The Art of OEM+. Modifying Your Car Without Ruining It

Your Guide to a Well-Sorted, Fun, and Usable Street Car

February 20, 2025

A Great Car Is More Than Just Loud and Low

This was the topic of my latest YouTube video, and if you missed it, you know the drill -go check it out! But if you’d rather read about it, let’s dive into why a great car is more than just being loud and low.

Car enthusiasts love modifying their cars, but does going all out always make a car better? A lot of extreme mods seem exciting at first but end up making daily driving a pain. That’s where OEM+ modifications come in—small, thoughtful upgrades that improve performance, looks, and driving feel while keeping the car comfortable, reliable, and easy to live with.

Instead of chasing extremes, OEM+ is about refining what’s already there, making the car feel like the ultimate version of itself straight from the factory. If you want a car that’s fun every day but still capable when you push it, this guide is for you.

What Does OEM+ Mean?

OEM+ is all about thoughtful refinements that feel natural to the car’s character. It’s about unlocking the vehicle’s full potential without introducing compromises that make it frustrating to drive. The goal is to enhance rather than overhaul. Modifications should integrate seamlessly, as if the manufacturer had built the car this way from the start.

Manufacturers often have to make compromises to meet cost, emissions, and mass-market appeal. OEM+ allows enthusiasts to refine and optimize their cars beyond these limitations, much like how Porsche GT3 Touring, Lotus Emira, or Alpina B3 models are finely tuned evolutions of their base versions, balancing performance and usability effortlessly.

A proper OEM+ build doesn’t just bolt on parts. It elevates the entire experience while preserving what makes the car enjoyable in the first place.

The Common Pitfalls of Over-Modding

It’s easy to get caught up in the world of modifications, but not all upgrades improve the driving experience. Many enthusiasts unknowingly degrade their cars by focusing on extreme upgrades that look good on paper but fall apart in daily driving.

Here are some of the most common mistakes:

  • Harsh Suspension Setups – Ultra-stiff coilovers might improve cornering but can make normal driving miserable, unsettling the chassis on imperfect roads.

  • Heavy Clutches & Race Clutch Kits – Feels exciting at first, but a chore in stop-and-go traffic.

  • Obnoxiously Loud Exhausts – Enjoyable for brief moments but quickly tiring, especially on longer drives.

  • Oversized Wheels & Tires – May look aggressive but can worsen handling, acceleration, and ride quality.

  • Stripped Interiors & Hardcore Track Parts – While beneficial on a track car, they reduce comfort, increase road noise, and diminish everyday usability.

The goal isn’t just to make changes—it’s to make the right changes that improve the car holistically.

Finding the OEM+ Sweet Spot - Smart Modifications

A well-executed OEM+ build strikes a balance between engagement, comfort, and practicality. It refines key aspects of the car without creating new drawbacks. The modifications should complement each other, making the car feel like a more polished, cohesive package.

Wheels & Tires: Lightweight & Practical

  • Stick to OEM-friendly sizes to maintain optimal handling and suspension geometry. (Check Wheel-size.com to see the OEM wheel & tire sizes for your car)

  • Use lightweight wheels to improve steering response and reduce unsprung weight.

  • Choose high-performance street tires that provide grip without excessive road noise or premature wear.

Suspension That Works in the Real World

  • Quality dampers with lowering springs improve handling while retaining a compliant ride.

  • Proper suspension tuning matters more than extreme stiffness—well-engineered kits like Bilstein or Öhlins provide adjustability without sacrificing daily drivability.

  • Moderate ride height adjustments ensure proper suspension travel and prevent clearance issues.

Subtle Performance Upgrades That Make a Difference

  • Brakes: High-performance pads, steel-braided lines, and better fluid improve stopping power without the need for oversized big brake kits.

  • Exhaust & Intake: A well-designed cat-back exhaust and OEM-style intake system can enhance sound and throttle response without excessive noise or unwanted drone.

  • Shifter & Bushings: A short shifter, paired with upgraded bushings, refines shift feel without making it overly aggressive.

  • Seats & Steering Wheel: Ergonomic upgrades, such as an improved steering wheel or sportier seats, enhance driving engagement while maintaining comfort.

These refinements create a car that feels precise, responsive, and rewarding without becoming harsh or impractical.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Subtlety

The best OEM+ builds aren’t about making the loudest statement—they’re about perfecting the details. The most satisfying cars don’t just look good; they feel exceptional behind the wheel, balancing comfort, performance, and usability in a way that makes you want to drive them every day.

By focusing on well-integrated modifications, you can create a car that stays true to its roots while elevating every aspect of the driving experience. OEM+ is about refinement, not excess.

At the end of the day, the best modifications aren’t the ones that turn heads at a car meet. They’re the ones that make you smile every time you drive.