Pointless in modding for speed... [Archive] - Grand Am Owners Club Forums

ironray75

02-02-2003, 05:40 PM

Yea...sometimes I feel the same way. No matter what I do, I cannot really justify paying a lot to get my car up to the stock specs of the new GAs. Well, I am going to save my money and buy a brand new one and then see if it is worth modding out. But I do mod out for handling. That is worth the effort then.

Artic

02-02-2003, 05:48 PM

Thats one way to look at it.But most of the ppl that mod for speed do it for pure fun.I myself when its time for the warranty to be up will mod my engine for the fun of it.

Travis99GT

02-02-2003, 07:00 PM

I'm done with speed mods, I'm doing suspension and stuff from now on. Springs, STB's, front sway bar, that sorta thing. Might do some SCCA in a few years... will spend the $$$ for speed on my next car which will probably be a project :agree:

Toutsuu

02-02-2003, 07:04 PM

Ya I do it for fun too. That and I know I'm not in the same league as some of those faster cars but i'll be damned if I'm gonna let some little ricer boy in a Civic Si beat me again! It's nice to be "fast for a Grand Am" as people tell me my car is. It's nice to know that I can take just about any 4-banger and most v6's with a little juice too.

VanishingImage

02-02-2003, 07:08 PM

I agree with most of you guys.Right now its extremely hard for me to buy things while going to high school.My current 97 GA will become a project car once i can get another car.

TA^Guy

02-02-2003, 07:13 PM

I wouldn't say it's pointless. That is unless you have the money to go purchase a car with 250hp.
Think of it this way, if your car is payed off you can either drop $400 a month into payments on a new car, or drop $400 into you car to make it faster and something unique.
Shoot my Buick is factory rated at only 200hp, but it's paid for. And with a little bit of cash the 'Jones' will have to try to keep up with their 'new' cars.

XtremeGrandAm

02-02-2003, 08:17 PM

I know how you feel. I always work on appearance first. Since i dont race or anything. Maybe someday I may do some hardcore mods like turbo or supercharger but not on this car

GhettoSuperStar

02-02-2003, 09:49 PM

Thet's why I'm gonna sell my car and buy a WRX Turbo. I'm gonna put it on Ebay with a reserve of $5000. I should be able to get that for it. Then put $4000 down on the WRX.

p8ntman442

02-03-2003, 10:17 AM

TA^GUY, I thought you had the twin turbo gnx, wasnt that like the fastest prouction car?

02GARacer

02-03-2003, 10:43 AM

well i still want my car 2 go faster, 104 dosent cut it

SPEEDRACER

02-03-2003, 12:14 PM

I know when I get my gt in a few short weeks, that I won't put any mod parts on it. Maybe I have outgrown that phase but it seems that everybody and there mothers are modding there car. Either for speed or handling. Just my 2 cents worth of useless information. :)

SC/TGrandAm

02-03-2003, 05:03 PM

Well i only mod my car on appearance. Im all show no go and i like it that way. Its contrioversial behing all show no go but id much rather look good than go fast.

Lets see here when you start modding your car for speed you A) speed alot and that always = more speeding tickets- more money.
B) tinkering around with stuff that you dont know what you are doing always breaks something.- more money to fix all of your problems that you caused by adding stuff to the engine.
C) your gas mileage goes by the wayside. might as well be driving a carborated engine, shit its the same.

That right there is why engine modding sucks.

Least when you mod stuff to look good it cant cause something else to happen down the road, only way you loose by that is if you run into something. :D

DKOnLine

02-05-2003, 05:19 AM

For me, I really don't care how fast or slow my car is. I just want my car to look good. I am about the looks not the speed. :)

GTManiac

02-05-2003, 07:27 AM

see, everyone just thinks bolt ons will do it... BUT dig a bit deeper into the engine and you'll be able to pull a few ponies out of it. You'd be surprised how much.

martopg

02-05-2003, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by SPEEDRACER
I know when I get my gt in a few short weeks, that I won't put any mod parts on it. Maybe I have outgrown that phase but it seems that everybody and there mothers are modding there car. Either for speed or handling. Just my 2 cents worth of useless information. :)

Haha I know what you mean... there'll be 15 year old kids trickin out their cars with the money from their paper routes lol. Well I haven't outgroen the modding phase though... call it an addiction, obsession, or whatever, it's so fun.

MJE95GAGT

02-05-2003, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by martopg
Haha I know what you mean... there'll be 15 year old kids trickin out their cars with the money from their paper routes lol. Well I haven't outgroen the modding phase though... call it an addiction, obsession, or whatever, it's so fun.

Yeah I hear ya, I know my car wont be that fast and I should be saving up for something like a new car, to pay bills, or in case something else happens to break in my car. But its too addicting....I guess its the challenge and the competition of being a little bit quicker than someone next to you, esp. when they dont see it coming. Maybe I should give my check book to my parents so they can handle it.....NOT. I will never outgrow this phase, I will mod my cars as long as I live! Just some more than others :P

flydog16

02-05-2003, 04:04 PM

Im with MJ on the modding kick. I think that doing something new to your car is a big thrill. Everytime no matter what it is!

T3rry

02-05-2003, 05:21 PM

he only speed mod u need is a manual transmission and a good clutch foot.

MagusXIII

02-06-2003, 06:44 AM

There are PLENTY of reasons to mod a car for speed. It is not always just to slap that Honda around at the stoplight. Auto-X'ers will often do this to the limit that the rules of their class permit. Road racers and drag racers do the same. As far as handling goes, that is self explanatory.

Appearance mods can also backfire if a person does not know what they are doing. I mean, if one gets a body kit and does not exactly attach it properly... It is just common sense to know what you are doing before you do ANY mod. I was very sure of my abilities when I installed my nitrous oxide kit 2.5 years ago and...my engine is STILL intact and in good shape.

The biggest reason we mod for speed is number one, we all cannot afford Corvettes. Two, because we enjoy the successful accomplisment of a mod. Three, we are tinkerers and love to do it.

Don

Antalive[DM]

02-06-2003, 08:59 AM

Well givin that all cars now have 250 hp brand new.
But the cost isn't worth it. I mean look at the Subaru WRX 227hp take or give a few and its runnin 25,000 to 28,000 dollars. Now yes it handles like a dream. Now with my car only owning 2000 to go. If i use the budget that i would use to buy the WRX (drool) i can use for the grand am. Also think about it with a good v6 power plant that we have i mean come on with 22,000 bucks you can do alot. And with the stuff that they have just now for out cars we can already get bare minmum of 370hp.

Also just a thought since our 3100's are front heavy since i have my trunk stripped out and im taking of my front bumper for mod reasons i could wet the track by my house and try to drift a front wheel drive car. Its possible. :argue:

Jason Lesbirel

02-06-2003, 11:21 AM

Hmmmm, lemme see - I could keep my GA and the low, low insurance rates (do you really wanna know how much it'll cost to insure a WRX or Evo?), make it mine by modding it, or buy a new car and be like everybody else.

My car right now is worth probably 9500$ CDN, and a WRX would cost me about 30 - 35K$ CDN. Does anybody doubt that if I spent 25,000$ CDN on my engine and suspension that I couldn't get serious horsepower and handling to put one of those in it's place? :)

Oh, and I'd have one of the BADDEST ASS Grand Am's, too.

Antalive[DM]

02-06-2003, 07:36 PM

Don't get me wrong but 22,000 isn't only gonna get 370hp. i meant you can do alot more. just the parts for 370hp is 6,000 bucks or 7,000 is more like it.

Antalive[DM]

02-06-2003, 07:36 PM

U.S. money of course

GTManiac

02-06-2003, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Antalive[DM]
And with the stuff that they have just now for out cars we can already get bare minmum of 370hp.

JUST out of curiosity, what are the mods that would get you there?

92CamaroRS

02-06-2003, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by martopg
Haha I know what you mean... there'll be 15 year old kids trickin out their cars with the money from their paper routes lol. Well I haven't outgroen the modding phase though... call it an addiction, obsession, or whatever, it's so fun.

hey im a 15 year old modding my car with my money from my paper route. is there something wrong with that. not too many places hire people under 16 around here and if they do they are usually not worth the time. but hey in about a month that will change when i get a job where im gonna be making 6.50$ an hour which is good for around here. then in about another three months i get a job at the local telephone company installing broadband!!!!

Timmey9

02-06-2003, 10:12 PM

I can think of so many things i would love to do to my car. But it really will never be that fast. I only have a 4 banger, and i can't risk breaking it. What i want to do is buy a beater that has alot of potential and fix it all up. Right now i decided that i am going to make my GA as comfy as possible. I can't see myself spending $200 on a CAI and then a few hundred more on exaust. If i am going to do something to my car i am going to go all out. Since i am at college i can't afford it. After college....or maybe just till i find a summer job.

TA^Guy

02-06-2003, 11:22 PM

Originally posted by p8ntman442
TA^GUY, I thought you had the twin turbo gnx, wasnt that like the fastest prouction car?
No I own a '84 GN, and although it was one of the fastest production cars built in '84 it's not one of the 547 GNXs built in '87. I'd just like to also add that the GNX was also a single turbo 3.8 just like the GN. It only holds a handful of upgrades over a regular GN, but those small changes made a world of difference.
---

If everyone could afford to go out and purchase new cars we would.
If money is spent wisely you could build a outstanding ride based on your vehicle that is bought and paid for. Money that otherwise would be wasted on car payments and insurance costs.
But when modding alot of people don't understand it's alot more complex than just slapping a bunch of aftermarket parts together and looking to gain the advised "100hp" or whatever it maybe. This is when tuning becomes inmportant. Such as building a healthy small block V8. You have to know what cam profile works best with a single plane intake in combination with the heads/valves you are running. And even though your looking fo rthat ratty loppy cam profile you have to remember you still need decent vaccume pressure to operate thigns like your brakes. Air/fuel delivery is import to you because to little and your not getting the most of your combo, to much and your hurting your overall performance. I hate to say it but this is the difference between your typical car guy and a real gear head.

Toutsuu

02-07-2003, 12:30 AM

Man... I rembers we had one of those 87's, till my dad sold it because "it costs to much in maintenence". I swear that thing could be going 65 on the highway, and still peel out when you floored it.

AbsolutGA

02-07-2003, 12:45 AM

sorry i am late on this thread, but sure it is pointless to mod the current engines that your cars have in them to put up against other newer cars, but if you put some weight reduction and a different engine under the hood then you are talking a whole new ball game, that is what upgrades are all about!

GTManiac

02-07-2003, 12:46 AM

Originally posted by AbsolutGA
sorry i am late on this thread, but sure it is pointless to mod the current engines that your gas have in them to put up against other newer cars, but if you put some weight reduction and a different engine under the hood then you are talking a whole new ball game, that is what upgrades are all about!

exactly my point! Like say you take out your plain old stock 3.4 and replace it with a completely rebuilt tricked out 3.5. :cool:

AbsolutGA

02-07-2003, 12:49 AM

hey correct me if i am wrong, but doesnt a L1 corvette engine fit perfectly into the engine bay of a 99+ grand am

GTManiac

02-07-2003, 12:59 AM

LS1? if so NO... they've gotten one into a GA, but with a TON of rework.

AbsolutGA

02-07-2003, 01:02 AM

actually i have seen pictures on one of the posts here a while back and it fit perfectly.

GTManiac

02-07-2003, 01:04 AM

yeah that was AED's Racer Betty project. It was made REAR WHEEL DRIVE, fuel cell in trunk to replace gas tank, EVERYTHING had to come out of the engine bay, new mounts fabricated and then reinforced to the frame, THEN everything that could be left out of the engine bay was and the rest was CRAMMED back in. BY PROFESSIONAL mechanics.

Now if that's a perfect fit... I'd hate to see a tight one.

AbsolutGA

02-07-2003, 01:08 AM

well how you doin smart a$$. i was just proving a point on everyone saying it is pointless to upgrade, when there are many things that you can do to a ga. not so you could rant because your girl isnt puttin out for ya!

TA^Guy

02-07-2003, 01:31 AM

Originally posted by AbsolutGA
well how you doin smart a$$. i was just proving a point on everyone saying it is pointless to upgrade, when there are many things that you can do to a ga. not so you could rant because your girl isnt puttin out for ya!
This is your first warning, keep this civil. We don't stand for uncalled for childish remarks like that here.

On that note the motor wasn't a LS1 or LT1 (L1?) anything. It was a L98 TPI motor. And no, by any mean sswapping a transverse motor for a RWD setup is NOT a easy task. It takes alot of work, and alot of fabrication. But it can be done to ANY car, not just a GA.

martopg

02-07-2003, 02:06 AM

Originally posted by GAguy
hey im a 15 year old modding my car with my money from my paper route. is there something wrong with that. not too many places hire people under 16 around here and if they do they are usually not worth the time. but hey in about a month that will change when i get a job where im gonna be making 6.50$ an hour which is good for around here. then in about another three months i get a job at the local telephone company installing broadband!!!!

:funny: Oh wow, that's hilarious! Nah, there's nothing wrong with that, but thanks for proving my point!!! Well done! :P

GTManiac

02-07-2003, 03:11 AM

Originally posted by TA^Guy
This is your first warning, keep this civil. We don't stand for uncalled for childish remarks like that here.

On that note the motor wasn't a LS1 or LT1 (L1?) anything. It was a L98 TPI motor. And no, by any mean sswapping a transverse motor for a RWD setup is NOT a easy task. It takes alot of work, and alot of fabrication. But it can be done to ANY car, not just a GA.

Racer Betty had an LS1 out of a TA, if I am not mistaken. Not an L98. Perhaps yer saying one thing and I'm thinking another.

Toutsuu

02-07-2003, 10:00 AM

Well, I'll tell you guys why I modded my car. And it wasn't to compete with more expensive or newer cars with more stock HP. It was so that I could show off all the GT owners in my town. I still love the looks on their faces when their 3.4 gets beat down by my little 2.4. Not to mention the Mustang owners...

The other reason that I kinda mentioned earlier is because I wanted to show all the little ricers in town how it should be done. No misplaced aircraft wings and fake hood scoops, no fart pipe mufflers with stock pipes, and no crappy plastic cold air intakes make you fast.

Themeneea

02-07-2003, 10:34 AM

im curious Toutsuu, what did you do to your car?

sunrunner_pei

02-07-2003, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by Toutsuu
...No misplaced aircraft wings and fake hood scoops...

Sorry Toutsuu, I mean this only in a fun and friendly manner, but I had to laugh to myself when I read what you just posted. Fake hood scoops? Don't you have a non-functional SC/T hood on your car? Please don't get me wrong, I love the SC/T hood and I'm saving every penny for one, but I thought it was pretty funny seeing you post that. :)

SC/TGrandAm

02-07-2003, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by GTManiac
Racer Betty had an LS1 out of a TA, if I am not mistaken. Not an L98. Perhaps yer saying one thing and I'm thinking another.

NO its not an LS1 everybody thinks its an LS1 and its not. its just a motor out of a older camaro. If it was an LS1 it would have been a heck of alot cooler but no.

Pte Socks

02-09-2003, 08:32 PM

well i dont know about you guys but the reason im modding out my car is 1) it looks so much better with them 2) it smokes every single ricer out there by a mile 3) my stereo rocks and blasts everyone out and 4) because i am 18 and i dont know anything about cars and for me.. modding my car and gettin guys to help me is just damn fun and im learning new things. like hell, a year ago i knew nothing about cars or anything but i still loved them. now.. i know all about performance parts and im working on electrical stuff right now. i still dont have any real performance parts on my car but im looking to put stuff on.. hell i didnt even know how to install a new air filter till my dad showed me and i put a k&n one in. before i had no idea how to install a deck and now i do.. see modding a car is fun.. it wastes lots of money but i expected that.. i know that this is going to be my last car that i can mod out and put subs in and everything like that because when i get rid of this car i will have a family. but for the moment.. i can mod out my car.. make it sound and look so friggin nice and beat ever single ricer out there who messes with a 3.4L v6 engine.. thats why i mod its expensive but not so much as buying a new car.. and for me going to college.. thats perfectly ok with me

flydog16

02-09-2003, 09:06 PM

Unreloaded, I believe that you had said reply. I agree with you totally 100%. Right on man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Antalive[DM]

02-10-2003, 11:21 PM

Sorry for the long time no post but those mods are,rsm supercharger, upper intake manifold(ported), Lower intake manifold(ported), bored TB 62 mm , Stage three pistons, Magnaflow exhaust or Borla(which ever you al prefer).

Or with that much money you could get you own stuff forged by a place you trust. Like rods, cams , pistons, crank, valves, buy springs, and with stuff like that you could boost you car very well, put a decent amount of nitrous on you car, and still have money left over to make parts that would be able to handle that power. Like CB joints, get you transaxle rebuilt for power. There are so many possiblilities when the man you ask to do all of this sees that you have the money! :eek:

blitzen

01-21-2004, 10:09 PM

Originally posted by T3rry
he only speed mod u need is a manual transmission and a good clutch foot.

it does cut the 1/4 mile a lot.

a friend of mine has a '96 grand am se 2.4L auto
i have a '96 grand am se 2.4L manual

call it coincidence (really he just wrecked his taurus and drives his dad's GA but still it's kinda weird).

anyway, i smoke his ___ no problem. plus i've been in his car when he races and it climbs to the red line (6 grand) before shifting and i NEVER push my engine past 4400 rpm. i would much rather lose a race to even the biggest ____er on the planet than danger the life of my baby.

TA^Guy

01-21-2004, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by Peyman
sometimes i really think its pointless in modding my car for the speed, every new car that comes out has stock around the 250's hp, so whats the point of my spending money to have like a total of 180 hp or so, anyways does anyone else feel the same way?
^ *mental note*
This coming from someone who doesn't own any tools.
Originally posted by blitzen
it does cut the 1/4 mile a lot.

a friend of mine has a '96 grand am se 2.4L auto
i have a '96 grand am se 2.4L manual

call it coincidence (really he just wrecked his taurus and drives his dad's GA but still it's kinda weird).

anyway, i smoke his ___ no problem. plus i've been in his car when he races and it climbs to the red line (6 grand) before shifting and i NEVER push my engine past 4400 rpm. i would much rather lose a race to even the biggest ____er on the planet than danger the life of my baby.
On small motors that don't make decent torque a manual will benifit you in a race over a automatic because you can run it out and shift hard and keep it closer to your peek hp range.

But go to a drag strip and peek inside the cars there. No, not the Civics with the fart cans, real cars, bracket racers, etc and see how many are running manual transmissions.

GTManiac

01-21-2004, 10:23 PM

wow talk about your old thread revivals.

This one's been dead for a while now.

matts

01-21-2004, 11:17 PM

:lol: that's what i was thinking. this was a LITTLE before my time lol.

Artic

01-22-2004, 12:59 AM

I thought I was seeing things

56chev

01-25-2004, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by SC/TGrandAm
Well i only mod my car on appearance. Im all show no go and i like it that way. Its contrioversial behing all show no go but id much rather look good than go fast.

There is such a thing as looking good AND going fast, its not one or the other.

Originally posted by SC/TGrandAm
Lets see here when you start modding your car for speed you A) speed alot and that always = more speeding tickets- more money.
B) tinkering around with stuff that you dont know what you are doing always breaks something.- more money to fix all of your problems that you caused by adding stuff to the engine.
C) your gas mileage goes by the wayside. might as well be driving a carborated engine, shit its the same.

A. Dont speed where there are cops.
B. Not everyone was born with the knowlage, get out there and learn.
C. So? Its a small price to pay.:bandit:

Originally posted by SC/TGrandAm
That right there is why engine modding sucks.

I take it youve never riddin in a fast car, in 99% of people who mod cars, that one good reason out weighs everybad one. Think your missin something?

Not to flame or anything, and dont take offense, its just MO.

TA^Guy

01-25-2004, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by 56chev
Originally posted by SC/TGrandAm
Lets see here when you start modding your car for speed you A) speed alot and that always = more speeding tickets- more money.
B) tinkering around with stuff that you dont know what you are doing always breaks something.- more money to fix all of your problems that you caused by adding stuff to the engine.
C) your gas mileage goes by the wayside. might as well be driving a carborated engine, shit its the same.

A. Dont speed where there are cops.
B. Not everyone was born with the knowlage, get out there and learn.
C. So? Its a small price to pay.:bandit:

I feel the same way but have a different look at it.

A) I speed anyways. As a matter of fact IIRC I got more speeding tickets driving my Subaru Wagon than I did in my Grand National.

B) The same can be said about modding for looks. You can break a dash or fry your electrical system installing a radio just as easy. Know how many people have cracked their tail light lenses clearing them? It all depends on if you know what your doing or not.

C) Who says performance gives you worst fuel milage? Thats not 100% accurate. Items like less restrictive intakes and exhaust not only benifit hp but allow the vehicle to breath easier. Less work, better fuel ecconomy. The problem is people enjoy the added power so much they typically have their foot on the throttle more.

56chev

01-25-2004, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by TA^Guy
A. Dont speed where there are cops.
B. Not everyone was born with the knowlage, get out there and learn.
C. So? Its a small price to pay.:bandit:

I feel the same way but have a different look at it.

A) I speed anyways. As a matter of fact IIRC I got more speeding tickets driving my Subaru Wagon than I did in my Grand National.

B) The same can be said about modding for looks. You can break a dash or fry your electrical system installing a radio just as easy. Know how many people have cracked their tail light lenses clearing them? It all depends on if you know what your doing or not.

C) Who says performance gives you worst fuel milage? Thats not 100% accurate. Items like less restrictive intakes and exhaust not only benifit hp but allow the vehicle to breath easier. Less work, better fuel ecconomy. The problem is people enjoy the added power so much they typically have their foot on the throttle more. [/B][/QUOTE]

:bigok:

Gigante

01-25-2004, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by SC/TGrandAm
Well i only mod my car on appearance. Im all show no go and i like it that way. Its contrioversial behing all show no go but id much rather look good than go fast.

Lets see here when you start modding your car for speed you A) speed alot and that always = more speeding tickets- more money.
B) tinkering around with stuff that you dont know what you are doing always breaks something.- more money to fix all of your problems that you caused by adding stuff to the engine.
C) your gas mileage goes by the wayside. might as well be driving a carborated engine, shit its the same.

That right there is why engine modding sucks.

Least when you mod stuff to look good it cant cause something else to happen down the road, only way you loose by that is if you run into something. :D

That may be your opinion and i can respect that but i love that feeling when someone sees ur car and starts laughing and thinking "are u kidding me". then when u go they cant keep up and just feel like an a$$.

Street-racer

01-25-2004, 07:42 PM

92CamaroRS

01-25-2004, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by Street-racer
To tell you the truth right now after I got my ass kicked by a civic. I feel it is pointless. (aka I NEED A V8 and nothing less then 340hp one is acceptable)

so you can go do what with it? the first time you put it to the floor its gonna rip the wheels lose and your not gonna have the slightest clue as to what is going on and will most likely wreck it. alot of people who think they need alot of power are the ones that cant handle it.

TA^Guy

01-25-2004, 09:01 PM

Originally posted by 92CamaroRS
so you can go do what with it? the first time you put it to the floor its gonna rip the wheels lose and your not gonna have the slightest clue as to what is going on and will most likely wreck it. alot of people who think they need alot of power are the ones that cant handle it.
Now thats pretty harsh. How do you know he can't handle it?

Who's to say you can handle that 170hp V8 that your running around in?

Unless you know him personally it really isn't fair to pass judgement. Just because I don't own a V8 RWD does that mean I can't handle one? Not like I've never driven a 10 second Mustang. Or since my bike only has 100hp does that mean I can't handle a 180hp R1?

92CamaroRS

01-25-2004, 09:55 PM

Originally posted by TA^Guy
Now thats pretty harsh. How do you know he can't handle it?

Who's to say you can handle that 170hp V8 that your running around in?

Unless you know him personally it really isn't fair to pass judgement. Just because I don't own a V8 RWD does that mean I can't handle one? Not like I've never driven a 10 second Mustang. Or since my bike only has 100hp does that mean I can't handle a 180hp R1?

i can handle the 170 hp L03 just fine as its only got 10 more ponies than my GA had. i guess it was harsh and i am sorry but you are taking quite the step up there. from your 175 hp GA to a 340+ hp engine. it will deff scare ya if you havent DRIVEN on. doesnt matter if you have rode in one. riding in a car is nothing compared to driving.

CopMagnet5oh

01-25-2004, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by TA^Guy
^ *mental note*
This coming from someone who doesn't own any tools.

On small motors that don't make decent torque a manual will benifit you in a race over a automatic because you can run it out and shift hard and keep it closer to your peek hp range.

But go to a drag strip and peek inside the cars there. No, not the Civics with the fart cans, real cars, bracket racers, etc and see how many are running manual transmissions.

Very true bout that, standard tranny in a high horse power car is a waste, anybody with over 500-600 hp are running auto with stall conv and trans brake. i would say any car with properly build tranny for that specific car would be faster than manual, you will spend extra bucks on stall converter and beefing it up more but it'd be way faster.

CopMagnet5oh

01-25-2004, 11:34 PM

also, how come everybody is so against Civics ? it is a great car, cheap, reliable and looks good too. i have performance rebuild SI engine out of i think 94 with headers and intake for a winter beater, with stock muffler and stock everything else, and it smokes 2003 Celica and 2003 Golf GTI 1.8turbo easy. i bought the car for 400 bucks with no engine and my friend got me the engine for 800 more, so for 1200 bucks i got myself a nice car that would run i say maybe 15.0 - 15.5 seconds 1/4 time or so if not faster, and at the same time its only a 1.6l 4cyl car that can run on fumes if i forget to put gas in.

in my opinion it is much easier to make a civic fast than to make a ga fast, and having a car that most likely will run 12.8-13.2 1/4 mile times next year civics are still a competition for me, girl from toronto ran 12.8 in her integra last year, and its a modded GS-R model. so i wouldnt be embarassed like some of you get after losing to someone in a drag race, other thing would be if u have some kind of advantage over other racer and u still lose - thats F***ed up.

my .002

- Kons

Fink1320

01-25-2004, 11:39 PM

The bad thing about our cars, and well almost all domestic cars are that any upgrades or replacement parts cost much more then foreign parts. Which sucks for us. This is what discourages me, I could get a turbo or supercharger for my car for around $4,500 to $5,000. If I put that much on a little gay ass civic or any other foreign car, you could get much more power then 75 hp, which is what we get with a super or turbo.
Once I get out of high school, I plan to start with performance mods, but for now I am just going to work on handling and looks for my car as other people have also said...well once the weather gets better.

p.s. **** toyota for taking Fords spot as number 2 auto seller. They have been there for 70 years. They can get those damn cars outta our country, see how well they do in just theres which is what Ford has to do.

Themeneea

01-25-2004, 11:45 PM

if good to have power, even if its used just to pass on the hiway

matts

01-26-2004, 12:56 AM

the reason parts for GAs are more expensive is because more people are into modding civics and other well known sport compacts. which the same even holds true for domestic motors. look at parts for a small block chevy and then compare that same part to a small block ford/dodge. 95% of the time the ford/dodge parts are going to be more expensive. and sometimes not just $10 or $15, it can get up to $200-300 or more. a civic don't bother me if it beats me. in fact it kind of impresses me. and there's a couple around here that will hand a vette it's ass, and laugh while doing so. i just hate on the ones that THINK they're bad when all they've done is throw a wing, 5" exhaust tip, and a CAI on it. but more power to the people that have untapped power and they tap into it, whatever they may drive

kubiache

01-26-2004, 05:47 AM

The only thing that I hate is how this thread got brought back up, and how another just like it will probably be started within the next few months.

Bottom line: What's the point of modding these cars? I like it. If you don't, then save your damn money, you're not hurting anyone's feelings.

99GrandAMSE

01-26-2004, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by kubiache
... Bottom line: What's the point of modding these cars? I like it. If you don't, then save your damn money, you're not hurting anyone's feelings.

:thumbup2:

SCGA1

01-26-2004, 10:08 PM

I modded my car for performance, after seeing pictures of the original SC/T concept car. I wanted a car as mechanically close to the SC/T concept, as possible. I achieved my goal and have no regrets. There were a few bumps in the road, but it was worth the time,effort and money. It is all about personalizing a car, to reflect you as a person. Some people do appearance mods, some do performance, while others do a combination of both. There is no right or wrong way. Modding for performance(speed) is not pointless, it is about creating something unique.:cool:

TA^Guy

01-26-2004, 10:53 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
I modded my car for performance, after seeing pictures of the original SC/T concept car. I wanted a car as mechanically close to the SC/T concept, as possible. I achieved my goal and have no regrets. There were a few bumps in the road, but it was worth the time,effort and money. It is all about personalizing a car, to reflect you as a person. Some people do appearance mods, some do performance, while others do a combination of both. There is no right or wrong way. Modding for performance(speed) is not pointless, it is about creating something unique.:cool:
And I might add that all these people bashing 'modding for speed' have never had their car featured in a magazine. :)

BTW, I never did get your autograph on that issue of High Performance Pontiac! :D

SCGA1

01-26-2004, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by TA^Guy
And I might add that all these people bashing 'modding for speed' have never had their car featured in a magazine. :)

BTW, I never did get your autograph on that issue of High Performance Pontiac! :D ;) :D Thanks, Bro. I'll get you that autograph at the meet.:D

RamAirGAGT

01-26-2004, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
I modded my car for performance, after seeing pictures of the original SC/T concept car. I wanted a car as mechanically close to the SC/T concept, as possible. I achieved my goal and have no regrets. There were a few bumps in the road, but it was worth the time,effort and money. It is all about personalizing a car, to reflect you as a person. Some people do appearance mods, some do performance, while others do a combination of both. There is no right or wrong way. Modding for performance(speed) is not pointless, it is about creating something unique.:cool:

All you need now is to make it convertible! Which would be awesome

matts

01-27-2004, 12:25 AM

i wish i had a vehicle worthy enough of putting in a magazine........maybe one day. but from the avatar it's a nice looking GA, but that's evident since it was featured in a mag lol. what issue was it? i'll see if i can find one

Street-racer

01-27-2004, 01:39 AM

SCGA1

01-27-2004, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by matts
i wish i had a vehicle worthy enough of putting in a magazine........maybe one day. but from the avatar it's a nice looking GA, but that's evident since it was featured in a mag lol. what issue was it? i'll see if i can find one It was the October,2003 edition of High Performance Pontiac magazine. The car was not running at it's full potential for that meet and at the GAOC meet. After the GAOC meet, I found a list of problems in my research of the vehicle's loss of power. A car that can run mid 14's, should not be running low to mid 15's. All the problems were resolved and the car is running at peak performance.

Street-racer

01-27-2004, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
It was the October,2003 edition of High Performance Pontiac magazine. The car was not running at it's full potential for that meet and at the GAOC meet. After the GAOC meet, I found a list of problems in my research of the vehicle's loss of power. A car that can run mid 14's, should not be running low to mid 15's. All the problems were resolved and the car is running at peak performance.

what was the problem. I kind of want to know because mine has similar issues.

99GrandAMSE

01-27-2004, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
It was the October,2003 edition of High Performance Pontiac magazine. The car was not running at it's full potential for that meet and at the GAOC meet. After the GAOC meet, I found a list of problems in my research of the vehicle's loss of power. A car that can run mid 14's, should not be running low to mid 15's. All the problems were resolved and the car is running at peak performance.

... I knew you'd find the problems Keith and I seen how disappointed you were at the meet in New York ... hope to see you again this year and maybe you can take me for a cruise in the 'beast' :)

Antalive[DM]

01-28-2004, 10:07 AM

Unique is the Key :agree:

SCGA1

01-28-2004, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by 99grandamse
... I knew you'd find the problems Keith and I seen how disappointed you were at the meet in New York ... hope to see you again this year and maybe you can take me for a cruise in the 'beast' :) Yes, I was really bummed out. A cruise in the 'Beast' , you will get. Here are a few of the problems: a ruptured EGR tube under the SC(lost 4 psi of boost,due to that), bad TPS, broken TPS wires, a leaking EGR gasket,etc. There were a few other minor items also, but you see what I mean. ;)

30thAnnGAGT

01-28-2004, 02:47 PM

I will say, it was a sad day when I was running the same times as Keith :( Hopefully we'll be close again this year my friend "under boost!!" :D

grandizzle

01-28-2004, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
Yes, I was really bummed out. A cruise in the 'Beast' , you will get. Here are a few of the problems: a ruptured EGR tube under the SC(lost 4 psi of boost,due to that), bad TPS, broken TPS wires, a leaking EGR gasket,etc. There were a few other minor items also, but you see what I mean. ;)

if your best time is a 14.92 (on CD) then i seriously doubt your pushing anywhere near 260hp.....

unless that was your best run, with all ^ messed up.

30thAnnGAGT

01-28-2004, 03:41 PM

The 260 I believe he is speaking of...is of course would be crank horsepower wheel horsepower would be about 208. Which would put him right about at that time :D

SCGA1

01-28-2004, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by grandizzle
if your best time is a 14.92 (on CD) then i seriously doubt your pushing anywhere near 260hp.....

unless that was your best run, with all ^ messed up. Apparently, you don't what you are talking about. I know there will always be doubters, that's just human nature. Now the facts. Motor Trend tested the SC/T concept and turned a 14.9 @ 91.2 mph. The car was rated 262 hp / 289 ft-lb torque. This was in the February,2000 edition of Motor Trend. My best time was 14.828 @ 93.3 mph with wheelspin. You do the math. This run was done before the problems arised.;)

Old Guy

01-28-2004, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by grandizzle
if your best time is a 14.92 (on CD) then i seriously doubt your pushing anywhere near 260hp.....

unless that was your best run, with all ^ messed up.

Keith is not the guy that you want to be doubting. I would just sit back and listen to what he has to say and leave it at that.

Hope to meet you in Albany, Keith. Maybe I can get a ride in the Beast. :)

grandizzle

01-28-2004, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by Old Guy
Kieth is not the guy that you want to be doubting. I would just sit back and listen to what he has to say and leave it at that.

Hope to meet you in Albany, Kieth. Maybe I can get a ride in the Beast. :)

I dunno, i doubt a lot of people.....cause more often than not, its not backed up.....

how much boost are you running on the eaton? what other mods? etc?

Just curious...id like tohear more info on them since they werent around very long.....

I know amraams car wasnt tuned for shit tho lol

99GrandAMSE

01-28-2004, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
Yes, I was really bummed out. A cruise in the 'Beast' , you will get. Here are a few of the problems: a ruptured EGR tube under the SC(lost 4 psi of boost,due to that), bad TPS, broken TPS wires, a leaking EGR gasket,etc. There were a few other minor items also, but you see what I mean. ;)

Glad you got them worked out Keith ... does this mean you'll be smiling this time at the track? :lol: :kidding: ... I was just happy to see your car as I had, for the most part, watched you build it across the various sites :)

SCGA1

01-28-2004, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by grandizzle
I dunno, i doubt a lot of people.....cause more often than not, its not backed up.....

how much boost are you running on the eaton? what other mods? etc?

Just curious...id like tohear more info on them since they werent around very long.....

I know amraams car wasnt tuned for shit tho lol I can't vouch for Amraam's former car, because I don't know much about it's tuning. Currently, I have a smaller SC pulley(2.5"/ the stock pulley was 2.8") and I'm seeing 10-10.5 psi of max boost. I have a Borla cat-back exhaust, a 60 mm TB and an open cone air filter, which are the main mods. Only 10-14 Eaton/Magnuson SC kits were produced. Believe me, I can back up my claims.;)

SCGA1

01-28-2004, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by Old Guy
Keith is not the guy that you want to be doubting. I would just sit back and listen to what he has to say and leave it at that.

Hope to meet you in Albany, Keith. Maybe I can get a ride in the Beast. :) Thanks and we will meet in Albany(the ride will be yours).:cool:

92CamaroRS

01-28-2004, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by SCGA1
Thanks and we will meet in Albany(the ride will be yours).:cool:

damnit i am about ready to beat myself up for not being able to go. i want a ride tooo. :( wouldnt happen to want to come to iowa would ya? lol

TA^Guy

01-28-2004, 10:00 PM

Keith I was very shocked at you runs at LVD but I'm also very glad you found out what was wrong. We had a very bad day there also. I installed the CAI right there at the track and added a half a second in the quarter mile with a best run of 16.1. At the park the next day Mike used AutoTap (IIRC) and turns out I was misfiring on cylinder two, along with a (P0300) General Engine Misfire , and the one that baffles me was (U 1040) Loss of EBTCM Serial Data. I haven't got it worked out yet, the plug looked fine but I'm going to try another spark plug wire and plug and maybe a new coil pack. Anyone have any idea about the U1040 code?

Hope to see everyone run better times this year. :)

SCGA1

01-28-2004, 11:11 PM

Originally posted by TA^Guy
Keith I was very shocked at you runs at LVD but I'm also very glad you found out was was wrong. We had a very bad day there also. I installed the CAI right there at the track and dropped a half a second in the quarter mile with a best run of 16.1. At the park the next day Mike used AutoTap (IIRC) and turns out I was misfiring on cylinder two, along with a (P0300) General Engine Misfire , and the one that baffles me was (U 1040) Loss of EBTCM Serial Data. I haven't got it worked out yet, the plug looked fine but I'm going to try another spark plug wire and plug and maybe a new coil pack. Anyone have any idea about the U1040 code?

Hope to see everyone run better times this year. :) PM Spoon and/or Iceman on the other site.

digital-d

01-29-2004, 09:00 PM

Sorry for being late with my reply.
Cars are getting heavier these days because of the extra safety crap so you really have to look at 0-60 and 1/4mi times and not so much at the hp ratings. I like doing performance stuff to my slow car cause it's fun and I do it for personal enjoyment....not for winning races. I would like to get a Grand Prix GTP coupe one day.