Question For Serious Car Guys.....

[jconnolly1119]

I've tried to stay away from modding my car, but the bug has just bit the hell out of me and I have a slight dilema.....

Technically speaking, I can perform basic car maintenence (oil changes, pad replacement, etc.), but I am far from a mechanic. I possess the basic knowledge and understanding of the mechanical components of cars,and how they work, but I am far from an expert.......but I would like to change that

mods to date are just a cat-back and midpipes, but I'm seriously condsidering heads, intake and possibly headers. The question is this.........

if I decide to jump into the deep end of the pool and try to do the install. myself, 1)how deep is the water and 2)how long should I expect to be able to tread water before I either a) have to ask for help or b)drown......

saving money is not the priority here.....learning the most I can about engine building and repair is and I figure, the best way to learn is to jump in, get your hands dirty, screw up, and figure it out as I go...... with ALOT of outside help of course.....

so, knowing what you guys know about cars would you do this yourself, or would you leave it to the professionals and go find a cheap project car that can sit indefinately while I figure my way through it.....

if it's something that is just time consuming, that's fine, but if it's technically way over my head, then any opinions would be appreciated

thanks in advance!!!
john

[WhiteDiamond]

John,

I know Jeremy has pulled the intake/heads on his SRT8 with some success. I have done heads/cams/headers/intakes and other stuff to a bunch of late model vehicles with success and find the work enjoyable to do myself. It takes time and as long as you are organized and have some above average mechanical skills, I believe you will be fine. If you live near the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I would be more than willing to lend a hand.

I would hold off on the mods a little longer, if you can, as the tuning issue is what makes the combination of headers and ported heads on this vehicle possible. Doing both of those mods on stock tuning is going to put the car well into the lean side of the air/fuel ratio and your are basically asking for problems then.

Todd

[Northern Rider]

John, I agree with what Todd said. The computer tuning issue should be solved in the very near future.

I would then suggest you "apprentice" with an experienced guy - either a fellow member who has done all this stuff or a mechanic who is willing to have you assist and explain what is happening as it is done.

[vvv90]

So long as you have the right tools, patience, and know how go for it. That's how I learned.

If you're new to it I would make it so you don't have to rely on the car for your sole mode of transportation but I'm pretty sure you already iterated that.

I remember when I was a teenager I had to get my upgrades done so I could make it to work on Monday. That sucked and made me rush on projects.

[cvp33]

I've done the following on my CTS-V or SRT-8 or both:

Changed brake pads
Changed rotors
Spark Plugs
Oil Catch Can
Added headers
Added exhaust
Custom built a TB to MAF pipe
Installed a CAI
Pulled PCM
Changed my own oil, diff. fluid, trans fluid
Replaced speakers (4)
Installed drilled pedals
Installed aftermarket grille
Upgrade various bulbs
Dynomat
Clear bra (failed miserably)
Strut Tower Brace

Haven't done and frankly I'm scared of:

Heads
Cams
Engines (shortblock or otherwise)
Trans
Rear diff
Short shifter
Nitrous
Supercharger

I know my tools, I know my ability and most importantly I know my patience level.

[300CUL8R]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

The computer tuning issue should be solved in the very near future.

The "very near future" is a relative statement. We've been hearing this for almost a year.

[artichoke]

Originally Posted by 300CUL8R

The "very near future" is a relative statement. We've been hearing this for almost a year.

A solution for the computer tuning issue exists, well liked by the Dodge truck community, according to this thread:
B&G computer flash

[Northern Rider]

[quote=300CUL8R]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

The computer tuning issue should be solved in the very near future. QUOTE]

The "very near future" is a relative statement. We've been hearing this for almost a year.

I have the SC Flashpaq in my 5.7 Hemi now and while I am still compiling info for a full report - I can say that this thing rocks.

SC tell us that they are beginning to work on the 6.1 version.

[sjz]

Originally Posted by jconnolly1119

I've tried to stay away from modding my car, but the bug has just bit the hell out of me and I have a slight dilema.....

Technically speaking, I can perform basic car maintenence (oil changes, pad replacement, etc.), but I am far from a mechanic. I possess the basic knowledge and understanding of the mechanical components of cars,and how they work, but I am far from an expert.......but I would like to change that

mods to date are just a cat-back and midpipes, but I'm seriously condsidering heads, intake and possibly headers. The question is this.........

if I decide to jump into the deep end of the pool and try to do the install. myself, 1)how deep is the water and 2)how long should I expect to be able to tread water before I either a) have to ask for help or b)drown......

saving money is not the priority here.....learning the most I can about engine building and repair is and I figure, the best way to learn is to jump in, get your hands dirty, screw up, and figure it out as I go...... with ALOT of outside help of course.....

so, knowing what you guys know about cars would you do this yourself, or would you leave it to the professionals and go find a cheap project car that can sit indefinately while I figure my way through it.....

if it's something that is just time consuming, that's fine, but if it's technically way over my head, then any opinions would be appreciated

thanks in advance!!!
john

In addition to what others have said:
A big part of doing you own work is having a place to do the work. You don't need a giant dedicated shop, but having an inside area, where you can keep your tools, nice shelves to keep the parts organized, and a good bench so that you're not working off the floor are all a great plus! It's good to be able to quit for the night without having to secure all your stuff.
-Steve

[jconnolly1119]

timeframe wise, I was thinking this summer. First, because I'll have some time off so I can spend alot of time understanding what I'm doing and then doing the mods. Second, as you pointed out, the tuning is obviously something that we've all been following and it seems that some of our more experienced tuners have made strides in the right direction.

I'm definately not going to do these in the immediate future, but if it seems to be something resonable to do, then I can start reading, preparing and gathering info for my trip under the hood......kinda the way a writer would m
ake an outline before starting a work.

Headers seem like they would be fairly easy, although time consuming, but tearing the top of my motor off, kinda scares me a little. Like I said though, time is not a factor and I CAN have alot of patience, if I know I'm in for a major time investment. Thanks for the advice and the offers to help.......I'm in Orlando so this summer should be very intersesting............

now, for the tuning..............