small build first or just go for the big build?

[Alex Bland]

Hello first all I have some info about working on cars been doing side work starting with my step dad when I was about 12, mostly on scouts, pulling motors, trannys and what not. i have taken apart some motors. So I was wondering if I should just go for a small build first like e316g, injectors, dsmlink. Or if I should just go for my build that I plan with all forged internals, pte 6262 etc. IM friends with a mechanic and he told me he would look over the motor once I have it all set up make sure he thinks it looks all good. I have faith in myself. I bought a 6bolt from the junk yard and im still trying to decide thanks!

 

[Alex7747]

Why not go forged internals now and get that e316g and max out that setup. then got a huge turbo and max that out? If youve never built a high horse power car before, i wouldn't start off on a huge turbo just yet. take baby steps to your goals. well thats what I'm doing anyways.

but if you know what you are doing. go big!

 

[turbodude]

The most valuable tidbit of info i can give you would be to plan your build by envisioning your ultimate end goal. Over the course of your build you don't want to have to buy 3 different turbos, or upgrade to bigger injectors when you just bought a new set a few months ago. wait until the timing is right in your build to get the parts that will satisfy your ultimate end goal for the car. It may not be "as" fun because you have to hold back your urges, but it will save you money to reinvest in your project and get you to your end goal quicker! Of course like a diet you can spoil yourself along the way with a part that you know will not support your end goal and will have to be replaced. But hey, if your don't have fun with your build then there is no point.

 

[Alex Bland]

The most valuable tidbit of info i can give you would be to plan your build by envisioning your ultimate end goal. Over the course of your build you don't want to have to buy 3 different turbos, or upgrade to bigger injectors when you just bought a new set a few months ago. wait until the timing is right in your build to get the parts that will satisfy your ultimate end goal for the car. It may not be "as" fun because you have to hold back your urges, but it will save you money to reinvest in your project and get you to your end goal quicker! Of course like a diet you can spoil yourself along the way with a part that you know will not support your end goal and will have to be replaced. But hey, if your don't have fun with your build then there is no point.

thats what i was thinking, i dont want to but a turbo and injectors just to upgrade them later. just was trying to get advice. thanks!

 

[airmail96]

Honestly I agree with turbodude, you don't have to do everything at once, but I think it would def. be beneficial to keep your end goals in site for whenever you buy things. I would honestly do all your supporting stuff like FMIC, Injectors, Tunning Stuff, and bolt ons that way you can get use to the car and its new power, then once you can't go any further that's when I would pull the engine and go forged so that you can get the max from the setup.

 

[concept4g63]

You got your answers right there dude, this is a good way to start, it even helps you learn a lot so when you go for the big build you have more knowledge, good luck man

 

[Nasty Dream]

The most valuable tidbit of info i can give you would be to plan your build by envisioning your ultimate end goal. Over the course of your build you don't want to have to buy 3 different turbos, or upgrade to bigger injectors when you just bought a new set a few months ago. wait until the timing is right in your build to get the parts that will satisfy your ultimate end goal for the car. It may not be "as" fun because you have to hold back your urges, but it will save you money to reinvest in your project and get you to your end goal quicker! Of course like a diet you can spoil yourself along the way with a part that you know will not support your end goal and will have to be replaced. But hey, if your don't have fun with your build then there is no point.

This is the way I roll. This is the way to do it. Yeah, it's not as fun having a big brake kit and nice suspension on a slow car, but those brakes, suspension etc, will be there when you finally upgrade the turbo... and might keep you from crashing your car.

And also, replace parts with upgraded ones once they fail. I've still got the original turbo in my car because the damn thing won't die. :-/

But when the brakes act up, upgrade them. When the clutch gives up, upgrade it, and so on and so forth. If you just replace things for the sake of an upgrade, the money might not be there for when something fails and you HAVE to replace it. Then you might be stuck with getting the cheaper replacement... STOCK And you'll have gotten nowhere.

But that's my budget talking. YMMV

Of course, I broke my rules a few times.

But yeah. IMO, go big. Get the best part that won't need to be upgraded again.

 

[BrokenTsi]

I've seen too many times that people who go straight to "big builds" have more issues than people who modify in "stages". Its very easy to get ahead of yourself and end up putting parts together that will need to be removed to figure out why it didn't work.

My advise...modify your car within your abilities.

 

[Tfitch90]

I dont know if what i did would count as going big, but I just went to fully building the shit. How ever i dont plan to boost to much until march maybe.

 

[Nasty Dream]

The only thing I personally will not go all out on is the turbo and downpipe, etc. Because you can get boost creep with the DP, for example.

I don't plan to go with a 3" DP and a huge turbo in the end anyway (I'm getting the evo III 16g and calling it a day), so it works out for me. But it can't hurt to have bigger injectors, for example, because you will want to adjust them anyway.

I'm just a noob so I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but I don't see a whole lot of bolt-ons that you can go too big on.

Maybe one day I will get an AWD and want more, but for my first DSM, I'm going for something for the street. You get to a certain point and it starts getting really expensive to add more power. Not only that but I've got limited traction with a FWD and I have to try to keep this thing quiet as well. Virginia is very strict.

 

[92AWDHX40]

The first thing would be get your tuning devices then you can tune on a build engine, or non. Better Safe than sorry.

 

[arrowhead]

Hello first all I have some info about working on cars been doing side work starting with my step dad when I was about 12, mostly on scouts, pulling motors, trannys and what not. i have taken apart some motors. So I was wondering if I should just go for a small build first like e316g, injectors, dsmlink. Or if I should just go for my build that I plan with all forged internals, pte 6262 etc. IM friends with a mechanic and he told me he would look over the motor once I have it all set up make sure he thinks it looks all good. I have faith in myself. I bought a 6bolt from the junk yard and im still trying to decide thanks!

DO NOT GO BIG, go slow and within your ability and budget which from what you stated are very limited, do not dream and be realistic or you will end up like many which eventually abandon their project. You are not a fabricator car builder, even if you may have to replace some parts later if you decide to go BIGGER, the car you have now is more than enough for you at this time, take care of the small things first get running the best you and your stepdad can, you will have plenty to do and learn while doing it.

I think this is the reason there are so many dsm all over the country that are not worth anything, projects that were started and then reality hit.
Go slow start small unless you have loads of money and I mean a lot.

Dont be influence by so and so that this this and that, read as much as you can and you will realize how little you really know.
This may sound like a sermon to many but also many will know that this is what they should have done but dont want to admitted.

Take it for what is worth to you and no one else.

arrowhead

 

[Tfitch90]

Aww man your in woodbridge to. I hope to see you at import vs domestics. (Nov.)

 

[turbodude]

DO NOT GO BIG, go slow and within your ability and budget which from what you stated are very limited, do not dream and be realistic or you will end up like many which eventually abandon their project. You are not a fabricator car builder, even if you may have to replace some parts later if you decide to go BIGGER, the car you have now is more than enough for you at this time, take care of the small things first get running the best you and your stepdad can, you will have plenty to do and learn while doing it.

I think this is the reason there are so many dsm all over the country that are not worth anything, projects that were started and then reality hit.
Go slow start small unless you have loads of money and I mean a lot.

Dont be influence by so and so that this this and that, read as much as you can and you will realize how little you really know.
This may sound like a sermon to many but also many will know that this is what they should have done but dont want to admitted.

Take it for what is worth to you and no one else.

arrowhead

Dang, your telling him not to dream? If i took that advice in the beginning i never would have owned 1/4 of the cars i've had the pleasure of owning let alone my own business that i run, my beautiful wife and all the other many blessings in my life. I am not a religious man, but i am spiritual and i believe one of life's greatest gifts is the ability to dream. I think one can easily dream big while at the same time facing their current situation with realism and discipline to get them to where they want to eventually be. That's just IMHO.

 

[Reefman]

I've seen too many times that people who go straight to "big builds" have more issues than people who modify in "stages". Its very easy to get ahead of yourself and end up putting parts together that will need to be removed to figure out why it didn't work.

My advise...modify your car within your abilities.

This is about the best advice anyone can give! I was one of those that got ahead of myself trying to build a 10sec car when I should've tried to upgrade in stages. Fast forward 10 years later I still have the car and still love it, but it is now a daily driver with mild bolt-on power. I would rather drive my car more often on the street than have to wait some time to drive it on the track for a few seconds. It's not a bad thing to have dreams, but ask yourself if you are a hardcore enthusiast, the average joe with a clean fun ride, or somewhere in between.

 

[91stocker]

I have to agree with the people saying just take your time. Get your tuning and fuel first. Stock block will hold plenty of power and your mod list says fresh rebuild. Once your tuning and fuel are set then your ready for later upgrades.

Max out the 14b before thinking about engine builds and 600hp turbos. 14b is good for 300hp. Then e316g and cams and pick up 80-100hp. There is a couple grand in supporting mods required for the larger set ups, not to mention 2-3k for a trans to hold that kind of power. Just slowly pick parts up as you go, or you'll be the next guy on the "part out" list.

Its alot easier to learn on a stockish set up. You have a little more lee way with your tune. Plus parts are cheaper if you do break. Id hate to learn the hard way on a 5k bottom end.

 

[bertrenolds]

Like everyone else is saying it's hard to throw a 300-500hp car together in a year. Most people on here have had thier cars for years and have been adding little by little. If you have the block and all the parts do an engine rebuild but other then that for right now I would suggest you stay with the 14b and smic until you have the $ to buy a FMIC,AFPR,DMSlink,Injectors,WB, and honestly try to find a 3inch exhaust, I pieced my 3'' exhaust together for around $200 and I am guessing if your looking in the right places and look long enough you will to. One thing I personally think alot of people overlook is your suspension, ball joints, tie rods, bushings, half-shafts, ect. Before you start adding power it would be wise to make sure your car will stay on the road if your driving aggressively. You don't wan't a ball joint or tie rod letting lose when your cornering at 70mph. And when you break something don't get pissed because it seems like these cars are cursed and something is always breaking, that's just part of owning a DSM.

 

[arrowhead]

Dang, your telling him not to dream? If i took that advice in the beginning i never would have owned 1/4 of the cars i've had the pleasure of owning let alone my own business that i run, my beautiful wife and all the other many blessings in my life. I am not a religious man, but i am spiritual and i believe one of life's greatest gifts is the ability to dream. I think one can easily dream big while at the same time facing their current situation with realism and discipline to get them to where they want to eventually be. That's just IMHO.

If you read my words I am strictly referring to his current situation I agreed with you 100%, you have to have dreams some achievable and some not but we can all dream.
There are bad dreams, good dreams, wet dreams and there are also nightmares
which is the point I am trying to put across in his case and no one elses.

Thank you for your anwser and hope that in your case you reach 90% of yours which I am sure will make you a very happy person.

Like it says in the newbie forums dont try to go 10 when have not reach or something like that.

good luck and do what ever turns your crank.

thank you
arrowhead

 

[turbodude]

If you read my words I am strictly referring to his current situation I agreed with you 100%, you have to have dreams some achievable and some not but we can all dream.
There are bad dreams, good dreams, wet dreams and there are also nightmares
which is the point I am trying to put across in his case and no one elses.

Thank you for your anwser and hope that in your case you reach 90% of yours which I am sure will make you a very happy person.

Like it says in the newbie forums dont try to go 10 when have not reach or something like that.

good luck and do what ever turns your crank.

thank you
arrowhead

Thats cool man, i gotcha

 

[Alex Bland]

Like everyone else is saying it's hard to throw a 300-500hp car together in a year. Most people on here have had thier cars for years and have been adding little by little. If you have the block and all the parts do an engine rebuild but other then that for right now I would suggest you stay with the 14b and smic until you have the $ to buy a FMIC,AFPR,DMSlink,Injectors,WB, and honestly try to find a 3inch exhaust, I pieced my 3'' exhaust together for around $200 and I am guessing if your looking in the right places and look long enough you will to. One thing I personally think alot of people overlook is your suspension, ball joints, tie rods, bushings, half-shafts, ect. Before you start adding power it would be wise to make sure your car will stay on the road if your driving aggressively. You don't wan't a ball joint or tie rod letting lose when your cornering at 70mph. And when you break something don't get pissed because it seems like these cars are cursed and something is always breaking, that's just part of owning a DSM.

i thank you all for the advice, and going to take it ill start out small and once i feel im at the point of building the block for more power then ill do that, untill then suspention, bolt-on's and what not. thanks again for all the advice might have saved me lots of money unless i somehow didnt mess something up but with my luck i would have, plans next is dsmlink, injectors, intake, 3in exhaust, brakes, suspention. then ill see where to go from there maybe e316g =]

 

[92AWDHX40]

Wideband if you dont already have one.

 

[obsidian]

The most valuable tidbit of info i can give you would be to plan your build by envisioning your ultimate end goal. Over the course of your build you don't want to have to buy 3 different turbos, or upgrade to bigger injectors when you just bought a new set a few months ago. wait until the timing is right in your build to get the parts that will satisfy your ultimate end goal for the car. It may not be "as" fun because you have to hold back your urges, but it will save you money to reinvest in your project and get you to your end goal quicker! Of course like a diet you can spoil yourself along the way with a part that you know will not support your end goal and will have to be replaced. But hey, if your don't have fun with your build then there is no point.

Spot on.

Do it right the first time and be happy.

My advice is to NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS and absolutely DO NOT CUT CORNERS.

You'll wind up as the other bunch of people who wish they'd have done it right the first time. you'll only give yourself more work in the long run.

Goodluck with your choice.