New to the forum, just getting into cars

[mans1ay3r]

I've never really been into cars until I began looking for a new one a couple months ago. Then last month I saw a 97 GSX for sale with only 66k miles on it for $8k. Checked it out and.. it was in GREAT condition! So now I'm the owner. But afraid to say, I'm somewhat of a car newb. Obviously this car is going to be my daily ride, but I want to keep it in great condition and make some modifications. Now, not everyone can be a mechanic! So where does everyone learn so much? I'd really like to take care of the car esp. since I live in Massachusetts.. crappy streets, so car care is essential. Of course much learning is done through experience.. and I dont want to go to a shop every time I want to make modifications.

So to sum it up, I'm asking how did you get into cars and where have you learned the most? Hope to speak with you all a lot more and learn as much as I can.

 

[AVC-R]

all you have to do is get on here and just read, ask questions(search the forums first before askin on here), and talk to other people. Then try some small stuff like maybe changine the timing belt and tensioners, and the waterpump if it hasn't already had it's 60k mile tune up. Oh and you will DEFFINETLY want to get a service manual. Follow it like it's a bible

 

[JBDdsmer610]

You can also start from here for modding

Free mods------->http://dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gtstage0power

Stage 1: 275-300hp------->http://dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gtstage1power

Stage 2: 350-400hp------->http://dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gtstage2power


Good luck with the new car you will learn alot here

 

[SkinnyBAM]

I've never really been into cars until I began looking for a new one a couple months ago. Then last month I saw a 97 GSX for sale with only 66k miles on it for $8k. Checked it out and.. it was in GREAT condition! So now I'm the owner. But afraid to say, I'm somewhat of a car newb. Obviously this car is going to be my daily ride, but I want to keep it in great condition and make some modifications. Now, not everyone can be a mechanic! So where does everyone learn so much? I'd really like to take care of the car esp. since I live in Massachusetts.. crappy streets, so car care is essential. Of course much learning is done through experience.. and I dont want to go to a shop every time I want to make modifications.

So to sum it up, I'm asking how did you get into cars and where have you learned the most? Hope to speak with you all a lot more and learn as much as I can.

Well to start you'll want to learn the basics on how an internal combustion engine works.
This site has a very good diagram and explanation that you should probably check out before you do anything else. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm
next you should start to get familiar with the 4g63 (dsm engine)
this site :http://members.shaw.ca/dsm.1000q/Engineprimer/2G/visual-index.htm
has a visual index where you can click on parts and it will bring you a bigger picture and explanation of what they do.
Once youve got all that down you can start researching this site. Make sure you read the faq http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=44
and SEARCH the forums before asking questions as most of your questions have been answered numerous times

Hope this helps and good luck with the gsx

 

[mans1ay3r]

I've been reading so much on this forum, used the search a whole lot. I'll read the articles about the engine because thats where I really get lost.

 

[DSMcrazy3]

Then try some small stuff like maybe changine the timing belt and tensioners, and the waterpump if it hasn't already had it's 60k mile tune up.

Good advice on reading up etc.. but by no means are these things "small" tasks.. Timing keeps the motor together. One false move and you're screwed.

Some simple things to begin with would be to check your air filter and make sure it's clean, change the oil, check your fuel filter and cooling system. Each of those things are fairly simple and contribute a large part as to how efficient the car runs.

First things first though, if you want to start working on your own car, buy a Chilton or Haynes manual.

 

[MrBoxx]

Another good resource for information pertaining to DSM's is http://www.vfaq.com. I highly recommend reading the "1000 Already Answered FAQ's" pages, as there is a wealth of knowledge that will get you up to speed. It's filled with simple questions any new owner will have, i.e. "What turbo do I have; what does FPR mean; why does _____ happen," etc.

Also useful are the FAQ's here on this site, as well as the technical articles/install FAQs that members have written based on their experiences.

Welcome to the world of DSM's.

 

[SinaiTSi]

Wow, what a car to start with. That's awesome that you picked up that GSX though. Like DSMcrazy3 mentioned, start with the real small stuff, air filter, oil change, spark plugs etc. These things are fairly simple yet you can get a real hands on experience with the car. Even if you had a great knowledge of cars, you should do these things once you buy a new car anyways. For all you know the oil has never been changed period, most likely it has but you never know how it was treated in the past. So try these things out: new air filter, new oil filter and oil change and new spark plugs. Take your time, read manuals, ask questions. Do it right, do it once.

 

[diablos991]

My first car was a DSM as well. The way that I started learning was the Haynes manual, friends, and my Dad. I am too cheap to spend money at a shop getting things done, and so I invested in a good quality set of tools. The best advise that I can give is to study the manuals and take your time when repairing it. Stay concentrated on the task at hand so that you don't overlook something, and most of all. Have fun with it.

 

[mans1ay3r]

Its a great car to start off with! Just wish I found it a little earlier because I'm going to New York AND Alberta, Canada next month so thats going to hurt my wallet. So I'm trying to do little, inexpensive touchups now and do some reading. I heard of the Haynes Manual from several people, is this a general repair manual for all cars? Or can I find it specifically for a 2g ? I actually ordered a Eclipse Service Repair CD a few days ago and it should be coming in any day now.. but I'd like a hard copy to read as well and the Haynes manual seems to be the choice of many. One more question, if the manual is car specific, does that mean I'd have a better chance ordering it online or would I be able to find it at a car store like AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts?

 

[diablos991]

It is car specific. I would check your local Autozone or Checker for it. Its cheap and nice to have.

 

[mans1ay3r]

Thats great! I'll have to drop by tomorrow to get my hands on a copy. I've been doing a lot of reading and feel so enlightened. But at the same time, I'll read something and have to lookup what different parts do, which leads me to reading an entirely different article when I havent even finished the initial one. WTF.. trying to learn so much too fast.

I came across these "How-to" videos at the Advanced Auto Parts site. I'm not sure if they are great but they sure are helpful for someone like me to see when I'm not in front of my own car. Are there any other sites that have videos of repairs too? Really helps to see some of these actually being done.

 

[pilot]

I've always been into cars, probably more when I was younger. As far as working on them, this site is as good as any. As far as driving, join the Sports Car Club of America. I used to autocross a C Street prepared SVO mustang and later a modified Rabbit. A GSX should make a decent auto crosser.

 

[girlieracr4g63]

First off get yourself familiar with the car, and where everything is located. Even take time to learn the proper names for such parts.

For example...

The block
The head
The transmission
The transfer case
The turbo
The exhaust manifold
The intake manifold
The alternator
The water pump
The radiator

These are some of the basics, and will revolve around alot of the things that you will be doing. (everything else branches from these parts)

Just a few things to remember...

After a car has been running.

All fluids WILL be hot!!!! Do not attempt to change hot fluids. Do not attempt to remove radiator cap while the engine is hot. You WILL get burnt.

Spark plugs will be hot!

Do not work on the alternator or electrial parts while the battery is fully connected. You may find it shocking if you do..heh

After you have learned all that and made yourself familiar. Go out and give that sucker a good ol' oil change, and some fresh plugs check all belts for wear, and change if need be.(I dont recommend changing the timing belt yet though) Find out how to do a turbo check for shaft play,and perform a boost leak test.

***Make sure you have all the tools needed before starting anything.

Eventually you will find it easier and easier. Good luck and congrats!!





Wendy