How many of you guys here prefer your vehicles left factory stock? I have to tell you I'm one of those people. I'm always impressed when I see a car or truck that's 10 years old or older and it's been well maintained in its factory original condition. Cars loaded up with aftermarket wheels and other body accessories do not impress me, at all.
Factory Stock Original
- Thread starter Merkava_4
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Bone stock all the way for me too.
I like stock also.
Me too, all the way.
Stock is ok on my cars/trucks but NOT on my Harley Davidson! LOL
When you guys in America refer to cars that are 'stock', what exactly do you mean?
I guess it's to do with original, unmodified cars? And if so, how far do you go - eg. back to the dealership for components to keep everything OE? Or is 'stock' a bit more loose in that you can use OEM parts?
The only thing that pops into my head when I hear 'stock' is what happens when you need a replacement damper/exhaust silencer/clutch/wheel bearing/whatever, do you allow people who source their parts from, say, NAPA, AAZ, Oreillys etc to call their car stock when they may use pattern parts?
I'm not being facetious, I just want to know because nobody really refers to 'stock' cars in Europe..
Thanks
I guess it's to do with original, unmodified cars? And if so, how far do you go - eg. back to the dealership for components to keep everything OE? Or is 'stock' a bit more loose in that you can use OEM parts?
The only thing that pops into my head when I hear 'stock' is what happens when you need a replacement damper/exhaust silencer/clutch/wheel bearing/whatever, do you allow people who source their parts from, say, NAPA, AAZ, Oreillys etc to call their car stock when they may use pattern parts?
I'm not being facetious, I just want to know because nobody really refers to 'stock' cars in Europe..
Thanks
Generally "stock" refers to being "off the showroom floor"
I keep daily drivers stock for the most part. I put a K&N air filter and an underdrive pulley on my Neon which helped drivability some. I also have a custom shifter for my own kicks. I probably wouldn't put a K&N or a pulley on my daily driver now if I had the option. I like to do minor tweeks for myself.
I keep daily drivers stock for the most part. I put a K&N air filter and an underdrive pulley on my Neon which helped drivability some. I also have a custom shifter for my own kicks. I probably wouldn't put a K&N or a pulley on my daily driver now if I had the option. I like to do minor tweeks for myself.
Originally Posted By: Olas
I guess it's to do with original, unmodified cars? And if so, how far do you go - eg. back to the dealership for components to keep everything OE? Or is 'stock' a bit more loose in that you can use OEM parts?
It depends upon one's perspective, or, at least, if one plans on participating in car shows and keeping to original. In the latter case, then it's important to have the original style six cell battery if that was the original equipment, original style hose clamps, shock absorber tags, and so forth.
Others are content to use OEM parts. Obviously, if one has been using an early Road Runner as a daily driver and buying Mopar batteries every few years, it's not going to have a six cell battery any longer.
Others just use specified parts, as in a Wix filter or a K&N drop in is fine, but a cold air intake isn't. I admire all three camps, but probably fall into the latter two categories. I'll buy a lot of stuff from the dealer, if it's reasonable. My F-150 has a lot more Motorcraft parts on it than one would expect. However, I have no problems with using a Wix filter or KYB shocks.
Europe can be a bit different, I suppose. When I had the old Audi, just about everything I used was an OEM type part, including filters. Worldpac's retail distribution network here made brands like Mann, Mahle, Sachs, Hengst, Graf, Febi, Bosch, and Conti very affordable and readily available.
I guess it's to do with original, unmodified cars? And if so, how far do you go - eg. back to the dealership for components to keep everything OE? Or is 'stock' a bit more loose in that you can use OEM parts?
It depends upon one's perspective, or, at least, if one plans on participating in car shows and keeping to original. In the latter case, then it's important to have the original style six cell battery if that was the original equipment, original style hose clamps, shock absorber tags, and so forth.
Others are content to use OEM parts. Obviously, if one has been using an early Road Runner as a daily driver and buying Mopar batteries every few years, it's not going to have a six cell battery any longer.
Others just use specified parts, as in a Wix filter or a K&N drop in is fine, but a cold air intake isn't. I admire all three camps, but probably fall into the latter two categories. I'll buy a lot of stuff from the dealer, if it's reasonable. My F-150 has a lot more Motorcraft parts on it than one would expect. However, I have no problems with using a Wix filter or KYB shocks.
Europe can be a bit different, I suppose. When I had the old Audi, just about everything I used was an OEM type part, including filters. Worldpac's retail distribution network here made brands like Mann, Mahle, Sachs, Hengst, Graf, Febi, Bosch, and Conti very affordable and readily available.
I think some small mods can be a good thing, as long as they can be easily removed. I swapped my Cruze's giant radio antenna for a functional sharkfin antenna, added the dealer-option fog lights, and a conservative tune onto the engine. Yes, it's modified from how it came from the factory. You wouldn't be able to tell easily, however. I like tasteful mods, especially the ones that make me do a double-take to make sure that it's really modded.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
How many of you guys here prefer your vehicles left factory stock? I have to tell you I'm one of those people. I'm always impressed when I see a car or truck that's 10 years old or older and it's been well maintained in its factory original condition. Cars loaded up with aftermarket wheels and other body accessories do not impress me, at all.
Just depends on the car. Some are very weak in one area or another. Around here we go for real mods like brake upgrades, suspension additions, stuff that affects the DRIVE, not so much the look.
But when I shopped for the SRT I specifically wanted something that could be kept stock and yet still be entertaining.
It's very hard to beat the factory for reliability...
How many of you guys here prefer your vehicles left factory stock? I have to tell you I'm one of those people. I'm always impressed when I see a car or truck that's 10 years old or older and it's been well maintained in its factory original condition. Cars loaded up with aftermarket wheels and other body accessories do not impress me, at all.
Just depends on the car. Some are very weak in one area or another. Around here we go for real mods like brake upgrades, suspension additions, stuff that affects the DRIVE, not so much the look.
But when I shopped for the SRT I specifically wanted something that could be kept stock and yet still be entertaining.
It's very hard to beat the factory for reliability...
Garak! Every time I post you pop up and dipense nuggets of transatlantic wisdom
Of your examples, I think I'm closest to the guy who daily drives his old road-runner..it's not 'custom' but technically it is modified.
When the Pierburg carb died I replaced it with a Weber, Leda 3 way adjustable coilovers replaced the factory springs and dampers, Pioneer speakers replaced the paper drivers, I'm of the opinion that if I can get a direct replacement part that is better engineered/more functional/tougher/longer lasting, but at the same time does not change the appearance/functionality of the vehicle then I'll use it.
Using the 'best' parts I can find helps me sleep at night, and they don't have to be replaced so often
Of your examples, I think I'm closest to the guy who daily drives his old road-runner..it's not 'custom' but technically it is modified.
When the Pierburg carb died I replaced it with a Weber, Leda 3 way adjustable coilovers replaced the factory springs and dampers, Pioneer speakers replaced the paper drivers, I'm of the opinion that if I can get a direct replacement part that is better engineered/more functional/tougher/longer lasting, but at the same time does not change the appearance/functionality of the vehicle then I'll use it.
Using the 'best' parts I can find helps me sleep at night, and they don't have to be replaced so often
Well thought out and properly implemented modifications can lead to an overall improvement in a vehicle's performance. Replacement of a poor sounding OEM radio and it's paper speakers w/wizzer cones, with a high end audio system and quality amp/speakers is a great example.
My 09 F150 5.4L is known for cracking exhaust manifolds. Do I keep replacing them with expensive OEM manifolds, when more reliable, and more powerful options exist? I'll choose the highest quality stainless headers, thank you.
My 09 F150 5.4L is known for cracking exhaust manifolds. Do I keep replacing them with expensive OEM manifolds, when more reliable, and more powerful options exist? I'll choose the highest quality stainless headers, thank you.
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Depends on the car or truck. Large pick-ups beg to be modified!! Most cars I am good with keeping stock. The BMW I picked up a little different. I HATE the stock rims, so I am getting a new set and plan on using it for 3 season and the putting winter tires on the stock wheels. Making the most of it!
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I guess it depends on the definition of stock or rather how definitive that definition has to be. My FX4 is all stock except for:
- Advanced Auto Parts Autocraft Gold Battery
- Napa Gold Air Filter
- Fram Ultra Oil Filter
- Mobil 1 AFE 0W-20 SN Engine Oil
- Bosch Icon Wiper Blades
- Amsoil 75W-110 SVT Gear Oil (Front Axle)
- Amsoil 75W-140 SVO Gear Oil (Rear Axle)
- Mag Hytec Rear Axle Cover
- Non-Ford Left Rear Door Window Glass
- Rhino Spray-in Bedliner
- Retrax Bed Cover
- Tuff-Bar Black 3" Nerf Bars
Originally Posted By: Olas
Of your examples, I think I'm closest to the guy who daily drives his old road-runner..it's not 'custom' but technically it is modified.
Well, the old F-150 is a bit of a mix. The carb isn't original. I'm not spending $800 on a remanufactured feedback carb, not in a million years. So, it's got a little four barrel. It's a straight six, but now has dual exhaust, with actual Motorcraft manifolds, believe it or not. The wipers are Motorcraft. I reluctantly had to skip the Motorcraft solenoid, since they quit making them. For those trucks, though, there is a huge aftermarket industry.
With the Audi, there were very few parts that I couldn't find OEM (or from one of the OEM suppliers). Even the alternator adjuster bolts I purchased were OEM, and cheap. All it every got that was "different" were some wipers (but often Bosch anyhow), a couple Wix oil filters and one Wix fuel filter, and a couple miscellaneous suspension parts. I even bought OEM hood support shocks for next to nothing. The audio system did get completely replaced, but the radio was shot and the Audi had the weird amp for every speaker setup.
Of your examples, I think I'm closest to the guy who daily drives his old road-runner..it's not 'custom' but technically it is modified.
Well, the old F-150 is a bit of a mix. The carb isn't original. I'm not spending $800 on a remanufactured feedback carb, not in a million years. So, it's got a little four barrel. It's a straight six, but now has dual exhaust, with actual Motorcraft manifolds, believe it or not. The wipers are Motorcraft. I reluctantly had to skip the Motorcraft solenoid, since they quit making them. For those trucks, though, there is a huge aftermarket industry.
With the Audi, there were very few parts that I couldn't find OEM (or from one of the OEM suppliers). Even the alternator adjuster bolts I purchased were OEM, and cheap. All it every got that was "different" were some wipers (but often Bosch anyhow), a couple Wix oil filters and one Wix fuel filter, and a couple miscellaneous suspension parts. I even bought OEM hood support shocks for next to nothing. The audio system did get completely replaced, but the radio was shot and the Audi had the weird amp for every speaker setup.
Stock...for the most part. I cringe when I am looking at a used car that has an aftermarket radio. However, I'm not going to go after a brand of replacement tires just because they came on a new car. Some of the worst tires I've owned were factory original tires.
There are exceptions with keeping it stock, though. I will be putting in a fuel injected 393 motor in my '78 Mercury Zephyr Z7 next year...plus a few other mods to the car that the factory would have just dreamed about in 1978.
There are exceptions with keeping it stock, though. I will be putting in a fuel injected 393 motor in my '78 Mercury Zephyr Z7 next year...plus a few other mods to the car that the factory would have just dreamed about in 1978.
Yep, I too like seeing a well maintained, stock vehicle many years down the line.
I do add a few OE or *not crummy* accessories. On my Accord I have:
-OEM 2010-2012 Decklid Spoiler
-Weathertech Mats
-Chrome grille inserts
-OEM EX exhaust finisher
-OEM Splash guards
-OEM leather steering wheel from an EX-L Accord
-16" OEM 2009 Civic 7 spoke wheels
-rubber door pockets from the Crosstour
-OEM leather shift knob from an EX-L
-alcantara shift boot and e-brake handle boot
I feel that all of these just make the car a little bit nicer and will age well with it. I hate when a car looks like its spent each oil change in the Autozone parking lot getting cheap stick on accessories.
I do add a few OE or *not crummy* accessories. On my Accord I have:
-OEM 2010-2012 Decklid Spoiler
-Weathertech Mats
-Chrome grille inserts
-OEM EX exhaust finisher
-OEM Splash guards
-OEM leather steering wheel from an EX-L Accord
-16" OEM 2009 Civic 7 spoke wheels
-rubber door pockets from the Crosstour
-OEM leather shift knob from an EX-L
-alcantara shift boot and e-brake handle boot
I feel that all of these just make the car a little bit nicer and will age well with it. I hate when a car looks like its spent each oil change in the Autozone parking lot getting cheap stick on accessories.
Same here! At least for the mostpart. Maybe with the acception of wheels(if the vehicle only came with steelies or too small. I like to up the wheel size only about 1-2 inches.
Garak, that F150 is starting to sound pretty cool.
On my Camry and Tundra, I'd rather enjoy the boring reliability, and they have all the options I wanted in the first place. Neither vehicle has known weak spots, or rather, any weak spots are adequately fixed by OEM parts. I don't have any "love" for these vehicles; they are tools to do a job, and when they go I probably won't miss them.
My VW OTOH, any time something breaks I've gone better on it. Struts, turbo, clutch; the latter two allowed/required an ECU tune. Most of the bits which are known to be weak have low cost upgrades. As it gets older I've toyed with replacing more bits, presuming I could "get" my money's worth out of such a mod. But outside of a non-OEM hitch nothing is of the sort that isn't bolt-in and easily removed.
On my Camry and Tundra, I'd rather enjoy the boring reliability, and they have all the options I wanted in the first place. Neither vehicle has known weak spots, or rather, any weak spots are adequately fixed by OEM parts. I don't have any "love" for these vehicles; they are tools to do a job, and when they go I probably won't miss them.
My VW OTOH, any time something breaks I've gone better on it. Struts, turbo, clutch; the latter two allowed/required an ECU tune. Most of the bits which are known to be weak have low cost upgrades. As it gets older I've toyed with replacing more bits, presuming I could "get" my money's worth out of such a mod. But outside of a non-OEM hitch nothing is of the sort that isn't bolt-in and easily removed.
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