Hey Guys-

To keep from cluttering up (and hikacking) the other 10AE thread, I am starting this one to discuss/express opinions on external body modifications to the 10th AE.

Like myself, I gather that most 10AE owners out there are pseudo purists- meaning they want to keep their cars within an 'OE look'...

My personal thoughts: I like the OEM/old school look. My build up project will be kicking off this winter, and I am planning to go with S5 front bumper w/ mazdaspeed front lip, s5 rear bumper, mazdaspeed hood scoop, mazdaspeed rear extension spoiler, and S5 side skirts. I have a set of fd powdercoated wheels on the car now with 245/45/16's. I also have a couple of Finishline goodies to go along- glass sunroof and wind deflector. Crystal white of course.

While I do admire many of the aftermarket JDM body kits/accessories (RE-A, GP), I do not feel like they look right on the 10th.

 

I personally think that a 10th should be left alone, just because it is what it is, and I'd rather be a purist about it and keep it stock.

But I don't think I would mind small exterior changes, such as a lip or S5 bumper. Just keep the white tails, they are boss.

 

Doesn't matter really. If you are going to do those modifications, keep your original parts around so that you can put it back to original configuration. You may change your mind down the road. If you do S5 tail lights hang on to the AE tails for sure.

Also, you may want to think twice about that MS rear spoiler. My personal opinion is it looks awful as an "extension" the way the MS catalog displays it. It looks much better if you just put that in place of your stock spoiler but then...what's the point? 1 post vs. 2 post - they're really the same damn thing.

 

I'm also a purist but i think as long as you keep parts and you don't actuall take too much **** off its fair game. For example my plans are...
1)CF custom lip
2)CF side splitters
3)CF OEM hood
4)Deep dish bronze, black, or gun metal rims

Should look sexy and no body kits or switching of too many parts. Only the hood and rims will be actually removed. But my excusre for the rims is i have to because i need wider tires to put down power

 

I like the body the way it is but i do like the s5 body parts on it too. Dont like the body kits on the 10th ae. Loses its traditional look.

 

only problem with bumpers is the s5 molding which doesnt line up right and looks weird with the s4 molding. if you do change the s5 bumpers, then plan on changing to all S5 molding. if you want to keep the 10thAE look, you basically have to keep it all white, keep the tail lights, and keep white rims.

 

I agree with everyone else.

Keep all of the parts that you remove--and if you switch to s5 bumpers and sideskirts, you'll need the s5 body-trim for it to work properly. However, if I were going to upgrade to anything s5, I'd do everything s5. So yeah, I'd also get the mirrors and taillights.