Rep Power: 644

Hey everyone,


I've been a member here for a while now, I have to say I'm hooked on the idea of owning my own import. Right now I'm stuck with a car that I was forced into getting, because my last one died at a really inconvenient time and I'd like to think about moving on to something else by around next summer. I'm 19 years old and I'm pretty mechanically inclined, I blew through auto class in high school, I know a decent amount of information about cars, I'm really good with my hands and I'm currently an electricians apprentice.

My question is, can someone with my level of hands on experience build a tuner like I see on here? I was browsing through ********.com's build section and I see so many people doing it themselves. What kind of work is involved in re-building an engine and swapping it into a car? I've got the garage space so I was thinking about picking something up and working on it over the next year, slowly building it up. I'm not looking to make a super car, just something with some pep..and that I will love to drive.

Just looking for some advise.

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 684

yes you could probably do it, as long as you have the right tools and space. not to mention the wealth of information on forums and members that are willing to help you if you get stuck. if youre building an import chances are someones already done it or something like it and the info for the task is somewhere on the interwebz. swapping and building motors isnt impossible, but if you dont have experience with it a haynes or shop manual would be good to have around along with some specialty tools. swapping is quite easy, difficulty would depend on what car youre looking at. Be ready to spend some cash, rarely projects come out under or even right on the budget, keep that in mind. What are you looking to get?

 
Rep Power: 807

I think if you take your time you will have no problems at all. Of course, depending on the of car will dictate the level of experience you will require. There are tons of forums out there that can help you that specialize in the exact make or model.

Providing you have a garage, money, tools, patience there is no reason you cant succeed and learn as well.

Worst case scenario, you put your car on a tow truck and take it to a shop.

 
Rep Power: 644

I've got a thing for subarus, but I think I might have to pass on that for the time being. From what I've seen there pretty expensive to build. If I was going to build something right now I think I would go with an earlier 4 door civic. 93-94 ish. I would probably go the sleeper route, because I dont feel like getting targeted by police anymore than I already am.

 
Rep Power: 684

subies are nice, i always wanted the gc8 (93 -2001) impreza and do an ej20 or ej25 but yea theyre expensive. sleepers are great its always great to see the look of shock on peoples faces when they cant process what just happened lol

 
Rep Power: 807

If you dont want hassles or the risk of hassles, why even bother with a Honda civic?

Why not get yourself a 5L, likely cheaper on insurance as well. Part are available like crazy, the aftermarket is huge!

Only downside of a 5L, winter.

 
Rep Power: 644

I hate stangs, I hate the gas millage they get too.

 
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ouch