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How to Modify Your Tesla: A Complete Guide

Author
Picture of Josh Hill
Josh Hill
Josh has studied the art of modifying vehicles from a young age learning the skills he needed to work on vehicles. He has successfully rebuilt over 4 vehicles and worked on even more, creating custom-made modifications for Japanese, European, and American vehicles. His focus on article writing is to provide the most accurate and quality content while adding personal touches of humor and expertise.

Table of Contents

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Welcome to 74Customs, where innovation meets customization in the automotive world. Today, we dive into the new and exciting world of electric vehicles. While Tesla cars are known for their cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, there’s a growing community of owners looking to add their personal touch and enhance the performance of their rides. In this guide, we will explore various modifications for your Tesla covering, style, performance, economy, security, and more!

Table of Contents

Exterior Upgrades

Body Kits and Aero Enhancements

– Upgrading your Tesla’s body kit not only adds a touch of personal style but can also improve aerodynamics. Kits like Unplugged Performance offer sleek designs with enhanced functionality. 

– Carbon fiber accessories and aero enhancements, such as front lip spoilers and rear diffusers, can optimize airflow, increasing efficiency and stability. 

– Here are some great Tesla Body Kit companies:

unpluggedperformance.com

cmsttuning.com/tesla

robotcraftsman.com/tesla

There are even more companies to choose from, these three stood out to me personally, ensure you explore the vast and growing Tesla Aftermarket Scene to find Areo that suits your needs!

@DarwinPRO Areodynamics

Custom Paint Jobs and Wraps

– A new paint job or a vinyl wrap can transform the look of your Tesla. Go for eye-catching colors or sleek matte finishes for a head-turning appearance. 

– Wraps also provide an added layer of protection, preserving your car’s original paint which helps to keep rust and corrosion at bay while also helping to keep a higher resell value later down the road! 

– You can wrap/paint your vehicle yourself or have a professional do the job for you!

@My Tesla Miami

Wheel and Tire Upgrades

– Swap out the stock wheels for custom alloys or performance-oriented rims to enhance the overall aesthetics. 

– Consider high-performance tires for improved handling and a sportier feel.

– There are limitless options when it comes to wheels and tires! If you feel lost trying to find a wheel and tire setup that suits your needs consider looking on Tesla Forums to find what other Tesla enthusiasts’ wheel and tire setups are! See “Tesla Hacks and Mods” for forum groups later in this article!

@Vossen Wheels

Interior Enhancements 

Custom Interiors and Upholstery

 – Upgrade the interior with custom leather or Alcantara upholstery to create a luxurious and unique driving experience. 

– Explore seats, floor mats, pedal covers, and steering wheels for a personalized touch. 

-For performance builds, racing seats, or racing steering wheels could be an option for you! (Note: Many race spec customizations require proper installations and other safety measures such as a racing harness and may not be street-legal in your region).

@John Chow

Infotainment System Upgrades

– Install aftermarket head units or multimedia systems for added features and connectivity.

– Explore Tesla-specific apps and software modifications for an enhanced user experience.

– Tesla Offers an infotainment upgrade for Teslas 2018 or earlier:

tesla.com/infotainment

@Tesla

Premium Sound Systems

– Elevate your driving experience with high-end audio systems. Brands like Bang & Olufsen and Burmester offer Tesla-compatible upgrades. 

– Opt for acoustic enhancements, such as soundproofing and insulation, for a quieter cabin which aids in a better-sounding audio system.

@T Sportline

Performance Tweaks

Suspension Modifications

– Lowering springs or coilovers can improve handling by lowering the center of gravity of your vehicle while also giving your Tesla a more aggressive stance.

– Air suspension offers a comfortable ride and on-demand adjustable height options.

– Upgraded sway bars, polyurethane bushings, control arms, strut tower braces, and end links are other great ways to tighten your suspension for better handling and traction!

Brake Upgrades

– Performance brake kits from manufacturers like Brembo and Unplugged Performance can enhance stopping power and reduce brake fade.

Brake Fade: The reduction in stopping power that can occur after repeated or sustained application of the brakes, especially in high load or high-speed conditions.

– Consider upgrading to ceramic brake pads for improved durability and reduced brake dust.

– Brake ducts are another more affordable way to increase the efficiency of your brakes by routing air onto your brakes to cool down the rotors and calipers.

– Stainless steel brake lines help to ensure that the brake fluid transfers to your brake calipers without bulging or stretching like factory rubber brake lines could.

– Check reviews and manufacturing notes to ensure that the brake kit you are looking at instailling clears the size of the wheel you have. Search “[The brake kit] [Your Model Tesla] Brake Clearance issues?” and that should let you know what size of wheels you will need to clear the brake kit you plan to install.

@Unplugged Performance

Aftermarket Performance Chips & Tuning

– Explore aftermarket chips or modules to unleash additional power from your Tesla’s electronic drivetrain:

 RaceChip Throttle Tuning Controller.

– Be cautious with these modifications, ensuring compatibility and compliance with Tesla’s warranty policies, for extra performance straight from Tesla check the link attached:

Teslas Performance Upgrades.

@AutoBild

Other Performace Drivetrain upgrades

– Switching your factory differential to an LSD (limited slip differential).

LSD (Limited Slip Differential): A limited-slip differential reduces the speed difference between the driving wheels when one of them loses traction. The limited-slip differential balances the torque gap between the two output shafts.

– Replacing your factory oil filter with an Enduro drive unit filter helps to magnetically catch metal debris and keep the oil cooler which helps to protect your Teslas motor/s and ensure it stays safe while increasing performance and driving hard!

@Unplugged Performance

Range and Efficiency Improvements

Aerodynamic Adjustments

– Aero wheels and custom aero kits can reduce drag, potentially improving your Tesla’s range.

– Ensure any modifications you do maintain the car’s original efficiency and aerodynamics.

– Low rolling friction tires may also help to improve the efficiency of your Tesla and increase its range.

@Out Of Spec

Lightweight Component Replacements

– Replace heavy components with lightweight alternatives, such as carbon fiber body panels or aluminum parts, to enhance efficiency.

– Balance weight reduction with safety considerations (Note: some lightweight parts are not intended for street use and require roll cages or other safety technology intended for racing builds and to ensure driver safety).

@CMST Tuning

Regenerative Braking Optimization

– Adjust regenerative braking settings to maximize energy recapture during deceleration.

– Optimize driving habits to take full advantage of regenerative braking capabilities. 

@Tesla Motor Club

Eco-Friendly Mods

Solar Roof Installations

– Consider solar roof installations to harness the power of the sun for additional charging.

– Solar roof options are evolving, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.

@MobileSyrup

Eco-Friendly Wraps and Paints

– Opt for eco-friendly vinyl wraps or paints that use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. 

– Some companies specialize in environmentally conscious automotive finishes. 

Safety and Autonomy Additions

Enhanced Autopilot Features

– Tesla’s Autopilot capabilities continue to improve through over-the-air updates. Stay informed and enable new features:

Tesla.com/autopilot

@Electrek

Security and Surveillance Systems

– Install dashcams or security systems for added protection against theft and vandalism.

– Some aftermarket systems integrate with Tesla’s software, providing seamless surveillance options. 

@GPS Technologies

Custom Software and Apps

Tesla Hacks and Mods

– Join online communities to discover Tesla-specific hacks and modifications.

– Exercise caution when modifying software to avoid voiding warranties or causing issues.

– Here are some forum groups to join, get ideas and ask questions:

reddit.com/teslamotors

teslaownersonline.com

teslamotorsclub.com

Software Updates for Hidden Features

– Stay up-to-date with Tesla’s official software updates, as they often introduce new features and improvements.

– Some updates may unlock hidden capabilities, enhancing the overall driving experience as their vehicles and technology advance. 

@Zac Johnson

Legal and Warranty Considerations

Tesla's Warranty Policies

– Familiarize yourself with Tesla’s warranty policies to understand which modifications may impact coverage.

– Some modifications, especially those related to the powertrain, can void certain aspects of the warranty.

tesla.com/vehicle-warranty

@Tesla

Legal Implications of Modifications

– Research local regulations regarding vehicle modifications to ensure compliance with the law.  

– Search “[your primary driving location] vehicle modification laws”.

– Consult with legal professionals if unsure about the legality of specific modifications.

Reversibility of Mods for Service

– Consider the reversibility of modifications, especially before scheduled service appointments. 

– Maintaining the ability to revert to stock components can ease interactions with Tesla service centers. 

@Tesla

Conclusion

Customizing your Tesla with 74Customs is not just about personalizing the appearance but also about enhancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability. As the electric automotive landscape continues to evolve, the possibilities for modifications are expanding, providing Tesla owners unique ways to make their mark on the road. Remember to strike a balance between personalization and responsibility, ensuring that your modifications align with legal requirements and maintain the integrity of your Tesla experience!

For even more modification information check out:

Free Car Mods & How to modify your car when you are broke

Thanks for reading, if you have any concerns about something written or would like to offer opinions or advice feel free to email me so I can process any changes!

74Customs

Author
Picture of Josh Hill
Josh Hill
Josh has studied the art of modifying vehicles from a young age learning the skills he needed to work on vehicles. He has successfully rebuilt over 4 vehicles and worked on even more, creating custom-made modifications for Japanese, European, and American vehicles. His focus on article writing is to provide the most accurate and quality content while adding personal touches of humor and expertise.

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