Questionable modifications: pictures inside!

[Carlos]

Trailer queens are most definitely questionable.

 

[Submerged]

....I have to ask. Is fibreglass actually a heavy material?

That ebay car mentioned that it used a "light metal, not a heavy fibreglass". I assumed (ignorantly I guess) that fibreglass was pretty light and strong for what it was.

 

[TheCracker]

There's actually little difference in weight between Carbon Fibre, Fibreglass or even alluminium if you're talking non-load bearing body panels. I guess, looking at the vehicle, that when the owner says "light metal" he actually means cheap malleable steel plating.

 

[Duke]

The issue with fiberglass is that it is quite easy to build up to a very hefty thickness in pursuit of that perfect contour (or when patching cracks). Looks like the builder solved that issue by not caring if the quarters look like wadded up beercans.

 

[Cano]

hahahaha the rear end of that thing is incredible.

 

[DRIFT4EVA]

I just love the fact there's been 2 bids hahaha

 

[Zenith]

....I have to ask. Is fibreglass actually a heavy material?

That ebay car mentioned that it used a "light metal, not a heavy fibreglass". I assumed (ignorantly I guess) that fibreglass was pretty light and strong for what it was.

I'm not sure what "metal" this guy used, but fiberglass tends to be about 1/3 the weight of most metal used in car design and carbon fiber goes down to anywhere between 1/4-1/6.

On topic: Oh man how I wish I could be there to see people on the street looking at this car.

 

[Tommi]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200835317622250

What a waste.

 

[benzoboy]

That car has been for sale for over a year now, and Keighly Trade Centre's reputation is erm, questionable to say the least.

http://www.google.co.uk/#sclient=ps...=&oq=keigh&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=59833b04db22fc23

 

[motortrend]

The messed up thing is that if that thing gets "stanced out" and gets that exhaust removed it might end up on the imports section.

 

[Jim Prower]

It's not bad. just needs to be lower, I guess. and a more functional, less plastic wing.

Of course, not that I'd buy a half-done car.

 

[Joey D]

Ya with a proper stance that thing wouldn't be half bad.

 

[Tornado]

I actually sorta kinda like it.

 

[benzoboy]

The car definitely has potentional, I think it needs lowering, a new front bumper and spoiler, and maybe a new coat of paint.

 

[nk4e]

I would removed the wing, lower it and possibly just had a lip.

 

[Eric.]

Craptastic Lambamaro.

Oh the write-up is great on that. He lists it like it has a Camaro interior...not that it is a Camaro. And a 300hp Chevy V8.

At least it can "peal and smoke the tires". And beat Fieros.

 

[Tommi]

The car definitely has potentional, I think it needs lowering, a new front bumper and spoiler, and maybe a new coat of paint.

Yeah, the potential to become a money pit. The cost of properly doing those modifications wouldn't be a million miles away from the asking price of the car, and don't forget, it's from that Keighly Trade Centre place, so expect a whole host of other problems too. The wires hanging from the steering column aren't exactly confidence inspiring...

If the seller was trustworthy and the car cheaper, i'd agree with you guys.

 

[Joey D]

All modified cars are money pits.

 

[Tommi]

All modified cars are money pits.

With the exception of ricers, yes. What I meant by money pit was a combination of fixing the problems with the car which are obvious and the inevitable ones which would crop up after purchasing from the dealer in question, then modifying it afterwards.

I probably should have said 'huge money pit' instead.

 

[jet1991]

This is questionable:

http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/2010/top-2010-Toyota-Prius-PLUS-Performance-Package.htm

 

[Jim Prower]

I don't see what's questionable about tuning a Hybrid, unless said tuning is excessively ugly. Top Secret makes parts for the Insight and Prius, and Spoon recently did a CR-Z...

 

[orimarc]

Well, I think the question is simple:

Why?

Why try to make a car not oriented to performance in anyway (except if it means better gas milage) faster? It's a freaking hybrid! It's like trying to make an Elise a boulevard crusin' low-rider.

 

[Joey D]

They put a suspension and aero package on it. It's not like they tuned the engine. Even the most Eco friendly drives don't mind taking a corner fast from time to time.

 

[niky]

Why try to make a car not oriented to performance in anyway (except if it means better gas milage) faster? It's a freaking hybrid! It's like trying to make an Elise a boulevard crusin' low-rider.

Tuning isn't always about buying the best tool for the job and leaving it as is. It's about taking something that's already there and making it better.

The Prius is a pretty decent vehicle. Good engine performance, terrific fuel economy, roomy interior. Only issue is that on the standard wheels and suspension, it's heavy, unbalanced, easy to break traction on and rather dicey in the corners.

That they've managed to give it a body kit without increasing drag, bigger wheels without increasing rolling resistance and topped it off with a functional suspension package, IMHO, is a good thing.

Yes, for the same money as a Prius and a suspension package, you could get V6 Mustang or a Mazdaspeed that will be a lot faster and handle a lot better. But you could follow the same argument reductio ad absurdum until you end up with a secondhand Locost with a V8 and slicks.

 

[Tornado]

Why try to make a car not oriented to performance in anyway (except if it means better gas milage) faster? It's a freaking hybrid! It's like trying to make an Elise a boulevard crusin' low-rider.

I'd guess that the overwhelming majority of cars that are glamorized by the tuner culture aren't oriented for performance. You typical grocery getter Honda Civic isn't about to be used as a track machine any time soon, but that doesn't stop people from pouring thousands of dollars into them to make them pretend that they are one.

 

[Sniffs]

Well, I think the question is simple:

Why?

Why try to make a car not oriented to performance in anyway (except if it means better gas milage) faster? It's a freaking hybrid! It's like trying to make an Elise a boulevard crusin' low-rider.

for the challenge. also, US pickups ,SUV's and the "common man's" cars aren't exactly performance oriented, either, and they have the piss tuned out of them. I know it's an American's "thing" to tune everything in site (including making Lawn Tractors into low riders), but we were actually free to do so before the fuel crisies (plural) and anti-pollution regulations knocked most of that scene on its butt. now, it's the other way round. some of us can't afford basic repair parts for the old clunkers that are substituting for the cars we used to replace every fall.

 

[Jim Prower]

The other thing, I think, is that Japanese tuners are starting to see the popularity of hybrids in their own country (since the Japanese manufacturers seem to love making them,) and want to offer parts that not only increase performance but fuel economy as well.

Tommy Kaira, the people who made those mad GT-Rs in GT2, make stuff for hybrids now.

 

[Punknoodle]

Oh the write-up is great on that. He lists it like it has a Camaro interior...not that it is a Camaro. And a 300hp Chevy V8.

At least it can "peal and smoke the tires". And beat Fieros.

It'll beat any tuner car as well, also has attention grabbing supercar looks, compliments galore... WHAT?

However, 2 people have bid. Some people...

 

[Joey D]

Old school wire wheels on a Jag

Chrome shocks? Ya you don't take the off-road, brah!

 

[Tornado]

I always thought the really funny ones were the guys who put lift kits on the trucks and bigger tires, then proceeded to leave the suspension and axles stock.