Hi everyone, I'm aware of the now seemingly ancient thread about modifications here, however, I'm wary of buying the wrong part and having to go through returning the part. I'm new to cars in general, and I'm eager to learn more about them as a side hobby. Like any teenager, I want to slap some "mods" on my car. The only actual modification I've installed a Pioneer head unit, adding Bluetooth, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, and opens up the possibility of a backup camera install.
I just want a little rumble and dip my toe into the world of car modding. I have my eyes on a Cosmo Racing CAI, as it seems to be a popular choice amongst my Instagram-circle of 2nd Gen Matrix Owners. Very cost-effective compared to the K&N and Injen intakes I saw listed in the thread previously mentioned. I know this will barely nudge horsepower, anywhere from 5-7 extra HP.
In terms of suspension - the Matrix looks lifted. However, the seemingly better top trim has been my downfall. Every single Coilover/suspension kit or lowering springs have a note claiming that it DOES NOT fit XRS (and often AWD). I'm not sure why it does not fit - I believe the XRS Matrix offers double-wishbone suspension. I'm not sure if that is why all these options exclude XRS. AWD exclusions make a little more sense. Unless I'm looking at the wrong places small info like this is hard to find - especially since the Matrix never got a big following - unlike the Civic Si (and even the Corolla XRS.)
In terms of Exhaust, the only one I can find is a Magnaflow Catback which is absolute overkill for what I want and how I use my car. I've looked at buying a universal muffler and having a shop install it, but frankly, my goal is to have an exhaust you can hear - anywhere from 60-70 dB compared to the 40-50 my car probably makes. Definitely NOT 3 am Civic status. I'm also confused at the Toyota part diagram found here, particularly the muffler - companies such as Magnaflow sell various universal mufflers, and I'm not sure which design is actually in my car - it appears as if it were in a a "C" configuration. However, the fastest and best way to check is to check the can under my car, so checkmate, me. I'll do that soon.
I've also looked at the TRD Strut Brace - one of the only actual TRD parts that they make for my car! I also find the price of the stock OEM brace absurd - over 700 dollars from Toyota. Judging by the look of it, the stock one might have some damping that makes the "feel" of the car a little comfier, if that's the right way to put it. The TRD bar is just a metal strut, so naturally, it would be cheaper. Has anyone used this on their car? I can't imagine I'd feel a big difference in the car's handling with just one part, but I've heard pretty good things about it.
Also - I understand that the Matrix/Vibe is a joint collaboration between Toyota and Pontiac - where the engine is Toyota and the chassis is Pontiac (I think). However, if I'm correct the chassis is still based off of the Corolla platform - to what extent do Corolla mods fit a Toyota Matrix? They seem to make a lot more parts for the Corolla XRS than the Matrix XRS, and I've come into some scenarios where parts found on different websites will mention fitting the Matrix XRS and the Corolla, and other sites won't even mention the Matrix at all. I also would expect some similarities since they should be based on similar platforms.
Also, a side note - how "rare" are XRS models? I've legit only seen one other 2nd gen Matrix XRS in my town, and a couple of Corolla XRS models. The bulk being base models, and XR and S models, ranging across first and second-gen Matrix models and respective Corollas.
I just want a little rumble and dip my toe into the world of car modding. I have my eyes on a Cosmo Racing CAI, as it seems to be a popular choice amongst my Instagram-circle of 2nd Gen Matrix Owners. Very cost-effective compared to the K&N and Injen intakes I saw listed in the thread previously mentioned. I know this will barely nudge horsepower, anywhere from 5-7 extra HP.
In terms of suspension - the Matrix looks lifted. However, the seemingly better top trim has been my downfall. Every single Coilover/suspension kit or lowering springs have a note claiming that it DOES NOT fit XRS (and often AWD). I'm not sure why it does not fit - I believe the XRS Matrix offers double-wishbone suspension. I'm not sure if that is why all these options exclude XRS. AWD exclusions make a little more sense. Unless I'm looking at the wrong places small info like this is hard to find - especially since the Matrix never got a big following - unlike the Civic Si (and even the Corolla XRS.)
In terms of Exhaust, the only one I can find is a Magnaflow Catback which is absolute overkill for what I want and how I use my car. I've looked at buying a universal muffler and having a shop install it, but frankly, my goal is to have an exhaust you can hear - anywhere from 60-70 dB compared to the 40-50 my car probably makes. Definitely NOT 3 am Civic status. I'm also confused at the Toyota part diagram found here, particularly the muffler - companies such as Magnaflow sell various universal mufflers, and I'm not sure which design is actually in my car - it appears as if it were in a a "C" configuration. However, the fastest and best way to check is to check the can under my car, so checkmate, me. I'll do that soon.
I've also looked at the TRD Strut Brace - one of the only actual TRD parts that they make for my car! I also find the price of the stock OEM brace absurd - over 700 dollars from Toyota. Judging by the look of it, the stock one might have some damping that makes the "feel" of the car a little comfier, if that's the right way to put it. The TRD bar is just a metal strut, so naturally, it would be cheaper. Has anyone used this on their car? I can't imagine I'd feel a big difference in the car's handling with just one part, but I've heard pretty good things about it.
Also - I understand that the Matrix/Vibe is a joint collaboration between Toyota and Pontiac - where the engine is Toyota and the chassis is Pontiac (I think). However, if I'm correct the chassis is still based off of the Corolla platform - to what extent do Corolla mods fit a Toyota Matrix? They seem to make a lot more parts for the Corolla XRS than the Matrix XRS, and I've come into some scenarios where parts found on different websites will mention fitting the Matrix XRS and the Corolla, and other sites won't even mention the Matrix at all. I also would expect some similarities since they should be based on similar platforms.
Also, a side note - how "rare" are XRS models? I've legit only seen one other 2nd gen Matrix XRS in my town, and a couple of Corolla XRS models. The bulk being base models, and XR and S models, ranging across first and second-gen Matrix models and respective Corollas.
