# Beginner car mods **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** chevrolet, camaro\ **Created:** [September 30, 2021, 5:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703 "2021-09-30T17:43:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FunkyPete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@FunkyPete](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FunkyPete)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 5:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/1 "2021-09-30T17:43:41Z")
Hello I just got my first car and I was wanting to do some mods and work on it. I have a 2017 2.0L camaro and I’d like to know some easy mods to start with to either give it more power or just make it look unique ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 6:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/2 "2021-09-30T18:14:03Z")
Before doing any modifications make sure all maintenance is up to date. You car is nearly six years old. Brake and transmission fluids may never have been changed, often ignored by previous owners. Coolant service is likely needed. Easy things to do, oil&filter change. You will need either jackstands or ramps for that. Air filters, engine, and if equipped, cabin air filter. For appearance items, just Google Camaro body kits, will get you to a lot of suppliers. Check with your local Community ( State, Junior, whatever your state calls it) college, or adult education school for automotive classes. Good sources of knowledge and you **may** be able to work on your car in their facility while enrolled. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 6:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/3 "2021-09-30T18:26:37Z")
Once maintenance is up to date, I’d forget about power, it’s already putting out a lot of hp/liter, not much to be gained there. Handling might be improved - what make/model/size tires are on it? ---
**Author:** ![FunkyPete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@FunkyPete](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FunkyPete)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 7:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/5 "2021-09-30T19:47:49Z")
The military base where I live has lifts and I planned on using those mostly but I do plan on checking out the stuff you mentioned. Thank you:) ---
**Author:** ![FunkyPete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@FunkyPete](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FunkyPete)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/6 "2021-09-30T19:48:52Z")
I got the bigger option for my wheels which is 8.5x20 ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/7 "2021-09-30T19:56:20Z")
Unfortunately, larger wheel/tire combinations tend to be heavier, which reduces acceleration and increases stopping distance a little bit. But as long as the overall diameter is the same as original, the effects should be very small. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 8:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/8 "2021-09-30T20:30:19Z")
If you haven’t figured it out by now, this isn’t exactly the best forum to ask this question. Not so performance oriented. Since you have a turbo 4, a “tune” that increases the boost is an easy first performance step. Basically a computer calibration file that is downloaed to your car’s engine computer that raises the turbo boost. You should be able to get a good power boost without needing a parts change. You might consider vinyl stripes or trim strips to personalize your car. It is a Camaro so there are a ton of performance and appearance products available. Just do an internet search for “Camaro Performance Parts” ---
**Author:** ![Scrapyard-John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Scrapyard-John](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Scrapyard-John)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 8:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/9 "2021-09-30T20:48:11Z")
I second the tune for the turbo car. Biggest bang for the buck performance mod you can make. Browse or join a Camaro forum to see what tuners are preferred and can tune without sacrificing reliability. For looks, maybe change to some sportier wheels. Not necessarily larger, but more performance looking. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/10 "2021-09-30T20:50:04Z")
I’d want to do the tune at a shop with a dyno, with someone who knows what they’re doing making the changes. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 9:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/11 "2021-09-30T21:11:23Z")
As a follow on, @FunkyPete, does your base have a dyno? Worth asking, and you might find fellow soldiers with more knowledge that can help you. ---
**Author:** ![Scrapyard-John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Scrapyard-John](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Scrapyard-John)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/12 "2021-09-30T21:17:30Z")
That would be ideal. But, the “canned tunes” from five star, sct, and some others would be a good power increase and relatively conservative if no dyno is available. ---
**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 9:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/13 "2021-09-30T21:41:59Z")
There’s a topic under the 2.0 section basically asking which mods for a beginner, ZZ Performance keeps being mentioned for a tune among other items. [https://www.camaro6.com/forums/index.php](https://www.camaro6.com/forums/index.php) Top 3 Beginner mods discussion [https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594273](https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594273) ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/14 "2021-09-30T22:11:36Z")
Here’s a key question - what’s your budget? ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 10:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/15 "2021-09-30T22:12:37Z")
> [@FunkyPete](#): > > I got the bigger option for my wheels which is 8.5x20 Burt what make/model/size tire? They can make a lot of difference/ ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2021, 10:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/16 "2021-09-30T22:19:17Z")
Cool wheels are an easy start! [https://www.google.com/search?q=2017+camaro+new+wheels&rlz=1CAYFOO\_enUS948US948&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjdp5iS3afzAhWUGVkFHehGD\_wQ\_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1366&bih=617&dpr=1](https://www.google.com/search?q=2017+camaro+new+wheels&rlz=1CAYFOO_enUS948US948&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjdp5iS3afzAhWUGVkFHehGD_wQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1366&bih=617&dpr=1) ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2021, 10:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/17 "2021-10-01T10:59:12Z")
Base Auto Shops are nice if you can get a bay. On the few occasions I used them, the getting the correct bay was difficult due to the popularity of the shop. ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2021, 3:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/18 "2021-10-01T15:25:37Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > Not so performance oriented. Not all of us are anti-mod. 😉 OP I’d start with brakes. Replace the pads with Porterfield R4-S or Hawks. Any time you start making a car more powerful, your first step should be to make it stop better. And going forward, research everything you put on the car before you buy. There are plenty of “performance parts” out there that are snake oil. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2021, 3:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/19 "2021-10-01T15:38:00Z")
I’m cautious on telling a new driver/new owner to pump up the boost on their new car. 300+ hp out of 2 L is a lot for a newbie to deal with, no telling how they’ll know if a problem exists. ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2021, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/20 "2021-10-01T15:40:05Z")
This article on wheel weight was an eye-opener for me. I avoided the expense and the performance downgrades that come along with it, and have been free of wheel envy for many years now: “Understanding Wheel Weight” in the book _Honda/Acura Performance_ ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2021, 12:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703/21 "2021-10-02T00:22:42Z")
One word: Pinstripes [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beginner-car-mods/179703.md?page=2)