Project VIP/Sleeper update

[#1 Sailor Scout]

Well, it's been a while since I last posted about my project. Turns out the J30 that my uncle got for me has alignment issues & the chassis is twisted beyond repair. So...I won't be getting that one.

I have about 4 more years on the Civic, then it will be paid off. By then, I'll have my own place & stuff, plus the price for a good J would have dropped some. The reason why I'm waiting so long is because I want to pay for the J upfront & not have to hassle with any monthly payments.

So the plan that I drew up earlier is scrapped...I'm just going to keep the mods basic & see how well they work. The performance mods will be a Jim Wolf Tech pop-charger, custom cat-back exhaust (like the ones suggested here), & a nitrous kit that will kick out about 50 shot or so, no more than 75. This is mainly because I don't want to have to go to forged pistons & all of that stuff. I'm kind of lazy.

Cosmetics wise, I hope to get a black or silver paint job. If I buy a J that already has that, then I'll just refresh it if needed. For the stereo, I'll try to keep the stock one, but if it & the speakers go, then I'll be replacing them; mainly the stereo deck w/a double din aftermarket. For the outside, I'll just tack on some good looking, yet decent quality, headlights. The rims will either be replaced with a set of late 90s-early 00s Maxima/I30 OEMs, a set of G35 OEMs, or remain the stock J30 rims. As far as the headlights go, they won't have to be HIDs, but if I can buy them, then I'll do so. For the interior, I'll keep it simple & have the necessary gauges (nitrous, air/fuel). I'll also be installing neon on the inside, but not so bright that it gets me pulled over by the 5-0. Finally, I'll be installing some brighter dome lights & stuff for night travel.

That's all I can think of for now. I'll update it later when I can think of something else. Any suggestions?

[gr8scott72]

Any suggestions?

Yeah, don't wait 4 years to pay off your civic. And don't ever borrow money on a car again. Trust me.

In fact, if it was me, I'd scrap together enuf money to buy a J right now ($2,500ish) and sell the civic and dump the car payments.

[kbflip02]

Yeah, don't wait 4 years to pay off your civic. And don't ever borrow money on a car again. Trust me.

In fact, if it was me, I'd scrap together enuf money to buy a J right now ($2,500ish) and sell the civic and dump the car payments.

screw payments that just another way for the man to get you down...lol

[#1 Sailor Scout]

Yeah, don't wait 4 years to pay off your civic. And don't ever borrow money on a car again. Trust me.

In fact, if it was me, I'd scrap together enuf money to buy a J right now ($2,500ish) and sell the civic and dump the car payments.

I'll keep that in mind. However, I live in Mobile, Alabama. You can't get a J for "$2,500ish" down here. People want to overcharge for these cars for some reason. The lowest price I've seen is $4K.

I see what you are saying gr8scott, but I really don't want to get rid of my Civic unless push came to shove. The plan was to have 2 cars, not just one. I think this will come in handy when 1 of them breaks down, especially w/the way I push my engines.

But hey, words of wisdom from a salesman. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks. Anything else I need to know?

[gr8scott72]

I'll keep that in mind. However, I live in Mobile, Alabama. You can't get a J for "$2,500ish" down here. People want to overcharge for these cars for some reason. The lowest price I've seen is $4K.

I see what you are saying gr8scott, but I really don't want to get rid of my Civic unless push came to shove. The plan was to have 2 cars, not just one. I think this will come in handy when 1 of them breaks down, especially w/the way I push my engines.

But hey, words of wisdom from a salesman. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks. Anything else I need to know?

I was listening to Dave Ramsey today. He said that the average car payment today is $480 per month and if you take that $480 per month from the age of 30 until 70 and put it in a decent growth stock mutual fund it will be worth $5.7 MILLION! Hope you like the car.

(Oh, and if you look hard enuf, you can find one cheaper. I got mine for $1,000.)

[elwesso]

not having a car payment makes it worth paying more for gas and maintenance, and arguably driving a nicer car!

[kbflip02]

not having a car payment makes it worth paying more for gas and maintenance, and arguably driving a nicer car!

[#1 Sailor Scout]

I was listening to Dave Ramsey today. He said that the average car payment today is $480 per month and if you take that $480 per month from the age of 30 until 70 and put it in a decent growth stock mutual fund it will be worth $5.7 MILLION! Hope you like the car.

(Oh, and if you look hard enuf, you can find one cheaper. I got mine for $1,000.)

$480 average?!?!?!?

Dang...I'm paying a hair over $309 for the Civic right now (it's a 2007, one of the first ones on the lot). Kinda think that's a bit much, but I do like my car. Much better than the last 3 that I had.

You got your J for $1,000? What condition was it in? If I ever see one in Mobile for that much, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Since I'll be getting my apartment soon, I'll have to be frugal w/my $$$. But w/the spending I'll be doing, I think I'll be able to squeeze a J next to the Civic. I don't spend much; 95% of my income is saved for a rainy day; 4% used on bills, & 1% on personal stuff.

Thanks for the advice. You guys rock!!!!!!

[edgartheace]

Yeah just wait and look around. i got mine for $500 from some older guy who didn't want to spend the $1200 on a transmission rebuild after he spent the $1000, to have the timing belt, and water pump serviced at the dealer. $250 for a JDM transmission and it runs like a champ. Just wait around and something will always pop up.

[gr8scott72]

$480 average?!?!?!?

Dang...I'm paying a hair over $309 for the Civic right now (it's a 2007, one of the first ones on the lot). Kinda think that's a bit much, but I do like my car. Much better than the last 3 that I had.

Yes, average. You have a Civic (bottom end car hate to tell you) and it's over $300. Go try a new BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus on for size payment wise.

You got your J for $1,000? What condition was it in? If I ever see one in Mobile for that much, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

You tell me:zerothread?id=229337http://forums.nicoc ... ?id=235391

Of course, I'm still in it so cheap because I had a donor J30 already sitting in my driveway. But even if I had to buy all the parts I would only be a couple of grand further into it.

Oh, and it has new tires since those pictures.

Since I'll be getting my apartment soon, I'll have to be frugal w/my $$$. But w/the spending I'll be doing, I think I'll be able to squeeze a J next to the Civic. I don't spend much; 95% of my income is saved for a rainy day; 4% used on bills, & 1% on personal stuff.

I'm telling you, dump those payments. You don't want to get out on your own and have all your bills AND a car payment that you have to make. Find you a cheap car now, put your $307 a month in a savings account and in 2 years you'll have $7,400 saved. $7,400 buys a very nice used car.

You got to get on the possitive side of those payments. Why do you think banks always have nicer furniture than you do? (Because you bought it for them. )

[kbflip02]

Why do you think banks always have nicer furniture than you do? (Because you bought it for them. )

[StevieRaySTL]

I was listening to Dave Ramsey today. He said that the average car payment today is $480 per month and if you take that $480 per month from the age of 30 until 70 and put it in a decent growth stock mutual fund it will be worth $5.7 MILLION! Hope you like the car.

(Oh, and if you look hard enuf, you can find one cheaper. I got mine for $1,000.)

-- Is that 5.7mil based on a 12% ROR? That sounds pretty optimal. Dave Ramsey does rock though, more people should practice what he preaches. In fact, he rocks waaay more than a thread titled "project VIP/sleeper" that includes neither a vip or a sleeper. BTW, Sailor, if all you can find is $4000 J30s your obviously looking in the wrong places. Try to find one that is privately owned, then take what you were spending on Civic payments and invest in a mutual fund or roth IRA. Get rich on what you are pi$$ing away on the civic.

[gr8scott72]

-- Is that 5.7mil based on a 12% ROR? That sounds pretty optimal. Dave Ramsey does rock though, more people should practice what he preaches. In fact, he rocks waaay more than a thread titled "project VIP/sleeper" that includes neither a vip or a sleeper. BTW, Sailor, if all you can find is $4000 J30s your obviously looking in the wrong places. Try to find one that is privately owned, then take what you were spending on Civic payments and invest in a mutual fund or roth IRA. Get rich on what you are pi$$ing away on the civic.

And, if you want to REALLY save money, buy a $2,500 civic instead of a J30.

[#1 Sailor Scout]

-- Is that 5.7mil based on a 12% ROR? That sounds pretty optimal. Dave Ramsey does rock though, more people should practice what he preaches. In fact, he rocks waaay more than a thread titled "project VIP/sleeper" that includes neither a vip or a sleeper. BTW, Sailor, if all you can find is $4000 J30s your obviously looking in the wrong places. Try to find one that is privately owned, then take what you were spending on Civic payments and invest in a mutual fund or roth IRA. Get rich on what you are pi$$ing away on the civic.

Great input. Thanks. One thing, though...if my plans aren't "VIP" or "sleeper," then what are they? Basically, I just wanted something unique & nice that stands out from the common ground. There aren't that many J's in Mobile, let alone modified ones. I only know of 2 modified J's that were in Mobile @ one point: 1 is wrecked, & the other (this is the one I told you guys about; the riced one I beat w/my Civic @ the drag strip) is MIA. I want to be able to mod a J & have it be done well, even if the mods aren't extensive. That's all I want.

[kbflip02]

do what makes you happy just be sure to know that if you want performance increases it will be costly...trust me...FYI if you want to save money i reccomend doing to work yourself with a buddy and a few cases of miller lite

[StevieRaySTL]

And, if you want to REALLY save money, buy a $2,500 civic instead of a J30.

-- Or an $800 civic. . 1 post away from 1000, nice. Any plans?

[yodawill2000]

While I'm doing my T-belt and water pump swap.(Finished up last night and its running like a champ)Ive been driving my sons 90 Accord EX, thing runs like a top and he bought from an old rich dude for 1 freakin' dollar !! Garage kept all its life ,, helluva car

[fogged306]

I'm selling mine for $1,500.00. runs and drives fine, has lots of new parts including 4 new tires and new rotors and ceramic pads on all 4 corners. it just needs a turbine revolution sensor to pass inspection, and it has some rust along the rockers and 2 other bubbles. I can post pics if you're interested. I'm up in NY though

[brandonjustice93J30]

I hear ya on that $480 average. my old 97 Dakota was $502/mo when it was new.

and I agree, I'll never have another car payment if I dont have to, we just bought the van with cash and then next year, or maybe the year after, I'm planning on buying a 2nd car for me with no financing. Debating between an 01 M3 or an 03-04 G35 sedan 6M, if I can afford insurance on either...lol

[#1 Sailor Scout]

I'm selling mine for $1,500.00. runs and drives fine, has lots of new parts including 4 new tires and new rotors and ceramic pads on all 4 corners. it just needs a turbine revolution sensor to pass inspection, and it has some rust along the rockers and 2 other bubbles. I can post pics if you're interested. I'm up in NY though

Pics please!!!!!!! Hope it's white, silver, or black...I really don't want to spend much on painting it a different color, & those 3 colors match my style. As of yet, we don't have emission tests in the boondocks of Alabama. *lol*

I can probably get my uncle to shave the dust off.

[fogged306]

It's dark green... it looks black at night if that helps, haha. I'll put some pics up later today or tomorrow.

[yodawill2000]

Dark Green Ownz hehe

[fogged306]

Here are some pics. Its dirty and I didn't have the time to wash it. I do have a couple of pics of when it is clean but those are at work. Anyway, here's the lowdown..

Bad:- Needs the Turbine revolution sensor- Just came up with the knock sensor code.. I noticed it ran with no power one time for about the first gear and a half, Just checked it with my computer today and thats what came up.-rust-alignment slightly off in the front. I actually just had a 4 wheel alignment done over the winter, then the spring broke and I had to get a bunch of stuff replaced in the front and now it's off a little. -It does have HID's on it, but every now and then only one comes on. So you have to turn them off and back on to get the other to fire. I wired them myself and made my own relays for them so it's not the relays on the J its an issue with the bulbs or the boxes, which I've swapped twice... I wire cars for a living. Its a company that we (at work) carry their product. I also was on the phone with the company to no avail.. they told me that this was the first time they have heard of this problem out of the 1000's of kits they've sold.. yea right.-rear left door window just stopped working the other day... haven't had a chance to pull it apart and see whats going on.-Every now and then the sunroof needs a little help opening, probably needs the tracks cleaned

Good/Upgrades/New parts: -The HID's-Pioneer stereo with the sub and amp in the back and JL audio XR components up front. The mids blew so I replaced them with a set of Boston Acoustic Mids.. it sounds incredible. The sub is just for filler, its nothing special. I made the panel for the sub and amp so that it didn't take up trunk space. The car is also pre-wired for a 4 ch high's amp.-New tires on all 4 corners-New ceramic pads and Rotors on all 4 corners. (less than a year old)-2 new downstream o2 sensors-New spring in the front left-New speed sensor in the trans.. thought thats what the issue was with the trans and then found out about the turbine rev sensor-Floormats are pretty new-New plugs and air filter-Compustar remote start/alarm.. gets about 2500ft of range, no joke

Overall the car is in good shape and is solid. I've had it for 5 yrs now and put over 50k on it and always kept it maintained. It has 121,xxx on it now. It just needs some work to be back to like new condition. Here are some pics

[#1 Sailor Scout]

Not bad. Have you had anymore offers?

I can live w/the dark green; I was going to put some neon in the interior to match the gauge cluster (which is green). I'm not too worried about the HIDs; I was going to get those replaced anyways. I can try to get a body shop to settle the rust problem; tire store to settle the alignment, etc. The only thing that I don't like is the trunk. I can live w/the sub, but I want to run nitrous in the car, & there's no room for the bottle. No problem, for now.

I can let you know when & if I get the $ saved up. Actually, I just need somewhere to park it. So when I get everything situated, then we can work something out. E-mail addy is [email protected]

[yodawill2000]

uh you can put a scuba tank in that trunk. hehe

[GerryO]

Not bad. Have you had anymore offers?

I can try to get a body shop to settle the rust problem; tire store to settle the alignment, etc.

The rust damage that is pictured is really sad and scary, and the one broken spring could have been in part rust related. Too bad, as other than that it looks/sounds like a clean, well-maintained car.

[yodawill2000]

I'm glad I don't have to deal with salty roads down here.

[GerryO]

I'm glad I don't have to deal with salty roads down here.

Just a thought; you might want to track Craigslist listings around the country, and include the price of a one-way ticket (plane/train/bus), plus some gas and minor repair parts, in your budget.

Know your stuff, as a car that's in otherwise good condition and simply due for a new timing belt, tires, struts, brakes or a smog check could be your's cheap. Or maybe you might find one with a bad injector, and remember that J30s get such bad gas mileage.

http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites

Check out what's available in the SF Bay Area (for various reasons CA car prices will probably be the highest) right now.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=j30

Road trip!


Modified by GerryO at 9:21 AM 9/7/2008

[fogged306]

Yea, the salt is a cars worst enemy up here. My truck in the background there has less than 70k on the clock and it looks like that. Even getting an underbody car wash every week doesn't stop the rust from coming up here, it just slows it. Unless you don't drive a car in the winter around here, it's going to look like that.

I haven't even put it up for sale yet, I've been really busy. I will as soon as I get a chance because it's just taking up space now because I took it off the road about 2 weeks ago. My email is [email protected] just let me know if and when you want it and we can go from there. When I put it up for sale on autotrader, I'll let you know too.

[gr8scott72]

Not bad. Have you had anymore offers?

I can live w/the dark green; I was going to put some neon in the interior to match the gauge cluster (which is green). I'm not too worried about the HIDs; I was going to get those replaced anyways. I can try to get a body shop to settle the rust problem; tire store to settle the alignment, etc. The only thing that I don't like is the trunk. I can live w/the sub, but I want to run nitrous in the car, & there's no room for the bottle. No problem, for now.

I can let you know when & if I get the $ saved up. Actually, I just need somewhere to park it. So when I get everything situated, then we can work something out. E-mail addy is [email protected]

You don't want to deal with a car that has that kind of rust on it. Even if you got all the surface rust off and made it look nice again, what about all the nuts and bolts that have rust on them? (And trust me, they will ALL have rust on them.) When you go to repair something, those bolts (and other parts) start breaking and small repairs become BIG repairs.