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.

[brianforster]

my "then and now" only corresponds with a couple months but here goes:

i read all the swap threads, read till i could not read no more, i had an engine sitting in my basement, and i was searching for a shell. i had about 4200$ total for a regular celica saved up, but marks 1700$ engine+tranny+wiring fell in my lap and my friends convinced me to buy it.

so here i was, starting a swap project without even having a car, all on a budget of about 4k (including toys such as intercooler, boost gauge, ebc).

i never really posted about how small my budget was because i knew people on 6gc would be naysayers, much like my "9 days" estimated time.

i was stubborn though, and thought not only could i get away with doing it for so cheap, but i could also get it done in 9 days.

this didnt take into account like posted, the condition of used parts, and the trustworthyness of internet people.

i havent fired the car up yet, that should be coming this weekend, but a small parts of me regrets this choice because my celica will be fast, but not the dream celica i always pictured, i wish now i could have been content to buy a low milage nice condition gt, and save up for an engine swap.

my best advice to new tuners:

listen to the people on this site, even if what they have to say isnt what you want to hear, youll have a sever case of foot in mouth when you realize they are right.

edit: i am hoping it will eventually achieve my dream celica status, but it seems a far shot and quite a few pennies off for now

This post has been edited by brianforster: Mar 29, 2006 - 12:13 AM