I Drove 1000 Project Cars: Here Were the Worst Mistakes

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

What's your favorite thing when you build a car?

[@devil2jz500]

Watching my project cars grow jackstands underneath them.

[@kontemp]

No oil/fluid leaks! Very ocd with leaks and having the car most reliable to drive across the U.S and have A/c

[@elozoplateado4448]

Exhaust, especially on a car with quiet factory exhaust it makes so much more of a difference enjoyment wise when you got the right one.

[@fjlawrence9672]

I might want to add that working on supportive mods BEFORE power mods is much more rewarding & budget friendly! I know lots of guys who bought a car & literally got a turbo/supercharger the moment they could afford one! only to realize there's more to it & that they needed tons of cash to support that extra power(fuel system, brakes , cooling..etc) .Very disappointing i know , but could've been avoided ! Don't rush , be patient! Just do it step by step .

[@JR-ny4ud]

I'm in that same Position where I juuust bought an RX8 and I cant decide what to do first, cause I'm on that high schooler money if ya know what I mean

[@BladedAngel]

2:30 100% well said...just 5-10 years ago, you had 500-700 HP, you were king on the road. Absolute legends had 900 maybe 1000. Nowadays, 1200 is a passing memory. It's insane. To be fair, tuning culture grew rapidly cause of the internet and the ability to share knowledge/learn from other's mistakes.

[@tudorg22]

you're still king of the road with like 500hp. Even in the USA . that's most than 99% of the cars on the road

[@TheOminousVoidWispers]

@@tudorg22 not by much though. There are a lot of cars making 350 to 450 hp stock now. 10 years ago 500 was way more of a big deal than it is today. You really can't argue that fact.

[@sambamsandman3679]

Love your vids bladed✌🏼❤️

[@cousineddie3302]

I still drive my 03 cobra and am happy with the 400 hp 🤷🏻‍♂️ just good tires, mgw shifter and stingers. Dont care who has more power

[@ethancash8760]

I find this with a lot of things especially truck tires...back in the day 35s were like holy crap and 37 was monster truck status...now 35s come stock and 40s are a go to its just insane to where we've come

[@markrichards6171]

This entire video is very wise advice. As far as the cosmetics go, I have one thing to add: Less is more. Some people don't know when to quit.

[@gamersfan]

true even sometimes just a wheel and tire upgrade is a game changer look wise

[@slowcrawler2695]

Less is always more. So true. A clean OEM+ look is timeless 👌

[@ExistentialFart]

Sleeper aesthetic is where it's at.

[@Shabam4895]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. More is perfect for some people

[@markrichards6171]

@Shabam4895 I'm going to politely disagree. Some people take aesthetic modifications too far. They make the car weird and ugly. We've all seen it.

[@jacobasuncion3132]

It’s a good video here are some other things I would add: Make sure the car your planning to modify has an aftermarket support, unless you can fabricate your own parts Take the time to clean the garage also invest in a space heater If you have any OEM parts or parts that are slightly used give them to someone who needs them Buy something that runs and gives, unless your doing an engine swap But most importantly take care of any maintenance your car needs before modifying

[@michaelcummins3105]

Everyone single one of these points are key and have applied to me at one point or another: - I had a first gen RX7 and loved the car but was constantly dissapointed in the aftermarket. Things either didn't exist for the car or they were so incredibly expensive that buying quality parts was almost doubling what I bought the car for - If you don't have an organized garage or working space you'll spend more time trying to find the tool you need OR you'll try and find a workaround that may end up damaging your car. You'll make your life way easier if you can find what you need quickly.

[@gaydes1012]

I always bitch at my housemates for not cleaning the garage, even something as simple as an oil change can be frustrating if you're in a messy unorganized garage.

[@BoHorror]

No keep them OEM parts in case you want to go back to original condition

[@irlredline7965]

@@BoHorror agree or if want to sell your modified car with the mods on it and the original parts alongside it

[@SI0AX]

@@irlredline7965 You would make more money if you sold the car stock, then sold the modified parts separate.

[@johnmitchell2269]

I'm surprised David never mentioned this. Surely, the most important thing to consider with ANY project car, would be is the car already good to begin with? If you are starting with an absolute junkyard shed of a car, then is it even worth investing all that time and money on it? Don't try to polish a turd guys. Enhance a car that's already in decent or good condition. How many people have spent thousands and thousands yet the car still doesn't run or work how it should do? Trying to run before you can walk is never a good idea.

[@slightlyinsaneraf]

This is very very true, everyone wants to be the new nagata or some shit, and they all end up with a rusty shed on jackstands they got for way too much cuz it says s13 on the listing.

[@Aussiegamer101]

I mean in a perfect world sure. I would love to a good condition 240z or a non rusted out camaro. You can't control rust. Time and oxidation will get to everything. Especially if you live in the north part of the US.

[@KillingMoon_]

That's common sense though lol

[@joshdaniel7894]

Honestly I entirely disagree some of best memories are getting that $500 clunker to get going one more time. New cars are boring to me no thrill. It’s a special bond you form with an old clunker building it into exactly what you want. I don’t think old or any car is the issue for that matter it’s the clown working on it lol.

[@davidlaughman5358]

I think the most important lesson here is don't buy a rusted out car if you don't know how to weld. Its cheaper to buy two scrap pieces of steel to practice welding as opposed to a rusted out 240.

[@ennote91]

I always loved stronger motor mounts and chasis bracing. Cheap and really changes the feel of the car

[@neilmaccallum3476]

David. I'm 36, and I've been modifying cars since I was 15. You are 100% correct! Wheels/tires, suspension are the first things I do!!! I made the mistake of going with a cheap set of coil overs...5 weeks later the driver side separated on braking! Needless to say. Now I am on h&r springs and sway bars with poly mounts. Factory struts/shocks(looking at a kyb or something adjustable). Very few companies make coil overs for my chassis. 07 focus...going against the one thing u said. And that's power. Looking at building, and swapping in a 2.5, 4cyl from the fusion/escape! Gain 50/60hp for a couple hundred dollars. Love the content! Keep up the good work.

[@calebcaperton9459]

Good deal man, I likewise drive a focus, 08-11 so basically the same car with an updated body and slightly larger ball joints. They are great cars.

[@sategllib2191]

2.0 ecoboost would be insane in one of those

[@neilmaccallum3476]

@@sategllib2191 that's essentially what I'm doing, but with a duratec

[@TheDrMayonnaise]

Tires are the only safety feature of your car that actually touch the road. I used to be just like most people and always chasing more power until one day the woah didn't match the go and I barely escaped a pretty serious accident, so tires, suspension and brakes are now at the top of the mod list on any new project before power.

[@SkylineFTW97]

I prefer handling over straight line speed, so suspension, brakes, and tires are priority #1 for me. Plus as a leadfoot, I don't want to go crazy over since I speed plenty as is in my 130HP Honda Fit. One of my coworkers has a turbocharged B20 swapped Honda CRX that makes ~300HP. He had one before that he totaled due to losing control. He wasn't hurt, but the frame was damaged beyond repair. I tend to only do minor upgrades in power to keep that from happening.

[@nubreed13]

Agreed. When I was doing a power train swap I made a point to upgrade the brakes at the same time. I'm just building a street cruiser but it desperately needed better tires and brakes even in stock form.

[@xxsoulhuntxx]

I've had a number of close calls from people making agregously poor decisions, u turn without looking, pull into 70mph traffic doing maybe 15, etc so now I put the best set of tires and brakes that I can put on to match the occasion. Michelin PS AS4 are so far my favorite set of tires and hawk hps are my favorite pads for the street

[@SkylineFTW97]

@@xxsoulhuntxx I delivered pizzas in a battered $250 Honda Civic that I beat the shit out of. Around the time I got that car, I started working at an auto repair chain and delivering pizzas as a side job. I got to feel the difference between new and old tires firsthand. I have only bought good quality new tires since.

[@xxsoulhuntxx]

@SkylineFTW97 ay my first car was a 95 accord. Also ment to say other making poor decision but I didn't check anything I wrote

[@HoserHotrods]

EVERY young person coming into the hobby needs to hear the power part over and over again on repeat! You hit it spot on the head there. So many kids are numb due to the internet and all these huge power builds that it makes them think that they need a 1000hp car and anything less is lame. From experience I've had way more fun in something like a 200hp mini on the street then I have had trying to tame a 700hp+ monster.

[@arcanevoid9199]

so true, also have noticed how much people push going turbo etc if the car didnt come with one

[@fdyujyrsvhyjn]

@@arcanevoid9199 It almost feels like people are adding turbos to just get clout in a way.... what ever happened to people rebuilding a N/A engine that's not a honda?

[@arcanevoid9199]

@@fdyujyrsvhyjn yea they probably are, or doing it for their friends approval etc

[@geoffreyrebman6910]

I agree with one of your points David. Get maintenance and actual needs done first. Like replacing the bushings and tie rod ends

[@BPeezy315]

I had a full bolt-on 2004 Mustang GT witht the 5 speed. It was super fun. I loved that car. Not the fastest out there but just a blast to drive. I did almost everything but a power adder. My absolute favorite mods were the short throw shifter and the struts, shocks, and springs. The suspension mods made my 10 year old car feel better than brand new.

[@bigmikenbr]

Great video and I 100%agree on your point about tires. I live in Nürburg and drive on the ring several times a week in the season and you won't believe how many guys how up with shitty tires. The difference from normal street tires to semi slicks or even UHP tires, not only regarding laptimes but also safety is immense. The problem is, most people go for suspension ( often cheap) or power first, because they think that they need 200+ hp to have fun.

[@Save_the_Stick_Shifts]

Fully enjoying my 210, maybe 215 HP at the crank RSX Type S. Very well kept, just hit 89k miles. Adding full restomod to the suspension (durometer bushings), a 23mm sway bar and a limited slip. Some Vibratecnics mounts and a few other bits to tighten things up and she's just fun. Slow, but fun. Swapped out for 17x8 Traklites and a better tire and working on getting the brakes up to speed.

[@dogshmog]

Those are very fun on curvy backroads. I had a 2011 FA5 I bought in bat a few years ago. I’ve had a lot of Hondas and a lot of cars, currently in a GR Corolla, but that k20 has out of this world engine character on a strong tune. OEM+ is the way to go. Those RSX are even better.

[@jedpratte]

I have had my RSX type S sense 2007. Still my summer daily.

[@ChummiaChan]

I absolutely agree with how much of a difference better tires can make. In fact my first modifications to my first car are going to be grippy tires, along with the good brakes and good coilovers. Engine modifications like intake or exhaust are on my second plan since I think stock 220hp being delivered to the rear wheels with aftermarket LSD is a good start. Amazing video, keep it up!

[@GregoryBrettin]

Nailed a lot of points about car modifications. I'm doing a twin turbo LS swap on my 370z (finally done... but is it?) and had to change EVERYTHING about the car to support 1000+hp, basically everything you mentioned rolled into my build. I've attempted to make everything "bullet proof" (which isn’t really a thing). Everything about the engine has been upgraded so it's only LS by name. Transmission had to be changed to a 4L80e and completely gone through. Rear diff, changed over to a Winters Quick Change 10" to avoid a peg leg, chunky explosions, and correct gear ratios. Suspension, drive shaft, ECU, axels, wheels, tires, fuel system, hand-built parts to make it work, ETC... all changed. All this pain is necessary to be able to achieve some of my goals. Is it logical doing all this "stuff", not really. I will say that I have learned a lot going though all these battles. Each modification has been a battle in its own way. I will say this in addition, I have my build posted online with complete transparency and have found some amazing friendships through common struggles and interests. Those bonds are well worth the price of admission.

[@iampuga1530]

3:56 I’d say that’s not the only one way ticket into a tree, getting into the passenger seat of a porche with a race car driver is also a one way ticket into a tree RIP Paul Walker

[@JustinSeara]

I’m so glad David has made it so big. He’s such a great dude.

[@worldhello1234]

@3:14 Yes, that is why you don't use stock internals in order to add some reliability ... but if you start on a budget you don't want to ruin your engine with a half-assed tune.

[@RobRabonPhotog]

I agree completely! It took me a long time to learn that last one, but I finally bought decent tires to drift on last year, and it was like I was driving a completely different car!

[@tylerledrew3116]

Tires is a great first thing to start with for modification, personally i started with suspension, then jumped into a good wheel and tire package. It served both a visual upgrade and performance upgrade. Would have liked to hear wheels in the mix as well because a light weight and strong wheel serves a good purpose to both street and track driving. Rotational mass can severely affect lap times and a strong wheel can save you on rough streets and you dont have to spend a fortune to get quality wheels in an era where the technology is so advanced that your not paying for first in the game parts. I do believe in this “Buy nice or Buy twice” motto and power is definately a rabbit hole for any chassis you start with.

[@clarenceperkins3115]

This was a great video! I try to encourage people set their chassis up first, suspension, brakes, etc and then get used to it and dial it in and add power if you would like. You have to find the right balance as well for your style of driving as well I feel like. 😁

[@MADEKUN]

100 agree. I've done alot with cars overs the decade. Seat, suspension and tires will make you love the car like it is new. A tune will only put a grin on your face as it's short lived. Follow the first order that loving long time.

[@thunderjeep08]

Quality wheels also. Unsprung mass has a HUGE impact on performance. I've seen so many people splurge for top of the line tires but put them on cheap knockoff wheels that are heavier than the stock ones. Not to mention usually bigger with no sidewall. You want some sidewall compliance on the road.

[@ChrisJackson36]

David did a great job with this video. Mostly agree with one caveat. The mechanics of a car are a system in harmony. We love to have lists and prioritize things, and for the most part we need to because of time and money. It’s hard to throw down the cash for tires and suspension and brakes all at once. So when I pick modifications for my cars, I try and keep the system in mind and how they will work together and avoid making changes that won’t suit the overall goal or won’t work harmoniously. Thank you David.

[@galenkovats6846]

Great vid couldn't agree more. I would add to drive the car stock for bit so you can decide what needs to be improved/what a realistic end goal is for you. Do suspension stuff first and don't be too cheap. There is a huge change between cheap and quality coilovers I learned this the hard way. Also deal with whatever common issues are present to begin with asap. Example: Subaru's starve for oil easily. Doing an upgrade to the oil pan/pickup/windage tray would be worth doing upon purchase instead of later, especially if you plan to drive it and mod as you go. Most importantly though do it for you and do it right. Clout is one thing but your the one who has to live and deal with your car. It's easy to think you need flares and a titanium exhaust to be "worthy" due to social media, but reality is if it makes you smile your on the right path. Take your time, and don't expect it to be easy.

[@lordraiden5398]

I have a 09' Forester X lowered 3" on coilovers. 25mm rear sway bar, adjustable rear lower control arms and lateral bars. Front and rear end links and 18x9.5 wheels with 245/40 Falken Azenis RT615K+ tires. Corners so hard I had to install a Sparco seat to hold me in place. It still makes the stock 170hp for now but the look on peoples faces when I speed away from them on our circular Michigan on ramps is priceless. This summer I plan to do a STi 6speed and R180 swap. The lsd's will take it to the next level.

[@realbigtuna667]

Great advice. One thing to add, do the reliability mods FIRST. Oil coolers, radiators, thermostats, clutch, halfshafts etc. Set the car up in advance for the power you are eventually looking to make. If you go into the power side first, chances are you will put off the reliability mods long enough to hurt something. Primarily your wallet.

[@nickcook7408]

The reliability mods you talk about are part of tuning for more power. The reliability mods you talk about can wait until AFTER you have the best tyres, brakes and suspension you can possibly afford. Power/tuning waits until AFTER tyres brakes & suspension

[@sailingspark9748]

Honestly, I think you nailed it. My first project car was a 1974 VW superbeetle. My father, who did most of the work, was an old musclecar guy. He helped me build up a phenomenal 2.0 Type 4 engine and stuff in the back. And that was all we did. I learned a lot about brake fade and oversteer on that car as it continually tried to kill me. Other than that beetle, I have never done more than bolt ons to an engine since. Exhaust, intake, and cams. That is it. It has always been suspension and brakes for me. I followed that murderous beetle with a Fiat X1/9. With a fully worked suspension, brakes, and wider wheels, even on an almost totally stock engine, nothing could touch that mid-engined pocket exotic in the corners. Even now, I have a Fiat 500 Abarth. The engine is totally stock, same with the suspension, but I have some lovely sticky tyres on the rims and I could not be happier. As a bonus, I never have to worry about what is going to break.

[@KarzKreated]

I've turned into a tire snob myself. I don't even know how many hours I've spent comparing tire specs... 😅 But I agree with the moral of the story. Make sure the foundation is strong (suspension/tires/brakes) before focusing on big power.

[@QuattroZack1]

What do you think about the Pilot Sport 4s compared to the original Pilot Super Sports?

[@shiftlifegarage3284]

Awesome content brother , I am 46 and I have a 93 eg hatch and I love the regular b18c nothing like it not worrying about heat soak and other components

[@A_Chocolate_Cookie]

Definitely agree with the tires, the only "mod" my car has is tires and it makes a huge difference when I first got my car it had horrible budget tires on it and I swapped them for the tires that it would've had when new from factory (Potenza RE040) and it was soooo much better. much more grip, better steering feel etc Currently it rides on Toyo TR1 since those Bridgestones are aged now

[@CarswithNash]

I actually agree with all your points and especially agree with you on tires. For me when modifying a car the question is always will this modification make the car better than the original part did? If it’s not going to be significantly better there is no point in making modifications just for the sake of modifying.🤷‍♂️

[@connoisseuroftigolbitts]

Wish he would do a worst cars review list

[@rumjack5286]

That's what I thought I was clicking on

[@sums6969]

@@rumjack5286 lowkey got clickbaited

[@matt2244]

If he did that it would piss people off and then other people might not let him drive their cars.

[@BitcoinTo150K]

Same feel jipped

[@_tokii__]

@@matt2244 Yeah a list like this would definitely steer people away from letting David review their cars. David is very open minded when it comes to these reviews.

[@Pebergriffin1]

I currently drive a 2.5 mazda 3 and they make like 170hp on a good day. I have so much fun ripping back roads or even just shifting through the gears. I have coilovers and a short shifter and thats about it. Everytime I take a corner fast it puts the biggest smile on my face, I have myself giggling like a little kid whenever im on a nice curvy road. I built my car pretty cheap but I did buy bc's and a corksport shifter as you don't want to cheap out on those parts.

[@802Garage]

The worst mistake is getting more than one project car... Best way to never finish a project car. Ask me how I know. ;) We did get Rotaru the rotary swapped BRZ tuned and ripping though!

[@tiernanween763]

I usually go with an intake first because they’re generally pretty cheap and makes a bit of noise then of course an exhaust, I feel like being able to hear your car helps you connect with it in a way.

[@doubletee4391]

you nailed it. I hope people new to this hobby take this to heart. Or they can just learn the hard expensive way like many of us have.

[@ryn2378]

video starts at 1:20

[@Danefrak]

Thanks for the heads up

[@mikezobl9602]

For an automatic vehicle or a manual car with drive-by-wire, my favorite mod is a tune. Even without touching the ignition timing or fuel trims, you can make the car feel a lot more powerful and responsive, even if the WOT performance is unchanged.

[@ericschwartz100]

I agree completely! Tires are a game-changer. They literally are the only thing on your car that connects you to the road! I upgraded my tires on my 2018 accord sport 2.0T from stock to Continental Extreme Contact DWS06+ all season ultra high performance and couldn't be happier! Much better cornering stability wet/dry traction, etc. They are awesome!

[@danielkaminske5048]

Oh yeah. I’ve been running those on my car for more than 10 years 👌

[@ericschwartz100]

@@danielkaminske5048 oh, yeah, they’re freaking amazingly awesome! 👍👊

[@RAD-RC]

Funny you mention that I have cross climates 2s on my accord 2.0t now and was looking for a good summer tire this year. I'll check into those!

[@ericschwartz100]

@@RAD-RC yeah, you most definitely should! I mean, the tires are freaking awesome!

[@chaden9498]

You are an obvious shill

[@TheDamnGarage]

I think you’re onto something here. On my first vehicle I replaced the tires for aesthetics. It completely changed the characteristics, all of them for the better. I have been doing the same thing on my daily and projects always. And on motorcycles, it’s even more critical to find the best rubber.

[@Ioading...10]

This guy looks like the car guy version of Mr. Beast

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

I mean...I can't complain.

[@Cristobal_Ygnacio_Arriaga]

The horse power rant it’s the reason why in the last few years I have gravitated so hard towards old cars. They don’t have a lot of power but it really doesn’t matter, now I’m looking more for the experience of driving.. especially now days with electric cars that can probably smoke you build car and they will do it in complete silence.

[@Save_the_Stick_Shifts]

Agreed. Electric made most ICE appear like they are moving through molasses anyways. Start enjoying the mechanical feel, rawness, and soul of older cars.

[@ADieolp]

Im so glad you put tyres at #1. Some of my friends always cheap out on tyres and it frustrates me to no avail. I tried to educate them but I’ve almost given up

[@One_LuvZ]

Your absolutely right when it comes to tires being last or outright waited till the last minute. The amount of times I've seen, driven, or ride in cars whose tires are either poor or just sketchy makes it priority when upgrading a vehicle.

[@nickcook7408]

First mod for any new car is always tyres - I like Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for my daily drivers. Tyres make you faster. Tyres make safer. Tyres make you handle better. Tyres make you stop shorter. Tyres make you accelerate faster. Tyres first, weight reduction second, brakes, suspension and alignment third, more power is the LAST thing on the list.

[@wayned3122]

Great Video, totally agree. One thing to include though, fix the things on the car that are broken/failing before upgrades. I hate seeing guys spending big money on parts, especially performance parts, and the car has a massive oil leak, or bad suspension bushings, etc. Fix it before you try and upgrade it!

[@jricedrums]

This is great advice, my car (2015 Civic Si Coupe) only has two major mods. The one performance mod is Enkei wheels (8lbs lighter than stock per wheel) with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The cosmetic mod one is an aftermarket Pioneer head unit with a capacitive touch screen & modern smartphone integration.

[@madmatt2024]

Something not mentioned is the first mod I have done to EVERY car I have owned, a decent sound system. I'm not talking anything crazy, just a head unit, some good speakers, and a small sub. It makes driving so much more enjoyable. I also wonder is why so many people go for cheap coilovers instead of a decent set of lowering springs and new shocks/struts if they are due? The combo is going to last a lot longer than cheap coilovers and won't give you a punishing ride. I put H&R springs on my project car last year (first time ever lowering a car) and I'm more than happy with the results.

[@lordflufffluff]

I heard that lowering springs are better than coilovers if your car has fancy suspension from the factory.

[@Shim_Shack_Studio]

Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, and Tires are the FIRST thing I have done with ALL of my cars. Other than that, magically lost another front lip this winter here in MN. Every 3 years I seem to lose one lol on my Evo Swapped Lancer Wagon. The FUN part for me is, searching for another front lip and choosing a different route each time.

[@Ravenlion13]

to me exhaust and suspension are the most important. How your car sounds and feels is why i like projects cars in the first place. looks is next and power last

[@fatninja987]

Maybe it is because I used to work at a tire shop, but I can agree tires are one of the first things to do to a car. Also who doesn’t love the look of some phat sticky’s?

[@QuattroZack1]

110% agree on tires. I ran Firehawk Indy 500 tires on all of my cars for years and thought I was happy until I switched to Pilot Sport 4s. Night and day difference. The saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true in this particular context.

[@violinmiata]

The Dude in Blue is right! Tires and suspension are the best things to do to a car first. My uncle was a old school scca nerd with a clipboard and learned it from him after he kicked my but on a drive home from the shop. Stock Miata on nice Yokohama tires and I had twice the HP on all seasons. But I would say that a well set up racing suspension on snow tires is a lot of fun too, lower speeds and fine control makes the game enjoyable as well. New tires are also better than old tires, even cheaper new tires of the same size have way more grip.

[@ThatsKap88]

💯 Agree! I usually grab a set of wheels around the same time and always make sure my alignment is where it needs to be!

[@keatonlusk3693]

I think you were spot on with the tires. A good set of tires literally improves all the other mods you talked about. Braking, suspension, and even power in a way because it helps with traction overall. Great points

[@ShelbyWithAShelby]

Tires were one of the first mods I did to my GT500 when I got it. It was intake, pulley, and E85 tune, then immediately got new tires because the stock Michellin Pilot SS don't handle 800whp very well. It's amazing how big of a difference there was switching to R888Rs

[@nicksupplee4805]

I totally agree with your first point considering power. We've all been young and thats the main goal. Live and learn. And concerning tires, they might be most important wether your building something fun or it's just your daily driver. Especially if your up north and can have crappy winters.

[@johnterpack3940]

I just turned 53. I did my first brake job at age 5. So... been there, done that in the hobby. This list is spot on. Also, regarding the video sponsor-- I just got my first ever set of Continental tires. And I don't think I'll ever run anything else again. Nearly five decades in the hobby and this is the first time I've ever noticed a difference from a set of tires. I don't mean a subtle, confirmation bias "yeah, feels better than the old ones". I mean an absolute paradigm shift in the way the car handles and rides. Completely caught me off guard. Massively under-rated brand.

[@38tech]

Spot on!!!! My Miata is not fast, but will keep up on the mtn roads because the suspension/wheel tire combo

[@m1l3nk0]

I agree, changing my tires from what they were I bought them to Michelin Defenders was the best $1000 I've spent on my car. Next time I need new tires, I'm definitely getting another upgrade from the Defenders. I bought Toyo Extensa A/S II's (Around half the price >$500 also for a set of 4) for my other car and they absolutely do not compare.

[@Tristansenpai]

I’m sure all of us have seen that “Supra from hell” video at least once in our lifetime LOL when you said that David, that def brought me back to my childhood

[@supersloth1667]

Completely agree. I remember some quote about never skimping on what's between you and the floor/road (Shoes, bed, tires). Equally as my car has gotten over 100k Miles, the suspension parts have worn, lots of joints/rubber cracked which in the future could cause big problems, but by fixing them now it won't be. Apply that to a project where someone likely hasn't bothered to fix the suspension components and you got a big problem.

[@nickpetersonvfx]

100% agreed. The quest for tons of power that overdoes it for a given platform is a bit silly to me. Good vid!

[@craigparamore4619]

I completely agree with this video, suspension and brakes, I have experienced brake fade where the car wouldn't stop as fast as I needed but still didn't hit anything, best of the best tires are a tuff pill to swallow sometimes because you can buy another set of great coilovers for the same cost, the best bang for the buck tires would be the way to go. Thanks for the great Video David.

[@adrielb1327]

I agree with the tires 100%. I was testing the limits of my stock tires as my aftermarket wheels and tires were shipping and of course i had my first crash because i understeered. It wasnt totaled but i was heart broken that i had messed up the car a couple weeks before my new wheels and tires. Its all repaired and fixed and the new tires feel so reassuring.

[@eydvlogs3541]

Liked this video. Thanks. I think you’re correct about the topic. My favorite to start is always wheels, tires, and suspension. If you love to drive it’ll definitely make any car way more fun. The next modification I do is transmission and motor mounts. That will definitely help with the power part. Anyway thanks again. 💪

[@possiblycrazy442]

Right on, David. Shame it doesn't hit us earlier, but sometimes you need to have that "been there, done that" experience to really appreciate the facts.

[@codycookmedia]

I still own my first car since 2019- my 2001 Subaru Legacy GT limited. I put on a K&N filter for fun, and it actually sounds a bit different and louder from that! I just got fresh Nokian One tires, alignment, fluids, brakes, and added led running lights. I love that thing. Black leather and faux wood grain inside. I detail for hobby so the wheels look new, and the paint still sparkles with its 'Titanium Pearl' oem paint. My advice- get a car that does what you need and make it yours! Dont overthink it too much :)

[@princesssolace4337]

100% about power. My 2012 Speed3 was build to handle 5++hp internals and tolerance. I tune it to 320hp/450nm on pump gas and it's been 3 years and many smiles for miles with zero issues.

[@flewis763]

Tire, glad you pushed this point. It amazes me how many people cheap out on tires when they are literally the most important thing. He'll I don't cheap out on tires on anything, all my work trucks even have top of the line tire at all times (lovely minnesota snow and ice). For performance cars though it literally is the determining factor on being able to drive at 50% or 100%. Hell I own 3 sets of wheels and tires for my 911 turbo. A set for every need

[@funfun5656]

It makes sense to have an upgraded set of tires mounted, balanced and ready to install for when you start to outdrive whatever is on the car but I can't condone upgrading before that point because tires are consumables and degrade with wear. It makes the most sense to spend the tire money at the point where the grip is actually needed.

[@allq7138]

It's a weird one but alright I've only done 1 kind of project car but when Installed a Chrome grill over the Matt Gray that came with my 1991 F150 felt pretty good

[@kennedysingh3916]

That's my experience too, even with gokarts! I bought on old Rupp kart back on the late 1970's with the old faction hard rubber tube wheels and I though they were great . I could no longer get tyres for it so I was force to go with the newer tubeles wider ones and I was sceptical at first as the rubber is very thin but when I tried them the kart performed far better . More comforteble, accelarate quicker, hold the road better, clime hills better and still hold air when pouchered in most cases . The only disadvantage was the fact that they burst if forced against a sharp curve.etc. I live in Old Harbour Jamaica.

[@lifeonadime4703]

Your exactly right. That's why I love sn95 mustangs so much. They don't make a ton of power without boost but, you can literally JUST do suspension good quality (maximum motorsports, qa1) and tires and have a blast. You should always build from the ground up anyway. There is something fun about a quick shit box too though for sure lol

[@SkyyMi]

I love my FIst it's an intercooler and tune paired with lowering springs. It brought the car to a level speed I am happy with and it does me well at autoX. To go to a hybrid turbo and E30 for more power the list of things including an LSD, better brakes, sticker tires, just makes it more than I want to spend on a Fiesta. Great video

[@FierceMotorworks]

This is all good advice. Thanks for making the video. Best mods are the ones that make you happy. Chasing spec sheet numbers or doing something just for the clout won’t make you happy. Do you!

[@carlosarroyo5262]

Anything that makes you see and stop should always be money well spent. Also I just bought some continental tires yesterday for my 11 b8 s5 v8 and didn't know they offered that. Looks like I have something to do when I get home from work onFriday. .

[@carlosceluriantorreblanca4244]

I agree. Start with the suspention, I like to put lowering springs before coilovers. Wheels and Tyres change the look and the feeling of the car. They I move to fitment, paint, interior, and the last thing if engine mods and cosmetics

[@csechrist1]

Good to hear you say this. Nobody wants to hear it, but handling first and power next. As you said, it's usually the easier and more rewarding thing anyway. Plus, a lot of the handling mods come with nice cosmetic enhancements too.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

My project car is a '15 Subaru BRZ Limited that I bought new. I had seen what other KZbinrs had done and I had my mods planned before I bought the car: a catted UEL header, a catback, an Open Flash Tune, Enkei RPF1 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires mounted. I had all this stuff bookmarked and on "favorites" lists at online vendors. I bought the car and paid off the loan while it was still under warranty. I live where it snows so the first "upgrade" was a set set of cheap Enkei M52's with performance Winter tires, Continental WinterContact's. I started my mods just as the 3 year warranty period was about over. I'll admit it - I did it all backward from the advice in the video: I bought the RPF1's and Pilot Sport tires almost last and the increase in grip was a mind-blowing shocking order of magnitude over the Prius tires they replaced. I did the OFT first because it was an easy fix to the FA-20 torque dip and I'll admit it worked. Then a few months later I installed the header, re-tuned, and I had a little more power plus a flat torque curve. Now my FA-20 is far more drive-able than stock. And only then did I upgrade the tires. I put the cat-back on last. All it did was make the car rumble louder and accentuate the Subie Burble. But TDiB is correct: even though my tune and exhaust mods added power, the Summer Pilot Sport tires were the biggest improvement. By seat of the pants feel the tires were 2-3 times the value of the exhaust and tune altogether.

[@jarlkarl3577]

I'm actually in the process of upgrading the suspension on my civic hatchback. I'm super excited to finally drive it since I basically bought it and put it in the shop.

[@jamesmitchell9227]

I recognize Midpond in Columbia, Alabama around the 10 minute mark. Fun place to visit for sure. I do agree tires can be the best money spent for a car performance. As an autocross driver it's huge. 200tw market is amazing now a days.

[@kevinsiegele2106]

Totally agree, the first ever mod I did on my 2010 mustang was wheels and tires and that was a noticeable difference in how it handles. you shouldn't cheap out on tires but you don't need to spend $1000 per tire either, mine were about $500 per tire and are a reputable brand. next mod was just front and rear sway bars and that just turned it into a whole different car, it feels so much more planted. then a good set of brake pads and rotors and it stops a lot better. HP is great and the inner child wants all of it but if you and the car cant handle it then you have to make the car ready to handle it and you just slowly learn how to handle it

[@isaiahcondreay]

This video cracks me up, it's very similar to my own findings. I've only ever had 1 project car, and still have it, but it's been a journey. I have no "culture" I hang out with, just build it for myself. Bout someone's project, and almost everything was done not how I would do it now. Lowering springs and power was what I bought. 3 transmissions, kw coilovers, and all of the bushings, sway bars later, I've learned you have to have a good base. I now stay on the road with good tires (for my region + driving experience), I have good brakes and better handling and I've fixed all the cooling and power problems. I personally don't care about looks, only performance. But it really is a ground up process....tires, suspension, power if needed. And tires are so underrated, they're the shoes of the car!

[@stevesmith6236]

As a retired auto body mechanic and shop owner, of course one of the top things on my short list to do, is make sure the body and paint look it's best. Fancy wheels with nice tires on a ratty car is strictly not cool.I realize there are a miriad of choices pertaining to what vehicle is to be upgraded, modified, personalized or simply restored. My professional advice is to start with a solid, reliable vehicle that you don't need to go into debt for years after it's purchase in order to complete it. Try to come up with a realistic plan time wise and money wise. Have fun with it and don't compromise safety and ride quality just to take turns or an of/on ramp at over twice the speed limit. A jaring ride will get old quick especially if the car is used as a daily driver.

[@onethirdmayo8556]

I once got a miata babied from an old couple with 10 yr old all seasons. Changed them to best possible summer tires. Before vs after on an autocross was a 10s difference.

[@beardyhat9547]

Suspension updates/repairs/upgrades are always the first thing I do. I don't do fast cars anymore--I'm old--but on my project Minivan (Yes, Minivan), I did my struts, shocks and bushings first thing and the difference in how it rode was absolutely incredible. After that, replacing the worn out steering components was another big change. My project Jeep was the same. Power is last on my list for the exact reasons listed. In fact, I'm currently rebuilding the 5.2L in my Jeep and I needed a new cam (the old one was chewed to hell) and I could not, for the life of me, find a stock cam replacement. I had to eventually go with a hotter cam, but did heaps of research and asked many questions of the manufacturer to ensure that this cam wasn't going to cause my transmission to take a dump. Power is nice, but if everything around it is breaking or you can't put it down, what's the point? Not to mention, you can't actually use it during regular street driving and most people would prefer you didn't...

[@pendergasti2744]

My goto is always a simple plan for success. Wheels/Tires first, sway bars and end links & brakes. I then throw a moderate exhaust on at the same time as a short throw shifter. After that it's visual mods.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

For me, exhaust first...since I enjoy the noise more than anything else.

[@jblovell9065]

Yea man with your vast knowledge of builds this is really good info to know appreciate the content 💯

[@alistairhughes2054]

Tyres... completely agree, changed from Bridgestone all rounders to continental sport contact, its like driving with your fingers in the road, the best improvement by far

[@danielgx260]

One thing I've learned the hard way, set goals for the car, power, do you gonna track it etc. First i got coils, tyres and better pads and rotors, butttt then... I've decided that ill v8 swap it, and aaaallll the stuff needs a change, because they were good for the old power not doble the power.

[@dr_skipwith]

Me, with a bone stock 90s econobox with a slipping clutch, leaking oil pan, and bad shift linkage: * puts big subwoofa in da back *

[@tennisontower8003]

100% Agree about tires. I have a bone stock 2011 Subaru Impreza, and the only thing I changed was replacing the worn regular tires with Continental UHP All Seasons. The grip is insane, I can corner faster, the car handles more confident, and under braking, it is impossible to trigger the ABS unless there is ice on the road, since my tires out-grip my stock (with ceramic pads) brakes by a long shot. Due to mileage, I think the only other mod I might consider is a stiffer sway bar to control body roll better, but those two things alone did and will make the car entirely different. Plus, its also safer, does not hurt ride quality, and does not introduce reliability issues.

[@andrewreardon2056]

Hey, I really liked this video, it definitely made me re-think buying just the cheapest name-brand tires in the size I wanted. I did cheap out on my first set of coilovers, and they likely will get replaced down the road. However my 43 year old 280ZX had horrible suspension from the factory if you want to drive fast instead of drive comfortably, I doubt they spent millions developing that.

[@jeshie3736]

The tires part was good advice. Took me a long few years to learn but I preach it now. Tires alone can make or break any vehicle.

[@andrewflynn6853]

i drive a 2021 kia soul. it’s nothing special and i personally don’t want to mod it. but i did get a nice set of Michelin defenders and it has made the world of difference with driving the car in all conditions. very pleased

[@ravenXO]

I love how I called out each topic before you stated it. Time/experience allows you to understand the importance of a functional setup vs cosmetic/power build. I agree with everything you stated except for the coil overs. They aren't necessary unless you are a serious racer that's spends considerable time on track needing to dial in suspension. Lowering springs, bump stops, lower control arms, bushings and a decent shock set will always be more affordable, and you will get a static. And for our beautiful mustangs a pan hard bar. honestly 4000$ spent on full suspension setup and tires is the best upgrade you can make. that my OPINION.

[@jaydenray2803]

Suspension is one of the first things I did to my mustang. The BCs even survived me totaling the car [insert mustang joke here]. Muscle cars usually need this first, especially the older ones. (Tires not appropriate to weather is what took me out, lol)

[@chasingcloudsandflavorrevi9817]

Definitely a video for beginners but worth the watch for anyone.

[@pennycopperhatch9315]

My Top Car Mods that made my driving "expereinced" more awesome was: - Blue Tinted Convex Side Mirrors - Seats & Steering Wheel - Upgraded Suspension - Upgraded Brakes & Tires - Upgraded Motor Mounts