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DomLee

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Everything posted by DomLee

  1. I don't recommend mixing springs. But if you must, you should know the particular spring rates. You want spring rates that are similar. If they are not similar, the ride and handling will definitely suffer. My personal recommendation would be to save up for coilovers. TEIN has an affordable entry level coilover from what I understand. That will give you the height adjustment that you want. Not only that, but since you are looking to replace your shocks, the TEIN coilover will provide a new shock that is matched w/ the spring rate. You'll be much happier w/ a coilover. As far as other mods, much like any other reasonably supported aftermarket car...there are a few options available. For more info, check out: www.intellexual.net
  2. Have you checked the battery terminals? Clean off the corrosion that forms there.
  3. I have the Axxis Ultimates on my SC300. http://www.stoptech.com/axxis_pads/#ultimate The pads work well. BUT they do squeek/squeel when they are not in their optimal temperature. So driving on the street, you'll hear quite a bit of squeeking. They do stop good when cold. BUT when you do get the up to temperature, they stop REALLY well. Keep in mind that this pad does dust quite a bit. Just thought I would let you know of my experiences w/ this brake pad.
  4. It would depend on what type of responsibilities this 16-year old would have. Does the kid pay any bills? What about the car insurance or gas? It is not so much as will this car be good....it is will the kid be able to afford this car? Keep in mind that this car requires premium fuel (91+ octane). Also, the SC is one of the longest cars I've ever driven. It is about as long as a Yukon Denali (I parked next to one the other day). That makes it somewhat of a pain to find parking spaces. What happens if certain maintenance needs to be done? Like brakes or oil changes? Just some simple questions to ask yourself.
  5. I would suspect that the cats are bad (clogged/collapsed internally).
  6. I would put the new tires up front. The front tires are used for turning. Rear tires are only used for general forward movement. The front tires also take the brunt of the stopping power (compared to the rears) when you step on the brakes, meaning the weight of the car shifts to the front. Just remember to rotate the tires every so often and you'll be fine.
  7. http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/howtob...brakesright.htm http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/bleeding_abs_122701.htm
  8. What is your current mileage? Assuming high mileage (80,000+)...and the year of the car (it is a 13 year car)...you have to expect the engine to burn some oil. The oil seal rings aren't in tip top condition anymore. It lets more oil through. It happens. My car (93 SC w/ 120k miles) burns oil. Burning some oil is typical (say half a quart every 2,000 miles). But if you're going through a quart every week...that is a sign that an engine rebuild is expected soon.
  9. A lot of people seem to be having coolant light problems lately. When was the last time you had the coolant replaced? Any other items replaced lately? Any coolant drips on the floor in the morning?
  10. Where in SoCal are you? I'm in South Pasadena, but am frequently in the Redondo Beach area. I take it you are not too mechanically inclined? If so, that is okay. Lots of people learn more and more every day. The K&N filter will run you about $55. It is a drop-in performance air filter. Other basic performance items are springs and performance shocks, exhaust, etc. Feel free to ask any questions.
  11. Most gas companies (at least in CA), show the octane number...which would be 91 (for premium here in CA). The 96, which you just stated...is the "RON" #, not the octane.
  12. Going up to 19 inch wheels means: 1) Possibly a harder time finding tires that fit your rims. 2) These tires are usually more expensive. 3) You'll have to run tire pressures at nearly max in order to ensure that you don't dent your wheels (if you hit a rock or pothole). 4) Potholes and any road irregularities will be your enemy. 5) Smaller sidewalls means stiffer ride (generally speaking). 6) Larger wheels CAN mean a heavier wheel. Heavier wheel will affect performance. With that being said, my personal choice would be a 18 inch wheel.
  13. EVOs and WRXs are fast. They are 4WD. Don't expect to win easily. Especially since the SCs are so heavy. You ONLY have a intake as your sole "power" modification. Everything else doesn't matter. Therefore you will lose. Even if you changed over to a stick, you will still lose. Only way, would be some form of forced induction.
  14. Just thought I would ask. How much did you pay for the engine & tranny? Was curious as to what prices I should expect.
  15. Yup. And turning the piston while the caliper is still connected to the vehicle...was a HUGE PITA (awkward position, not much leverage, lots of arm strength/dexterity needed to turn the piston back).
  16. I thought there were 2? Todd w/ TM Engineering replaced 2 steering rack bushings for me (per the invoice) AND it was like $10/bushing (I think).
  17. Why bother racing a "ricer"? Unless you consider yourself one too...
  18. Please name every single electrical problem that you know about. Any aftermarket equipment installed on the car? Like audio equipment including speakers, an alarm system,...and even HID lights and fog lights. An aftermarket spoiler w/ LED taillights maybe? Is there water damage on the inside of the vehicle? Check the sunroof area and the driver/passenger feet area for possible water damage. Any wires that were cut/spliced in the engine bay? Was the car involved in an accident before? What type of person are you buying this car from? A older businessman who seems to want a family car? An auto enthusiast? A racer? (Sorry for the profiling, but you have to do a bit of this to possibly know the condition of the car) Mechanical problems are easily solved. Electrical is a PITA.
  19. I reach 90mph occassionally, I admit. Not very often...but I have done so. But going anything above isn't something that I recommend. The wheel base between the two front wheels are not very wide (whereas they are pretty wide on the new Mercedes SL500/55). That really hinders stability. Not only that, but our cars are heavy. The aerodynamics of the vehicle are decent...but certainly not the best.
  20. How much faster are you trying to go? Most people don't even get up to speeds this high on a given day/week.
  21. I'm running Yokohama ES100s. Tire wear so far has been good. I'm expecting to get at least 10,000 miles out of them. Will see. My best recommendation to ensure that you get the most life out of your tires, would be the following: 1) Check tire pressure. 2) Ensure that your shocks are in good condition. If they are bad, replace them. 3) If there is unnecessary junk in your car, remove it. Less weight = less wear. 4) Get an alignment. 5) If your bushings are shot, replace them.
  22. How many miles do you drive in a given month? What is your current mileage?
  23. If you do that...you have to understand that your car can NEVER be left in gear right? One push of the button w/ the car accidentally left in gear...and well...you get the idea.
  24. I have not worked on a SC430, so my best suggestion would be to take your car over to a local automotive upholstry shop or better yet, a reputable audio shop. They can figure out how to re-install those items back in. Of course, if you're not afraid to do it yourself...that is even better. Most of the time, interior components are either snapped into place and/or held in by screws. Just a matter of figuring out which areas are suitable for you to apply a bit of leverage/force to snap off those interior pieces. The cigarette lighter will usually just need a wire to snap into the back of it. Pretty simple.
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