DIY or Mechanic?

[coconutboy]

Guys im being a bitch.... I really want to modify my brz but I dont want to mess it up if I work on it. Im very particular and I dont want to pay excess money for a mechanic job that is shy of perfect. Im intimidated by modifying my brz because my job revolves around driving (Sales) . What should I do? I know if I knew how to do the installs id make it perfect for my liking, but on the flip side if I fuck something up I can be screwed. Thoughts? Btw I live in Toronto.

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[spagti]

Well what are you trying to install?


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[Grady]

Originally Posted by coconutboy

job revolves around driving (Sales)

Cosmetic or Performance? Are you prepared to rent a car if yours is down? If you need your car to make a living I would be careful. That being said I would do all my modifications my self.

[weederr33]

If you're going light and doing headers or a catback that is something very easy to do. There are lots of tutorials out there for reference. If you're talking turbo then mechanic. Also if you're hesitant about something simple, I'd say mechanic or one you can meet and feel trusted with.

[Windycitystig]

Buy a QuickJack and do everything yourself.

[DarkPira7e]

If you need your car to function for your job, do not risk it. Buy a second cheap car for traveling so you can learn while modifying your vehicle. It would be a disservice to your employer to willingly take that risk.

You learn nothing if you're rushed and afraid, give yourself the proper time to learn and you'll regret nothing.

[B-R-Z]

I avoid shops at all costs because I do not trust any 9-5er with my car.

Do what you can do yourself, anything big just do your homework to find a reputable shop.

[MugsBRZ]

Originally Posted by weederr33

If you're going light and doing headers or a catback that is something very easy to do. There are lots of tutorials out there for reference. If you're talking turbo then mechanic. Also if you're hesitant about something simple, I'd say mechanic or one you can meet and feel trusted with.

I bought my BRZ new in Feb 2016. I was always interested in making some modifications, but really took my time researching things as it was a bit overwhelming since there are as many parts available for the BRZ as there are opinions.

I did some cosmetic things (LED turn signal bulbs and requisite flasher, Always-on module for the boomerang lights, convex side view mirrors to eliminate the blind spot, hood struts, Subaru interior illumination kit, Subaru front under spoiler, lower toned horn that sounds like a "honk, honk" instead of the factor "beep, beep") in the first year or so. And then I researched stuff for a year or so and in the past nine months I've gone hog wild.

Since last September, I've installed
STi springs and Sachs dampers (from a 2018 Subaru BRZ tS)
TRD cold air intake,
JDL UEL header, over pipe, and front pipe
STi muffler
Aluminum intake manifold (from a 2017 BRZ just because I preferred the look of the red aluminum compared to the black plastic)
JDM TRD SF2 wheels
AP Racing front Big Brake Kit
Delicious Tuning Flex Fuel Kit

I did all of these latest installs myself by reading lots of forum posts, asking friends and family members for advice, watching lots of YouTube videos, and buying a few tools I didn't already have. Invest in a good jack and jackstands or ramps (Race Ramps or their "cribs" work well), basic wrenches and sockets (mainly 10 and 12 mm), a good quality torque wrench, a brake bleeder so you can bleed the brakes solo, and whatever I'm not thinking of.

I've also done lots of smaller mods in the same time period (black interior trim, clutch spring, shift springs, STi short throw shifter, LED fog light upgrade, STi radiator cap and oil fill cap, McGard lug nuts). I paid for a professional tune once I finished the mechanical upgrades listed above and also for paint restoration (my new BRZ came with water spots compliments of the dealership and I couldn't get rid of them with clay bar and wasn't comfortable using a buffer) and ceramic coating, which was absolutely worth it.

Long story short, take your time, do your research, and after sometimes biting off more than I could comfortably chew, prioritize and do only one or two things at a time. People are very helpful on here, but it's annoying when people ask the same question that's already been answered many times over - not that you did that at all, I'm just saying make an effort to research whatever specific item you're interested in as there is a good chance it's already been discussed. I use the following search in google as it works much better than the native search window on the forum:
site:ft86club.com “search term”
where you put whatever topic you're researching in quotes.

Good luck and Happy Motoring!
Daniel

[coconutboy]

I appreciate all your replies. I think ill do the baby stuff myself to get comfortable and confident with my abilities. With that being said, rushing mods and throwing myself out there is high risk and I cannot afford to do that

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[mav1178]

first things first: do you have a complete set of tools for whatever modifications you want to do?

If you don't, I suggest you start there. DIY begins with tools, and most folks out there don't even know how to properly lift/support a car on jack/jack stands.

[tobin]

Consider getting a beater car; it's nice having a second set of wheels so you don't have to rush projects on your main car.

[Mr.ac]

Originally Posted by coconutboy

Guys im being a bitch.... I really want to modify my brz but I dont want to mess it up if I work on it. Im very particular and I dont want to pay excess money for a mechanic job that is shy of perfect. Im intimidated by modifying my brz because my job revolves around driving (Sales) . What should I do? I know if I knew how to do the installs id make it perfect for my liking, but on the flip side if I fuck something up I can be screwed. Thoughts? Btw I live in Toronto.

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Simple fix. Don't mod your car.
Besides most "mods" you want are bolt on. I won't even call them mods. More like accessories.
Kids and today's "mods" are simple basic shit.

On a serious note, sell your pos under powered car buy a "mod" friendly car.
A nice Civic Si can and will always smoke the 86. You can buy anything under the sun to mod the Civic to your little noob hearts content.

[ZionsWrath]

Do you take clients in your car as part of your sales job?