Tuners Don't Exist Anymore Options

[DST94]

I'm lost guys.

The car / tuner scene doesn't exist for me anymore. It just isn't the same as it used to be. Nobody builds cars for the same reasons Tuners used to build cars and there are so many cheap knockoffs being produced that build quality is low. I don't really understand what's going on. People say that we should "respect all builds" but I just can't understand why I should respect someone who literally cheaps out on everything. I see builds with straight eBay parts lists that look and run like crap. Now I'm not saying not to use eBay, I use eBay for simple stuff. Piping, clamps, wiring, connectors, etc. But remember when people used to roll around with legit wheels, legit performance parts, legit work? Like, cars used to get improved by tuners.... It's like cars are only getting changed nowadays.

Right in the years I'm going to finish my car, it seems like the scene has been long dead. Good thing I built the car for me.

[cheela]

"Good thing I built the car for me."

just keep remembering that and nothing will ever bother you.
we live in a very sensitive society nowadays and everybody has feelings that can get hurt so easily so same with the car scene. douchebaggery has become a norm and there's no respect when you have to respect all. "EVERYONE GETS A GOLD STAR!" LOL

[DST94]

"Good thing I built the car for me."

just keep remembering that and nothing will ever bother you.
we live in a very sensitive society nowadays and everybody has feelings that can get hurt so easily so same with the car scene. douchebaggery has become a norm and there's no respect when you have to respect all. "EVERYONE GETS A GOLD STAR!" LOL

That's exactly what I mean, no respect when you have to respect all. That is perfect! It's like the idea of standards offend people... Like oh sorry your XXR curb rashed wheels don't mean a lot to me compared to old boy over there with his stock wheels on legit coilovers. Ya he's stock wheel wise but his car will out corner the **** out of yours!

[jordisonjr]

"Good thing I built the car for me"

I'm sure the guy who's running knockoff wheels has the exact same mentality. I'm not saying every part should be replica's/knockoffs, but not everyone can justify spending more than half the value of their car on a set of wheels that won't even see the benefit of a light weight wheel.

I get where your coming from, but I can also understand why some people to get "legit" parts at every aspect of their "build"

[DST94]

"Good thing I built the car for me"

I'm sure the guy who's running knockoff wheels has the exact same mentality. I'm not saying every part should be replica's/knockoffs, but not everyone can justify spending more than half the value of their car on a set of wheels that won't even see the benefit of a light weight wheel.

I get where your coming from, but I can also understand why some people to get "legit" parts at every aspect of their "build"

But that's what I'm talking about, like it feels so much better when you save your money and buy a Quality part that was designed and produced to improve the car, some if the failures I've seen it of knockoff items is down right scary.

Good example, dude was on RPF1s (affordable wheel) and racing up at Laguna Seca when he hit a curb cutting a corner too close, Enkei stood up to the job and was bent to **** but stayed intact and allowed him to limp off the track. Fake wheel vs pothole? Shattered wheel, destroyed suspension, subframe, suspension arms, fender, etc. Is it really worth it? I waited 9 years to buy legit wheels, and even then I bought second hand and am refurbishing them. I'm not rich, but I take my time and plan out my purchases... To me... Saying people can't afford it just says people aren't willing to wait and save.

[Box]

I feel the same in many regards, some things generic eBay specials are ok like piping and etc... where it really doesn't matter who makes it you're not going to get much of a quality difference. Tires, rims, brakes, and suspension are places you shouldn't cheap out on since a failure in any of them can cause accidents. Which you don't have to buy the most expensive set of rims out there, but buy something safe. Even as far as driveline parts go if it's a critical part to the operation of the vehicle I wouldn't want to cheap out there either.

[sandusky1977]

Put in the work to build it the way you want it and true enthusiasts will appreciate the little things. I'm big on OEM and Dealer options only, for my vehicles. Nearly every part I've added to one of my Toys is genuine not a reproduction. Motor swaps are upgrades, and any work I put in to them is to make it a better car than it left the factory.

Hell, the vehicle that has taken the most work was converting a 98 4Runner 4x2 in to a 4x4 using a 99. So many more hours than one would think. I'm proud of it more than most of my vehicles and it looks bone stock for the most part.

I'm also at the beginning of three what I consider monster builds, and get where you're coming from.

[1994Celica]

I see it all the time on the Subaru Facebook page. Idiots buying the cheapest set of coilovers and suspension pieces they can get their hands on. Making their car look terrible and honestly making the F&F days look like art.

[block]

It's your money, your car, you do you and i'll do me. I respect folks for how they do their car. Some people have money and some don't so eBay is a way for them to start. In a way, cheap is a way to learn.

I've learned to enjoy all cars no matter how they're modded. I look at it like it's an art. It's not what it used to be but it is what it is.

This post has been edited by block: May 25, 2017 - 2:05 PM

[DST94]

I feel the same in many regards, some things generic eBay specials are ok like piping and etc... where it really doesn't matter who makes it you're not going to get much of a quality difference. Tires, rims, brakes, and suspension are places you shouldn't cheap out on since a failure in any of them can cause accidents. Which you don't have to buy the most expensive set of rims out there, but buy something safe. Even as far as driveline parts go if it's a critical part to the operation of the vehicle I wouldn't want to cheap out there either.

Agreed

This post has been edited by DST94: May 25, 2017 - 2:21 PM

[DST94]

It's your money, your car, you do you and i'll do me. I respect folks for how they do their car. Some people have money and some don't so eBay is a way for them to start. In a way, cheap is a way to learn.

I've learned to enjoy all cars no matter how they're modded. I look at it like it's an art. It's not what it used to be but it is what it is.

I can't agree, because "art" doesn't mean I throw paint covered sticks at a canvas and then call the marks art. That's ridiculous.

True art has effort and quality and purpose behind it. Not everyone can do it. Not everything is good.

Put in the work to build it the way you want it and true enthusiasts will appreciate the little things. I'm big on OEM and Dealer options only, for my vehicles. Nearly every part I've added to one of my Toys is genuine not a reproduction. Motor swaps are upgrades, and any work I put in to them is to make it a better car than it left the factory.

Hell, the vehicle that has taken the most work was converting a 98 4Runner 4x2 in to a 4x4 using a 99. So many more hours than one would think. I'm proud of it more than most of my vehicles and it looks bone stock for the most part.

I'm also at the beginning of three what I consider monster builds, and get where you're coming from.

I've only got HKS, Toyota, and TRD on mine. I totally see where you're coming from.

Put in the work to build it the way you want it and true enthusiasts will appreciate the little things. I'm big on OEM and Dealer options only, for my vehicles. Nearly every part I've added to one of my Toys is genuine not a reproduction. Motor swaps are upgrades, and any work I put in to them is to make it a better car than it left the factory.

Hell, the vehicle that has taken the most work was converting a 98 4Runner 4x2 in to a 4x4 using a 99. So many more hours than one would think. I'm proud of it more than most of my vehicles and it looks bone stock for the most part.

I'm also at the beginning of three what I consider monster builds, and get where you're coming from.

I've only got HKS, Toyota, and TRD on mine. I totally see where you're coming from.

I see it all the time on the Subaru Facebook page. Idiots buying the cheapest set of coilovers and suspension pieces they can get their hands on. Making their car look terrible and honestly making the F&F days look like art.

F&F may have been over the top but at least the builds (movie wise) were sick as hell and had good quality and unique designs

[msk59]

Cheela: Years ago I coined a term I nicknamed FES, not the same as in that 70s show FES or 'Foreign exchange student' but Fragile Ego Syndrome. I used to work in another district office where I had to deal with many team members. I remember how easily some people would get hurt. As a project manager, I had to directly deal with the FES. Your statement reminded me of people with this syndrome.

Unfortunately, lean economic times and uncertainty/insecurity in life causes an overall uneasy feeling about future which makes people jumpy and cling on to whoever show them the highway to heaven.

[Tigawoods]

I've learned to enjoy all cars no matter how they're modded. I look at it like it's an art. It's not what it used to be but it is what it is.

This.

Not everyone is willing to go above and beyond for their car. It may be not as worth it for others as it is to some of us.

Its all somewhat subjective.
You cant truly say one car is better than another. Or maybe you can, it doesnt really matter, they arent building the car for you. I always respect the effort, how ever large, small, cheap or expensive. Effort was put in regardless in some facet.

What does one say about a guy that bought some cheap ebay parts and put them on in his parents garage VS a guy who bought expensive parts and had a shop put them on for him?Both made an effort in some way but is it fair to not give the ebay guy any credit for his effort?

Whenever I get the opportunity, I will try to educate (in the least patronizing way possible lol) so that a person might make take more thought when modding in the future, but in the end, they will do what they want to do.


spread knowledge and positivity

This post has been edited by Tigawoods: May 26, 2017 - 11:07 AM

[Box]

But when that effort comes out to cut worn-out springs on blown struts/shocks and they make it a hazard not only to themselves but to others, I think we have to draw the line somewhere. There's nothing wrong with using inexpensive parts that're still of good quality, not everyone can afford or justify the price difference in Megan springs and KYB inserts for $300 vs car specific springs(i.e. Flyin' Miata or Strano) and KONI inserts for $600 much less coil-overs for $1,000-2,000 or more. Of course this goes towards most any aspect of a car.

[HectortheRican]

Everyone has a vision for their car - an image in your head that when you look back at your car after parking, you're thinking "man, I can't wait 'til I've got her sitting like this".
Whether that look is objectively clean or objectively ricey, doesn't matter. It's your dream/vision and that's respectable.
I do agree with most people though, that whatever your vision is don't cut corners. I don't mean you need to buy $3,000 RAYS wheels, I mean that I won't be respecting your build if you're running cut springs and bald tires.
Cheap, reliable, and sexy is absolutely attainable - it's not as stark as "here's three, pick two". It'll take time, but it can happen. Some people are impatient and cut too many corners - I can't respect that.

[cheela]

good points from everyone.
I do agree that a build is a piece of artwork, coming from an art background, I will also agree that I HATE when an artist throws paint at a canvas and says, I'm the ****. Like Tiga said, it's about the effort. and I will have to say that its about attitude and passion as well. That for me, is what's missing the most from everyone these days. I see too many people just throw cash at a car and jumping on bandwagons just to get bored and move on the the "next big thing" that's what saddens me. They may have all the best name brand parts on their car but if the passion is missing, I could care less what they've done if they themselves don't really care.

[DST94]

One of the biggest things for me is pouring my heart and soul into the car and trying my absolute best to buy good quality stuff and get rare cool stuff for my car then go to a car meet and see a bunch of slammed cars on fake wheels with LEDs and stickers, then they look at me like I don't belong there because I'm on stock wheels at stock height... In my head I'm like dude my front right tire has more track time than you AND your car.... It just sucks to remember growing up and going to car meets with my pops and now this is my generations turn.... And they ****ing it up.

This post has been edited by DST94: May 26, 2017 - 11:04 PM

[richee3]

spread knowledge and positivity

No!



I read an article a couple of years ago that gave me new perspective. The author stated that hot rods aren't dead- they're just in the hands of our generation now. When your dad was your age, he probably had a cheap car but it was all he could afford. He probably put some cheap parts on it but it was all he could afford. It probably wasn't the nicest or coolest car around, but he was probably extremely proud of it. As he got older and more successful, he has a nicer car and a better build. Today's generation is doing nothing different- we don't have the "best" cars money can buy, but we're proud of what we have. And we aren't happy with them in stock form so we buy what we can afford, even if it's not the best part out there. Some are built to show, some are built to go. You've seen what your dad and his generation have built as they've gotten older and more successful, but you may ask the old timers about their first cars. Most of them will tell you an embarrassing story about how their first cars were held together with bubble gum and prayers, just like most of the cars we see at car shows these days.

Of course I'm doing a lot of generalizing here, but reading that article did drive home the parallels. Hot rods aren't dead, we just have so many more options today and so much more access than previous generations that we don't even realize the extent that the car scene has evolved.

I see both sides of the argument. I take comfort in knowing my stock wheels won't break the way a set of Rotas might, but I have a couple of friends that don't abuse their cars, ever. They love to go to shows and meets and hang out. They love being in the community and want their car to look the part but they'll literally never see an autocross or a track day, so a set of Volk wheels isn't necessary for them.

[Box]

One of the biggest things for me is pouring my heart and soul into the car and trying my absolute best to buy good quality stuff and get rare cool stuff for my car then go to a car meet and see a bunch of slammed cars on fake wheels with LEDs and stickers, then they look at me like I don't belong there because I'm on stock wheels at stock height... In my head I'm like dude my front right tire has more track time than you AND your car.... It just sucks to remember growing up and going to car meets with my pops and now this is my generations turn.... And they ****ing it up.

Who cares what others think, and especially if it looks like they drove their car through the front of an Autozone and instead of just throwing away all the damaged merchandise they left it stuck to their car. I get people asking when I'm going to LS swap or why didn't I buy a LS car, well I don't want a fking LS or a fking LS car. I like how the LT-1 cars look significantly more, and for my driving style I prefer the LT-1 and to me the LT-1 sounds a lot better which is a huge part personally of the allure in having a V8 anyway. The LT-1 is a great engine if you bother taking 30 minutes of your life to read up on it and you have second grade reading comprehension skills. Oh and don't get me started on the sawblade rims hate, I didn't want a 5-spoke like everyone else and their aunt but I wanted something o.e. so I could have a quality set of rims without breaking the bank. I personally think they look good on the car, but seems everyone else is like "Ewww why didn't you just put on some 5-spokes?" Oddly enough the import people seem to like them though. Anyhow I got the car for me and the things I do are for me, Hell I'm hard enough to please much less worrying about pleasing everyone else.

[njccmd2002]

So what if new generations dont appreciate your car. Then its probably not the crowd for you. Lol. Its cunny to see peoples faces while driving. Civic owners cant keep up with me. Mustang douches cant shame me easy. Lol. All they see is a crappy convertible with no badges.

Went to autozone the other day, guy testing my battery notices soemthing odd about the engine. He recognizes it and swears its the same in his car. I replied, almost... this has a manual tranny... he was amazed... praised the car.

Dont look for tuners, they fill find you. Dont try to stand out to people that dont understand. Dont give a calculator to someone that cant read...

Enjoy your car. Remember..... HATERS. gonna HATE.....

Hate typing on celll