Tuners, If you knew then, what you know now.... Options

[jgreening]

I have always meant to start this thread for the benefit of others considering modifications (particularly engine modifications and swaps). My question is really for the people who have engaged in fairly serious modifications. Perhaps we can help others learn from our mistakes. So, here it is: Based on your experience and current knowledge, what would you do differently if you were starting all over with your 6gc project.

I will start.

I would have bought a ST205 front clip, kept it stock except for intake, boost controller and exhaust and sold the ST205 tranny for big $ to the alltrac guys. The fact is that 250whp is all you really need (and can usefully use) in a FWD setup. The newer engine, better turbo, and intercooler are a real plus.

I would have then switched the GT4 front end over and had the whole car professionally painted.

I would have bought Greddy guages rather than Autometer.

I would have gone immediately to Tein SS coilovers instead of springs and new struts and would have skipped my sway bars (due to all the rubbing problems I have had).

I would have bought 8" wide 16" TE37's so I could run 245/45/16 tires.

If I had done that, I would have spent less than I have and had a better (although similar) car.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

jay, if you knew what u know now, would you have tried to do the swap on your own?

No, I believe in the use of experts if you can afford them. I charge alot for what I do and do not mind paying others for other things. I have no desire to be a mechanic, although I totally respect and am thankful for the talent where I find it.

I really injoy working on my car, but I agree. If you can afford it, go with a professional. I wouldn't try a port job on my own. I want to hire someone to come into my house and install central cooling. I bet I could do it on my own, but I'd rather have a pro do it. Same with the swap, I bet I could do it on my own, but I would rather have an expert to do it. Although, I think I would have to be there while he or she was doing it. Got to learn all you can if you want to build the things I do.