Car mods!
I am slowly transforming into a car geek. Who knows? Maybe by next year I'll actually know a thing or two about cars. :)
I've made some modest improvements to my Forester XT since I bought it, starting with the creature comforts like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a compartment separator to keep the dog in the back.
Then I moved onto simple power and handling improvements, which are surprisingly easy and satisfying on Subarus. I've reflashed the engine computer, which noticeably increased its power and responsiveness. Although the Forester has mostly the same powertrain as the WRX, Subaru specifically tweaked the engine to behave more smoothly, like a naturally-aspirated engine, which robs it of some power. I find the reflashed version much more satisfying to drive.
Most recently, I've bought new wheels and replaced the exhaust. The wheels are plus one size, which makes the ride a bit firmer. The old wheels will still be useful, because I'm mounting all-season tires on the new ones and winter tires on the old ones. I should be able to do my own tire changes easily this way. The exhaust allows the engine to breathe a little better, although nothing huge, while deepening the tone of the car. I like it. Not terribly noisy, but a pleasing sound. And it's worth a lot more than what I paid for it, so I should be able to sell it for a profit if I tire of it. :)
I've made some modest improvements to my Forester XT since I bought it, starting with the creature comforts like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a compartment separator to keep the dog in the back.
Then I moved onto simple power and handling improvements, which are surprisingly easy and satisfying on Subarus. I've reflashed the engine computer, which noticeably increased its power and responsiveness. Although the Forester has mostly the same powertrain as the WRX, Subaru specifically tweaked the engine to behave more smoothly, like a naturally-aspirated engine, which robs it of some power. I find the reflashed version much more satisfying to drive.
Most recently, I've bought new wheels and replaced the exhaust. The wheels are plus one size, which makes the ride a bit firmer. The old wheels will still be useful, because I'm mounting all-season tires on the new ones and winter tires on the old ones. I should be able to do my own tire changes easily this way. The exhaust allows the engine to breathe a little better, although nothing huge, while deepening the tone of the car. I like it. Not terribly noisy, but a pleasing sound. And it's worth a lot more than what I paid for it, so I should be able to sell it for a profit if I tire of it. :)