|
95% of my car is Nissan stuff as far as the conversion is concerned. And that 5% of variation is negligible differences over stock, mainly for looks. I started my TT conversion without time as a deciding constraint. I never really thought of it in the time element, it was fun and it is just a hobby. I think from the date I bought the turbos (the first thing I started with for my conversion) to the actual install date was somewhere around 1.5 years. :) But, my car was running during the whole process and the car was down for 3 days for the swap. It started up on the first turn and to date, it runs 12 second 1/4mi's @ 110MPH and I'm convinced it will hit 11's with only minor tuning and proper fuel. I'm not sure if there is any better way to do a conversion. Take the time, figure it all out, do it right the first time and enjoy your time building it as well as driving it afterward. I have a lot of personal satisfaction in doing the conversion and the knowledge gained from doing it myself is priceless. I dont think you were 'hacking' at me per se, and I've tried to keep this post as smooth (non-gritty) as possible because I dont think you mean bad by it... I just wanted to get my $.02 in on the whole conversion thing. I think the way I did it is about the best way one could go about doing it. :) TTYL : I'm really tired of people saying this and not realizing just how dumb that is in my case. There's obvious stuff and there's not so obvious stuff but rest assured there are a TON of reasons. This can sit in the archives so I can link to it and not have to post it again! : #1 - This is the biggest and most important reason. There's only one person I'd ever trust to do this and he is too backed up and would rather not do that kind of work : #2 - Since this would be a weekend only car for road-racing and the occasional drag event, I WANT A 5-SPEED. Converting the Auto --> 5-speed is possible but not worth it for overall cost : #3 - I'm not ready for a project/TT car right now. I don't have a house and financially I'm not stable enough right now. Whereas some people will just spend every dime on their car and eat ramen, I'm not like that. I'm not far off from a house at all really, but my job is up in the air right now as our company isn't sure if they want to keep doing the IT section of business (they do mostly copiers). I'm only 24, I have LOTS of time to get stable, have more money in the bank and do a project car. : #4 - The cost. This goes somewhat back up to #3, but this is more detailed. If I was to do a swap, I'd do a TON of the modifications at that point and time...like spending money to save money in the longrun. The cost of a good swap, with new parts and a GOOD mechanic that will get it right the first time is aorund $8K. I have no desire to go Ash style (and I don't have the free time for it) and I also can't just get a front clip and do it myself...especially with no house. And no, I'm not renting a sotrage space lol. Then add the mods to it, the 5-speed conversion I'd have to do, etc and you're looking at $15K-20K! : #5 - Seriously, I want a new car. I love my 2+2 to death, but the car has a ton of miles on the chassis and is showing wear in places not visible to the average person. Sure, ALL cars exhibit wear and tear, but I have panels that don't fit as well as I want...undercarriage pieces that need replacing, etc. I also wouldn't mind trying a new color. White is great to look clean and is perfect for a daily driver, but I'd love a blue one or a black one.
:
: As much as I've done to my 2+2, almost all of it can be "undone" in a weekend. I don't have cams, upgraded turbos or anything major inside done to it. The body kit came ON the car when I got it and the interior can stay in place as I'd redo it on any car I got anyway. I really do want to drive this car into the ground...until it can't run any longer. If this means keeping it right up until I do buy a TT car of some sort in the future, so be it. Right now, I can't fathom spending another $3K on this car to keep it running. But at the same time the god damn thing is brand new! Tranny is new, injectors are new, all seals/gaskets/hoses/cooling system/interior/tires are all new. Is this going to translate into ANY money in selling it? Not really. But for another $3k I can probably keep this car another 3 years (well into my next car's life and a house I hope). : Maybe my goals are too high...having a decked out daily driver when I don't even have my goal car yet. But you know what, I've been spoiled by the Z car. I want to drive one even if it's an NA. I love the people I've met in the clubs, the events and the good times I've had. And there's the sub-community of TT.net members (not part of the banter you see daily) that most of you don't know about that I enjoy very much. I have other friends and other hobbies in my life...but if I sold the Z and went to some Acura, I'm sure I'd miss more than just the car. : Fin.
My CarPuter Headquarters
[ ashleypowers.com ]
[ agpowers@bellsouth.net ] |
