Toyota Crown: Ultimate Guide To Full Modification
Hey there, car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Toyota Crown, exploring everything you need to know about taking this already impressive vehicle and transforming it into a fully modified masterpiece. Whether you're aiming for enhanced performance, a unique aesthetic, or simply want to stand out from the crowd, this guide will cover all the bases. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Why Modify a Toyota Crown?
Before we jump into the how-to, let's address the why. The Toyota Crown, known for its luxury, reliability, and understated elegance, might not seem like the most obvious choice for extensive modifications. However, that's precisely what makes it so appealing. Modifying a Crown allows you to create something truly unique, blending its inherent qualities with your personal vision.
Individuality and Expression: Modifying your Crown lets you express your personal style and taste. You can tailor the car to reflect your personality, making it a true extension of yourself. From custom paint jobs to unique interior designs, the possibilities are endless.
Enhanced Performance: While the Crown offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, there's always room for improvement. Performance modifications can significantly boost horsepower, improve handling, and enhance overall driving dynamics. Imagine the thrill of a Crown that not only looks stunning but also performs like a sports car.
Standing Out from the Crowd: In a sea of ordinary vehicles, a modified Crown is guaranteed to turn heads. Its unexpected transformation creates a striking contrast, making it a conversation starter wherever you go. This is a great way to showcase your creativity and automotive passion.
Modernization: Some Crown models may benefit from modern technology upgrades. Adding features like a state-of-the-art infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), or improved lighting can bring an older Crown into the 21st century.
Exterior Modifications
Okay, let's talk about making your Crown look absolutely stunning. The exterior is the first thing people notice, so let's make a lasting impression.
Body Kits
Body kits are a popular choice for transforming the look of your Crown. They typically include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and sometimes a rear spoiler. When selecting a body kit, consider the overall style you're aiming for. Do you want a subtle, elegant upgrade, or a more aggressive, sporty look? Some popular body kit styles include:
- Sleek and Understated: These kits offer subtle enhancements that complement the Crown's original design. They often feature clean lines and minimal changes, maintaining the car's refined appearance.
- Aggressive and Sporty: These kits incorporate bolder designs, with larger air intakes, sharper angles, and more pronounced features. They give the Crown a more dynamic and athletic stance.
- Widebody: For a truly dramatic transformation, consider a widebody kit. These kits widen the car's fenders, allowing for wider wheels and tires. This not only enhances the car's appearance but also improves handling.
Installation: Professional installation is highly recommended for body kits. This ensures proper fitment and alignment. It's important to choose a reputable body shop with experience in installing aftermarket body kits.
Wheels and Tires
The right set of wheels and tires can completely change the look of your Crown. When selecting wheels, consider the size, style, and finish. Larger wheels can enhance the car's stance, while different styles can complement the overall design. Some popular wheel styles include:
- Mesh: Mesh wheels offer a classic and sporty look.
- Split Spoke: Split-spoke wheels provide a modern and aggressive appearance.
- Deep Dish: Deep-dish wheels add a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Tire Selection: The tires you choose are just as important as the wheels. Consider the size, tread pattern, and performance characteristics. Performance tires can improve handling and grip, while all-season tires offer a balance of performance and practicality.
Lighting
Upgrading the lighting on your Crown can improve both its appearance and safety. LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights offer brighter, more efficient illumination. You can also add aftermarket lighting accessories, such as:
- Angel Eyes/Halo Rings: These add a distinctive and modern look to the headlights.
- Underglow Lighting: Underglow lighting can create a dramatic effect, especially at night.
- Custom Taillight Designs: Some aftermarket companies offer custom taillight designs that can completely transform the rear of the car.
Legal Considerations: Be sure to check local laws regarding aftermarket lighting. Some types of lighting, such as certain colors of underglow, may not be legal in all areas.
Paint and Wraps
A fresh paint job or a vinyl wrap can completely transform the look of your Crown. When choosing a color, consider your personal style and the overall theme of the car. Some popular options include:
- Glossy Colors: Glossy colors offer a classic and elegant look.
- Matte Colors: Matte colors provide a modern and aggressive appearance.
- Metallic Colors: Metallic colors add depth and shimmer to the paint.
Vinyl Wraps: Vinyl wraps offer a cost-effective way to change the color of your car. They also protect the original paint from scratches and fading. Wraps come in a variety of colors and finishes, including matte, gloss, and carbon fiber.
Interior Modifications
Don't forget about the inside! The interior is where you'll be spending most of your time, so let's make it a comfortable and stylish place to be.
Seats
Upgrading the seats in your Crown can improve both comfort and aesthetics. Aftermarket seats often offer better support and adjustability. Some popular options include:
- Racing Seats: Racing seats provide excellent support and are ideal for performance driving.
- Leather Seats: Leather seats add a touch of luxury and sophistication.
- Custom Upholstery: Custom upholstery allows you to personalize the look and feel of your seats.
Installation: Professional installation is recommended for aftermarket seats. This ensures proper fitment and airbag functionality.
Steering Wheel
A new steering wheel can improve both the look and feel of your Crown's interior. Aftermarket steering wheels often offer better grip and a more ergonomic design. Some popular options include:
- Leather Steering Wheels: Leather steering wheels provide a luxurious feel.
- Alcantara Steering Wheels: Alcantara steering wheels offer excellent grip and a sporty look.
- Carbon Fiber Steering Wheels: Carbon fiber steering wheels add a touch of modern style.
Infotainment System
Upgrading the infotainment system in your Crown can bring it into the 21st century. Aftermarket systems often offer features like:
- Touchscreen Displays: Touchscreen displays provide a modern and user-friendly interface.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These features allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system.
- Navigation: Built-in navigation systems provide turn-by-turn directions.
Sound System
For audiophiles, upgrading the sound system is a must. Aftermarket speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers can significantly improve the sound quality in your Crown. Consider adding:
- Component Speakers: Component speakers offer better sound quality than coaxial speakers.
- Subwoofers: Subwoofers add deep bass to your music.
- Amplifiers: Amplifiers provide more power to your speakers, resulting in louder and clearer sound.
Performance Modifications
Now, let's get to the fun part: making your Crown faster and more capable.
Engine Tuning
Engine tuning can significantly improve the performance of your Crown. By adjusting the engine's parameters, you can increase horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. Some popular tuning options include:
- ECU Tuning: ECU tuning involves reprogramming the engine's computer to optimize its performance.
- Piggyback ECUs: Piggyback ECUs are aftermarket computers that work in conjunction with the factory ECU to enhance performance.
Exhaust System
Upgrading the exhaust system can improve both the sound and performance of your Crown. Aftermarket exhaust systems often offer less restrictive flow, which can increase horsepower and torque. Some popular options include:
- Cat-Back Exhausts: Cat-back exhausts replace the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back.
- Axle-Back Exhausts: Axle-back exhausts replace the exhaust system from the rear axle back.
- Headers: Headers replace the factory exhaust manifolds, offering improved flow and performance.
Suspension Upgrades
Upgrading the suspension can improve the handling and ride quality of your Crown. Some popular options include:
- Lowering Springs: Lowering springs lower the car's ride height, improving handling and appearance.
- Coilovers: Coilovers offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your liking.
- Air Suspension: Air suspension allows you to adjust the ride height on the fly, providing both comfort and performance.
Brake Upgrades
If you're increasing the performance of your Crown, it's important to upgrade the brakes as well. Aftermarket brake kits offer improved stopping power and heat dissipation. Consider adding:
- Big Brake Kits: Big brake kits include larger rotors and calipers, providing improved stopping power.
- Performance Brake Pads: Performance brake pads offer better friction and heat resistance.
- Stainless Steel Brake Lines: Stainless steel brake lines provide a firmer pedal feel and improved braking performance.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Before you start modifying your Crown, it's important to consider the legal and insurance implications. Check local laws regarding aftermarket modifications, and be sure to inform your insurance company of any changes you make to your car. Failure to do so could result in fines, legal issues, or denial of insurance coverage.
Conclusion
Modifying a Toyota Crown is a fantastic way to create a unique and personalized vehicle. Whether you're focusing on aesthetics, performance, or both, the possibilities are endless. By following this guide and doing your research, you can transform your Crown into a true masterpiece. So, go ahead and unleash your creativity – the road awaits!