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The best modification you can make...


Salams, All

Okay, I realize that this may sound a little funny, but I swear it's the truth and it has helped me a lot.

When I first bought my car new in Dec '03, I knew that I loved it right away. Alhamdullilah, I loved everything about it - the power, the suspension, the sound system, interior, exterior, everything. Despite all that, something just wasn't right...

I just wasn't satisfied when I drove the car. It didn't feel right. I was missing some shifts, and it was really annoying. I wasn't satisfied with how the car was driving, and that bothered me quite a bit because I knew the car had great potential for performance and enjoyment.

After a 4-hour road trip a few months ago, I noticed that my back was just a little bit sore. I decided that I would try to adjust the seat a little bit to prevent this in the future. Well, one thing led to another and I ended up spending a bit of time trying to find the best seating position. My driver's seat is 8+ way adjustable and the steering wheel is also adjustable, so it took some patience and persistance in getting them both set just right.

But WOW, what a difference the seating position makes! I finally found the settings that produced the best comfort, view, and ergonomics resulting in an incredible increase in driving enjoyment. My legs are just the right distance from the pedals. My right hand falls perfectly on the shifter. The steering wheel is at just the right distance. I remain firmly secure during all driving maneuvers. I can reach all the controls easily, and my view of the road and my blind spots is optimal.

My satisfaction and enjoyment in driving my car has increased phenomenally. I am very comfortable, even after very long trips. No more missed shifts. Quite the opposite, in fact. I am shifting so much more smoothly and with a much better technique. It really feels like I am at one with my car. I know how goofy that sounds, but it's true. This is quite possibly the best "modification" I've done yet, and it didn't cost me a thing except a little time. I am so much happier with my car, Alhamdullilah.

So I strongly encourage my fellow driving enthusiasts to invest a little time in finding your optimum driving position. The more ways in which your seat and steering wheel are adjustable, the more time it may take. But finding that one perfect position where everything comes together to produce the maximum enjoyment and performance out your car is definitely worth it.

After all, what good is all the power and performance if you can't utilize its full potential? The greatest modification you can make is improving your driving skills and techniques.
 

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Login to find out (April 25, 2005 at 2:33pm)
I feel your pain Attorney786. I am never satisfied with the power I got on my wheels. I just want more and more, and the more I get the more I want, and the more Evil I get on the road.
 
Login to find out (April 25, 2005 at 1:34am)
cupholder is the 2nd best mod'! :p
 
Login to find out (April 24, 2005 at 10:30am)
I hope you don't let anyone else drive your car or have driver memory seats / mirrors. LOL. and re: missed shifts .. its all about your hand placement and practice on THAT shifter.
 
Login to find out (April 24, 2005 at 8:54am)
A racecar driver once told me the optimum position is where you can move you hands all around the wheel, and push all the pedals, while keeping your shoulders and hips firmly planted in the seat - i.e. theres no movement there. Ideally, the elbows should be at 120 degrees when the hands are at 10-2 o'clock, and you should easily push the clutch all the way in with a 160 bend in the left knee. See if this is true for you now that you've found your optimum position; it worked for me. Cheers.