Why OEM+ Builds Work
A few thoughts on why the right kind of build still feels like a factory car but better.
There’s a reason the best builds don’t look overbuilt.
OEM+ works because it builds on what the factory got right and quietly improves what it didn’t. Not every compromise in a production car is about capability. A lot of it comes down to cost, regulations, and manufacturing efficiency. The goal of OEM+ isn’t to throw all that out. It’s to refine the original intent without overstepping what the platform was built to do.
Manufacturers build for the middle of the bell curve. They have to meet global safety standards, emissions rules, and cost targets while producing at scale. That’s why a capable chassis can come with dull bushings, generic steering feel, or a part pulled from a cheaper car to save a few bucks.
The C6 Corvette is a perfect example. Solid bones, huge potential, and a steering wheel straight out of a Cavalier. Not because it belonged there, but because it was already on the shelf. Same thing with the 2005 Ford GT, one of the most iconic cars ever built, with air vents from an F-150, a Focus steering column, and van door handles. Even the brakes were shared with Aston Martin. None of that was sloppy. It was how the car got built in the first place.
OEM+ takes that same foundation and sharpens it. You’re not hacking it apart or pretending it’s something else. You’re finishing what the factory had to leave on the table.
What Matters Most: Feel, Function, and Fit
For me, it always starts with the parts that connect you to the car. Steering, shifting, suspension, brakes, and how the car feels in motion, on throttle, on the brakes, or driving through a corner. The feedback should feel almost telepathic. Then I look at presence. Wheels should be proportional and functional, not oversized or trendy. Ride height should sit right, sporty but still usable. And the ride quality should stay comfortable, compliant, and direct without feeling harsh. Subtle aero should complement the original design, not compete with it.
This is also where quality parts matter. Cutting corners to save a few bucks usually means doing the work twice. Cheap hardware always shows up eventually, in ride quality, in feedback, or in the way the car holds together. Purpose-built parts that work right the first time are what make an OEM+ build feel complete.
Every change should have intention. Some upgrades serve a purpose. Others refine the look or add a personal touch. Either way, they should feel like part of the car, not an afterthought. That’s what separates a build from a pile of parts.
It Even Helps on the Back End
OEM+ builds also tend to hold their value better. Buyers trust a car that’s been improved with purpose, not overwhelmed with parts. It signals that the owner understood the platform and made choices that kept the car usable, clean, and consistent.
It also keeps the resale window wide. You’re not stuck waiting for the one person who wants your niche build. OEM+ appeals to enthusiasts and casual buyers alike because it still looks and feels like the car it was supposed to be.
And most of the time, you’re still within warranty range. Suspension, wheels, intake, exhaust. None of it interferes with the core systems if done right. No red flags at the dealership. No disclaimers for the next buyer. Just a better version of a good car.
That’s why OEM+ works. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just drives the point home.
