My Tuner Credentials

I haven't been on the Tuner scene for that long. I've only really worked on one car, though I have read countlessly on all the different aspects of modifying cars. I just wanted to share with you a little about what I know, and to archive it for myself so that I can read this one day and go "that's it? that's all I knew?"

My idealogy of cars falls into the Four S's, so i'll just categorize it like that.

Speed: Since i've only had a non-turbo car until recently, i'm very proficient in the fundamentals of natural aspiration. I know why airflow is important, how valve timing works, how spark control and fuel delivery works. I know why exhausts need to do what they do. Knowing the fundamentals is knowing how to mod your car and making the right choices in terms of what to do and what not to do. I've also researched extensively on the fundamentals of forced induction (turbocharging/supercharging) since my ultimate goal was to turbocharge my non-turbo car. But now that I have a turbo DSM, I can still apply all those things i've learned. Turbo sizing, efficiency, flow ratings, etc etc. It's all very important. In terms of what kind of actual modding I have done, it's only low level and mid level bolt on stuff. This includes exhausts, intake manifold work, modified ECU's, spark plugs, and underdrive pulleys. I'm hoping to add some fuel management into that soon with my turbo car, and of course, turbos. I've not done much drivetrain work, and I don't think I will ever have the proper resources to tackle that myself.

Stopping: I've done numerous brake systems, and I don't just mean changing the brake pads. I've done the whole works: calipers, rotors and brakelines. I know it doesn't sound like much, but brakes are one of those situations where bigger isn't always better (though car mags these days will try to play it off as such). Bigger brake systems rob more power from your system, so unless you're pushing big numbers, a high priced huge braking system isn't needed and cannot be justified. Besides that, there's also things like knowing the difference between slotted and drilled rotors, why more pistons are better, and why choosing the right brake pad is so critical.

Suspension: Since my non-turbo car was on the slow side, I did the most I could to make it fun. That usually meant hooking up the suspension to give myself an edge on the twisties. I've done springs and shocks on my own car, and i'm confident that I could do it to just about any other car now. I also know the differences between sway bars and tie bars. Then of course, there's tweaking the suspension. It's pretty amazing how adjusting the tire pressure on the front/rears can make a huge difference in how your car handles. This includes things like camber and toe. This category is also one of those situations where more isn't always better.

Style/Sound: I'm not so good in this section. My style of car is the sleeper car, which is a car that looks like a stock car but has enough performance to destroy a mustang. I'm not into big flashy wings and 500 watt soundsystems. I do though, know how all of that works, as in, how to remove bumpers and the process of molding or shaping pieces so that they all look like they fit together. I also admit that I have no real electrical experience in cars, so I cannot tell the difference between a switch wire and a ground wire. Nor do I know how splitters and other connections work.

Yup, that's me and my cars. Feel free to ask me anything. I want to say i'm a good advisor when it comes to choosing a new or used car too, but I guess that may be a little conceited. Let's just say that if you need someone to suggest you a car or to help you figure out what's wrong, I can point you in the right direction.