frugal

\Fru"gal\, a. [L. frugalis, fr. frugi, lit., for fruit; hence, fit for food, useful, proper,
temperate, the dative of frux, frugis, fruit, akin to E. fruit: cf. F. frugal. See Fruit, n.]
1. Economical in the use or appropriation of resources; not wasteful or lavish; wise
in the expenditure or application of force, materials, time, etc.; characterized by
frugality; sparing; economical; saving; as, a frugal housekeeper; frugal of time.

(Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.)

Frugal doesn't necessarily mean cheap, but thrifty, as in car maintenance and mods. I don't spend any cash on body kits, electronic monitors, neon, DVD playback or game consoles for my car. I do, however spend money and time on good dollar-for-horsepower upgrades and maintenance items that I can do myself.

Anything that is clever, practical, and done reasonably well by devoted car-owners (notice I didn't say inexpensive) counts as a frugal mod.

I have a 1990 Z32 TT which has undergone a complete engine rebuild (partially financed by the dealership I bought it from) and when I have time, I play with frugal mods. I have also helped friends with their own frugal mods. It is satisfying to do a relatively high-quality mod or repair yourself for a lot less cash than your local speed shop. You also get to know your car extremely well.

If you have frugal stories or mods you have done, send them to me at atonal@telusplanet.net

Enjoy,

Rob Kiddell