Getting started on Automotive repair and modding

Vegasboricua

I'm always looking to learn new things and expand my knowledge to do more bigger and better things. I was wondering what do you guys recommend I do or buy to get started on working on my own car? I plan on working on my Z myself or able to do my self at least. I'm coming up on my 3,000 mile mark and going to perform my first oil change. I'm always a custom to taking it to the dealer and paying them, but thats going to change now. I only intend on taking my baby over there for major maintenances.

I have a roomy who is very mechanically inclined so im sure ill have his help and guidance in all the things I do. The DIY's that are on the forum dont seem to hard at all so when I get my Intake and exhaust, I plan on attempting to install it my self.

What do you guys think? Is there anyone in the same boat as me? Who has come from not even doing your own oil changes to being able to swap out parts and work on your own car?

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schrute

Having a buddy who knows what he's doing is a great way to get started. Ask him to walk you through and explain each step while letting you do it (instead of just watching him do it), you'll learn much faster that way.

Download the service manual here on the forum and read through it ahead of time. If you don't have a good set of tools buy the most complete set of mechanic's tools you can afford (Craftsman @ Sears has decent and affordable options), then budget a little each month or so to add to your toolbox as the need comes up. Get a floor jack (I got a pretty nice one at Costco). Don't forget jack stands (Harbor Freight has some cheap one that work well). Also: low profile ramps, oil catch pan, oil filter wrench, rubber mallet and a torque wrench - that will get you started.

You'll get frustrated at times, don't let that discourage you. Before long you'll look back and feel pretty good at what you are now able to do yourself. Your tools will pay for themselves too. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck. Good luck!

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MightyBobo

First thing first, I applaud your decision to move forward.

Second, EVERYONE has "been" there. Some of us grew up with parents who fostered the knowledge, and made it a group event. Others (like me) grew up with parents who knew absolutely nothing about cars except the most basic of maintenance, and were forced to learn ourselves. I will personally say, as long as you have the tools and a "fall back plan" (IE, a friend who is knowledgeable), diving head first into modding is a good way to learn.

Third - remove the F&F quote from the sig...most people say that as a joke lol

Finally - an exhaust and intake is generally something many modders call "day 1" mods - something they throw on the first day they own the car. They are basic, easy-to-install mods that almost everyone will do to their cars. Many times, a simple socket set and some screw drivers, and a few hours of your time will be quite sufficient. Obviously you'll need some way to get under the car to get to the exhaust, but you get the picture.

My point is, you are more than capable in doing the simple mods. Don't doubt yourself, but if you have questions, ASK! There are PLENTY of people either on the board (or your friend of course) who are ready and willing to answer your questions. But the one thing I learned that I cant stress enough - try to do it yourself first. Do the actual dirty work yourself first, and have your friend be the eyes in the sky - he'll say something if you're making a mistake.

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IDZRVIT

You took the words out of my mouth. Tools and the factory shop manual are a must. Then go from there doing the basic maintenance and repairs. As your tool box grows you can get into the more difficult stuff. One big important thing to remember: Know your level of incompetence. Certain repairs are best left with the pros. Some repairs and adjustments like wheel alignments are a no brainer - it has to go to a repair shop. One other thing, a diagnostic code reader or scan guage type instrument is a plus. Good luck in your initiative. The best thing about DIY is the satisfaction of doing it yourself and the money you save which goes to pay for your tools!

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6spd

Just be aware of the danger involved with working on a very technologically advanced and expensive vehicle. This car is far from the vehicles of old that allowed to owner to do a lot of their own work. Things are more complicated, so if you have any doubt at all, consult an expert, not just the service manual. We see many cars come into our shop with problems created by the owner because he tried to be a do-it-yourselfer.

It is entirely possible to work on your vehicles yourself, just be aware that you and only you are gonna be responsible for any damages that may occur. Best of luck!

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kenchan

you guys are making too big of a deal on a simple oil change. jk

yah, get yourself some nice wrenches and tool case and this and that.
stay away from junk tools...they just dont last.

here's wat i use mostly: facom, snap-on, sk, craftsman-pro

PapoZalsa

Well I don't think he is only refering to an oil/filter change....

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soCo

I was in the same boat a few years ago. If you have the tools just go and dive right in. Plenty of instructions on here and around the internet. My parents knew/still know nothing about cars. My mom freaks out every time I tell her I'm going to work on my car (she's the type that will pay for the smallest/tiniest/easiest things).

I went from knowing nothing to installing intake, headers, and exhaust, painting parts, and changing the entire interior lighting of my current car. I went in with the just having the tools required, instructions, and a back up plan in case something happened (tools breaking). It's always nice to have a backup car in case you need to run to sears and get something.

Also manage your time well, say for example the headers for my car said it would take 7-8 hours for a professional to install...it took me 2 days. That was by far the hardest thing I've done and I think I'll stay away from anything harder than that haha.

I would also say that after you do the oil change, do either the exhaust or hfc first. As those will be the easiest, the further you are from the engine typically the easier of a time you will have. Intakes also aren't hard but if you have to dremel a hole (like i did and I believe if you get the stillen intakes you have to as well) it can be a little unnerving.