Building your first car—whether it’s a daily driver or your weekend project—is an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. There’s a lot to consider: the budget, the parts, the research, and the time commitment. If you’re new to the car modification scene, you might wish someone had given you a heads-up about a few things before you dove in.
Well, lucky for you, that’s exactly what we’re here for at Mad Man Mods! We’ve gathered some of the most important tips and tricks for beginners embarking on their car build. From choosing the right parts to avoiding costly mistakes, here’s everything you need to know before diving into your first build. Whether you're building a JDM beast or a muscle car, we’ve got you covered.
1. Budget Wisely – Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs
One of the biggest mistakes new builders make is underestimating the full cost of a car build. Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of ordering parts, but the costs can quickly add up. There are the obvious expenses like performance mods, but don’t forget about the hidden costs.
For example:
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Tools and Equipment: You’ll need the right tools to get the job done—think wrenches, jacks, hoists, etc. Investing in quality tools will save you time and money down the road.
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Labor Costs: If you’re not doing the work yourself, labor costs can add up fast. Some shops charge by the hour, and that time adds up quickly.
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Tuning and Dyno Testing: After adding performance mods, you’ll want to make sure your car runs as efficiently as possible, which often means spending money on tuning and possibly a dyno session.
Pro tip: Make a realistic budget that includes everything from the parts to the labor, tools, and any unexpected costs that pop up.
2. Choose Quality Parts – Don’t Skimp on Safety and Performance
When building your car, it can be tempting to go for the cheaper route to save a few bucks. But trust us, when it comes to parts, quality is key. The last thing you want is a cheap suspension kit or engine components that fail after just a few months of use.
Here are some quality parts to look for:
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Suspension: Whether you’re going for a street car or a track car, a solid suspension setup is crucial for handling. Look for reliable brands like KONI or Bilstein for coilovers or suspension kits.
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Brakes: Don’t skimp on your brakes. Brands like Hawk Performance or StopTech offer solid brake kits that will keep your car stopping on a dime.
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Exhaust: A good exhaust system not only improves performance but gives your car a sweet growl. Check out options from brands like Invidia or Borla for that perfect sound.
Sometimes, spending a little extra on quality parts can save you big on repairs and replacements down the road. Plus, your car will thank you with better performance and reliability.
3. Plan Your Build Around Your Goals – What Do You Want?
Are you building a car for track days, street cruising, or just for looks? Understanding your end goal is crucial before you start buying parts. Every car build is different, and the type of modifications you choose will depend on how you want to use the car.
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Performance Builds: If you’re focused on performance, start with the engine and exhaust system. A cold air intake, turbo kit, or upgraded fuel system can provide massive power gains. Look into brands like AEM for air intakes or DeatschWerks for fuel injectors.
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Street Cars: If you’re building a daily driver, focus on comfort, reliability, and style. Suspension upgrades, wheels, and tire upgrades will improve handling without compromising comfort. Check out Enkei for quality wheels or Eibach for a nice, reliable suspension setup.
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Show Cars: For show cars, it’s all about aesthetics. You’ll want to focus on body kits, custom lighting, and a great paint job. Companies like Rocket Bunny or APR Performance offer stunning body kits and aero parts.
Know what you want from your car before you start modifying, and you’ll save yourself a lot of confusion and money.
4. Don’t Skip the Research – Learn from the Pros
There’s no shortage of resources available for new car builders, and the best part is, many of them are free! Whether you’re diving into YouTube tutorials, car forums, or reading blogs (like ours!), make sure you’re gathering all the info before making any big decisions.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The car community is full of passionate people who love to help newcomers. Check out forums or reddit pages, and you’ll find a ton of tips, tricks, and advice from people who have been where you are.
And don't forget: Mad Man Mods is always here to help! We’ve got a killer team ready to give you advice on parts and builds. We also offer product guides, tips on installation, and recommendations based on what’s best for your car and your goals.
5. Take Your Time – Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Building a car is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re probably going to run into delays, setbacks, and problems along the way—don’t let that discourage you. Take your time and do things right.
When you're tackling the engine, exhaust, or suspension mods, remember that each part is a puzzle piece that works together. Don’t rush the installation or cutting corners just to get your car up and running quicker. Doing so can lead to long-term issues, so take the time to properly install and test every part.
If you're not confident in your skills or feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to call in a pro for help. It might cost a bit more, but it’s better to get things right the first time.
6. Maintenance is Key – Don’t Forget About Upkeep
Once your car is built, the journey doesn’t stop there. You’ll need to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that your mods continue to perform at their best. Regular oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and suspension inspections are essential to keeping everything in top shape.
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Air Filters and Fluids: After adding mods, you’ll want to keep your engine and fuel system in good condition. Upgrade to a high-performance air filter, and regularly check your fluids (oil, brake, transmission, etc.). Products like K&N Filters will help keep your engine running smoothly.
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Tuning and Adjustments: Once all your mods are installed, consider getting your car tuned. A proper tune ensures that your car runs as efficiently as possible with the new parts installed. You can’t go wrong with a tune from Cobb Tuning.
7. Have Fun with It – It’s Your Build, Your Way
Above all, building your first car should be an exciting, fun experience. Don’t stress too much about making the perfect build. Enjoy the process and take pride in the work you’re putting into your car. Whether it’s spending weekends installing parts with friends or firing it up for the first time, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something truly your own.
Conclusion:
Building your first car is a huge accomplishment, but it’s also a learning process that involves a lot of time, effort, and patience. By budgeting wisely, choosing quality parts, researching thoroughly, and taking your time, you’ll avoid some common pitfalls and enjoy the ride. And, when you're ready to start picking out mods, remember Mad Man Mods is your go-to shop for all your car building needs—without breaking the bank!
We’ve got everything from turbo kits to suspension parts to exhaust systems, all ready to take your car to the next level. Check out our Performance Parts and start building your dream car today!
