In reading the years of threads on this site, I have seen many stories of people switching tuners, ripping out one package and going with another, upgrading power after a short period of time, and making other changes after their car appeared to be "done." I am about to upgrade the power on my 996 turbo and I would like to avoid some of the mistakes that others have made before me. For that reason, I am curious what some of the mod guys would do different if they were to start again from scratch, knowing what they know today? What has history taught you that would cause you to change your approach to modding if you could start over? What mistakes did you make and what did you learn from those mistakes. Your input would help a newbie to not make the same mistakes? What would you do different if you start over, with a stock car, having the knowledge that you have today?

Thanks guys.

The Doctor is out.

 

I wouldn't have spend so much money on cars

Haha - that's my one useless comment for the day.

 

It's all a learning process and an addiction. Just pick a reputable tuner (most are on this forum) Mistake I made was buying 996 Turbo instead of a GT3RS.

 

I'd have to say my first mistake was not really knowing what I wanted...of course it took some modding to find that out. As Stevo says, for performance mods, find a tuner you can deal with and stick with them. For bling, stick with a list of reputable suppliers and find your best deals. I think part of the fun had been doing the modding over time...not all at once. If you spend $10K (or whatever your budget) a year, it is like getting a new car every year.

 

Straight to Ruf for me if I had to do it again , might even still do it depending on funds...

C.

 

I probably wouldn't change a thing everything I have been through has been a cool experience. I have met some awesome people all over the Country and have experiences with my car which make me never want to sell it.My advice is go with Evoms or Proto and don't get too crazy. 650 to 700 HP is plenty then work on suspension, wheels, body, etc...

 

if you're a speed guy, skip the baby packages and go straight to the 700hp packages (and, as Budman says, Evo or Proto are your best options.)

if you're a track guy, do the stage 2 upgrade or so, and get Motons.

if you're a guy that has bad luck, don't buy a previously-modded car.

- chuck

 

Why Ruf? I don't see much about them here on this forum.

 

Would not change a thing? That surprises me. I read about your problems with your car a while back, after your first custom package, and that was part of the reason I started this thread. I also read your more recent posts where you said you were going to switch from Evo to Proto. Again, another reason why I started this thread. Given your long history with Evo, I was suprprised to read your change of heart and your plan to switch to Proto. You obviously have a lot of experience and I do not want to be switching tuners, so I was hoping to learn from your experiences so that I make the right choice the first time around.

The Doctor is out.

 

I am with Bill on this one. It seems most people underestimate their need for power and what they actually want. Many of us, myself included , would have been better served to start where we are finishing as far as mods go. Too many baby steps to the "big plunge" racks up many unneeded expenses. If you want big, go big. I look at some of the prices for these kits and a couple of years ago laughed at those who spent that kind of money. Well, I am spending that kind of money now and have spent much on the lesser kits on my way. Take stock in your finances, ability of your significant other to look the other way, and choose a tuner you are comfortable with. When you decide on a kit, make sure you get the next bigger kit just for good measure.....

 

i would of been more patient.

 

Thanks for this input. I agree. After reading about how many people started at 500 hp, then went to 600, then 700, etc., I have decided to go straight to the higher hp because I know I will end up there anyway (can you say OCD). It appears that I can save a lot by going this route, rather than taking baby steps and going through lots of parts along the way that do not work for the higher hp packages. I initially was planning on starting at 650 hp, but now I am thinking 800+ hp may be a better number to target. I guess that also narrows the field of available tuners.

The Doctor is out.

 

Doc, just curious..have you driven your new car much? Do you have any idea what increased horsepower is like in these cars? Do you realize you will need other mods besides performance? I know there are some power junkies that just can't get enough, but unless you plan on serious track work (and that set of mods)...600-650 hp is way too fast for roads! I mean driving around CO...I have never used all of my cars opotential...I mean once you hit 160 or so...where can you go?

 

IMO 700hp is perfect for these cars. You will have a very fast, reliable, and drivable car and you won't have to break the bank.

 

I would have just bought JRZ's or motons... With the money I have spent on Pss9's, 9FF, and H&R's I could have had them.