Built Motor, was it worth it?
I can't speak for owning the Z, but two cars ago I owned an evo, and I feel as though I can speak from experiences with it. I poured, heart, blood, sweat, tearts, and endless money into that car. Built from the ground up, built trans, AMS shortblock, Cosworth heads, JUN cams, ALL the supporting mods, the list goes on. I bought the car brand new for ~31k, I put another ~30 into it while I owned it, then I sold it for 28,500. If you seems ridiculous, good. It is.
There is nothing sensible, or rational about dumping that kind of money into a car (depreciating asset). That was a lesson learned "the hard way", and I'll be hard pressed to spend that kind of money on a car again unless I am very well off, and ran out of other things to buy.
Think about it for a moment. On average to build the VQ and FI it's going to cost 15k, conservatively. Do you know what else you could do with 15k?!?! That's a good portion of a down payment on a nice house. That's a boat. That's two jetskis, a trailer and a beater truck to tow them. That's a completely remodeled kitchen. That's a brand new motorcycle and a couple years worth of insurance on it.
To some people it's worth it. Having been down that road, personally, I'd say it's not.
There's no question 400+whp is fun. In fact is incredible, downright addicting. But how often will you use it on the street without worrying about being issued a ticket or wrecking your car???
I found that the power I had with my evo wasn't even fun to drive around town. It was only truly fun on the highway. Even with longer gears it didn't "shine" until 3rd.
Plus, with gas prices like they are now, and the way they're headed, I'd say spending money to make your car less economical is not the brightest idea.
My advice, mod it a little bit. Make it unique. Wheels, exhaust, audio, maybe a few cosmetic mods. Engine work and FI is for people with either 1)expendable income, 2)severe addiction to speed, 3)little to no sense or a combination of the aforementioned.
No offense to anyone who has dumped tons of money into their car. I understand because I have been there. It's all personal preference really, the kind of thing that only you can answer for yourself. Asking other people's opinions is fine, but only you will know if that money would have been wiser spent on something else.
My 2yen
There is nothing sensible, or rational about dumping that kind of money into a car (depreciating asset). That was a lesson learned "the hard way", and I'll be hard pressed to spend that kind of money on a car again unless I am very well off, and ran out of other things to buy.
Think about it for a moment. On average to build the VQ and FI it's going to cost 15k, conservatively. Do you know what else you could do with 15k?!?! That's a good portion of a down payment on a nice house. That's a boat. That's two jetskis, a trailer and a beater truck to tow them. That's a completely remodeled kitchen. That's a brand new motorcycle and a couple years worth of insurance on it.
To some people it's worth it. Having been down that road, personally, I'd say it's not.
There's no question 400+whp is fun. In fact is incredible, downright addicting. But how often will you use it on the street without worrying about being issued a ticket or wrecking your car???
I found that the power I had with my evo wasn't even fun to drive around town. It was only truly fun on the highway. Even with longer gears it didn't "shine" until 3rd.
Plus, with gas prices like they are now, and the way they're headed, I'd say spending money to make your car less economical is not the brightest idea.
My advice, mod it a little bit. Make it unique. Wheels, exhaust, audio, maybe a few cosmetic mods. Engine work and FI is for people with either 1)expendable income, 2)severe addiction to speed, 3)little to no sense or a combination of the aforementioned.
No offense to anyone who has dumped tons of money into their car. I understand because I have been there. It's all personal preference really, the kind of thing that only you can answer for yourself. Asking other people's opinions is fine, but only you will know if that money would have been wiser spent on something else.
My 2yen
Originally Posted by crg914
I can't speak for owning the Z, but two cars ago I owned an evo, and I feel as though I can speak from experiences with it. I poured, heart, blood, sweat, tearts, and endless money into that car. Built from the ground up, built trans, AMS shortblock, Cosworth heads, JUN cams, ALL the supporting mods, the list goes on. I bought the car brand new for ~31k, I put another ~30 into it while I owned it, then I sold it for 28,500. If you seems ridiculous, good. It is.
There is nothing sensible, or rational about dumping that kind of money into a car (depreciating asset). That was a lesson learned "the hard way", and I'll be hard pressed to spend that kind of money on a car again unless I am very well off, and ran out of other things to buy.
Think about it for a moment. On average to build the VQ and FI it's going to cost 15k, conservatively. Do you know what else you could do with 15k?!?! That's a good portion of a down payment on a nice house. That's a boat. That's two jetskis, a trailer and a beater truck to tow them. That's a completely remodeled kitchen. That's a brand new motorcycle and a couple years worth of insurance on it.
To some people it's worth it. Having been down that road, personally, I'd say it's not.
There's no question 400+whp is fun. In fact is incredible, downright addicting. But how often will you use it on the street without worrying about being issued a ticket or wrecking your car???
I found that the power I had with my evo wasn't even fun to drive around town. It was only truly fun on the highway. Even with longer gears it didn't "shine" until 3rd.
Plus, with gas prices like they are now, and the way they're headed, I'd say spending money to make your car less economical is not the brightest idea.
My advice, mod it a little bit. Make it unique. Wheels, exhaust, audio, maybe a few cosmetic mods. Engine work and FI is for people with either 1)expendable income, 2)severe addiction to speed, 3)little to no sense or a combination of the aforementioned.
No offense to anyone who has dumped tons of money into their car. I understand because I have been there. It's all personal preference really, the kind of thing that only you can answer for yourself. Asking other people's opinions is fine, but only you will know if that money would have been wiser spent on something else.
My 2yen
There is nothing sensible, or rational about dumping that kind of money into a car (depreciating asset). That was a lesson learned "the hard way", and I'll be hard pressed to spend that kind of money on a car again unless I am very well off, and ran out of other things to buy.
Think about it for a moment. On average to build the VQ and FI it's going to cost 15k, conservatively. Do you know what else you could do with 15k?!?! That's a good portion of a down payment on a nice house. That's a boat. That's two jetskis, a trailer and a beater truck to tow them. That's a completely remodeled kitchen. That's a brand new motorcycle and a couple years worth of insurance on it.
To some people it's worth it. Having been down that road, personally, I'd say it's not.
There's no question 400+whp is fun. In fact is incredible, downright addicting. But how often will you use it on the street without worrying about being issued a ticket or wrecking your car???
I found that the power I had with my evo wasn't even fun to drive around town. It was only truly fun on the highway. Even with longer gears it didn't "shine" until 3rd.
Plus, with gas prices like they are now, and the way they're headed, I'd say spending money to make your car less economical is not the brightest idea.
My advice, mod it a little bit. Make it unique. Wheels, exhaust, audio, maybe a few cosmetic mods. Engine work and FI is for people with either 1)expendable income, 2)severe addiction to speed, 3)little to no sense or a combination of the aforementioned.
No offense to anyone who has dumped tons of money into their car. I understand because I have been there. It's all personal preference really, the kind of thing that only you can answer for yourself. Asking other people's opinions is fine, but only you will know if that money would have been wiser spent on something else.
My 2yen
Just one small addition for possible uses for $15k- hookers. Lots and lots of hookers. Clean ones without open sores.
Originally Posted by failsafe306
Excellent post
Just one small addition for possible uses for $15k- hookers. Lots and lots of hookers. Clean ones without open sores.
Just one small addition for possible uses for $15k- hookers. Lots and lots of hookers. Clean ones without open sores.
Originally Posted by failsafe306
Eh, just lower the number of hookers then.
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From: Oceanside Ca
Another way at looking at it is due to the sub-prime mes, it is an excellent time to buy a home if you wait for the right house and can buy when it hits bottom. In addition, great time to buy another guys 350Z that is hurting & has to get rid of it to keep his home etc.
Bottom line is it is a buyers market, why mess with doing FI when you have other great options.
Bottom line is it is a buyers market, why mess with doing FI when you have other great options.
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From: Panama City Beach, FL
Originally Posted by 98intrigue
What about the DRs that you rode on on the street that your mom payed for? I remember you saying she was going to be pissed when you had to call her for new tires.
K you got me, Dr's the mom bought me for DD'ing the car when I was in college. Now I can afford a 2 sets a week
sucks for meh. Whats the problem Ryan?Dont understand the reason to come after me for $400 worth of tires
Last edited by Zridder19; Jun 7, 2008 at 11:53 PM.
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: On a forum dedicated to Boost
Originally Posted by Zridder19
Because I am going to build, n its going to be able to support it. Im just trying to see peoples views from what they have experienced.
Im almost 30k into this car, (not including the car), and I am going to keep it for a long time.
Im almost 30k into this car, (not including the car), and I am going to keep it for a long time.
word...
I will never sell mine....too much invested just to be given away. Resale on modded cars sucks...you loose so much if you sell.
OP - if you go with a rebuild, make sure its what you want and you plan on keeping the car for a long time....that's really the only way to get your money worth.
Originally Posted by Zridder19
K you got me, Dr's the mom bought me for DD'ing the car when I was in college. Now I can afford a 2 sets a week sucks for meh. Whats the problem Ryan?
Dont understand the reason to come after me for $400 worth of tires
sucks for meh. Whats the problem Ryan?Dont understand the reason to come after me for $400 worth of tires
hey op just build your block!
Originally Posted by IIQuickSilverII
all your delays are fault of you using a build engine? or other decitions that you took on your build that have caused you to only have driven your car 2 months out of the past 12???
If you know half of what I've been through with this car in general I guarantee you'd be seeing things my way.
A built motor car isn't worth it. Save your money and buy something new and reasonably quick from the factory.
Originally Posted by zland
You need to wake up & smell the roses. When you go FI, it gets very expensive. By the time you add up the cost of your Z, then add the Turbo or SC kit, installation, a blown motor, rebuild, & forged internals, you will be up there in price & out of your league.
There are many that have followed that path simply because the car blew up & if you are not able to afford it, dont go FI. Otherwises, you will possibly have a turbo kit strapped onto a blown motor & then have the option of selling it for little as is, buying a stock motor & reverting it back to stock, or rebuilding the motor as I stated above. In addition, it is not a sure thing the motor will last after it is rebuilt. I know of guys that have rebuilt their motor multible times even with forged internals.
With that said, selling your 350Z & buying a GT-R is not a over the top option financially, just a option that will allow you a better return on your investment. Do yourself a favor & look at how little guys resale 350Z's with FI installed. You will not get your money back on the investment. Instead, you will get very little if anything back.
It sounds like to me the best thing you could do is drive your Z without going FI, finish your education, buy a home etc, & then when you got money to blow on a car, buy a 500hp + car when your life is more in order. It is a matter of priorities and just remember, after you spend 10-15K on a FI motor, it will still rapidly depreciate where as putting your time & money towards education with only result in appreciation of your lifestyle your entire life.
My bet is you will not follow my advise, will blow your money on a stupid car (meaning poor investment) and extremely limit your earning power in the future based upon that poor investment. If I am wrong, I take back what I said....
To sum it up, a friend of mine told me "a lot of things can happen with a young person & a car & not many of them are good".
There are many that have followed that path simply because the car blew up & if you are not able to afford it, dont go FI. Otherwises, you will possibly have a turbo kit strapped onto a blown motor & then have the option of selling it for little as is, buying a stock motor & reverting it back to stock, or rebuilding the motor as I stated above. In addition, it is not a sure thing the motor will last after it is rebuilt. I know of guys that have rebuilt their motor multible times even with forged internals.
With that said, selling your 350Z & buying a GT-R is not a over the top option financially, just a option that will allow you a better return on your investment. Do yourself a favor & look at how little guys resale 350Z's with FI installed. You will not get your money back on the investment. Instead, you will get very little if anything back.
It sounds like to me the best thing you could do is drive your Z without going FI, finish your education, buy a home etc, & then when you got money to blow on a car, buy a 500hp + car when your life is more in order. It is a matter of priorities and just remember, after you spend 10-15K on a FI motor, it will still rapidly depreciate where as putting your time & money towards education with only result in appreciation of your lifestyle your entire life.
My bet is you will not follow my advise, will blow your money on a stupid car (meaning poor investment) and extremely limit your earning power in the future based upon that poor investment. If I am wrong, I take back what I said....
To sum it up, a friend of mine told me "a lot of things can happen with a young person & a car & not many of them are good".
I know all your problems aren't probably all related to you just doing somethign custom, but for how long its taken you... its gotta suck being in your position but thats why i asked, if its related to decitions you made(or didnt make, or why on earth is your tuner not touching your car yet), not necesarly the turbo cause as far as i know you got that part done over 2 months ago. If anybody had 1/2 the "luck" you had on your build they would probably be saying a built motor car isn't worth it as well.YOu know had your luck been different things would have come together better.
Had you done somethign more off the self with a proven forumla and not wasting time with R&D, like lets say some of the builds sharif does with the greddy kti and engines(yes many builds are just the same) but its a formula that works and the turn around if much faster, but you didnt wanna do that. Still doing somethign custom shouldnt have taken you this long.
bah...i hope you get your car back soon, with what ever power it makes, but get it done.
Had you done somethign more off the self with a proven forumla and not wasting time with R&D, like lets say some of the builds sharif does with the greddy kti and engines(yes many builds are just the same) but its a formula that works and the turn around if much faster, but you didnt wanna do that. Still doing somethign custom shouldnt have taken you this long.
bah...i hope you get your car back soon, with what ever power it makes, but get it done.
Last edited by IIQuickSilverII; Jun 8, 2008 at 08:44 AM.
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Originally Posted by taurran
Yes, they are. They aren't entirely related to me doing a custom kit, if that's what your insinuating (which you always seem to be doing).
If you know half of what I've been through with this car in general I guarantee you'd be seeing things my way.
A built motor car isn't worth it. Save your money and buy something new and reasonably quick from the factory.
If you know half of what I've been through with this car in general I guarantee you'd be seeing things my way.
A built motor car isn't worth it. Save your money and buy something new and reasonably quick from the factory.
One size does not fit all here....I could sit here and list all the Factory FI cars I have owned that have visited the dealer more times than I have taken my G to the gas station.
Anything done right the first time will yield better results than trying to cut corners.
Last edited by XKR; Jun 8, 2008 at 08:54 AM.
Originally Posted by XKR
What about those of us that have had a good experience with our build? What about those of us that buy stock FI cars from the factory that have been nothing but trouble?
One size does not fit all here....I could sit here and list all the Factory FI cars I have owned that have visited the dealer more times than I have taken my G to the gas station.
Anything done right the first time will yield better results than trying to cut corners.
One size does not fit all here....I could sit here and list all the Factory FI cars I have owned that have visited the dealer more times than I have taken my G to the gas station.
Anything done right the first time will yield better results than trying to cut corners.
Originally Posted by Hal@IP
^ well said.
You always hear a lot more from the people who have problems. We have put out countless built VQ cars that have never made a post here.
You always hear a lot more from the people who have problems. We have put out countless built VQ cars that have never made a post here.
+100000000000000000000
Originally Posted by Zridder19
K you got me, Dr's the mom bought me for DD'ing the car when I was in college. Now I can afford a 2 sets a week sucks for meh. Whats the problem Ryan?
Dont understand the reason to come after me for $400 worth of tires
sucks for meh. Whats the problem Ryan?Dont understand the reason to come after me for $400 worth of tires
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From: Panama City Beach, FL
Originally Posted by 98intrigue
Hahaha...didn't think you would take offense to that. I had to call you out on that...I'm just jealous that you doing the PowerLab kit.
Its all good man, I was pretty drunk when I typed that.
I didnt mean to be a d!ck back to you.
I have to say that priorities are priorities. If you have a good job then a house is what you should be focusing on. It's a great time to buy now if you can secure financing. Put together a down payment and get a house. The car is a nice thing to have, but a house is a necessity. In the next 10 years the house is going to appreciate and be a smart financial investment. You won't even have the car.
Originally Posted by JETPILOT
I have to say that priorities are priorities. If you have a good job then a house is what you should be focusing on. It's a great time to buy now if you can secure financing. Put together a down payment and get a house. The car is a nice thing to have, but a house is a necessity. In the next 10 years the house is going to appreciate and be a smart financial investment. You won't even have the car.
+1
It's all about priorities, and if you're priorities are in line, and you have the extra expendable income, then go ahead and do it!
I mean if you really think about it, you could easily spend 15K on a weekend in Vegas, very easy to do
Good luck!
-George