The first question straight out of the box that many new members of the forum have about their Genesis Coupe is “what mods should I do first?” The answer to this question is not as straightforward as detailing a list of components to purchase and bolt on as the answer is going to vary according to your chosen trim level and engine specification and model year. For the sake of simplicity, I will be focusing primarily on the platform that I own (a 2011 2.0T R Spec); however, much of this write-up will also apply to other trim levels. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a “best mod”; however, depending on your specific goals, there may be an order to what mods you need to think about doing first, middle, and last. It is not my intent with this write-up to endorse or recommend one product or vendor over another; however, you will find that many of the DIYs and stickies that I will be sharing may lean towards one product or another. I take no credit for coming up with that knowledge only taking the time to research it for your ease, so if the best write-up tends to lean one direction or another, do not take it to mean that I am recommending that is the direction you should go.
Before you start spending a lot of money on pieces parts, the first thing you should be doing is determining what it is you want to do with the car. Is it your daily driver? Are you worried that you will “void” your warranty by modifying your car? Do you want to track your car? Are you a weekend enthusiast? Do you want to show your car? These are important questions you really need to answer before you buy anything as many modifications for one activity are not always compatible with other activities.
Don’t be “that” guy. You know, the one who spends a lot of money on the wrong pieces parts only to have to buy the right pieces parts later while taking it in the shorts trying to sell his/her old pieces parts. Modding is an expensive hobby and it will demand a lot of your time and effort (not to mention a great deal of frustration and angst) to get your car to where you want it. Even with a good plan, you may find that when you get to where you thought you wanted to be that it isn’t really what you wanted. Choosing to do something cheap and easy up front just to say that you are doing something is not a path forward to creating the street/track/dyno machine of your dreams. This ain’t no Honda…yo!
The question you should answer yourself before every modification decision is: “how much is this part going to COST, and is it WORTH IT?" This is ultimately your decision, as it's your money, and your opinion. However, there are others who may have done the same work you are about to and feel as if it WAS OR WAS NOT worth it and can explain why. Do your research and make an informed decision.
A tuner’s axiom: YOU MAY ONLY PICK TWO: Cheap, Fast, or Reliable.
The absolute BEST way to make sure your money is spent wisely is not to do the same thing twice.
For the sake of simplicity, I have broken down the mods that can be done into several categories that fit different end states:
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
DRIVETRAIN PERFORMANCE
HANDLING (suspension, braking, traction, tires and overall handling)
BOLT ONS (they suck, but are great supporting mods)
LOOKS (it's your car make it look how you want- but be warned on going "too far")
AFRs Explained!
Turbo Basics
Water/Meth Injection - Do I need it?
Understanding Suspension Tuning
Tire and Wheel Fitment
Chassis Braces and you...
As I add more content I may be tacking on to the end of wherever the discussion has left me... so use the shortcuts above to jump directly to the section that you want to read about if you don't want to scroll through the various discussions that happened in the middle.
Generally speaking, power goals on a 2.0T range from a bump of 50 or so HP to over 400 HP. Keep in mind that the higher your goals, the more supporting modifications that will be required to attain those goals, and the less driveable your car becomes. The highest documented HP of a 2.0T of 800 whp on a Mustang Dyno on a show car built for SEMA by one of our vendors. While this is not a typical outcome as most people do not have the disposable cash to build a motor to withstand that kind of power, it is a good guideline as to what is possible given enough time and money. Here is a list of some of our members' builds that are more realistic in terms of what you can expect: **gencoupe.com heavy hitters thread! Top V6 and 2.0T...
Anything you do to your car that changes the performance specs from the OEM spec is going to have other side effects. There is no such thing as a “free” upgrade. More boost does not always equate to more power. Sometimes the only thing more boost will get you is a hole blown into the side of your engine because you did not have the supporting modifications or the tuner did not understand the basic weaknesses of the 2.0L Theta engine and tried to tune your car like an EVO. There are reputable dealers, vendors, and tuners here on this site who can help you meet your performance goals safely. Don’t be this guy: My 2.0t build.
Here are some great builds others have done:
SteveJohns29's Build Thread Part out!
CrookedH's build thread
Snoopy's Build Thread
Boostedpse's Build Thread
Project Kamkaze From Start to "Finish"
If I have left your build off this list or if you have a more current build thread going, please don’t take offense. The goal here is to show what could be done depending on different users' specific objectives. You can check out the other builds that members are doing on this sub-forum: GenCoupe Build / Projects - Genesis Forum: GenCoupe Hyundai Genesis Forums.
A special note to all of our new 2013+ 2.0T owners:
While this thread is primarily targeted at the 2010-12 group of owners, many of the modifications in this thread also apply to the 2nd generation Genesis Coupe. All of the engine modifications apply, but keep in mind that Hyundai made a lot of improvements with the 2nd generation build to include a different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, turbo, Primary Cat, bypass valve, and intercooler. You can still go for the big turbo builds, but you may have to retrograde some of your parts because there are no 2nd generation upgrade options at this point. All of our tuners have the capability of custom-tuning your ECU for turbo upgrades.
Some of the interior modifications involving the center dash will require vendors to make 2nd generation-specific pieces parts to make older modifications a viable option. Don't be afraid to read through this thread, but just keep in mind that some of the modifications will not be possible until the aftermarket catches up with you.
And for our 3.8 audience...
You purchased a fine car with power built right in. This is a normally aspirated (NA) car with some limitations. First off, you may notice that around the forum you will hear the 2.0T guys making some big power and you would like to be part of that scene. Unfortunately for you, most of the gains you can get at a reasonable cost is only going to result in double-digit (at the most) gains. With a tune, you may be looking at 35-50 additional HP with full bolt-ons. In order to gain more power, it is going to require a substantial outlay of cash to go the forced induction route. From my observation, an unmodified long block can handle up to about 5-8 lbs of boost(turbo or supercharger) and get you in the 350-450 whp power range (tops) depending heavily on the bolt-ons and tune you choose. Beyond that, a full engine rebuild is in order to handle higher boost levels. At that point the sky is the limit with regard to what you can pull out of your V6... but also keep in mind that more power = more bucks. I say this not to discourage our 3.8 community; however, the reality is that it is far easier and far less expensive to get impressive 3-digit power gains from a 2.0T than from a NA 3.8. Be happy that you have a car that does not really need to be modified to get impressive performance. Out of the box and side by side, a 2.0T isn't a 3.8 in terms of engine performance... so be happy. Don't skip over the performance section of this thread. Although I wrote it targeting the 2.0T folks, much of the theory also applies to you. The more you understand how your car is supposed to work, the better you will understand what components will provide the best gains.
Disclaimer: This is not a "how to" or a "do it yourself" guide. There are plenty of threads out there that describe just about everything you can do on the Genesis Coupe and there is no point in trying to duplicate the efforts of hundreds of subject matter experts on any particular modification. The purpose of this article is to provide a base level of understanding of the Genesis Coupe, its sub-components, and aftermarket options available. The modifications suggested by this article are not endorsements of any particular modification or vendor. We do not advocate nor recommend that you make any modification to your car. We provide this information to educate the novice owner as to what components can be reasonably modified to achieve specific goals as established by the car owner. Any and all modifications performed by the owner is done at the discretion of the owner and remain completely, totally, and wholly the responsibility of said owner.
Contrary to popular belief, the search bar provided above may not be the best way to search for what you are looking for. Although it uses Google's search engine, the search returns are often not in an order that places what you are looking for at the top of the list. There is hope. Go to Google (or if you have a modern browser and your default search engine is Google... just type your search string in the address bar). Type in your search keywords. Google prioritizes its search in order of importance based on the first word of your search string and for each word following. So, put your most important search keywords first. Or... you can simply type in a question. Google will break the question down and extract the keywords for you. At the end of the search string, type, "site:gencoupe.com" That will limit the search to this site. Enjoy the reward of being able to answer most questions you have on your own.
Note to our more OCD members: There is a very good chance that Google will not return an answer on a silver platter for you. In other words, there may not be anything written about your specific problem because there are so many different permutations of mods, parts, and problems that you can experience. Just because you can't find an answer to your exact problem does not mean that the answers don't apply to you... contrary to popular belief, there are only a few different ways of getting something right so similar parts can have similar issues and similar fixes. Try them first before starting a thread about how your Plasti-Dip won't stick to your wheels.
Last, but certainly not least... to our non-US Coupes located around the world...
There are several references to US law with regard to emissions, safety, and consumer protection regulations and laws in this thread. While these specific laws do not apply to you, there may be similar laws that do apply. Before you mod, know what the laws say you can and can't do to save yourself a lot of headaches.
"What should be my 1st mod,” “What mod next,” “I have X money, what should I buy”
Before you start spending a lot of money on pieces parts, the first thing you should be doing is determining what it is you want to do with the car. Is it your daily driver? Are you worried that you will “void” your warranty by modifying your car? Do you want to track your car? Are you a weekend enthusiast? Do you want to show your car? These are important questions you really need to answer before you buy anything as many modifications for one activity are not always compatible with other activities.
Don’t be “that” guy. You know, the one who spends a lot of money on the wrong pieces parts only to have to buy the right pieces parts later while taking it in the shorts trying to sell his/her old pieces parts. Modding is an expensive hobby and it will demand a lot of your time and effort (not to mention a great deal of frustration and angst) to get your car to where you want it. Even with a good plan, you may find that when you get to where you thought you wanted to be that it isn’t really what you wanted. Choosing to do something cheap and easy up front just to say that you are doing something is not a path forward to creating the street/track/dyno machine of your dreams. This ain’t no Honda…yo!
The question you should answer yourself before every modification decision is: “how much is this part going to COST, and is it WORTH IT?" This is ultimately your decision, as it's your money, and your opinion. However, there are others who may have done the same work you are about to and feel as if it WAS OR WAS NOT worth it and can explain why. Do your research and make an informed decision.
A tuner’s axiom: YOU MAY ONLY PICK TWO: Cheap, Fast, or Reliable.
The absolute BEST way to make sure your money is spent wisely is not to do the same thing twice.
For the sake of simplicity, I have broken down the mods that can be done into several categories that fit different end states:
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
DRIVETRAIN PERFORMANCE
HANDLING (suspension, braking, traction, tires and overall handling)
BOLT ONS (they suck, but are great supporting mods)
LOOKS (it's your car make it look how you want- but be warned on going "too far")
AFRs Explained!
Turbo Basics
Water/Meth Injection - Do I need it?
Understanding Suspension Tuning
Tire and Wheel Fitment
Chassis Braces and you...
As I add more content I may be tacking on to the end of wherever the discussion has left me... so use the shortcuts above to jump directly to the section that you want to read about if you don't want to scroll through the various discussions that happened in the middle.
Generally speaking, power goals on a 2.0T range from a bump of 50 or so HP to over 400 HP. Keep in mind that the higher your goals, the more supporting modifications that will be required to attain those goals, and the less driveable your car becomes. The highest documented HP of a 2.0T of 800 whp on a Mustang Dyno on a show car built for SEMA by one of our vendors. While this is not a typical outcome as most people do not have the disposable cash to build a motor to withstand that kind of power, it is a good guideline as to what is possible given enough time and money. Here is a list of some of our members' builds that are more realistic in terms of what you can expect: **gencoupe.com heavy hitters thread! Top V6 and 2.0T...
Anything you do to your car that changes the performance specs from the OEM spec is going to have other side effects. There is no such thing as a “free” upgrade. More boost does not always equate to more power. Sometimes the only thing more boost will get you is a hole blown into the side of your engine because you did not have the supporting modifications or the tuner did not understand the basic weaknesses of the 2.0L Theta engine and tried to tune your car like an EVO. There are reputable dealers, vendors, and tuners here on this site who can help you meet your performance goals safely. Don’t be this guy: My 2.0t build.
Here are some great builds others have done:
SteveJohns29's Build Thread Part out!
CrookedH's build thread
Snoopy's Build Thread
Boostedpse's Build Thread
Project Kamkaze From Start to "Finish"
If I have left your build off this list or if you have a more current build thread going, please don’t take offense. The goal here is to show what could be done depending on different users' specific objectives. You can check out the other builds that members are doing on this sub-forum: GenCoupe Build / Projects - Genesis Forum: GenCoupe Hyundai Genesis Forums.
A special note to all of our new 2013+ 2.0T owners:
While this thread is primarily targeted at the 2010-12 group of owners, many of the modifications in this thread also apply to the 2nd generation Genesis Coupe. All of the engine modifications apply, but keep in mind that Hyundai made a lot of improvements with the 2nd generation build to include a different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, turbo, Primary Cat, bypass valve, and intercooler. You can still go for the big turbo builds, but you may have to retrograde some of your parts because there are no 2nd generation upgrade options at this point. All of our tuners have the capability of custom-tuning your ECU for turbo upgrades.
Some of the interior modifications involving the center dash will require vendors to make 2nd generation-specific pieces parts to make older modifications a viable option. Don't be afraid to read through this thread, but just keep in mind that some of the modifications will not be possible until the aftermarket catches up with you.
And for our 3.8 audience...
You purchased a fine car with power built right in. This is a normally aspirated (NA) car with some limitations. First off, you may notice that around the forum you will hear the 2.0T guys making some big power and you would like to be part of that scene. Unfortunately for you, most of the gains you can get at a reasonable cost is only going to result in double-digit (at the most) gains. With a tune, you may be looking at 35-50 additional HP with full bolt-ons. In order to gain more power, it is going to require a substantial outlay of cash to go the forced induction route. From my observation, an unmodified long block can handle up to about 5-8 lbs of boost(turbo or supercharger) and get you in the 350-450 whp power range (tops) depending heavily on the bolt-ons and tune you choose. Beyond that, a full engine rebuild is in order to handle higher boost levels. At that point the sky is the limit with regard to what you can pull out of your V6... but also keep in mind that more power = more bucks. I say this not to discourage our 3.8 community; however, the reality is that it is far easier and far less expensive to get impressive 3-digit power gains from a 2.0T than from a NA 3.8. Be happy that you have a car that does not really need to be modified to get impressive performance. Out of the box and side by side, a 2.0T isn't a 3.8 in terms of engine performance... so be happy. Don't skip over the performance section of this thread. Although I wrote it targeting the 2.0T folks, much of the theory also applies to you. The more you understand how your car is supposed to work, the better you will understand what components will provide the best gains.
Disclaimer: This is not a "how to" or a "do it yourself" guide. There are plenty of threads out there that describe just about everything you can do on the Genesis Coupe and there is no point in trying to duplicate the efforts of hundreds of subject matter experts on any particular modification. The purpose of this article is to provide a base level of understanding of the Genesis Coupe, its sub-components, and aftermarket options available. The modifications suggested by this article are not endorsements of any particular modification or vendor. We do not advocate nor recommend that you make any modification to your car. We provide this information to educate the novice owner as to what components can be reasonably modified to achieve specific goals as established by the car owner. Any and all modifications performed by the owner is done at the discretion of the owner and remain completely, totally, and wholly the responsibility of said owner.
~~~~ And now a word from our Professor on how to properly search a website for stuff ~~~~
Contrary to popular belief, the search bar provided above may not be the best way to search for what you are looking for. Although it uses Google's search engine, the search returns are often not in an order that places what you are looking for at the top of the list. There is hope. Go to Google (or if you have a modern browser and your default search engine is Google... just type your search string in the address bar). Type in your search keywords. Google prioritizes its search in order of importance based on the first word of your search string and for each word following. So, put your most important search keywords first. Or... you can simply type in a question. Google will break the question down and extract the keywords for you. At the end of the search string, type, "site:gencoupe.com" That will limit the search to this site. Enjoy the reward of being able to answer most questions you have on your own.
Note to our more OCD members: There is a very good chance that Google will not return an answer on a silver platter for you. In other words, there may not be anything written about your specific problem because there are so many different permutations of mods, parts, and problems that you can experience. Just because you can't find an answer to your exact problem does not mean that the answers don't apply to you... contrary to popular belief, there are only a few different ways of getting something right so similar parts can have similar issues and similar fixes. Try them first before starting a thread about how your Plasti-Dip won't stick to your wheels.
Last, but certainly not least... to our non-US Coupes located around the world...
There are several references to US law with regard to emissions, safety, and consumer protection regulations and laws in this thread. While these specific laws do not apply to you, there may be similar laws that do apply. Before you mod, know what the laws say you can and can't do to save yourself a lot of headaches.