Dreams, Goals, and Plans: Starter Modifications for Your Subaru

When boiling the logic down to specific areas where each part or component falls, we must bring it down to a generalized three types. First, we have the performance modification which targets the overall function and mechanical upgrade of the vehicle, which obviously can affect the physicality and appearance of the car as well. In any case, at its purest form and specification, this modification type involves upgrading, enhancing, or replacing physical components that would include the suspension system, the exhaust system, the vehicle's braking, or anything related to the vehicles engine which would include turbo chargers, intakes, cooling systems, or the transmission. The second and most crossover modification category is appearance since, as we have mentioned, there are a few performance upgrades that enhance the vehicle's appearance, and there are some components which bring style and increased performance and functionality to the vehicle in the same breath. To many non-enthusiasts, a few of these appearance modifications may just look like an additional decorative item to add to the vehicle's overall lines, shape, or style to amplify its modern design aesthetic and bring the personality of the car more in line with the driver's creative vision. Well, some of this is certainly true, but there are many other reasons, other than color choice, decor, fabric, or texture, why appearance can leak into the vehicle's performance category so easily. Other than what we have mentioned aligning with color or simple decorative changes, appearance modifications like front and rear spoilers, canards, wings, hoods, full body kits, grills, lighting, wheels, and tires definitely serve double duty and improve things across the board. Lastly, the whipped cream and cherry on top for any enthusiast would be the comfort and convenience modification category which would include components like interior enhancements, custom seating, an upgraded sound system, a GPS navigator, or stylish cabin lighting aimed at bringing joy to both the driver and passenger. Whatever category is picked by the new enthusiast to tackle first will serve as an initiation to a world of learning, challenges, and sometimes the unavoidable disappointment and frustration that can happen to anyone at any level of experience or knowledge. 

At this point, any novice enthusiast who is just stepping onto the path towards investment, upgrades, and hours of work may be scratching their head and asking, "Well, where do I start? How can I choose correctly and keep going in the right direction?" It's best to roll up your sleeves and get prepared for anything - since there is a good chance some unpredictable things will come your way. Believe it or not, walking through the door and committing to the first modification type is not an easy thing to do for the beginner enthusiast. Truthfully, this is where support, (accurate and appropriate) guidance, research, education, and, most importantly, absorbing the knowledge gleaned from this process is critical. In the modification game, missteps or following through with installations or upgrades that are fueled by inaccurate resources or inexperienced assistance can not only provide results that spawn frustration, stress, and wasted time, but can also prove to be extremely costly and unsafe. Moving forward, the enthusiast must ensure that the choices they make align with not only the dreams and the unique, creative vision that exists in their mind, but it also must agree with the overarching timeline of reasonable expectation that runs in parallel with their budget, resources, and abilities. To bring the dream into reality the enthusiast must remember to not let dreams cloud their goals. They must know that it is very important to have solid goals in place that also have budgetary numbers attached so each step does not come with disappointment and/or causes an unexpected freeze in progress. This principle is true whether you are building a house, starting a business, getting married, planning a major event, or yes, even modifying a car. This is the point where the enthusiast needs to look at the three categories we outlined earlier and decide which is best for their current situation. Reviewing the possibilities for a performance modification will require the enthusiast to calculate some critical data. For example, if they are modifying the engine, exhaust, or other muscular enhancements, they will need to decide the desired power they will need to get from their vehicle. If they are looking at the suspension, are they looking to lower, raise, improve the stance, enhance for the road, track, or the trail. Looking further into the categories, the examples, of course, go on and on. This is the time to step back and check some important boxes.

As the enthusiast reaches this intersection in the journey, it is important to consider several factors before moving forward, taking left or right, to make perfectly sure that expectations, want versus need, clear understanding, and proper resources are in line. Again, any creative project based on a vision, a concept, or an idea pulled out of what could be an anxious, yet inspired human mind, is completely unique and special, which further punctuates the urgency of knowing exactly what is wanted while keeping accurate account of the cost. The team at Subimods frequently consult with enthusiasts who want to advance their vehicle beyond the stars without putting themselves through financial ruin or technical frustration. The first factor to consider when reaching this checkpoint would be gathering appropriate resources. The new enthusiast should consult with a trustworthy, experienced enthusiast, a mod expert, or Subaru group that is willing to give some accurate advice and help to be a voice of reason when making critical decisions. Next, as any experienced enthusiast will confirm, it is best to have reasonable goals and plan smartly. There is an old saying that fits well in this scenario which says, "Never go shopping for food on an empty stomach." Putting a plan and budget in place and avoiding impulse buying will prove to save a lot of money and keep a project on track. The most critical factor we see as we move down the list is performing proper research. As mentioned, consulting with known, legitimate experts who have been down this road will have a huge part in making certain the best, most appropriate parts are purchased at the most affordable price which keeps the entire project on the rails and allows the enthusiast to move forward more efficiently. Also, in alignment with proper research, purchasing quality parts is critical. There are many options in the marketplace, but to the eyes of inexperience, they may all look the same, but the most inexpensive doesn't always have parallel quality. Another factor that serves as a major thread within the Subaru enthusiast lifestyle, is the "Do-It-Yourself " spirit, which historically has always transformed the beginner - through trial and error - into the expert just by way of logical practice. An enthusiast choosing to install the parts themself during their maiden modification voyage (sometimes with the help of an experienced friend) is the best way to learn and gain experience. 

Combining all these factors with an underscoring of patience, positivity, and enjoyment can only ensure success and extreme reward at the end of the day. Remember, being a Subaru enthusiast can be one of the most fulfilling and creatively rewarding aspects of life. Moving forward with preparation, planning, and proper knowledge will make every investment pay for itself through personal enjoyment.

We hope that this article has inspired you to think about taking the first or next steps in your modification journey . Whether you wish to give your Subaru a modification of performance, appearance, or simply enhance your comfort and level of convenience, Subimods will always concentrate on providing aftermarket solutions to take your Subaru to new levels of performance and individuality.

We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding this article and would encourage your feedback and comments regarding your ideas surrounding an upcoming modification project.

Check out the product rotator below that contains some inspiring modification offerings under every category - designed to amplify power, enhance performance, improve style ...and positively inspire.

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For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform. 

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