Body Customization

The term modified automobile is given to any vehicle that has been altered from its original state; most often with aftermarket parts. The term denotes a automobile that has been significantly altered for the purpose of appearance or for increased engine or handling performance, the method by which this is carried out is named automobile tuning. The term is usually used in reference to modern vehicles that have been altered, & not usually used to report other types of modified cars such as Hot rods, however the definition can include this, as well as any other automobile that is not in its original form as was bought from the manufacturer. Modified cars are often tiny hatchback & coupe cars such as superminis & tiny relatives cars.

A modified automobile consist of any of the parts associated with automobile tuning, however common upgrades include replacing the standard factory issue wheels with aftermarket alloy wheels, usually of a bigger diameter to improve the aesthetics; lowering the suspension of the automobile to give it a more aerodynamic, stable look by replacing the springs (often together with shock absorbers) or torsion bars; replacing the existing exhaust method with with less gas-flow restriction, louder & deeper sound & often tiny improvements in performance (due to exhaust gas-flow rate). Other common upgrades include the installation of a short shifter as well as an aftermarket shift knob, or a performance oriented Weighted Gear Knob. Common non-mechanical upgrades include a cars audio system; though not performance oriented, are nevertheless a very common-place modification. This includes upgrading the head unit itself, & upgrading and/or installing additional speakers.

Significant modification to a automobile could involve adding a fiberglass body kit to improve the aesthetics, a complete respray to a more unusual, one-of-a-kind & noticeable colour & finish, increasing the engine performance with ugraded parts such as a high-flow air filter, additional parts such as turbocharger, supercharger, Nitrous oxide kits, aftermarket cylinder heads or porting & polishing of O.E.M. heads which need retuning of electronics (later model vehicles - fuel injected) & modifications to vehicle sub-frames to accommodate additional horsepower caused by said changes. Traditional customizing methods, more common when modifying classic cars to generate cars such as Hot rods, include roof chops, door stretches, suicide & lambo doors, channeling & lights, trim & sheet metal from another automobile. Sectioning is also used sometimes