DIY for dummies

[ned]

I don't want to rain on anyones parade, but when the dealer says to you "it's easy to get an extra X % power by just fitting an ABC", they dont specifically mean that YOU can do it.

BY all means do your own mods if you know what you are doing. But for F#$%^ sake if you need to be told where the boost line / wastegate / fuel rail is - dont risk your car. Everyone needs to know their limit - and exceed it only once you have learned more.

I know that I can easily upgrade my notebook PC but I'm not going to screw around under the plastic even if I read how to do it on the net. Its just about commonsense.

I really get worried when people try to learn about engines using text based communication. The best way to learn is befried a good mechanic (where you should have your expensive car serviced regularly anyway), and gently ask some questions - and get them to point out the relevant bits of your car. Most good import mechanics are enthusiasts anyway and seem willing to educate you.

This doesnt mean I dont get into some bodgy DIY, just that I try to learn what I need to do by talking to experts, and having the relevant bits pointed out on MY car 1st.

Thats it for now
(Geez is it hot in here or is it just me) :

[moondog]

Absolutely agree there, Mr Ned. No way I feel comfortable doing any pissing about without major guidance. That's not to say I'm incapable :huh: - I think I did alright with razor's kind assistance, taking out and re-gapping my plugs. And I guess that's what you're talking about: having someone there actually walking you through it physically.

[GTS-4 Ben]

If you don't try you will never learn... well atleast the mechanics will be happy.

I have gone from knowing very little about cars to in a few years doing my own (GTS-4) clutch changes, pulling engines out and almost everything to the car..
Sure there are things only experienced people should do.. but there is also alot anyone can do if they want to...

PS, I also like to play under the hood of my PC.

Ben

[moondog]

But without hands-on guidance, you run a much greater risk of increasing your mechanic's bank balance. Specially if you're a clumsy 10-thumbed clod like me

[mincemeat]

I think a workshop manual is an acceptable form of text-based communication.

The real problem appears to be the lack of illustrations in a forum/IM/email etc...

[TINDUCK RACING]

Quote:
I really get worried when people try to learn about engines using text based communication

.....well, that's blown it for books...

.....and workshop manuals, owners manuals, text books, reference librarys, blackboards at engineering college..........

......would YOU get on a 747 jumbo if it's engines had been built by word-of-mouth??

There's two ways of maintaining/improving your car....pay someone to do it, or learn yourself......and these forums seem to be populated with the latter.....just people from all over the planet, thousands of miles apart, sharing ideas and knowledge.........I'm sure it WOULD be a better prospect if we all met face-to-face.......but are YOU going to pay the air fare?? (or risk the hand-built 747)..........

Quote:
If you don't try you will never learn... well atleast the mechanics will be happy.

......well said Ben..

Mincemeat: good point dude......a picture is worth a thousand words.....and invaluable when trying to learn or explain on a forum...

PEACE LOVE AND HORSEPOWER,

Jon.

[ned]

All good points ! My clumsy attempt to stop newbies from expensive mistakes was poorly worded.

I was really referring to the fact that most of us really really really love our cars, have spent a fair whack of $$$$$$ to buy them , insure them, service them, mod them, and dont want to unintentionally damage them. Using workshop manuals, books etc is exactly the kind of approach I am advocating.

BUt I really cringe when I see some of the questions being asked indicating that many people with little mechanical background are prepared to chance damaging their pride and joy. You've all seen that many of the well meaning answers given on the forums arent always right (not all the posters own a Skyline!). So I wanted to warn them to be careful lest their next post is to the maintanence forum....."help - blown turbo"

I have had a ton of grease under my fingernails, and its those "this should take an hour" jobs that leave your car off the road for days, that make me realise that there is a case of knowing "just enough info to be dangerous".

Go the DIYers (with bold caution, and knowledge)

[TINDUCK RACING]

...we're all born knowing absolutely stuff all about anything, Ned.....
....the trick is to sort the truth from the bulls#1t......if 12 guys with Skylines say it works, it probably works....but if one fifteen year old relates something his mate saw in a magazine, then treat with caution.....but if you want to save paying a fortune to people for something that you know you can do yourself,then go for it......
Remember, Knowledge is Power......

.....and if one day you find yourself thinking: "what happens if..." then just bounce the idea around the forums before getting the spanners out....chances are someone has already tried it.....

Take care

Jon.