The Official Cheap Mods Thread
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- Fifth Gear
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The Official Cheap Mods Thread
I searched for cheap mods and came up with 2 threads but they were basically worthless so I'm going to attempt to make a solid cheap mods thread with pictures. This thread is for any sort of mod that you deem relatively cheap. Form or function, doesn't matter. Everybody likes economy mods so let me start this off with one of the first neat mods I did to my car.
Amber turn signal lens delete
Full writeup here.
Before and after:
Wagon
Amber turn signal lens delete
Full writeup here.
Before and after:
Wagon
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
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- Fifth Gear
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- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 am
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Chrome Trim Electrical Tape Blackout
This one is pretty much self explanatory. Buy a roll of 3M Scotch electrical tape and cover up the ugly chrome trim on the sides of your car. You can also cover the front and rear bumper trim with tape. My rear bumper trim was peeling off so I just tore it the rest of the way off and it looks great. It actually lasts a long time and even if it eventually comes off you can replace it in a few minutes for next to nothing!
Front bumper done.
Side finished.
Rear bumper trim removal.
Before
After
This one is pretty much self explanatory. Buy a roll of 3M Scotch electrical tape and cover up the ugly chrome trim on the sides of your car. You can also cover the front and rear bumper trim with tape. My rear bumper trim was peeling off so I just tore it the rest of the way off and it looks great. It actually lasts a long time and even if it eventually comes off you can replace it in a few minutes for next to nothing!
Front bumper done.
Side finished.
Rear bumper trim removal.
Before
After
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
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- Fifth Gear
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- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 am
- Location: Tenino, WA
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Throttle Body Coolant Bypass Mod
There's a coolant line that runs through the throttle body which runs 195-200 degree coolant through it. I have heard this is to keep the throttle plate from freezing in place in very cold weather. Around here there is no such thing so a lot of people bypass the throttle body by removing both hoses from the TB and using one of them to bridge the gap. This should help to reduce intake temps. How much, I'm not sure. The air is traveling quite rapidly through the intake but I'm sure every little bit helps.
One member added this -
Full Writeup Here
And Here
This member on NASIOC posted temp graphs before and after while he driving down the road showing a 15-20 degree drop in intake temps!
NASIOC TB bypass thread
There's a coolant line that runs through the throttle body which runs 195-200 degree coolant through it. I have heard this is to keep the throttle plate from freezing in place in very cold weather. Around here there is no such thing so a lot of people bypass the throttle body by removing both hoses from the TB and using one of them to bridge the gap. This should help to reduce intake temps. How much, I'm not sure. The air is traveling quite rapidly through the intake but I'm sure every little bit helps.
One member added this -
subarumantoo - NASIOC wrote:Just in case anyone was wondering why they run coolant throught the throttle-body: It is to prevent icing. Not because it is cold outside like in the winter time. Any time air goes from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure, it drops in temperature. If you cruise for extended periods of time without moving the throttle plate, it can actually stick in that position for a few seconds! Summer or winter...
Full Writeup Here
And Here
This member on NASIOC posted temp graphs before and after while he driving down the road showing a 15-20 degree drop in intake temps!
NASIOC TB bypass thread
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
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- Fifth Gear
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- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 am
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Last edited by kimokalihi on Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
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- Fifth Gear
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- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 am
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
07-08 WRX Shift Knob and Boot w/STI Trim Piece
6MT (6 speed) boots do not fit 5MT knobs. When I tried using the 6MT STI boot with the 5MT WRX knob the boot was far too wide on the top and did not have the plastic piece that snaps onto the 5MT knob so it just fell down and there was no way of attaching the boot to the knob.
STI trim piece requires small amount of cutting to widen the hole in your OEM console piece.
The WRX shift boot was much taller than the 6spd knob and the WRX shift linkage and shifter combined with my console leaves a lot of slack on the bottom of the boot. I plan to trim it and find some nice hex bolts to bolt the STI trim piece to my console piece and hold the boot in place at the bottom.
STI boot on the left, WRX boot on the right.
6MT (6 speed) boots do not fit 5MT knobs. When I tried using the 6MT STI boot with the 5MT WRX knob the boot was far too wide on the top and did not have the plastic piece that snaps onto the 5MT knob so it just fell down and there was no way of attaching the boot to the knob.
STI trim piece requires small amount of cutting to widen the hole in your OEM console piece.
The WRX shift boot was much taller than the 6spd knob and the WRX shift linkage and shifter combined with my console leaves a lot of slack on the bottom of the boot. I plan to trim it and find some nice hex bolts to bolt the STI trim piece to my console piece and hold the boot in place at the bottom.
STI boot on the left, WRX boot on the right.
Last edited by kimokalihi on Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
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- Fifth Gear
- Posts: 8360
- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 am
- Location: Tenino, WA
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
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- Fifth Gear
- Posts: 6322
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:17 am
- Location: Lakewood, Wa 98439
- Contact:
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
i second the coolant bypass on the TB
Also i think the FCD should be listed as a cheap mod.... (I build them BTW)
Also i think the FCD should be listed as a cheap mod.... (I build them BTW)
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
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- Fifth Gear
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Shifter improvements in a manual and power mode mod for autos really make the cars more fun to drive for not much coin.
93 legacy wagon L, 22T swapped (TW imitator) now with five forward speeds. (Gone, but never forgotten)
johndrivesabox wrote: Rally, my kyboard is brok, his has nohing o do wih h liquor.
Originalcyn wrote:Apparently everyone hates Gabe.
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- Fifth Gear
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
I will be adding everything I can think of, feel free to add anything you feel fits the theme. I was going to add the shift linkage bushings and part numbers but looks like you beat me to it.
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Don't forget the obvious coffee cup and desnorkel.
Wish I could do the throttle body thing, but it gets below 0 here every winter, and I go skiing a lot, seems like a bad idea for me
Wish I could do the throttle body thing, but it gets below 0 here every winter, and I go skiing a lot, seems like a bad idea for me
Last edited by Apex3 on Mon Aug 30, 2010 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
^ I've run with it bypassed for a winter in northern MN with no issues.
92' SS: SOLD
98' 2.5GT SOLD, bought back, new stupid build in the works.
98' 2.5 GT-rx :bought not built
98' 2.5GT SOLD, bought back, new stupid build in the works.
98' 2.5 GT-rx :bought not built
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
the coolant hose bypass on the TB is no biggy. its not a carb its a throttle body. ive done it on NA and turbo cars and run em through all sorts of weather. if you have the engine out fine, do it but if not it is too much a PITA to bother with for basically zero improvement other than in your mind. would be interesting to see hard data on a dyno about it though.
one awesome thing for 4eat cars would be Duty solenoid C switch for 4x4 if youre into that kind of thing.
i didnt come up with the concept but i did come up with this variation of the idea and it was about $1 and 1 hr to build
one awesome thing for 4eat cars would be Duty solenoid C switch for 4x4 if youre into that kind of thing.
i didnt come up with the concept but i did come up with this variation of the idea and it was about $1 and 1 hr to build
1994 Touring Wagon: ruby mica, 5mt swapped
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- Fifth Gear
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
I too thought this wasn't going to drop the intake temps much at all but that thread from NASIOC suggests otherwise. That member took measurements via the OBDII scanner he had installed while driving his car (not idling) on the same stretch of road at the same speed and saw 20 degree drop in intake temp.206er wrote:if you have the engine out fine, do it but if not it is too much a PITA to bother with for basically zero improvement other than in your mind. would be interesting to see hard data on a dyno about it though.
Before
After
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Someone throw down some links on Grounding Mods.
1993 Turbo Legacy Battle Wagon -Daily
1993 Legacy Wagon -STI Swapped *in progress*
1995 Impreza Swapped EJ20G -Sold
1997 Impreza Wagon, SCCA H-Stock Champion -Sold
1979 Brat 4x4 WRB w/ Full Rally Graphics -Sold
2002 Impreza Sport Wagon GT40R -Caught Fire
1993 Legacy Wagon -STI Swapped *in progress*
1995 Impreza Swapped EJ20G -Sold
1997 Impreza Wagon, SCCA H-Stock Champion -Sold
1979 Brat 4x4 WRB w/ Full Rally Graphics -Sold
2002 Impreza Sport Wagon GT40R -Caught Fire
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- Fifth Gear
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
don't know what everyone else has done about the grounding mod, but i upgraded in wire size for the one from the negative terminal to shell, negative to engine, and added one 4 gauge to LH strut tower, and 1 or 2 to the engine.
91 L-TW Wagon with a full Swap -RIP
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
92 SS Prefaced, GD dash swapped, 22T/205 Hybrid 20 psi - BEAST!
93 SS Bone Stock Gone!
94 TW Bone Stock Gone!
91 SS 4EAT Sold!
98 LGT 4EAT
98 LGT Wagon 4EAT
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- Fifth Gear
- Posts: 8360
- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:41 am
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
I upgraded the battery to ground from the tiny 10 gauge or smaller stock wire to 4 gauge, then upgraded the same size wire from the pitch mount to tranny to 4gauge and the battery to engine ground to 4 gauge. Also upgraded the battery to fuse box to 8gauge which is what is was before but this was new wire and the starter to some new 4 gauge wire. And the battery to body ground to 4 gauge.
Tranny Ground
Battery To Body Ground
Fuse Box
More pics in my build thread about page 25 and 26.
Tranny Ground
Battery To Body Ground
Fuse Box
More pics in my build thread about page 25 and 26.
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Grounding Mod, per sticky in Engine forum - http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=1520
There is a thread about upgrades and what order to do them in. It has a lot of this information that is relevant to this thread already pulled together. I dont have the link off hand but it is a very useful thread for those wanting to know what can be done to these cars.
There is a thread about upgrades and what order to do them in. It has a lot of this information that is relevant to this thread already pulled together. I dont have the link off hand but it is a very useful thread for those wanting to know what can be done to these cars.
Lee
93' SS, 5mt swapped, 182k, not stock...
96' N/A OBW 5sp, 212k, Couple mods... RIP
99' N/A OBW, 4eat, mostly stock.
93' SS, 5mt swapped, 182k, not stock...
96' N/A OBW 5sp, 212k, Couple mods... RIP
99' N/A OBW, 4eat, mostly stock.
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
when i get back from being underway i am for sure doing these. thanks for a great write up
Tony
90 LS Spec rio red sold
91 SS rio red R.I.P
90 Mazda Miata
2005 GT SWP
90 LS Spec rio red sold
91 SS rio red R.I.P
90 Mazda Miata
2005 GT SWP
92ss satinsvoice wrote:LOL! that block was like F*** THIS! IM OUT!
mike-tracy wrote:Word. I'd love to get my hands on one of those trannies, but I just can't stomach the cost
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- Fifth Gear
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
My pleasure. I'm going to add more one of these days. I saw the other thread I think but there's no pictures and I don't think they were all cheap.
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Urethane filled transmission mount!
3M Window Weld Liquid Urethane. You can see that one of the bolts is different. I managed to snap the stud when I removed it from the car. Oh well. Take a look at the before and after though. It's rock solid. I also shot some into the rear diff bushings.
3M Window Weld Liquid Urethane. You can see that one of the bolts is different. I managed to snap the stud when I removed it from the car. Oh well. Take a look at the before and after though. It's rock solid. I also shot some into the rear diff bushings.
SUBARUEHS Racing
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- Fifth Gear
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Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Pretty sweet mod there! Where did you get the urethane?
98 Metro Hatch Daily Driver :)
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
91 SS EJ20G Engine/Tranny/Diff Swap Build Thread Here
"Your testes are close to your bottom but you still play with them all the time." Jeremy Clarkson
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Advanced Auto Parts. They use this stuff for sealing windshields in cars. I've had good luck with it holding up once the surface has been well prepped.
SUBARUEHS Racing
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
Just an FYI, I tried the urethane mod, but never got the urethane to cure.
Josh
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
Re: The Official Cheap Mods Thread
did the tail light mod and i like it
Tony
90 LS Spec rio red sold
91 SS rio red R.I.P
90 Mazda Miata
2005 GT SWP
90 LS Spec rio red sold
91 SS rio red R.I.P
90 Mazda Miata
2005 GT SWP
92ss satinsvoice wrote:LOL! that block was like F*** THIS! IM OUT!
mike-tracy wrote:Word. I'd love to get my hands on one of those trannies, but I just can't stomach the cost
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- In Neutral
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Ultimate FREE Short Shifter
Here is the link to the Ultimate Free Short Shifter modification
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=45464
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=45464