MakotoS13
09-26-2004, 06:05 PM
check out this glorious display of retardation.
http://www.fastcougar.com/forums/categories.cfm?catid=86
page after page of stupidity. this is the kind of thing we're trying to keep out of zilvia. seriously, do you want this here? i guess it helps that the 240 is on the exact opposite end of the performance spectrum as the cougar but still... it could happen.
check this out:
Where to start? This seems to be the most popular question here so I thought I'd put together a little how-to for easier reference. Not sure if this has been done already, but just in case it hasn't here ya go....
How to begin modifying your Cougar... Basically you need to first break apart modifying into different categories and decide which areas are most important to you. Within each category I will list some popular beginner modifications based on cost and availability. (mods - abbreviation for modifications)
COSMETIC - cosmetic mods enhance the visual appeal and aesthetics of your vehicle. Some cosmetic mods require painting before installation, this can be done by a body shop (consult your local yellow pages).
Popular first exterior cosmetic mods include headlight and/or tail light covers, hood scoop, spoiler, shorty antenna, tint, painted brake calipers, painted headlights, replacing mercury badge with cougar or ford badge, etc.
Popular first interior cosmetic mods include painted dash pieces, dash kit, custom floormats, upgraded shifter, gauges, etc.
Later mods can include a body kit, custom bumper, custom hood, custom fenders, graphics or custom paint, custom upholstered or racing seats, etc.
LIGHTING - Lighting mods are sometimes considered cosmetic, but due to the variety of products and options available, we'll consider it here as its own category.
Popular first lighting mods include underbody neon kit, interior neon kit, angel/snake eyes (windshield washer LEDs), strobe lights, HID headlight bulbs, sidemarkers, etc.
Later mods can include wheel well neon kits, neon wires, HID hi-beam and fog light bulbs, adding grille accent tubes to the underbody kit, etc.
AUDIO - Audio mods enhance your vehicle's existing stereo system. If you are inexperienced in this area, all installations should be performed by a professional.
Popular first audio mods include a replacement head unit or CD player, upgraded speakers, subwoofers and an amplifier. Warning: the cougar's speaker grilles do not come off, to access the speakers the entire panel must be removed.
Later mods can include integrating a TV / DVD system.
SUSPENSION - Suspension mods enhance your vehicle's handling while driving. These should be installed by professionals only.
Popular first suspension mods include lowering springs, strut bar and rear sway bar.
Later mods can include larger wheels and tires, struts, camber kits, air bags, etc.
PERFORMANCE - Performance mods can improve your vehicle's power and efficiency, among other things. Absolutely professional installation only.
Popular first performance mods include aftermarket air intake or filter, dual exhaust or performance muffler, spark plug wires, etc.
Later, more expensive mods include headers, ECU upgrade chip, short shifter, upper intake manifold, supercharger, nitrous oxide (NOS), brake kits, etc.
CAR CARE - although not exactly a modification, this is extremely important to keep up with from the very beginning. Develop a disciplined washing and waxing routine with quality products to maintain your car's delicate paint finish. It is generally recommended to wash every 1-2 weeks, wax every 2-3 months and polish and/or clay every 6 months. Start a calendar just for your car so you'll be able to keep track.
CAR MAINTENANCE - Follow the car maintenance schedule included with your owner's manual. Neglect is where potentially serious problems are born.
Further Suggestions
If creating a show worthy car is your goal, your cougar should be well rounded and contain modifications from all the above categories.
You'll quickly realize that buying the parts are usually only half the cost, installation fees can be hefty so remember to consider them in advance.
Be sure to comply with your local laws regarding aftermarket equipment.
When done properly, most cosmetic and audio mods should not affect your vehicle's factory warranty, however some suspension and performance mods may void certain aspects of it.
For the most part, modifying your car will not increase it's resale value comparitively to what you invested, so don't overdo it if you don't plan on keeping the car very long. Some modifications may even decrease its value, especially if improperly installed.
Do your homework when looking for installers, because of tremendous growth in the aftermarket industry, there are many less than qualified installers out there claiming to be professionals. Don't sacrifice cost for quality. Always be very specific about what you want done and hold shops accountable for the work they perform.
Create a file for your car and keep all reciepts there.
There are individual threads for most of the categories mentioned above within these Message Boards, visit those and use the Search feature for more specific info on the subjects listed.
complete CRAP. i've been banned from that forum so many times its insane because that kind of stuff is just intolerable.
just sticky this thread so newbies can read it anytime they wanna cry about us being hard on em.
there is no excuse for laziness.
p.s. i was known as ZERO on that board before i created a multitude of aliases in various attempts to rip on/enlighthen those poor ricers due to the fact that the general opinion over there is to support someone even if its to create a false sense of security with something that looks like crap.
http://www.fastcougar.com/forums/categories.cfm?catid=86
page after page of stupidity. this is the kind of thing we're trying to keep out of zilvia. seriously, do you want this here? i guess it helps that the 240 is on the exact opposite end of the performance spectrum as the cougar but still... it could happen.
check this out:
Where to start? This seems to be the most popular question here so I thought I'd put together a little how-to for easier reference. Not sure if this has been done already, but just in case it hasn't here ya go....
How to begin modifying your Cougar... Basically you need to first break apart modifying into different categories and decide which areas are most important to you. Within each category I will list some popular beginner modifications based on cost and availability. (mods - abbreviation for modifications)
COSMETIC - cosmetic mods enhance the visual appeal and aesthetics of your vehicle. Some cosmetic mods require painting before installation, this can be done by a body shop (consult your local yellow pages).
Popular first exterior cosmetic mods include headlight and/or tail light covers, hood scoop, spoiler, shorty antenna, tint, painted brake calipers, painted headlights, replacing mercury badge with cougar or ford badge, etc.
Popular first interior cosmetic mods include painted dash pieces, dash kit, custom floormats, upgraded shifter, gauges, etc.
Later mods can include a body kit, custom bumper, custom hood, custom fenders, graphics or custom paint, custom upholstered or racing seats, etc.
LIGHTING - Lighting mods are sometimes considered cosmetic, but due to the variety of products and options available, we'll consider it here as its own category.
Popular first lighting mods include underbody neon kit, interior neon kit, angel/snake eyes (windshield washer LEDs), strobe lights, HID headlight bulbs, sidemarkers, etc.
Later mods can include wheel well neon kits, neon wires, HID hi-beam and fog light bulbs, adding grille accent tubes to the underbody kit, etc.
AUDIO - Audio mods enhance your vehicle's existing stereo system. If you are inexperienced in this area, all installations should be performed by a professional.
Popular first audio mods include a replacement head unit or CD player, upgraded speakers, subwoofers and an amplifier. Warning: the cougar's speaker grilles do not come off, to access the speakers the entire panel must be removed.
Later mods can include integrating a TV / DVD system.
SUSPENSION - Suspension mods enhance your vehicle's handling while driving. These should be installed by professionals only.
Popular first suspension mods include lowering springs, strut bar and rear sway bar.
Later mods can include larger wheels and tires, struts, camber kits, air bags, etc.
PERFORMANCE - Performance mods can improve your vehicle's power and efficiency, among other things. Absolutely professional installation only.
Popular first performance mods include aftermarket air intake or filter, dual exhaust or performance muffler, spark plug wires, etc.
Later, more expensive mods include headers, ECU upgrade chip, short shifter, upper intake manifold, supercharger, nitrous oxide (NOS), brake kits, etc.
CAR CARE - although not exactly a modification, this is extremely important to keep up with from the very beginning. Develop a disciplined washing and waxing routine with quality products to maintain your car's delicate paint finish. It is generally recommended to wash every 1-2 weeks, wax every 2-3 months and polish and/or clay every 6 months. Start a calendar just for your car so you'll be able to keep track.
CAR MAINTENANCE - Follow the car maintenance schedule included with your owner's manual. Neglect is where potentially serious problems are born.
Further Suggestions
If creating a show worthy car is your goal, your cougar should be well rounded and contain modifications from all the above categories.
You'll quickly realize that buying the parts are usually only half the cost, installation fees can be hefty so remember to consider them in advance.
Be sure to comply with your local laws regarding aftermarket equipment.
When done properly, most cosmetic and audio mods should not affect your vehicle's factory warranty, however some suspension and performance mods may void certain aspects of it.
For the most part, modifying your car will not increase it's resale value comparitively to what you invested, so don't overdo it if you don't plan on keeping the car very long. Some modifications may even decrease its value, especially if improperly installed.
Do your homework when looking for installers, because of tremendous growth in the aftermarket industry, there are many less than qualified installers out there claiming to be professionals. Don't sacrifice cost for quality. Always be very specific about what you want done and hold shops accountable for the work they perform.
Create a file for your car and keep all reciepts there.
There are individual threads for most of the categories mentioned above within these Message Boards, visit those and use the Search feature for more specific info on the subjects listed.
complete CRAP. i've been banned from that forum so many times its insane because that kind of stuff is just intolerable.
just sticky this thread so newbies can read it anytime they wanna cry about us being hard on em.
there is no excuse for laziness.
p.s. i was known as ZERO on that board before i created a multitude of aliases in various attempts to rip on/enlighthen those poor ricers due to the fact that the general opinion over there is to support someone even if its to create a false sense of security with something that looks like crap.