[kynx]

How do you get over the slump of being a novice tuner/moder? Not necessarily the lack of knowledge, since there are some fantastic write-ups available... But mainly, how do I stop being scared ****less that I will unknowingly do something wrong and ruin my dream car?

When I read about some of the STI owners here, I get embarrassed. Almost like I don't deserve to own such a performance oriented car. I grew up with with my mother mainly and I never really had any influence on cars. None of my friends work on their cars. None of my relatives work on cars. I've never done anything more than top off my windshield wiper fluid on any cars in my past.

Im excited about my car and I'd love to be good to her and improve her. I just don't know how to start.

Any suggestions? Personal experiences? Has anyone been where I am and come out of it?

[boondocksaint]

Well, you're in a new model with a new(ish) ECU. Even the experienced tuners are still tweaking. I suggest you buddy up with someone who's been self-tuning and learn the basics. Alternatively, you can actually take tuning classes in some areas.

[fourseasonsandles]

Youre not alone and everyone had to start somewhere. This is also my first performance car that I am modding. Take your time, research and learn from the site and other members before doing something to your car.

If you do not have any tuning experience, I would stay away from that and leave it to the pros. Look into an Cobb AP and then once have your parts, get it protuned. If something seems above your head (I am too afraid to change my own clutch) pay someone else to do it. Other than that, I have been able to tackle everything else. It is all a learning experience. Just get out there and do it!

[kynx]

I don't really think this was meant to be in this forum. Maybe I used the wrong word when I said tuning. I mainly just meant bein a gearhead and gettin to work on my car. Oh well, thanks for the input, guys.

[boondocksaint]

Originally Posted by kynx

I don't really think this was meant to be in this forum. Maybe I used the wrong word when I said tuning. I mainly just meant bein a gearhead and gettin to work on my car. Oh well, thanks for the input, guys.

Yeah, when you say tuning, most of us think spreadsheets, fuel maps, and tactrix cables. I moved it back to the original forum for you.

If you're just talking about working on the car, then i can help you out as I was in the same place you were.

The best way to get over the hump is to just do it. I went and helped buddies install stuff, and by watching them, I learned to do stuff myself. Is it still scary? Yeah! I took my TMIC off for the first time last night.

Start with little mods. Like mud flaps or a short shifter. Something that's relatively simple. Even an oil change. Once you do those mods, you'll build some confidence. There was a time when I wouldn't dare take my dash apart. Now it's no big deal. Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.

[B4RSTiwsnc]

just take your time, do your research and everyone here will be glad to help you, so do not hesitate to ask ?'s. Enjoy your STi and most importantly read the stickies of what to NOT do to the STi. BOV's etc..

[06STINyC]

I'm still scared to work on my car and do things. And I've done everything to a car. I've even bolted on turbo's with people and working on cars still gets me. Juss don't do it alone unless you have all the time in the world.

[boxtwo]

+10000 on all the above advice. I am also new to working on this car and I was terrified to start modding myself. This site has been an invaluable resource of posts and direct information/assistance. w/o IWSTI I'd still be working on my transmission bushings! There are a ton of How-To's and odds are, someone has done the mod already and can guide you down the right path. Take your time, research, pre-read instructions, and get a good feel for the "lay of the land" before you touch a wrench. Before I start any mod, I always look very closely at what I'm going to be doing, ont he car itself. How things look, where things are bolted, etc. I'll even take a pic or two in case I forget how it is all supposed to go back together.

[gr00vy07]

Originally Posted by boxtwo

+10000 on all the above advice. I am also new to working on this car and I was terrified to start modding myself. This site has been an invaluable resource of posts and direct information/assistance. w/o IWSTI I'd still be working on my transmission bushings! There are a ton of How-To's and odds are, someone has done the mod already and can guide you down the right path. Take your time, research, pre-read instructions, and get a good feel for the "lay of the land" before you touch a wrench. Before I start any mod, I always look very closely at what I'm going to be doing, ont he car itself. How things look, where things are bolted, etc. I'll even take a pic or two in case I forget how it is all supposed to go back together.

+1 same here, if it wasn't for IWSTI I would have never been able to mod the car myself. My STI is the first car that I have ever work on besides oil changes and maintenance on other cars. Always take your time when you work on your car, don't take any shortcuts, if you feel frustated walk away and take a break, call a friend, or post here. I started with changing the shifter and doing the intake silencer delete. Those are easy mods that will give you the confidence to work on more difficult tasks. Don't be scared, there is always a first time for everything. if you follow the advice given in this thread, you'll be fine .

[subi4justin]

I think a majority of us can say that we were scared the first time we acutally worked on our cars. My first car to mod was my 350z and i was scared ****less just cause i didn't want to break anything or mess my car up. All you have to do is take your time and do a lot of research about anything you do to your car. There are a lot of people out there that share the same interest as you, and a lot of times they are willing to give a helping hand. Just do little things at a time and sooner or later it will all start to come together. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask for help.

[Peleg]

Originally Posted by kynx

I grew up with with my mother mainly and I never really had any influence on cars. None of my friends work on their cars. None of my relatives work on cars. I've never done anything more than top off my windshield wiper fluid on any cars in my past.

Im excited about my car and I'd love to be good to her and improve her. I just don't know how to start.

Any suggestions? Personal experiences? Has anyone been where I am and come out of it?

I grew up half way on the other end of the world until I was 15. I had zero knowledge of cars during high school. It was only after high school that I wanted a fast car, mainly because I was driving a corolla with 110 bhp.

You're in good hands, we will help you with all this stuff.

There are 3 main areas of improvements:

A. Power

B. Handling

C. Braking


Drive the car for a bit and get to know it, then see what you'd like to improve. You can do minor improvements in each area, or major improvements in some areas.