K this is for the guy with the post about cheap mods a few weeks ago.
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These are some of the things I did within the first week of owning my second 5gen GTS. Most of these mods are very inexpensive and look good and/or add to the performance of the car.
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The first thing I did was rip into the weight. AC, Air bag equipment (new steering wheel $50, but I had a race wheel already) hood insulation, splash guards and lead weight from the undercarriage.
For the engine I did a DIY Tune-up.
Oil (Pennz. synthetic), $25 per case
Oil Filter (Fram double guard), $5
Air Filter (KN)(mine was packed), $40
Fuel filter, $5
Botch platinum Spark Plugs, $20
Optima Battery.
These will basically improve the efficiency of the engine.
Also do a once over of all the sensors and vacuum lines as these can also cause poor engine performance.
Typically, do to age the intake will crack and this should be sealed with hose tape to prevent dust and crap from entering the engine. Also check for bad rubber hoses, these can crack during a race or other high load.
Also check the condition of all the fluids: Power Steering, Brake Fluid, Coolant and replace if needed. Brake Fluid and Power Steering fluid are checked by Ph test strips, not color. Coolant should be free of rust and debris.
A thermostat can also be and easy performance booster. They are like 20 bucks.
Another important thing to check is the alternator; you can hook up a multimeter and read the voltage at normal operation and at full load (turn on all electric stuff like the defroster, fan, stereo, lights) the alternator should compensate for the load. If you think that you need a new one, checker will double-check it for free. They are like 180 if you bring the old one back.
Also you should pressure wash the radiator because bugs and rocks restrict air and cause minor overheating.
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I went into the dash (use a Chilton or Haynes) and took out the speedo. From the back of it you can take out the lights. They have green covers that you can take off to expose the white bulb, this makes all the gauges light up white (yellowish like a light bulb) You could cover it with another color, but I wanted white. I removed the clear cover for the gauges because it was spotted and scratched. You can then unclip the basil and paint it with glossy paint (I did it red b/c my car is red and it looks sick with the white lights) Pop it back together and now you can see the gauges and they look cooler. Cost $5 for paint.
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Next, I took off the shift knob and sawed off about 1.5 in. from the shaft. I then used a die to thread the shaft. That way I could put the knob back on. The boot wont fit so take the white clip off under the boot. You get to this by popping off the trim piece. Then use a small hose clamp ($2) to make a new stopper clip. Ka-boom, easy short shifter.
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I also detailed the entire car including
High pressure under car and engine cleaning
Wash (Maguire’s shop quality wash)
Fine grit wet sanding, followed by polishing with finer compounds
Wax
Rubber cleaned of wax and armor all
Tire wet
Armor all- all engine plastic (trust me I looks way better)
Vacuum and shampoo all carpets (use a steam cleaner with upholstery attachment)
Armor all interior plastic
Supplies $80, and you can do it a few times
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I also died the rear seat cover b/c it faded to blue. You just need a big plastic tub and die which it like 3 bucks.
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I hope this gets you started. Everything here cost a grand total of $210 bucks (without the batt. or alternator) these mods are fun so it’s worth it. You’ll be entertained for at least a week of 2am nights, and it cheaper than a nice date on the town. And you can get your friend to help or work on there cars with you.
Joker 808
-------------------------------------------------------------------
These are some of the things I did within the first week of owning my second 5gen GTS. Most of these mods are very inexpensive and look good and/or add to the performance of the car.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The first thing I did was rip into the weight. AC, Air bag equipment (new steering wheel $50, but I had a race wheel already) hood insulation, splash guards and lead weight from the undercarriage.
For the engine I did a DIY Tune-up.
Oil (Pennz. synthetic), $25 per case
Oil Filter (Fram double guard), $5
Air Filter (KN)(mine was packed), $40
Fuel filter, $5
Botch platinum Spark Plugs, $20
Optima Battery.
These will basically improve the efficiency of the engine.
Also do a once over of all the sensors and vacuum lines as these can also cause poor engine performance.
Typically, do to age the intake will crack and this should be sealed with hose tape to prevent dust and crap from entering the engine. Also check for bad rubber hoses, these can crack during a race or other high load.
Also check the condition of all the fluids: Power Steering, Brake Fluid, Coolant and replace if needed. Brake Fluid and Power Steering fluid are checked by Ph test strips, not color. Coolant should be free of rust and debris.
A thermostat can also be and easy performance booster. They are like 20 bucks.
Another important thing to check is the alternator; you can hook up a multimeter and read the voltage at normal operation and at full load (turn on all electric stuff like the defroster, fan, stereo, lights) the alternator should compensate for the load. If you think that you need a new one, checker will double-check it for free. They are like 180 if you bring the old one back.
Also you should pressure wash the radiator because bugs and rocks restrict air and cause minor overheating.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I went into the dash (use a Chilton or Haynes) and took out the speedo. From the back of it you can take out the lights. They have green covers that you can take off to expose the white bulb, this makes all the gauges light up white (yellowish like a light bulb) You could cover it with another color, but I wanted white. I removed the clear cover for the gauges because it was spotted and scratched. You can then unclip the basil and paint it with glossy paint (I did it red b/c my car is red and it looks sick with the white lights) Pop it back together and now you can see the gauges and they look cooler. Cost $5 for paint.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, I took off the shift knob and sawed off about 1.5 in. from the shaft. I then used a die to thread the shaft. That way I could put the knob back on. The boot wont fit so take the white clip off under the boot. You get to this by popping off the trim piece. Then use a small hose clamp ($2) to make a new stopper clip. Ka-boom, easy short shifter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also detailed the entire car including
High pressure under car and engine cleaning
Wash (Maguire’s shop quality wash)
Fine grit wet sanding, followed by polishing with finer compounds
Wax
Rubber cleaned of wax and armor all
Tire wet
Armor all- all engine plastic (trust me I looks way better)
Vacuum and shampoo all carpets (use a steam cleaner with upholstery attachment)
Armor all interior plastic
Supplies $80, and you can do it a few times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also died the rear seat cover b/c it faded to blue. You just need a big plastic tub and die which it like 3 bucks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope this gets you started. Everything here cost a grand total of $210 bucks (without the batt. or alternator) these mods are fun so it’s worth it. You’ll be entertained for at least a week of 2am nights, and it cheaper than a nice date on the town. And you can get your friend to help or work on there cars with you.
Joker 808
