Tech Tips?

[tweaker76]

After reading in my thread, "who does your mods?", that a large number of folks here do their own, would anyone like to share some of their tips. Tips can range from: best way to remove difficult to remove components to what paint not to use on your engine. And feel free to run with it.

Hopefully, we can learn from oneanother. I might even take the responses and start to build up an FAQ.

Thanks,

Tweak

[NB8CT]

All I can think to say is: make sure you read about what you are doing, if you dont know a damn about your car or cars in general it maybe better to take it to someone who does (it will cost less that lets say a new engine becuase of a bad install of a part) and make sure you have all the right tools before you start. My biggest project to date is the intsall of my TECII into my miata. Just went slowly when I needed to and all went well. Check out the sites below for pics of it.
-Rob

[fastrThanU]

photographs, plastic bags, and sharpies are a car guys best friends when taking apart and putting back together. when painting parts, strip and start over. don't skip any steps, as it will show in either the finish or longevity. when you don't know how to do something that is possible for the independent garage wrencher to do, find out how to do it, and get the tools, as it will help you learn more about your car and cars in general. dont' buy crap tools. buy the best you can afford. basically, don't rush, do a thorough job, be organized and smart, and you'll do well.

[DemonZX]

Well imports are a bit harder to work on. well at least mine. anyway...The rule I go by is if you know you can do it go for it. If you have any doubts...take it to someone who does.

[Polygon]

Originally posted by fastrThanU
photographs, plastic bags, and sharpies are a car guys best friends when taking apart and putting back together. when painting parts, strip and start over. don't skip any steps, as it will show in either the finish or longevity. when you don't know how to do something that is possible for the independent garage wrencher to do, find out how to do it, and get the tools, as it will help you learn more about your car and cars in general. dont' buy crap tools. buy the best you can afford. basically, don't rush, do a thorough job, be organized and smart, and you'll do well.

Couldn't have said it better myself.