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.

___________________
- rabbit.joker [funny¿rabbit] | www.rabbitjoker.com |www.ddtt.org

Dark Dirty Tech Tribal. | Hands in air (trance) and feet on the floor (house).

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....

___________________
- rabbit.joker [funny¿rabbit] | www.rabbitjoker.com |www.ddtt.org

Dark Dirty Tech Tribal. | Hands in air (trance) and feet on the floor (house).

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!