How do you decide how to modify your car?

Conanius · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:12

As above,

what order should you do your mods in, and how do you choose what to get?

currently, im trying to plan out how id like to mod the puma.. and to be honest, im confused as to where to start !

the car as standard is known for its good handling and brakes... so...

do I do all these mods first, and then move onto the engine.. or do I do the engine first, and then do *** brakes and suspension last?

my plan was to do the suspension, then brakes, then engine....

rite?

Firestar_3x · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:13

Yes, upgrade the suspension and brakes to make the most of the power you currently have, then when you add more you have be ability to fully use it

Nozzer · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:14

Surely if the suspension and brakes are good, they should be the last thing to be changed?

great advice · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:14

Depends on what your doing long term tbh, no point in bigger breaks if your not going to be giving it big power. Better pads and discs will do

What do you want from suspension? just lowering or to improve handling? either way that can be done at any time but if your giving it a lot more power then stiffening up the rear would probably be best done before hand.

All depends on your long term plans imo.

andi · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:17

Whichever you thing is most important first. If you want handling, fit suspension mods, if you want ICE, fit a better HU, etc

Dr Who · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:18

Brakes should be first, uprated pads, lines and fluid...

Tyres/Wheels can go here or before brakes...

Suspension next...

Intake and exhaust next...

Re-evaluate braking performance

ECU upgrades to follow...

Re-evaluate braking performance

Then you can go for porting etc...

Re-evaluate braking performance

Visual can go hand in hand with those mods... as budget tastes allow..

Conanius · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:22

basically, i dont see myself doing anything too crazy... but I MIGHT supercharge it if the guy at work can sort out a reasonable price (he's looking into it now) no idea what sort of power that might give tho...

if I just go nasp, it'll be about 160 bhp (40 more than stock)

I guess the best thing to do is to ask the owners clubs what they recommend.. anyone know what the big puma owners club is?

Firestar_3x · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:25

Wonder if you could adapt an M45 Eaton to fit

A cheap upgrade if someone has made the mounting kit and intake for it.

Conanius · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:35

if that is the mini cooper s one.. I think thats what he's planning to use

Firestar_3x · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:37

Conanius said:
if that is the mini cooper s one.. I think thats what he's planning to use

Indeed it is

Yebraw · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:37

Personally, I drive into the front window of Halfords and anything that sticks to my car is what I get. Simple

Conanius · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:38

Yebraw said:
Personally, I drive into the front window of Halfords and anything that sticks to my car is what I get. Simple

cheers.. will give it a go...

Firestar_3x · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:38

Yebraw said:
Personally, I drive into the front window of Halfords and anything that sticks to my car is what I get. Simple

Go you

Ev0 · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:46

You have a puma?

I think I missed a post somewhere!

What about an RST lump?

Duke · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:53

Hi there,

Get signed up to PumaPeople forum - there are some great people there who know wayyy to much about Pumas and modding.. very good info and advice.

Also check out Puma Build and Puma Speed!

I started off with the standard ICE upgrade (amp/sub/headunit). Then fitted new 17" alloys/tyres and Pipercross induction kit and clear indicators.
However the main mod I've always wanted to do (and will be doing in May) is fitting AVO Sport Evo GTZ Coil Over Kit :cool:

. I'll probably fit decent spark plugs and ecu tweak (+10bhp) at the same time.

Ev0 · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:55

Ev0 said:
You have a puma? I think I missed a post somewhere!

What about an RST lump?

Just read the other thread, nice buy

How much?

Goliath · 3 Apr 2006 at 21:57

Good place to start

Assuming that it's a 1.7, then there are any number of options. If you are just talking about mild power upgrades for the engine then you brake upgrade could be as simple as a set of decent fast road pads. However, if you are heading for major power then you'll need to look at disc/caliper changes as well.

I'd strongly suggest talking to Tony at Pumaspeed (see link above) to see what he reccomends, he's a top bloke who knows Pumas inside out and will help you choose what's right. (From what Sam says, Pumabuild are pretty good as well and probably a bit closer to you),

Bear · 3 Apr 2006 at 22:00

I dont think there is a set path for all cars TBH. I would start with the weakest link on the car, for most cars they would be the brakes.

Conanius · 3 Apr 2006 at 22:02

cheers for the posts guys

Duke - the induction kit, does it sound much nicer? I love the noise it makes at about 4.5k rpm, and would like to make that louder, without being deafened and loosing power

Evo - yeah, I crashed the focus, ford offered me a great price for my focus even with the crash damage, so ive gone for a 1.7i Puma (believe its a 'Thunder' Special edition) ... really chuffed, collect on thursday eve

Ev0 · 3 Apr 2006 at 22:07

Will be the longest few days of your life waiting to pick it up

Problem you have when a car is so well rounded is where to start :/

More power is always nice though