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What would you say to a younger version of you in regards to the automotive world?

MyLittlePony

MyLittlePony

New member
As I look at some of the younger fellas buying these cars and getting into the automotive world I can't help but think if I was that misguided. The truth is we were all pretty misguided at first. Heck I wanted to build a fast Grand Am and in the early 2000's there was almost no support for these cars, and me and a couple other guys on gagt and gaoc did the first few rear disc brake conversions. Just fyi I am only in my 30's and I own one of these because I have a soft spot for the odd balls (it was between a 87 tbird turbo coupe and my gtp when it came to buying a daily).

I guess I would say to a younger me, even though the parts are cheaper and look the same it does not mean they fit the same, so always plan extra time and money to adjust parts that come from a knock off company.

Also to not get discouraged since all of the little things that go wrong now will help you learn about the components you are working on, and to not just ask people to give you the answer, instead ask if they can show you the way they did it.

Oh and being loudest isn't always the best, and to slow down, life moves fast enough and leave the racing for the track or the times it really matters, 5pm on a Wednesday in rush hour is not the time to race someone (I never really did this but I did do similar stupid things.)


Anyone else got any pointers?
 


I'd say, plan on the worst possible scenarios to happen. Too many times when I tried to do repairs I thought it was all smooth sailing, and then nothing was going right. Something either wouldn't come off, it'd break, fluids would spill all over the place, etc.
 
01Grand PrixGT said:
I'd say, plan on the worst possible scenarios to happen. Too many times when I tried to do repairs I thought it was all smooth sailing, and then nothing was going right. Something either wouldn't come off, it'd break, fluids would spill all over the place, etc.
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This this this!

I would tell my younger self don't mod that damn car lol and out the money towards a better platform


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I would tell myself to save my money and go turbo instead of throwing money into the pit that is the m90 blower furnace.lol
 


Sven that is for sure something to understand, but I still don't think a younger me would listen to that.

All of these are real issues too, it is funny how many times I get asked elsewhere (mostly younger guys with LSx cars) what cam they should get, I tell them to buy another car first then rebuild the motor in the LSx car and then we can figure out the cam to match the whole kit and kaboodle. They don't listen and buy a cam they read about on ls1tech usually a 231/236 at .6xx/.6xx with a 113 or 114 lsa and then they realize they need to measure preload for pushrods and get the oil pump and timing chain/gears replaced then why are they not making the same power as a guy with LS6 heads, and that they would need a FAST 92 intake at least.... and so on and so on. Then I am like well how did that tunr out for ya not having a car for a couple weeks and having to borrow a family members car and piss them off and your job is pissed because you need to get the car running to get to work but you are coming in late or calling out sick a lot more....

Yup been there myself and now know to not touch something unless I am prepared to do it all the right way the first time. REDCOMPG it's exactly as you are saying prepare extra time.
 
Be willing to spend money on good tools or the right tools for the job.

Once I started spending money on better tools, I had the right tool that worked better and saved me time and money in the end.
 
What I would tell myself would mostly do with my Stealth. I'd tell myself do a little research on the body panels and get OEM stuff rather than that aftermarket fiberglass body kit. (I ended up putting OEM stuff on it in the end after a guardrail, then a deer basically ripped off the front bumper.)

I'd also tell myself, stop racing it. Just keep it looking nice and take care of it.

Had I done that I would probably still be driving it today, rather than have it parked in my yard for the last 4 years.
 


The sad part about tools is I had a bunch stolen at the race track one night when I took the car. I took them out for weight (because racecar) and put them next to my buddy's truck. Came out to leave and they were gone.

I had to slowly build my collection back up because I didn't have the money to go out and replace them all at once.
 
What race track are you going to?

Also one should put tools in friends cars not outside of them.

I think a better lesson is, if you want to race do it properly and get a truck and trailer with a winch so when the car breaks down you put it in neutral and winch that beast on.
 
That was at Pittsburgh Raceway Park. I was so mad. I even actually went to the tower to see if maybe by chance someone had turned them in thinking they were lost. They said no, and said "What kind of person steals tools at a race track. I thought everyone was here for the same thing."

The tools were slightly hidden too. They were actually under his truck by the back tire, so I knew it had to be someone who had parked next to him, but we had no idea who had parked there.
 
I'd tell my younger, healthier me...when calipers start leaking, replace them. Scotchbrite pad and break cleaner does not fix a rusty piston. Would have meant I got to school on time, and the off duty sheriff I rear ended would have had his minivan a little longer. Live and learn....
 


What would I say to a younger version of me in regards to the automotive world? I'd say what my mother still tells me....... get a different hobby and save some freaking money! Mom is an accountant. :)
 
I would also tell my younger self.. Maintenance first.. Mod later. I never mind spending money on mods but when it came to maintenance I had every dime I had to spend lol. Something I preach to my buddies and younger guys that catch the mod bug.. Those mods aren't going to help you if your having to park it until you can afford to fix it.


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Bronco Boy said:
What would I say to a younger version of me in regards to the automotive world? I'd say what my mother still tells me....... get a different hobby and save some freaking money! Mom is an accountant. :)
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Yeah partially why I sold my Z28, I loved that car but I want to retire comfortably, in 30 years when I am in my 60's and have plenty of retirement I can buy a bunch more toys.
 
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