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.

[BBoYRuGGeD]

hmmmm for me my biggest regret to this day is not buying this e153 trans off a solara with the dual synchros and all that good stuff with only 30k miles on the tranny for only $300 of this guy who just needed it gone instead my dumb effin a$$ had to buy a GT trans (tho in very very good condition) for more money than the e153 because i was afraid of all the "short axle problem" with using the e153 but now since theres a solution to the short axle prob...i cant seem to find that good of a deal for another e153...DOH! hey Doc if u read this do u remember that guys email? lol

i personally dont think alot of power in the front tires matter much in normal everyday driving or even in some situations were street racing is a must. i gutta admit tho that when you DO launch hard in 1st the tires will spin spin SPIN lol

bboy

[jgreening]

i personally dont think alot of power in the front tires matter much in normal everyday driving

This is a good point and needs further elaboration. For those of you who are considering the swap, you should not get the idea that the car spins the tires when the driver is being easy on it. That is NOT the problem. The problem is that when you get much over 200whp, tire spin will impede your ability to put the availble power to the ground (and thus use it for speed and accelleration).