Install yourself vs Pay a shop?

[chadhtx40]

I have to admit I use a shop or two to do work I'm not comfortable doing or really have good tools to do. I'd rather pay a little bit extra from known good shops to get it done right the first time than end up breaking things or costing more money to fix what I broke.

I can do simple things like short throw shifter, some CAIs, and lights for example. Stuff that requires a lift or deep dive into the engine bay I'll generally rely on a professional to do it or a friend who actually knows what they are doing.

What are your experiences? My theory is if you have trusted friends or shops use them, better safe then sorry. Things you are comfortable doing you can knock out yourself. The main reason I feel this way it's my Daily driver and I can't afford to be down for long.

Sponsored

 

[CommyO]

I haven't done any big mods. But I'm planning to install a catback myself in the driveway and maybe get some help from a friend for the lowering springs. I am sticking to simple DIY mods for now though

 

[Joe_Stang]

Simple mods like CAI, downpipe, cat back exhaust you can do on your own but for the more difficult stuff like lowering Springs and other suspension stuff I like to leave it in more qualified hands.

 

[m4udin]

I've never done more than my own oil before this car. So far besides an oil change out I've managed to do NGK's, CAI, FMIC, and Steeda IRS Bushing Supports on my own. Also helps that my old man built race cars for 40 years and has every tool imaginable. I get instructions, watch video's when they have them, PM forum members who have already installed that mod for advice, then borrow what tools I need from him. I'll probably have him help whenever I do a turbo upgrade though. I feel that's a bit to much for me on my own.

 

[Anthony@HTM]

I do everything myself. In my opinion it's more gratifying and when something goes wrong you know how to correct it.

This car is very easy to work on, just believe in yourselves!

 

[04SloSnake]

Best thing about the EB, the abundance of extra space to make the work easier.

 

[TunaFish15]

I got fed up with having my wallet stolen at the auto shops by mechanics that overcharged per hour while they sat around watching a how-to YouTube vid and eating a sandwich.

I got over my fear of breaking stuff and went for it, lowering springs, sway bars, intercooler, CAI, chargepipe with mechanical BOV, subframes, IRS support bushings, replaced my stock grilles, etc.

 

[z06psi]

I do it all myself. I don't build shortblocks or rebuild tramsmissions. Everything else I do.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[PRG3k]

I do all my own work except pulling engines and cracking bell housings. When you're young and don't have a lot of money, you can accomplish almost anything by yourself if you have to. Those days taught me a lot. Now it saves me money out of convenience instead of necessity.

 

[b00sted]

I do all the work myself and solicit help from friends when I need it. I've rebuilt plenty of engines, custom exhaust, etc. Dad made me learn thus stuff at an early age and I fell in love with it. Only thing I haven't rebuilt is a transmission, mostly because I've never broke one except the one I completely grenaded. Do it yourself, you'll learn a lot and have a lot of fun in the process.

 

[Tamadrummer88]

If I still lived back home with my parents I would do everything myself. Being now that I live in an apartment with limited space I can't freely work on the car. Simple stuff like a CAI and catch can I can do, but exhaust stuff is a no go. Not enough space.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rogues Gambit]

I got fed up with having my wallet stolen at the auto shops by mechanics that overcharged per hour while they sat around watching a how-to YouTube vid and eating a sandwich.

I got over my fear of breaking stuff and went for it, lowering springs, sway bars, intercooler, CAI, chargepipe with mechanical BOV, subframes, IRS support bushings, replaced my stock grilles, etc.

I should try that, I mean it can't really be that hard can it?

 

[higdominator]

I should try that, I mean it can't really be that hard can it?

You should, but it can be. Just remember, when it gets frustrating- and it can and does- just step back, grab a cold drink, and relax.

You always spend more time and money in the long run when you rush things or work under frustration- especially on a car.

If all is going well, it's a blast!

 

[paullyd210]

This is my first car doing all the mods myself and all it really took was for me to get over the fact that I didn't know what I was doing or that I might mess it up,
Just utilize your resources like install videos, ask questions here etc and don't be afraid to call the vendor if needed. I always give myself more time than what videos/instructions say the Videos tend to make things look super easy lol power tools and lifts are probably why

A starter tool kit that has been awesome for me has been this one from Costco along with a set of jack stands at harbor freight for $20

http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature™-159-piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set.product.100145342.html

 

[Nxttime]

Do it yourself...I've been working on cars for 30+ years. My parents got divorced when I was about 7 so when I was with my dad and wanted to hang out with him I did was he was doing which most of the time was working on cars. He used to have his own shop, and after he passed away in 2001 I inherited all his tool/toolboxes ($20K+ worth of tools, some of which I don't even know wth they're for! LOL) Along with some of my friends we swapped EVERYTHING from a 1992 Mustang into a 4 door Fairmont and now it has a fuel injected 331 , T76 turbo, built AOD, 4 wheel disk brakes and ran a barely tuned 11.57 @121 in the 1/4 mile.....

Have some faith, there are soooo many avenues available today to learn from that weren't around "back in the day"...lol.....YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Brad

Sponsored