SVX - To mod or not to mod, that is the question...

[ykobayashi]

Gents and Ladies,

I am the proud owner of a 1995 SVX-L that I bought new. She only has 62k on the clock and is pretty mint, really, in the world of SVX she's still new.

However, now that she's turning 16 she's starting to show her age in the sense that she doesn't have all the cool bells and whistles that I have on my daily driver, things like remote locking doors, HID, cool rims etc. Really, she is bone stock except for an aftermarket Head Unit and rear deck speakers and tweeters. (all that is reversable as I have kept the original stuff)

So, I was thinking that it would be nice to put in remote locking doors, HIDs, tinting the windows and perhaps get new rims to update her look. However, I start doing that and she becomes less and less "stock". Like to hear what you all think.

Thanks,

Yoshi

[SilverSpear]

Well why not BUT

Keep your stock rims, install HIDs (reversible) and try to install an OEM SVX alarm system.

[jeffs92svx]

The guy i bought my svx off of has a set of 18 x 7.5 enkei evo 5's for sale with 2 brand new toyo proxis tires mounted for $500. I could have got them for $400 since i bought the car but i am going to keep it stock.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Interesting philosophical question.

In my opinion it really depends on your wants and needs. I consider my car as basically stock with a few upgrades, which you could reverse if you really wanted to. I wrestled with keeping everything OEM and finally decided that my SVX will probably never reach a high priced collectors value. I don't really have a proper place to store it.

Having said that I really hate to see an SVX in prime condition modded to distraction as I think they are fine right out of the box, which is why I originally bought it back in '92.

It seems to me that over the past year or so newer members here seem to be seeking out and buying these cars to restore them rather than buying a cheap car to mod. Or is that just my imagination?

[processengr]

Well, HIDs really make a big improvement (I like the DDM Tuning with miniature ballasts (~$41.00 shipped) and as mentioned, are removable if you want to go stock. Also, STi wheels fit our cars very well, and are also removable...

[LetItSnow]

Auction: SVX - ALL NUMBERS MATCH!

Er, no. If nothing else, as stated above, don't hesitate on the easily reversible mods if you have conservative blood, and get the keyless entry - nobody's going to go through the effort of removing the glovebox interior to see if your security system is the stocker.

[dannal1113]

I love my ddm HIDs... however... I had the slim ballast kit and I ended up trading my brother for the normal sized ballasts because, unless I wanted to wire some more power to them they didn't like to fire up using the digital ballast. I could get them to turn on by repeatedly flipping them on and off but that's quite a pain. This wouldn't necessarily be a problem with everyones car but the analog ballast is not difficult to hide away and secure so I don't see a point to running the risk of having the same problem. The ballasts were not broken because they work fine in his car. Also keep in mind I have the 4500k 55W bulbs which are reallly bright so they may take more to start up. I would recommend the kit though. It is really nice for night driving and it doesn't blind other drivers since we have projectors

[Subix]

The mods you speak of don't seem like mods at all. At least not as much as it is just personalizing your car like everyone does. Especially concerning rims. I'm not sure why everyone considers the stock rims such a necessity, I think they are hideous and cheap looking. There are far better, tasteful options available. They don't have to look fast and furious.

There will be times you'll regret tinting the windows because it is really open and bright not tinted but I prefer not having the sun/heat dwelling on my long drives. Personal preference really.

62k is fantastic! Lucky you

[dcarrb]

My theory: The closer to original some old thing is, the more desirable it might someday be. Does that theory apply to the SVX? Probably not.

And I don't get the compulsion to "personalize" a car that's already unique and exceedingly rare. But then, I'm really not much of a car guy. I just like driving 'em.

I dig the stock wheels and have only seen a couple of photos of an SVX with aftermarket wheels (17-inch-and-up wheels in particular) that didn't look completely wrong.

dcb

[httrdd]

I say you should do whatever you feel need to be done to the car. I doubt you will see an SVX on Barret-Jackson anytime soon so no worries about changing value. I think that the turbo/supercharged guys are representing the way subaru should have built these heavy hogs to compete with some faster cars. I am sure you all hate me now!

[ensteele]

I agree that it depends on what your goal is. Some want to keep them stock, and othes want to mod them. What ever you want to do, you should do it because you will like it better if you change it the way you want it to be.

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by httrdd

I say you should do whatever you feel need to be done to the car. I doubt you will see an SVX on Barret-Jackson anytime soon so no worries about changing value. I think that the turbo/supercharged guys are representing the way subaru should have built these heavy hogs to compete with some faster cars. I am sure you all hate me now!

Remember, this is a grand touring car, not a dragster.

[Rodolfo]

i agree that it's a matter of taste and not value; and from your two cars, it is evident that you have taste. But, since you asked...

I'm surprised your '95 doesn't have remote door locks: I'd definitely do that. Then, I'd suggest a moderate tint only, making sure that beautiful red is still way-dominant: no more than a 20-22 on the tint. Then, the rims would be the only other change I'd suggest. But, here, I have seen very few that actually improve the look of the SVX -which I suggest should remain primary. Take your time shopping and rely on your aesthetic sense. You may just want to powdercoat your stock wheels to make them look like new or better. I like the silver tone on the red SVX.

Best, and enjoy that sweet automobile.

[LetItSnow]

Originally Posted by ensteele

Remember, this is a grand touring car, not a dragster.

That's right! You have to keep in mind th-- Wait, what?

[httrdd]

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

That's right! You have to keep in mind th-- Wait, what?

Lol!