New to the forums first question?

[Tsmith]

Looking to get a 2g AWD TSI and definetly looking to make it a monster car. Issue is that I dont know much about DSM's right now. Been reading forums everyday and getting a lot of good answers to some of my questions. Just wondering if in your guys opinion I should start with something basically stock and go through the addons and upgrades all myself, or if I should by something already modified that is close to what I want. I have a 15k budget for my play car and I think that will get me alot of fun with a talon awd. Planned on doing a 6 bolt long block stage 2 from SIM and then going from there. The issue I have is I dont want someone elses problem car (yes I know I am buying a dsm *wink). Also if the car has issues wont I learn more by having to figure out what it is and fixing it or having it fixed? I have a 6 year background in brakes and suspension but when it comes to motors I know the bare basics. Thanks for looking and any input is valuable.

 

[DarkOne57]

I would strive to buy a bone stock or as close to stock as possible. Buy a modified vehicle at your own risk. Regardless of stock or modded, look it over good before making the purchase. Welcome to the forums by the way.

 

[pauleyman]

Planned on doing a 6 bolt long block stage 2 from SIM and then going from there.

Opinions are like...well you know. Everybody has one. I think this is your first mistake. Not that the motor is a bad idea. You're planning mods on a car you don't even own yet. If you want to familiarize yourself with DSMs then please do so. Personally I'd start here.
1000 Already Answered Questions - Index page
Read until your eyes hurt and then read some more.
I've written some info on project planning but I think it mostly falls on deaf ears. But like anything else....this is my opinion.

 

[josh408]

Buy a bone stock one then build a separate motor that way you have a good stock running car an you won't mess up your car by putting on mods 1 by one without a tune.

 

[hereitcomes]

Maintenance is key. Make sure ALL of the required fluids and belts are changed and kept up on. This is the most important part of any DSM. If something is wrong, FIX IT right away.

Search around on this site for any relevant information regarding any aspect of your build. Whatever you want to do, or plan on doing in the future has already been done by multiple members of this website.

check out VFAQ Site - Visual Frequently Answered Questions for the basic DSM info.

Good luck!

 

[DarkOne57]

Buy a bone stock one then build a separate motor that way you have a good stock running car an you won't mess up your car by putting on mods 1 by one without a tune.

You know your a DSMer when you...

Suggest a spare motor be on hand.

 

[Jazz]

I say find one as close to stock as possible

 

[mitch rich]

I would just buy as close as possible because you don't want to have to deal with someone else's mess. That way you can do it the way you want,make it yours. Also learn a lot down the way. You will feel Alot more accomplished.

 

[Tsmith]

I like the idea of building a second motor except for the fact that I dont have a garage or storage area to work on the thing. I live in an apartment currently. I am getting ready to go to Afghanistan though so I have time on my side. If I don't find the perfect vehicle right now I will have 9 months of research and car shopping via internet to get everything just the way I want it. Thanks for all of the replies.