Need help learning about cars

FireEyes · 04-02-2010, 08:52 AM

Hey, I am new with cars and would like to learn more. I live in the center of North Carolina. If you dont mind helping a girl learn than let me know. I am only 22 so I do not know that much. I want to learn how to do big mods though.

Thanks

2000 GT Coupe · 04-02-2010, 08:55 AM

Good luck, and what are you trying to do?

FireEyes · 04-02-2010, 09:23 AM

I would like to know more about the engine.

2000 GT Coupe · 04-02-2010, 09:48 AM

Are you wanting more power and speed? or cosmetic nice looking things.

FireEyes · 04-02-2010, 10:08 AM

power and speed.

PhantomLover007 · 04-02-2010, 10:21 AM

A CAI will open up the airflow intot he engine quite a bit because the "Ram Air" sysytem is constrictive at best and is a joke.

Porting the MAF, upper and lower intakes and a nice set of headers will help out too.

Turbo/SC will added the biggest gains.

FireEyes · 04-02-2010, 10:25 AM

Only thing I know how to do is the CIA.I need help with the others.

PhantomLover007 · 04-02-2010, 10:33 AM

Check out MPRacing.com. The owner's a member on here. He sells ported UIM's and LIM's.

There might be some folks on here that are selling them too. Check out the F/S threads.

wrestleandrun · 04-02-2010, 10:33 AM

well have you looked around at what websites offer like pfyc.com wot-tech.com milzymotorsports.com mpracing.com Why not check those out see what you like and if you have questions if you should get this or that or how to install we can help you with that.

psy7 · 04-02-2010, 10:35 AM

could always go to a automotive college as well if u want to learn more about cars as well

Mac0083 · 04-02-2010, 10:40 AM

i just did the CAI on my '99 gt. the instructions included weren't for a '99 though...
the (PCV?) tube is a little different on the '99. i broke a few vacuum lines trying to make them fit or stretch.
it took about 3 hours because i had no idea what i was doing, but thought i knew everything.
you're doing the right thing by asking questions before. you're already smarter'n me.
good luck, and welcome to the site. -mac

2000 GT Coupe · 04-02-2010, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireEyes

power and speed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomLover007

A CAI will open up the airflow intot he engine quite a bit because the "Ram Air" sysytem is constrictive at best and is a joke.

Porting the MAF, upper and lower intakes and a nice set of headers will help out too.

Turbo/SC will added the biggest gains.

Don't forget about the exhaust, get a hi performance cat and bigger and better piping with a less restrictive muffler that gets air into and out of the engine easier.
The ported and polished everything will help air flow as well. but they are big money.
What budget do you have. How much of this do you actually want to do yourself, getting your hands dirty not just paying someone to do.

GA2000GTSpeed · 04-02-2010, 11:50 AM

Even newer and more improved "I want to make my V6 Grand Am Faster" FAQ

FireEyes · 04-02-2010, 02:28 PM

I put a flowmaster on my car and took off the resonator but it cost me over $200 for a professional to do it. I would of rather have done it myself.

AaronGTR · 04-02-2010, 03:25 PM

Well, if you want to start doing exhaust work, you'll need a bunch of tools, and if you don't want clamps on everything you'll need to learn how to weld as well (and buy a welder). Modding can get expensive, even if you're doing it yourself, once you start buying all the tools.

There are some engine mods and stuff you can do with a basic tool set though. But I gotta say, a chic who can weld would be hot!

If you really REALLY want to learn about cars though and how they work... it's time to start reading! There is a lot of information on the internet, but there is just as much bad info as good info. You can find basic info on how engines work though that will be pretty accurate. There are a lot of good books around too on how exhaust systems and intakes work and how to modify them. You can find books on suspensions, tuning, body mods, custom interior, stereo systems, welding, painting... just about anything. Those will give you a good basis to use to sort out the truth from the crap on the internet.

You can get a lot of good info from magazines too. Get a subscription to something like D sport or performance auto & sound. And then you can always get lots of good info here too. Good luck, and remember to have fun with it!

04-02-2010, 03:57 PM

find a better exhaust guy. 20 bucks and a six pack got my downpipe back.

AaronGTR · 04-02-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hahano404

find a better exhaust guy. 20 bucks and a six pack got my downpipe back.

She said she got a flowmaster too. If the $200 was including the parts and if they welded everything up, then $200 is actually pretty reasonable.

Malaclypse · 04-03-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomLover007

Porting the MAF, upper and lower intakes....

Do not port the MAF under any circumstances. The unit itself is calibrated specifically for the housing diameter. You'll just end up hurting things if you port a factory MAF.

Don't port the intakes unless you know what you're doing. Port matching won't help anything either.

wrestleandrun · 04-04-2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malaclypse

Do not port the MAF under any circumstances. The unit itself is calibrated specifically for the housing diameter. You'll just end up hurting things if you port a factory MAF.

Don't port the intakes unless you know what you're doing. Port matching won't help anything either.

I think what he meant to say (or should have) is throttle body. But still just buy a bigger one, I don't think she should attempt machine work by herself.

PhantomLover007 · 04-04-2010, 02:17 PM

Yeah. I meant just get a larger set of all of them unless you know someone that's really good at porting.

04-02-2010, 08:52 AM	#1
FireEyes GAGT - Newbie AKA: Kathleyn Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: goldsboro, north carolina Posts: 13 Vehicle: 1999 grand am gt coupe	Need help learning about cars Hey, I am new with cars and would like to learn more. I live in the center of North Carolina. If you dont mind helping a girl learn than let me know. I am only 22 so I do not know that much. I want to learn how to do big mods though. Thanks __________________ Flowmaster 80 Series, No Rez

04-02-2010, 08:55 AM	#2
2000 GT Coupe Made the move :D AKA: Gene Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jax Florida Posts: 1,416 Vehicle: 00 Grand Am GT1 Coupe	Good luck, and what are you trying to do? __________________ 2000 Grand Am GT1 Camaro brake upgrade Goodridge G-Stop SS brake lines MP Racing CAI and tuned PCM LED tails Projector's with HID's Lowered 18" Rims Aftermarket front and rear anti-sway bars

04-02-2010, 09:23 AM	#3
FireEyes GAGT - Newbie AKA: Kathleyn Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: goldsboro, north carolina Posts: 13 Vehicle: 1999 grand am gt coupe	I would like to know more about the engine. __________________ Flowmaster 80 Series, No Rez

04-02-2010, 09:48 AM	#4
2000 GT Coupe Made the move :D AKA: Gene Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jax Florida Posts: 1,416 Vehicle: 00 Grand Am GT1 Coupe	Are you wanting more power and speed? or cosmetic nice looking things. __________________ 2000 Grand Am GT1 Camaro brake upgrade Goodridge G-Stop SS brake lines MP Racing CAI and tuned PCM LED tails Projector's with HID's Lowered 18" Rims Aftermarket front and rear anti-sway bars

04-02-2010, 10:08 AM	#5
FireEyes GAGT - Newbie AKA: Kathleyn Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: goldsboro, north carolina Posts: 13 Vehicle: 1999 grand am gt coupe	power and speed. __________________ Flowmaster 80 Series, No Rez

04-02-2010, 10:25 AM	#7
FireEyes GAGT - Newbie AKA: Kathleyn Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: goldsboro, north carolina Posts: 13 Vehicle: 1999 grand am gt coupe	Only thing I know how to do is the CIA.I need help with the others. __________________ Flowmaster 80 Series, No Rez

04-02-2010, 10:33 AM	#9
wrestleandrun Twin Turbo AKA: Cameron Join Date: May 2009 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 79 Vehicle: 2002 Oldsmobile Alero,	well have you looked around at what websites offer like pfyc.com wot-tech.com milzymotorsports.com mpracing.com Why not check those out see what you like and if you have questions if you should get this or that or how to install we can help you with that.

04-02-2010, 10:35 AM	#10
psy7 GAGT - Member AKA: michael Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: ashmore illinois Posts: 180 Vehicle: 02 grand am gt	could always go to a automotive college as well if u want to learn more about cars as well

04-02-2010, 10:40 AM	#11
Mac0083 User account under probation AKA: Mac Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tampa Florida Age: 37 Posts: 349 Vehicle: 99 GT Coupe	i just did the CAI on my '99 gt. the instructions included weren't for a '99 though... the (PCV?) tube is a little different on the '99. i broke a few vacuum lines trying to make them fit or stretch. it took about 3 hours because i had no idea what i was doing, but thought i knew everything. you're doing the right thing by asking questions before. you're already smarter'n me. good luck, and welcome to the site. -mac

04-02-2010, 11:50 AM	#13
GA2000GTSpeed GAGT - Member AKA: Josh Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Freeman Missouri Age: 31 Posts: 411 Vehicle: 00 GAGT, 79 Jag XJ6	Even newer and more improved "I want to make my V6 Grand Am Faster" FAQ __________________ Current mods: RSM Supercharger kit, S&S Headers, Upgraded Clutches, Borla cat-back, Drilled and Slotted Camaro rotors and Calipers, MSD coil packs, EGR Block Off, 180 thermo, MSD wires, Tuned Myself with DHP, 2 12 inch Alpine type R's, Kenwood bass booster 1700 watt Amp, Red Dual flip down head unit, Tinted Tails, Custom Painted Black With Red Interior, Double pod A pillar, A/F Gauge, Vac/Boost Gauge. Future Mods: Heads, P&P Intake manifolds, 65mm TB, HP Tuners, .

04-02-2010, 02:28 PM	#14
FireEyes GAGT - Newbie AKA: Kathleyn Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: goldsboro, north carolina Posts: 13 Vehicle: 1999 grand am gt coupe	I put a flowmaster on my car and took off the resonator but it cost me over $200 for a professional to do it. I would of rather have done it myself. __________________ Flowmaster 80 Series, No Rez

04-02-2010, 03:25 PM	#15
AaronGTR BlingWithBallz AKA: Aaron Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Detroit area, MI Age: 43 Posts: 12,254 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am GT1 2dr	Well, if you want to start doing exhaust work, you'll need a bunch of tools, and if you don't want clamps on everything you'll need to learn how to weld as well (and buy a welder). Modding can get expensive, even if you're doing it yourself, once you start buying all the tools. There are some engine mods and stuff you can do with a basic tool set though. But I gotta say, a chic who can weld would be hot! If you really REALLY want to learn about cars though and how they work... it's time to start reading! There is a lot of information on the internet, but there is just as much bad info as good info. You can find basic info on how engines work though that will be pretty accurate. There are a lot of good books around too on how exhaust systems and intakes work and how to modify them. You can find books on suspensions, tuning, body mods, custom interior, stereo systems, welding, painting... just about anything. Those will give you a good basis to use to sort out the truth from the crap on the internet. You can get a lot of good info from magazines too. Get a subscription to something like D sport or performance auto & sound. And then you can always get lots of good info here too. Good luck, and remember to have fun with it! __________________ The few, the proud, the boosted! 13.788 @ 103.73 mph (3/2011) 320 whp and 300 ft/lbs torque. (3/2011) See it here. the total package.

04-02-2010, 03:57 PM	#16
hahano404 Guest Posts: n/a	find a better exhaust guy. 20 bucks and a six pack got my downpipe back.

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