[rockycho]

Hi all,
I've got myself a 2003 Echo for about 4 months now and after the purchase, I've saved up enough to venture into some upgrades or mods. I am thinking of getting a rear spoiler. I've seen one on the street with pointed ends on the two corners of the spoiler. But I've only seen it once, does anyone understand what I am trying to describe? Also, please suggest any other upgrade or mod.
Thanx

 

[LBT96]

Originally Posted by Le-Mec
i have decided to start this thread mostly for the benefit of some of the "newbies" who visit our boards. i get several emails every week from people who are new to modifying their little imports. so i pose this question to you...

please everyone, read and reply even if only to reiterrate what someone else has already said...

lets assume that you just bought a new toy. what are your first and most basic mods? and more importantly, why?

these would probably be my first three mods on any car...

1. light weight wheels and tires.
weight reduction, better traction, and better overall handling.
sooo much better looking than stock wheels

2. springs/ shocks/ coilovers.
lowering the center of gravity is always better. again, much better traction and handling. this is good whether you want to race in a straight line or race in corners. oh yeah, looks waaay better than stock too

3. intake or exhaust.
i think this should be on the top of everyones list. if you plan on going far with your modification habit then you have to start off with the basics and do them well. i would invest in a good intake and exhaust system. better breathing is a MUST before going any further.

ok gang. this is my list of most basic mods. only after all this is complete would i move on to other stuff.

the rest of you who are reading this thread please pitch in with your 2cents. what would be your first few mods? if you agree with the above, where would you move after these few mods? what would come next?

i would greatly appreciate it and i know the newbies who read this would as well




LE-MEC
www.diaboliqueRacing.com

 

[rockycho]

Thanks, that's nice. I know I am jumping ahead here, but could you give me a few more pointers (websites maybe) on the exterior / aesthetic side of things? And pardon my ignorance, what will be a good intake system for the little echo? I am pretty comfortable with the exhaust end of things if only just for the looks. But I am all new to intake part of things. This echo is my first car I am building from scratch and naturally, I want it to go well. Thanks for all your help.

 

[LBT96]

a true cold air intake is always the best way to go.

As far as websites for performance echo parts, I have no idea.

 

[zeorai]

I haven't seen a lot of bolt on mods for the Echo. If it's an Echo HB, or Vitz, that's a different story, but if it's a real Echo aka JDM Platz, then I haven't found much.

Your best bet is to find a local shop that's done custom mod work. That way things will fit right and you won't necessarily sacrifice performance for reliability. Also look around for local people who own Echoes and have done some work, they'll be a good source of info as well.

Sorry if the advice is pretty generic, but it's a good route to take and I haven't found a lot out there for the Echo.