Here to save you lots of time and money ... please read

[nissanrcer240]

Quote »If i weanted to go insanely fast I wouldn't spend tons of money of car parts but rather drive a motorcycle.[/quote]

yeah but the reason why you make a car go fast is so you can compete with other cars....in general bikes are faster than cars, but you would be competing with other bikes then you would be right back where you started

[V I |7 E /2]

i work on my car because i want something that is difforent from everything else on the road and is fun to work on. I need my car to have my own personal twist to its styling and performance.

This quote sums up why this thread is BS. Well done J-Spec.

I dont want my car to be like everyone else's, I ENJOY buying the little things that make my $800 S13 a little more mine. Even if I dont get HUGE performance gains out of it.

I want an N1 dual b/c I dont want a REALLY loud exhaust and I like what I have read about them, I want a better in take b/c I LOVE the sound from under the hood, Im gonna buy a junk motor and rebuild it in my garage myself (and learn hot to at the same time), and build it up because I want to. And yes im probably gonna spend a **** load of money and lots of time for minimal gains but thats OK, its not the destination its how you get there, my car will be worth more to ME having put so much time into it.

But most importantly here, its MY CAR.... you dont have to like or agree with what I do, and dont hate on people for doing what they want and not what YOU think is the best idea. We dont tell you what to do to your car. And when you come to RI and YOU pay for all the parts you want for my car then you can tell me what to do with it.....until then do what you want to do with your car and let everyone else enjoy their own.

And I'm not saying I like what other people do to thier cars but oh well thats thier perogotive.

Sorry for the long read but I hate when ppl ***** about things that aren't their business.

And start with the flames, its just my $0.03

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Hey man, what part of RI are you from? im from SKAnyway, yeah, i can see both sides, my personal philosophy: when **** breaks... replace it with something better, and if nothing breaks... save up for something big. OR if your upgrading, but your future with the vehicle is uncertain (such as motor options) only buy stuff that is compatible with all that (brakes, suspension, some exhaust, some clutches).

[Zebrahead]

I'd add this: Instead of taking a $2K car and dumping $5K or more into it in mods and improvements (and then having a car that's STILL worth $2K), consider saving all that $$$ and buying a car that was fast from the factory and still new enough to be warranteed. You'd be surprised how fast cars depreciate, then you can get 'em for a song.

You can't say it any better than that.

Nick.

[Zebrahead]

This quote sums up why this thread is BS.

Is that right? So why'd everyone agree with me? That's your opinion.

Quote »I wanna buy a junk motor and rebuild it in my garage myself (and learn hot to at the same time), and build it up because I want to. And yes im probably gonna spend a **** load of money and lots of time for minimal gains but thats OK [/quote]And for this I call you an idiot. This peice of wisdom is the dumbest thing I've heard in my life. "I'm going to waste a buttload of money on a 13 year old car and see little to no gain." If you're not 40 years old w/ a high paying job doing this just as a hobby, you're an idiot. My opinion. Eat a d1k if you don't like it.

Quote »But most importantly here, its MY CAR.... you dont have to like or agree with what I do, and dont hate on people for doing what they want and not what YOU think is the best idea. [/quote]Very true. But nowhere in my post did I flame anyone. The honda/acura comment was aimed toward the outragous body kit people. Ricers. Etc. I was giving my opinion, and hoped other people would see my view on things. Go ahead. Waste your money. In 10 years, you'll be out thousands of dollars, and you'll have nothing to show for it, other than some mechinical know-how. I like working on cars too, but if I'm going to spend that much money, I'd use it to buy something that will make my car better than it used to be. Otherwise why change it?

Its your money. Do what you want with it. Enjoy your car. Its yours. Who gives a fizzle what some guy on NICO says, right?

By the way, whoever posted the motorcycle is right. I'm getting a 98 honda cbr 600 on Thursday. Haha.

Nick.

[AJ-SPEC]

I'm most likely doing the sr swap next summer. until then, I'm using a drop in k&n and a 300zx fuel filter. that's it. nothing else goes onto the car that can't be used with the new motor.

if I can't wait and I absolutely need an exhaust (which I don't, it's kinda nice to drive w/o primered civics reving on you) I'll get a 3" probably JIC titanium. I'm gonna put in an lsd in a couple of weeks, then do bushings, but after that, it's just save money. when I have the motor ordered, then I'll do the strut bars/sways/brakes/rims'n'tires/coilovers.

Yes, I'm saving a grip of money. should have the brakes and strut tower bars, everything else will happen over the year following the sr. I don't like to do sh*t twice, ie buy an exhaust that's too small, now I have to sell it and upgrade, what do you mean I can't use my headers, damn, who wants an intake- seen that happen to others already. ain't gonna be me!

[offtheline]

I dont know about you guys, but I plan on keeping this car for a long time. I dont plan on fixing it up then deciding I am bored with it and trying to salvage what meager money I can get with it after it being raced and old. I want it to be a beautiful car that I can house in my garage later in life and occasionally use it for fun. For now, it is my daily driver and will continue to be so for quite a while. In light of all this, I agree with zebrahead because doing things over is a waste of money. If I eventually plan on going with a turbo-ka or a swap then I need to plan accordingly. For now, I am just spending money on suspension and wheels because those things are good with any setup. When I get to the point where I have everything the way I want it minus the engine, I will begin saving money to do it right. You wont see me driving around with a stock motor and an intake because I know that an intake will not be on my car in the long run... that being said, I wouldnt say that people who buy them are wasting their money because some people have different long term goals than myself. I guess the post about not spending 5000 dollars and wasting it on an old car made me feel sad. I love my car and it isnt worth buying a different car that is faster out of the box because this is the car that I want and this is the car that I feel chose me somehow. Take it as you will. If saving up for a car that is faster is your thing, go for it. But personally making my car into something amazing is a hobby and something that I look forward to. Buying an amazing car holds none of the excitement for me.

[SpeedRacer1]

In 10 years, you'll be out thousands of dollars, and you'll have nothing to show for it, other than some mechinical know-how.

Thats more technical knowledge than you would have acquired. The people who really know what they are talking about on these boards are rare, I am not one of them. They have that extra knowledge about cars that helps (people on forums) more than anyone elses opinionated knowledge.

[Onizuka]

You can't say it any better than that.

I can. if you dont like the fact that i bought a $2000 car and spent $5000 on it, instead of buying a $7000 you can kiss my @zz cause that car is still not going to be as fast as my $2000 car that i have a whole lot more fun with upgrading myself. No offense AZ but i dont buy your statement...

[Onizuka]

Is that right? So why'd everyone agree with me?

not everyone agrees with you...

I agree with you that it is good to save up for big things like a turbo upgrade as opposed to buying a useless aluminum wing.... but some people like that kind of stuff and the only thing you can do is sit back and say "people are gonna do, what people want to do"

[WingsNThangs]

Yeah I think modding the suspension and looks has more rewards per dollar than modding the engine. After all, how often does the average booster get to maximize the potential of his engine?

For how much it costs to install a turbo, I'd rather make my car look nice and new and take corners easily with money to spare for mandatory things like tires and insurance. Plus there are legal hassles attached with speed and forced induction.

Of course, different people value different things, and I totally respect the turbo folk for their dedication.

[Holisticbeatz]

Zebrahead, I could see where you're going with this. I'm not thinking about doing any crazy SR or RB swaps as of the moment. This is my current situation; I'm thinking about going with Tein S-tech springs and KYB shocks suspension setup for my S14. The springs would run about $160 and $280 for the shocks (ebay prices). That's $440 for a mediorce setup in today's standards for the type of driving I want to get into. If I save up a little more, instead of getting those springs and shocks, I could purchase some HKS or Apex coilovers. I guess the bottom line is, "if you're going to go, might as well go all out."

[hannibal]

Good thread Zebrahead...AZ, I agree with you that putting more money into a car than the car was originally worth isn't the best idea even if you plan on keeping it forever. Thats why I'm a huge fan of used cars. A car thats a few years old with some mileage can save you 50%. I could get a new car loan for $20K, but I'd have nothing left to mod the car and there aren't many exciting cars in that price range (Acura RSX?...I'd rather have an S14)Lay out what you have planned for the car and stick to it. Think about it this way: Every dollar you spend on "useless" parts puts you a dollar further from your goal. You might get a good deal on that CAI, but that means the turbo kit or SR swap is that much further away. Its just not worth it IMO.And 95silviase and cyberkreig, you guys got it right. Stay at home, save some money, but most importantly, have fun with your car.And corn322, I've got this stubborn lug nut, can you help me out?? LOL

Jay

[Kaioshin1982]

money can buy you better engine and be faster but it cant buy you knowledge and experience you go through doing all the small jobs yourself....

[stickgoat]

Half the fun of modifying cars is devising different plans and routes you can take to get the performance you desire. You don't HAVE to spend $1000 on I/H/E. My intake was about $200, a header (which I don't have) would be about $300, and I paid less than $200 for my cat-back exhaust, because I went the custom route. I still have a 2.5 straight pipe going through a pretty muffler, but I'll be damned if I paid $500 for it. Try $180 for everything.

It takes some searching around and some creativity, but that's why it's called "modifying". We're having fun, we're learning. And there's no better way to learn cars, learn engines, and learn tech stuff that to get under the hood and do it your damn self.

And that, my friend, is why I'll continue to buy "little" things until I can afford an SR20.

[kingjag88]

Quote »I love my car and it isnt worth buying a different car that is faster out of the box because this is the car that I want and this is the car that I feel chose me somehow. [/quote]

festino, i agree with you completely. i have a '90 240sx coupe in my driveway that i bought for a little less that $200 when i was actually looking for a hatchback. sure, it doesn't run, needs a window, seat and i'm only 15 so i can't drive yet, but i still plan on having this car for a long time and i have the same feeling, like my car chose me. i've been working 4 days a week during the last year in high school and now school is out so i'll be working 5 days a week to add to my current $5600 car fund i started a while back. i bought the car when i wasn't even sure what i wanted my first car to be but now i'm positive i'm gonna stick with my car, and a lot of that decision was because of how helpful people around here can be and how lucky i feel to have seen my car sitting in the back of a used car dealer's lot. even though i haven't posted much, i have learned countless things from this forum that i wouldn't know anything about otherwise. most kids my age are into civics and eclipses with body kits (i don't mean to make fun of hondas or dsm's because they both can be good cars, just not when these kids get a hold of them) and anything else they see in a movie. i personally disagree with that, but i'll have my car and i'll be happy, even if i think they are all wasting their money. thanks for reading my freshman honors' english rambling:) , and buenos dias to you all (i'm also in spanish:D )

[Zebrahead]

my current $5600 car fund

That's a very impressive amount of money, especially for a kid your age. Keep it up and don't spend it on a body kit, rims and a paint job. What a waste that'd be.

Good luck!

Nick.

[toki]

kingjag. I hate you. In a fake way. I hate you living in Ohio where you can either legally work at 14-15 or no one really cares (I'm guessing this one from my many summers I have spent in Ohio with family when I was little). I have tried my damnest to get a job in Arizona here at 15 and there is no go. I know the laws here prohibit anyone under 16 from working after either 7 or 9 pm, i dont remember which, and no more than 4 hours a day. People down here don't feel like dealing with that when they can find an illegal for work for $4/hr. Be happy you don't live in the proverbial bridge from mexico (yes something like 90% of the illegals from mexico pass through tucson.) My current car fund: $200.

[krazy skwerel]

I don't have a problem with spending money on modifying my car my problem is every time i get around a thousand dollars together i find some other car to buy . Like tommorow I'm gonna go look at an mr2. I'm not selling my 240sx but I just find cheap cars and want to buy them. Its very annoying at times.

[lessthanjakejohn]

I don't have a problem with spending money on modifying my car my problem is every time i get around a thousand dollars together i find some other car to buy . Like tommorow I'm gonna go look at an mr2. I'm not selling my 240sx but I just find cheap cars and want to buy them. Its very annoying at times.

how bout go to the bank and plop the money in a CD :thinker

it will be out of hand for 6 months or a year or whatever

[Bubba1]

I have no issue with people spending a little or crazy amounts on their cars. It's their money, plus it can be a lot of fun. But in most cases, modding reduces a car's resale value, as it implies hard use to a prospective buyer. So if you're going to do mods, do it for fun, but don't expect a return on the investment, especially on an old car.

Personally, I enjoy testing limits on unmodded cars as much as full race prepared machines. "Stock" cars reach their limit far more quickly than modded ones, making driving unmodded cars on a race track more fun because you have to work more to coax the speed out of them. But that's just me.

[240SXer]

Exhaust is part of an SR swap, so it's not particularly bad. You'd have to get it anyway. You sold your HKS.. but how will the stock 240 exhaust work with a turbo motor? Not very well.. I disagree.. It depends on what kinda performance you're looking for. My car ran 16.2s stock, now with just exhaust, pullys, and better tires i'm running 15.7s. Not bad, and I DO want an SR. But it's still not totally worthless. I took .5 off my 1/4 mi, and gained about 3-4mpg. (went from 25 freeway to 30 freeway). Only mod i've done that can't transfer to the SR is my asp pully, which I'll quickly throw on my 91. I agree if you're looking for big performance don't spend small amounts and expect a lot. Just don't have too high of expectations. If you get exhaust, expect about .1, maybe .2 if you're lucky. Peoples expectations of small mods are just too much...

David.

[firefighter81]

Ok, now I didn't read this whole thread, but from the posts I've read about not putting money into a $2000 car, and just buying another better car....WTF is the point in that. Last time I checked I'm not modding my car to up it's frikken resale value. I'm modding my car because *GASP* it's my hobby. I like doing it, I like spending money on it. So who are you to tell me I shouldn't mod my car just because it's a $1000 POS? I mod it because I like the car, I don't care about a warranty, I can work on my own dang car, and I don't want a stupid mullet machine that's already fast, or a Neon SRT-4. I like my 240, I like my Talon, point is, I'm gonna put way more money into my car than it's actually worth, and ya know what, I'm gonna ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF IT.

Jason

[Onizuka]

Ok, now I didn't read this whole thread, but from the posts I've read about not putting money into a $2000 car, and just buying another better car....WTF is the point in that. Last time I checked I'm not modding my car to up it's frikken resale value. I'm modding my car because *GASP* it's my hobby. I like doing it, I like spending money on it. So who are you to tell me I shouldn't mod my car just because it's a $1000 POS? I mod it because I like the car, I don't care about a warranty, I can work on my own dang car, and I don't want a stupid mullet machine that's already fast, or a Neon SRT-4. I like my 240, I like my Talon, point is, I'm gonna put way more money into my car than it's actually worth, and ya know what, I'm gonna ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF IT.

Jason

:rockon :Werd

[C-Kwik]

All or nothing? Where did this come from? What's wrong with a person who just wants a little extra HP? Or a person who wants a nice looking car. Or a louder exhaust? What you want is not what everyone else wants. And what you want now may be different from what you want later. I'd agree that some people buy things just because they want to invest money in their cars. Why do you think so many imports run clear taillamps? Unforunately most learn this lesson from trial and error. And I'll guarantee some of us are there now and many of us have been there before. I agree with some of the intent of your message, but I disagree with all or nothing. It really depends on if that's the end result the owner wants. ANd if the owner is happy with it, who are we to judge?

[toki]

spending a thousand dollars on an exhaust that gives you maybe 8 at the crank, is not only pointless, it's ****ing retarded. If you want a louder exhaust, get a drill, and poke a hole someplace, there you go.

Things like that is why the honda "scene" is so disliked, whether or not half of you understand it. People who just want a loud exhaust, to get noticed, to put on the facade that they have a REASON for a 90mm exhaust, are ****ing retards. ****ING. RETARDS. You have no idea how close i was to kicking off the 2 90mm cans i saw on a ****ing STRATUS. A STRATUS. but then i thought "naw exhaust costs alot, that's mean", but then it came to mind that a stratus doesn't even have a ****ing dual exhaust so one was probably fake and they were probably just cans. I wanted to turn the car around and go back but i am too lazy.

[Onizuka]

spending a thousand dollars on an exhaust that gives you maybe 8 at the crank, is not only pointless, it's ****ing retarded. If you want a louder exhaust, get a drill, and poke a hole someplace, there you go.

not really pointless, exausts that are in the $1000+ price range are made of titanium. titanium = light weight + rust proof, on top of the power gains.

[Dano]

I still have mautring to do, big deal. I live with my parents, I'm in high school, have a job, have no bills because I paid cash for my car and don't pay insurance because I paid for my car, so what do I have to spend my money on? Junk?? Yes. Food, movies, crap like that. Who cares about that stuff? Because I still live with my parents (i'm only 17) I dont have to worry about food or bills (except cell phone, hehe). I might as well spend my money on my car. Either that or I could save it all. That is a good thing to do, but I do save. I save for months and months at a time to for stuff to buy for my car Yes, I am that guy that says "Ha ha, My car looks better than theirs" or "My car will eventually be faster then that car" because thats just how i am. I have grown up loving cars, and nothing but them. Call it an infatuation, an obsession, whatever. You will be correct in whatever you call it. Cars are in my blood, I can't help it. So, while I still can, I am going to spend my money on my car, making it faster and meaner. Until I just have to stop, I'm not going to.

:Werd .....:Werd

-Dan

[Bubba1]

I hear what you're saying, and have no problem at all if you want to your spend money "modding" your car. It's fun, but you gotta keep it in perspective. There's nothing wrong with modding a car if you can afford it. But when you mature a little, and start having to face some of life's other major expenditures after graduating high school, I hope you wont regret having spent so much modding an old car that will be worth less when you go to sell it for something newer. Very few people keep their 240sx's forever. I probably held onto my beloved 240 longer than most people, (14 years). But I even sold mine, and that car is still in good shape.

Think about what's coming up for you: College expenses will shock you, and I'm not talking just tuition. A few other big expenditures: Security deposit then rent on your first apartment, furnishing it, downpayment on a home, a business wardrobe, engagement ring, money for a social life, vacations, a honeymoon, retirement, your child's college education. My gosh, there are a ton of life events ahead of you, all wonderful. And if you're lucky, your parents will assist you with some of them. But they're not always gonna be there to help you. And someday soon you won't be living/eating at your parent's house for free and having Mom do your laundry. The money will have to come from somewhere.

If you have the money to spare and enjoy the hobby, by all means mod away. Enjoy. But if you have very little in the bank, you might want to re-consider and save more of your hard-earned $ for something more important that you know is coming up. Just some fatherly advice on Father's day. Please don't flame me too badly.

Good luck

[AJ-SPEC]

Bubba is so right about the engagement ring. Stay the hell away from it, it'll save you a car payment, or an SR!

Anyways, just try and be smart about how you spend your money, it's yours and all, but if you are like me and saving for an sr next summer, why pay 1500 for I/H/E when that could get you the engine sooner? you'll have to take 800 of that off and try to sell it anyways. Do what you want, but just keep your goals in mind and don't be tempted by that clown in the gsr. Next year he won't be worth it.

And what's wrong with body kits? I think everyone gets caught up in all the hype from F'n'F and throws garbage kits on their ride, but their are plenty of kits that look good, are low key, functional, and emphasize the already sexy lines of the 240's. Don't be discouraged by the primered crew. and if you don't like kits, that's cool, the car already looks good, but don't clown someone for enhancing the cars good looks (barring altezzas and double nostril hood scoops, lol)