I've noticed while searching various topics on here that a lot of people pay shops to do there go fast bits.

I have always gotten my hands dirty, if I don't know how to do it, I will by the end of the install. I'm no mechanic either.

I don't see the point of spending 500$ at a shop to put an exhaust on when I can do it in under an hour and a half (that includes taking the old one off)without a lift or air tools.

I guess what im asking here is if you like cars, why don't you want to do it yourself?

"I don't have tools" is not acceptable with harbor freight prices you can get most anything done for under 50$ in tools. (side note: I have broken less HF tools then I have Craftsman)

 

I've been known to turn a wrench. I mostly enjoy it.

 

Most of the work gets done by my brother who enjoys cars a lot. When my exhaust comes in he will do that while I just mainly watch and pass the wrench and that kind of stuff

 

I do it all myself with some help from mechanic friends if it is something out of my comfort zone. A buddy is a retired mechanic with a hoist and air in his garage which makes things very easy. Only requirements are work during the day so the noise doesn't bother anyone, $20 for the hydro costs and a bottle of his wife's current favourite liquor.
I did take my car in to a shop for alignment though.

 

Bolt on stuff is fun to do and some more in depth projects.

 

ha ha good to hear! I'm the same way. I guess its the Honda mentality I have. I've swapped my civic upwards of 8 times just because, I have it down to a science, drive into the garage and drive back out in under 9 hours. its good fun!

 

Its always nice to have one of those friends! im working out how to get a lift in my garage but it most likely means ripping the garage down and building a new one due to clearance of the roof... I bought a compressor last year but half the time im not even using it, its easier to grab a wrench then find my impact sockets lol. and an alignment is a bit above any normal mechanic cant blame you there, not many people can afford an alignment rack.

Yep, two winters ago I bought my Takada CAI and we had a nice day (40 degrees) right before Christmas, so I bundled up and went out to the garage and put it on. I hate the cold >< I built my first engine in my studio apartment in college that's about as far as I've gone so far, but plans are roll cage and a lot of custom fabrication work, I need to get 220v run to the garage before I can tackle that though

It's always nice having someone there handing you stuff, at least your learning!

 

i did all the parts on my car except for the HFC took it to the shop..i love working on my car but certian things ill pay someone to do it..

 

I do most of my own work, but wife doesn't want me to mod her new sedan. It may get lowering spring one day while she is at work!

 

Nice dyno numbers have you taken it to the 1/4 mile strip yet? (RWD or AWD?)

Ha ha I have thought about doing that to my parents cars, but even living on my own now, I still fear their wrath.

 

As long as it's something that doesn't require diagnostic equipment or tracing electronic issues I'll DIY every time.

 

Do everything but internals myself.

 

Gimme a wrench and some duct tape, and I will can do anything from oil change to a twin turbo install on a ls1 engine swap

 

Everything on my ride was installed by me.....only shop items are tire mount/balance and alignment.

 

I have done all my work so far, except for the coil overs. I really did not want to wrestle with this without a lift (I just have jack stands and jack).

For me, the lack of proper tools or space to do the work is really the limiting factor so far.

Rear camber kit is next and, alas, I will be electing to take the G to a local shop to do this as well.

Sco1oter