Fluffee: Nov 11 2004, 10:06 AM

HI :)

Are you just looking to make it beautiful or perform?

Most enhancements with the greatest effect occur under the skin, as it were.

I would first get your vehicle serviced and ALL the fluids replaced. By ALL I mean, oil, water, brake fluid. Check the brake pads and gearbox oil as well, if it is a manual gearbox. Renew the plugs, leads and fuel filters. Change the air filter for a Finer Filter or similar pad type filter (Gives better breathing and can be washed and reused). This will give you a good starting point and certain knowledge of what has been done. If you know, it will deter mechanics trying to pull the wool over your eyes.(Find a good mechanic and stick with him!)

Check your suspension options with your local specialist and consider a drop of 30-40mm to improve the handling quite markedly over standard. Spend a little more on quality tyres such as Bridgestones or similar. The slightly greater price will reward you with better ride and handling.

Once you are satisfied that you have a sound serviced vehicle, you will feel more confident about it and can then responsibly determine whether your driving style requires further dynamic enhancements to the vehicle. Once you do some research, maybe with the help of your mechanic or partner, you will be able to determine what you want.

Beautification.

Body kits and alloys can attract the wrong sort of attention, from thieves and police, if what happens here in Australia is anything to go by. Likewise mega "in your face" stereos. Upgrade your speakers at least and check out an iPod with car kit (www.netalog.com). Bear in my mind that these particular enhancements will warrant investment in a decent security system, preferably a monitored one which allows the vehicle to be tracked and recovered if stolen.

Just a quick thought on the alloy wheel situation. The original intention with alloy wheels was to reduce the unsprung weight carried by the vehicle, that is anything underneath the springs! If you choose alloys, try and get some that actually weigh LESS than the steel wheels you are replacing or you may find your steering effort increased.

Hoping that this is useful information for you.

Bye for now.

Cheers,

Andrew.

You can prolly check out elantragtclub.com for more info on mods and stuff. Then you can decide if you want to either go performance, show, or both. :thumbsup: