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*TA Tuner Thread*

Wanted to start a car tuner thread for all you car enthusiasts out there. I know I'm a big car fan (although I've never owned a car) and
being asian and everything my favs have to be tuner cars; and no I'm not talking about riced up Civics either so let's hear your input about the car industry these days.

I know that when I save up enough money, I'd wanna buy the Mazdaspeed 3 when it comes out next spring. I love the way the Mazda 3 looks and handles now and drop in a turbo engine and that baby will fly.

it's sad to see some cool "old school" cars becoming more and more rare...like 1g Talons (I miss mine...but what a PITA it was), RX-7s, etc. With ECU work needs for many hardcore applications, the average 'do-it-yourselfer' is becoming more limited in how much they can really do on their own without much help.

pros of the tuner scene today? Although I absolutely can't stand the SRT-4, it's great to see manufacturers and aftermarket companies working closely to offer "tuned" cars with factory warranty. Mopar has done amazing things for that car.

More in-house or closely related branches, like MazdaSpeed, Nismo, Ford's SVT division, etc., means more options for buyers and more propularity (ie. lower part and service prices) to the aftermarket sector too. The popularity of Rally cars overseas has really increased the enthusiast market too.

Mazda3 is best in it's class, IMHO...the other Mazdaspeed offerings for the Mazda6 and Miata look pretty sweet too.

As for me...I'm looking for some out-of-the-box fun right now that can be modded later on. I'm contemplating a WRX or Legacy GT (de-tuned STi engine...booyah) in a couple of months

Personally I think forced induction is... questionable to say the least.

Unfortunately many people solve their performance needs by dropping some blower under the hood and then believe they are ready for the SCCA finals or something.

IMO - forced induction should be one's LAST option when working on their vehicle. One can add 30%+ wheel HP keeping things naturally aspirated and improving other functions of the engine.

quote:

Originally posted by rabbitjoker Personally I think forced induction is... questionable to say the least. Unfortunately many people solve their performance needs by dropping some blower under the hood and then believe they are ready for the SCCA finals or something. IMO - forced induction should be one's LAST option when working on their vehicle. One can add 30%+ wheel HP keeping things naturally aspirated and improving other functions of the engine.

I wouldn't say it's questionable but you are right that the turbo should be the last thing mounted onto an engine. There's no point in having a turbo charged engine if you do not have the proper exhaust, cams, headers etc... All those things work hand in hand to give your car the best optimal performance. But in anycase there is no sweeter sound than that of a turbo charged engine as it goes down a street.

quote:

Originally posted by house_conXion no sweeter sound than that of a turbo charged engine as it goes down a street.

mmmmm.. A big throaty high-displacement engine sounds nice too...

rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble....

Have you guys seen the aftercooler on the Mazdaspeed MX5? It's so tiny, I can't help but laugh every time I see it.

I love cars but hate my current one.


My favourite car noise is a bridgeported 13B rotary... BRAAAAP, BRAP BRAP, BRAAAAAAAAAAAP BRAAAAAAAAAP

So awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by rabbitjoker Personally I think forced induction is... questionable to say the least. Unfortunately many people solve their performance needs by dropping some blower under the hood and then believe they are ready for the SCCA finals or something. IMO - forced induction should be one's LAST option when working on their vehicle. One can add 30%+ wheel HP keeping things naturally aspirated and improving other functions of the engine.

for the average tuner...yes. FI can equal a lot of money and a lot of not-covered-by-warranty-or-insurance grief if not properly tuned.

but for big-power enthusiasts who don't mind the risk...they know that is usually takes a lot more money to make eqivalent FI power while remaining n/a...and eventually n/a cars just can't keep up (unless engine swaps get involved)

I'd just like to state that if I were offered a Ferrari Enzo or a supercharged Ariel Atom, I'd take the Atom any day of the week.

Oooh, my kinda thread.

Tuning cars is fun, and you can learn alot too. But it costs alot of bling depending on the car you're working on.

i think my tuning days are pretty much over. I'll still make a few modifications of course (maybe engine, definitely suspension), but no more "projects". IMO, cars are too much of a money pit. I've reached the point where I have more important things to spend my coin on.

quote:

Originally posted by High on PSI Oooh, my kinda thread. Tuning cars is fun, and you can learn alot too. But it costs alot of bling depending on the car you're working on. i think my tuning days are pretty much over. I'll still make a few modifications of course (maybe engine, definitely suspension), but no more "projects". IMO, cars are too much of a money pit. I've reached the point where I have more important things to spend my coin on.

Sweet thread, Mr. Lightshow! (btw I'm already booking an appointment with you during Ultraspin...let me know when and where!!!)

I used to have the 2000 Civic SiR (before I wrote it off racing...ha! what a stupid idiot!)

That was my baby...after about 40K, I began the souping up...started with xenon bulbs, then an AEM Cold Air Intake...really enjoyed the sound (when she hit the VTEC revs, over 5500 rpm)...

The key here to enjoy the mods is to take your time and wait about 10K before you move on to the next!

Next was a DC Sports 4-into-1 ceramic exhaust header...wow, VTEC never felt so good!!!!

At this point I replaced the stock pedals with cross-drilled aluminum Sparcos...this was the first item I took off my beloved after I smashed her...can't wait to install them in my current car (I promised Mom and fiancee that I'm out of the souping-up business until they can forgive me for my accident)...IT'S BEEN FOUR YEARS AND I'M STILL WAITING!!!!

Anyway, my PRIDE AND JOY was the Tanabe Racing Medallion full cat-back exhaust that I had installed (by the way, if you can trust an expert from a small mom-and-pop garage, go THERE because I had everything installed at Formula Honda, where I paid an arm and a leg). When I used to drop the hammer with that exhaust installed, combined with the cold air intake and headers, when I hit VTEC it was like a demon loose from hell. It was SO F'ING LOUD. It certainly didn't sound like a 4-cylinder, that's for sure.

Man I can keep going cuz I'm so bored at work...I will have to continue later with pictures, my final upgrade, my accident, and my current car...catch y'all later, BABY YEAHHHHHHHHHH.

Tuning cars is great!

I started at 18 with my first car, a Saturn SL2. Yes...it was a Saturn sedan, but it was cool, cause it was lightweight, had a relatively tourquey engine and it was easy to work on. I managed to get 140hp from the engine with simple mods.

My next car was a 2000 Impreza 2.5RS. What a sweet ride....total rally car! Great engine, great handling...I loved her! I added an intake, exhaust, STi V5 springs and shocks....I loved that thing!

Unfortunately, my business requires me to have a larger car (I do a lot of deliveries, and a small 2-door is pretty useless), so now I'm cruising a Mazda 6 wagon. Not a bad car at all, but still, it aint no Subaru.

Here she is.....I just hope the dude in Quebec City who bought her appreciates her as much as I did! *sniff*

Sweet ride!!! Sometimes I think it's better to crash your car yourself than sell it to someone else...too much heart ache!!!! And no, I don't kill my ex-girlfriends!!!! LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by fayraree Sweet thread, Mr. Lightshow! (btw I'm already booking an appointment with you during Ultraspin...let me know when and where!!!)

Not really sure if I'm going to Ultraspin yet, I might but won't know till the last minute. If I do than yeah, you can make an appointment.

I love cars and it sucks that for the last couple of years I haven't been able to make it to DarkNights. I would love to go there to see all the hot cars and hot girls. Nothings nicer than a hot model spread over an even hotter car

quote:

Originally posted by house_conXion I love cars and it sucks that for the last couple of years I haven't been able to make it to DarkNights. I would love to go there to see all the hot cars and hot girls. Nothings nicer than a hot model spread over an even hotter car

I've never been to Darknights but IMPORTFEST was pretty cool. Man, the things you can do with a WRX STi are SICK!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by fayraree Sweet ride!!! Sometimes I think it's better to crash your car yourself than sell it to someone else...too much heart ache!!!! And no, I don't kill my ex-girlfriends!!!! LOL!

Heheh...well, luckily, I sold mine to a fellow Subaru enthusiast, so I know she'll be used properly.

Plus, the guy said I can come to Quebec city to "visit" my car any time! (yes, I'm wierd)

On the whole forced induction issue, it is probably one of the most cost effective ways to get a large bump in hp, which is why it's so attractive for a lot of people. Generally speaking, you're going to pay a lot more for tuning a car to higher levels using strictly naturally aspirated methods over forced induction. That's even more exaggerated with smaller displacement engines. That said, having a car that can go 0-100 in 4.0 seconds, but then can't stop and make the corner really doesn't mean much. Neither does one that blows it's engine after a few runs.....

Personally, I actually like cars with lower torque characteristics at lower revs, ie S2000, RX8, etc, because if it's your daily driver, it makes it a lot more manageable in most conditions. Even in racing conditions, it really shows who are the drivers and who are the pedal mashers, because maintaining your speed is much more based on skill with a car without huge torque characterisitics.

quote:

Originally posted by Soundwerks Tuning cars is great! I started at 18 with my first car, a Saturn SL2. Yes...it was a Saturn sedan, but it was cool, cause it was lightweight, had a relatively tourquey engine and it was easy to work on. I managed to get 140hp from the engine with simple mods. My next car was a 2000 Impreza 2.5RS. What a sweet ride....total rally car! Great engine, great handling...I loved her! I added an intake, exhaust, STi V5 springs and shocks....I loved that thing! Unfortunately, my business requires me to have a larger car (I do a lot of deliveries, and a small 2-door is pretty useless), so now I'm cruising a Mazda 6 wagon. Not a bad car at all, but still, it aint no Subaru. Here she is.....I just hope the dude in Quebec City who bought her appreciates her as much as I did! *sniff*

That's a really nice RS. I really like those cars, when done up right they look like really mean mofos. Too bad you had to sell it

quote:

Originally posted by Tranceplanted On the whole forced induction issue, it is probably one of the most cost effective ways to get a large bump in hp, which is why it's so attractive for a lot of people. Generally speaking, you're going to pay a lot more for tuning a car to higher levels using strictly naturally aspirated methods over forced induction. That's even more exaggerated with smaller displacement engines. That said, having a car that can go 0-100 in 4.0 seconds, but then can't stop and make the corner really doesn't mean much. Neither does one that blows it's engine after a few runs..... Personally, I actually like cars with lower torque characteristics at lower revs, ie S2000, RX8, etc, because if it's your daily driver, it makes it a lot more manageable in most conditions. Even in racing conditions, it really shows who are the drivers and who are the pedal mashers, because maintaining your speed is much more based on skill with a car without huge torque characterisitics.

it certainly does make for simpler city driving, that's for sure...but...the con is that to hit power you've always got to rev the engine. Honda S2000 is a great example. Very comfortable in stop-and-go conditions and as a daily driver...but power down low is mediocre, I find and gearing is a bit close. Great car...but...for that price, I'd take the hp/torque curve of an STi (although it's more of a bruttish, raw ride at low speeds). I guess it just comes down to personal preference and driving style.

definitely right on the FI as a cost effective solution for big power...I can't count the # of people who've poured a lot of time and money into every bolt-on imagineable (intake, exhaust, header, cat, cams, gears, etc) only to discover that they'd spent the equivalent of a decent turbo kit yet have subtantially less power to show for it...

quote:

Originally posted by house_conXion Nothings nicer than a hot model spread over an even hotter car

"GET THE FUCK OFF THE CAR YOU DUMB SLUT, YOU'LL RUIN THE FINISH"

That's my mindset.

Darknights is a gigantic ricefest, and I can't stand 99% of the vehicles there.

http://www.pictureperfectmotoring.com/

good site for tuning

edit: omg the song on the first page is so fukin annoying ur gonna wanna shoot ur speakers

quote:

Originally posted by VERTiG0 "GET THE FUCK OFF THE CAR YOU DUMB SLUT, YOU'LL RUIN THE FINISH" That's my mindset. Darknights is a gigantic ricefest, and I can't stand 99% of the vehicles there.

LOL

thank you...I didn't want to be the one to say that, hahahahaha

couldn't pay me to go to that event...too much show, not enough go.

quote:

Originally posted by MarkT couldn't pay me to go to that event...too much show, not enough go.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

there is alot you can do with a motor without supercharging or turboing to boost the bhp. and alot of it isnt that difficult to do. i plan on doing a rebuild on an old ford 302 windsor i have sitting in my uncles barn right now this summer. i plan on doing a piston swap, moving to dish pistons so i can get a larger valve throw, porting and polishing the headers and valve guides, new set of rockers and pushrods, forged connecting rods, customized crank (there is a shop in my hometown that does really good cam / crank work, cant do that myself) dry sump oil pan, intercooler, and then the piece de4 la resistance, dual deamon 1200 carbs underneath a nice roots charger. no exhaust mods, i dont plan on having any on it lol. the thought is to drop this motor into an old 60's ford pickup that is in the basement of the barn, and since its past the 20 yr old mark, no emissions tests required, hence no exhaust and cats required either....


ill post some pics when i get the project started. this one is gonna take a while. and a fair bit of coin too. most of hte parts i have already but the new crank and pistons aint gonna be cheap.

quote:

Originally posted by VERTiG0 Darknights is a gigantic ricefest, and I can't stand 99% of the vehicles there.

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