Quote:
Originally Posted by Havoc11
I love this thread and have even read it twice, being a "younger" car nut, after catching the modding fever I wanted to do everything, and based everything around the car. After it sitting there for 6 months during the winter months my plans for it changed 5 or so times. I've realized that these plans will never be enough and that i'll always want more. Cars should be treated as what they are, a hobby and not the sole tax collector of our hard earned money. (Of course this doesn't apply to those who make cars they're job  )
Think about what you want. Everyone wants to prove they're platform is better than anything out there, and dreams of seeing the look on a 55 year olds face after you drive by his ferrari at 150MPH. The reality is it can be done, but is that look on his face worth neglecting most everything else important to you? Many will argue it's they're hobby to work on cars, of course I agree but anything in excess is no longer healthy. balance is the most important virtue any auto enthusiast can acquire. |
First of all I didn't read everyones comment, but would like to say the original poster hit the nail directly on the head.
I went through simular things as he did, modifying cars, breaking many parts. But also as the quoted poster said I was letting the modifying take over my life.
Anyone getting into this hobby should definately have a serious planned out realistic map for their car. If you figure you want a 500awhp car and think you can finacially build it in say 3 years well take 5 to do it and do it with good quality parts and don't strap yourself with no money. Don't make your car your entire life and trust me it can become an obsession.
As for usuable power on the street, it's nice to say you have the craziest car around.
I personally had a local record with my honda civic that had over 500whp. On the street at 500whp it wasn't even fun to drive, would spin in any gear. I drove it like that for about 20 minutes then went right back to my buddies garage who is also my tuner and had him put the power back down around 400whp(500+ at the track only). It was fun to drive at that power 1st and 2nd was pretty much useless, and 3rd would spin a bit but pulled hard. But the car was controllable and fun to drive.
In the end I barely enjoyed driving the car cause the clutch pedal feel was horrible, ride was rough, and it was hard on fuel if you drove even a little hard. It had all but became a track car.
So in saying all that, know what you want, and find someone with simular setup to your goals and get them to take you for a rip and see if it is really realistic or what you want. It will pay off in the end.
Oh yeah and do lots of research on everything before doing it.
Happy tuning!!
Re: The Philosophy side of modifying cars.
I made twins..
