Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

This is just off the top of my head, so feel free to add to it. I will when I think of more.
Before we even get to the list everyone should keep in mind that Matt84TA is a trool and an idiot that shouldn't be taken seriousely.[list=1][*] You should know how to change your own oil, and which filter to use.[*] You should know how to change your spark plugs and spark plugs wires, and which part number.[*] You should know what the free mods are for your engine.[*] You should know the what size engine you have in your car, what type of induction you have (carb, TPI, TBI, MPFI), what type of transmission you have, and what rear gears you have, and whether its an open or posi.[*] You should know the approximate horsepower and torque your car came with stock. Bonus points if you know the horsepower and torque for other years too.[*] You should know how to change (or clean if its a K&N) your air filter, and what part number it is.[*] You should have read every single tech article, every FAQ question, and the tech database on this site.[*] You should know that 4th gen wheels will not fit on 3rd gen cars without the spacers from www.skulte.com[*] If you have an 85-89 thirdgen, you should know whether its a 10-bolt or 9-bolt. This falls into the above about knowing your rear end gears.[*] You should know how to change your brake pads, and which part numbers to use.[*] You should have bookmarked all the online aftermarket companies that deal with our cars, such as www.tpis.com , www.summitracing.com, www.jegs.com, www.slponline.com , etc.[*] If you own a TPI car, you should know the difference between 85-88 TPI and 89-92 TPI, and the difference between 85-89 MAF and 90-92 MAP.[*] As a thirdgen owner, you should keep your car looking good. You should never let it fall into disrepair or look like trailer trash. Getting your car into good tune should always come first before you start performance mods, and you'll get a better gain when you do.[*] You should know that engines and transmission parts are expensive, and eventually they will break or wear out.[*] Dont always look for the cheap solution. The cheap solution is almost never the best solution.[*] Get subframe connectors right away. It doesnt matter which ones you get.[*] Cat-back exhausts are almost all the same. Get the one that has the sound you like.[*] Find a friend or make friends with a good mechanic that can help you.[*] Use this site as a tool to help you acquire knowledge. Dont expect it to hold your hand or do everything for you.[/list=a]

------------------
West Coast GM Shootout 2001!
1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

[This message has been edited by Kevin91Z (edited April 05, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by ede (edited April 06, 2001).]

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Pretty good list. I'd add:

20. Know the emissions/safety laws in your area.

21. Know if your block is roller or flat-tappet cam, and one- or two-piece rear main seal. Same for the angle of your center-two intake manifold bolts - angled or perpendicular. Typically, '87-later are the former, '86-earlier the latter.

22. It is a reflection of your good character to be kind and magnanimous to the "lesser species" who drive ponies...

------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam and intake, World 305 heads, Hooker headers & y-pipe, 3" Catco cat).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

Matt84TA

23. Having your daddy work on your car is unacceptable -- If you're not man enough to do the work, find another hobby.

theformula

23. You should know what a 1le is

24. You should know why SLP headers are better than Edelbrocks



------------------
91 Formula 1LE 1 of 46
305 TPI 5speed
1LE/G92/WS6

Paxton SN92 supercharger, Ford SVO 24#injectors, Crane AFPR,SLP airfoil, ported/polished plenum, March alt. pulley,Crane Gold 1.6rrs,MSD coil,MSD6AL (5400rpm limit),Holley 9mm wires,Ac delco R43ts plugs,custom chip,Bosch O2sensor,SLP 1 5/8" headers,SLP catback,shortened shifter,3:73s w/Auburn posi,180* t-stat,JET 195* fan switch, Macewen white face gauges, Autometer gauges, Zoom hi-performance clutch.

Aaron87SC

25. Matt is annoying. Don't pay any attention to him because he has nothing worthwhile to contribute.

------------------
1987 Camaro Sport Coupe LG4
700R4 with 2.73 open rear
Hypertech chip, 180* stat
Dual snorkel air cleaner with K&N air filter
CK rods with B hanger
Hooker catback
Pioneer DEH-P4000, Pioneer speakers front/back

TunedPort350

26. If your still fortunate enough to have your "daddy" around and he is willing to work on your car with/for you, count your blessings and ENJOY the time you have together!!!

Matt84TA

.

[This message has been edited by Matt84TA (edited April 05, 2001).]

gruveb

By the fact you had to prove something means it isn't apparent and obvious to those around you. If you have to prove your "manhood" by working on your car instead of letting someone with more experience and knowledge do such.....well if you can't see where this is going, you're a girllie-mon!!!!

Hell, I'd let anybody who knows how do my work for me, every job needs proper supervision, and I'm just the type to fill that roll. Every team needs good roll players.

Bort62

I think You Forgot the Most Important Kevin.

27. Know The Limits of you and your Vehicle, No matter What You drive.


But overall, an Excellent list, If there are any on this Board who Do not feel Comfertable With all those listed that apply To Them, Its Time to stop Riding and start Driving.

Never to Late to learn.




------------------
60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Sport Coupe LG4 - Daily Driver

Just another Hot Rod kid, or thats what they all tell me.
Livin' the Stereotype

Dana92RS

28. Removing your smog pump will not result in any error codes or noticeable (if any) performance gains. It will clear up lots of room in your engine compartment. There is a tech article on thirdgen.org that explains how to do this and what size belt and how to route it without the smog pump. There is also a smog pump delete pulley available from any GM parts counter (p/n 10186167) that you can install in place of the smog pump that will enable you to retain the stock size belt and routing.

mtx28

so what if we havent booked marked all the sites relating to thirdgens, and dont know all the nitty gritty details of a car? guess it means im not a true connoisseur of third gens, and no longer deserve to own one na, im not trying to start anything here, i do agree a person should at least know how to maintain their cars and be resourceful on the internet and otherwise

kjgroen

Great list

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

I still dont understand why you think having my mechanic father work on my car is such a bad thing. Its not like I dump the car off to him with the keys and come back in 8 hours. He and I work on our cars together, every time.

five7kid: Good additions, I missed those.

theformula: Definitely on #23, also add B4C and Firehawk to that list.

Aaron87SC: Glad you noticed that too.

TunedPort350: Thank you, thats how I see it!

Bort62: Good advice for every driver! Thank you.

Dana92RS: You should add that removing your smog pump is against federal smog laws and might cause your car to not pass emissions, which could result in a huge fine and possible jail time, but what you do with your car is no concern of mine.

mtx28: No disrespect meant with this list. I was trying to list basic things that everyone should know, and if there is something here you dont know, its a good excuse to learn. Nobody ever died from knowing too much. And it makes you look like a god to everyone else. Look at how much respect Vader and GM Tech and Engine Boy and those other "all-knowing" people get? I get a good feeling when I am able to help someone fix the problem with their car, or help them choose the right parts to make their car faster. Plus it increases my post count.

84FTA

I think it's a good start, some unessicary ones (IMHO) though.

-You should know how to replace your headlight and/or motor

-You should know how to pull your own codes

-If you know someone who knows cars even if it is your daddy, learn from them, it'll be much faster, even if they're not competent they'll know things one can only learn from expierence. I don't care who you are, if you go out there with a set of tools and a jack with no expierence it's bound you will interpert something the wrong way and then screw it up

------------------
1984 WS6 Hardtop Trans Am
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 T-top Trans Am
4-bolt main 350, performer intake, headers, Holley 650, T-5, hayes clutch, dual elec. fans and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration
13.98 @ 101

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I'll add my "Ditto" to TunedPort. I got my Camaro the week after my father died. He was my inspiration for getting into this hobby, was there when I needed his help in the early days but never once took a wrench out of my hand.

I don't think a week goes by when I don't catch myself thinking about telling him what I'm working on lately. If your dad is still around and has an interest in what you're doing on your ride, I agree - count your blessings.

Kevin Irving

Excellent list, though I wouldn't want someone to feel as though if they don't know a few of those items on this ever-growing list that they are considered morons..... this is a place where my knowledge base has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 3 years, and I thank everyone and anyone that has ever helped me out of a jam, as has been noted on my web page below for the past 8 months. I would also hope that I have helped a few people here from making the same mistakes that I have, and that they are just as appreciative of my efforts.

------------------
Kevin Irving
85 Trans Am WS-6, 305 TPI, custom burned '86 PROM with '87 "165"ECM, Accel Supercoil & 8.8 Wires, MSD 6AL, Aluminum Driveshaft, Wonderbar, TB Coolant Bypass, Ported Plenum, Modified MAF, Syclone Fuel Pump, JET Airfoil

15.556 @ 86.65mph, Nov 10, 2000.... I know it sucks.. but it will get better!

http://www.geocities.com/transam85tpi/

Member - The Tidewater Trans Am Club, Norfolk VA http://www.geocities.com/ttacva/

Dana92RS

I figured five7kid covered it with number 20.

ede

kevin what do you think matt would have to say if he knew i was my son mechanic and engine builder and he drives my race car?

------------------
ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd

Matt84TA

That your son is a prissy little bitch afraid to get his hands dirty. It doesn't take much to build an engine. Some people...

BTS88IROC

Hmmm....There isn't any way we could somehow ban this matt fellow is there?

8Mike9

yOU Be FrOM ONE oF TheM DAR BACKWoodS tyPye of PlACes....aiN'T yA soN?

I think I'd really like to slap ya upsdide the head with talk like that.

WHat's the deal, your Daddy beat you when you were younger? Or your Daddy just don't give a rats *** about ya?

I also like the comment about " It don't take much to build an engine", yeah...also don't take much to wipe your *** , but I'll bet you still get sh-eye-t stains in your shorts.

Grim Reaper

Also, how to change your plugs, be able to read them and set your timing.

On the father issue: I think that is uncalled for Matt. I think its great that a father and son bond by working on cars together. Great place way for a person to learn a lot about cars without making some costly mistakes.

It's like being envious of the kid whose father has money and is able to help out his kid buy a good car (or a house for that matter). Yes, not all of us (myself included) are so lucky, but its no reason to be jealous of those that are.

Pablo

iTrader: (1)

Id like to make one addendum if i will that might be a bit controversial


number twenty something: Repeal the earlier rule about getting subframe connectors.. hyped up waste of cash

[This message has been edited by Pablo (edited April 05, 2001).]

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Ahh yes, there's another one Glenn. You should know where your timing connector is, and how to disconnect it so you can set your timing.

Pablo, I have to disagree with you. Subframe connectors rule. Yah they're expensive, thats why my dad made his own. They're very worth it. How else are you going to eliminate the body flex and chassis cracks these car get?

jobryan26

I think your out of line *****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

------------------
'87 Trans Am:
(Engine)
305 TPI
160 Degree Thermostat
TB Bypass
Accel 300+ 8.8 Racing Wires
Accel Super Coil
Bosch Platinium Plugs
Custom Ram Air with K&N
Removed Emissions Equipment & Cat.
(Stereo)
Kenwood Excelon

mustangs killer

Great list. and to repley to matt: Grow up man. Me and may dad always work on my engine together. Not that I can't do it myself, But I love the the time I spend with my dad doing it. I'm sorry your dad isn't around to help you, But don't be dissing people who's dads are around to help them. Quote: The only dumb people are those to dumb to ask for help!!!!!!!!

86TpiTransAm

I just got a couple things to say! First, I have no idea how to change brake pads! I've had my car for over 2 years now and haven't changed the brake pads yet! As a matter of fact, my back brakes don't work at all....the calipers are the original GM calipers and they're shot!!

Second, about the "knowing how to read your timing" thing!! I have an '86 with the timing marks at 2 o'clock and my balancer is a newer model for the cars that have the 12 o'clock timing marks!! Hey, I got it from a junkyard...so sue me!!

ihateallmustangs

29. Dont call yourself a dumbass.

Kevin Irving

ROFL!!!



------------------
Kevin Irving
85 Trans Am WS-6, 305 TPI, custom burned '86 PROM with '87 "165"ECM, Accel Supercoil & 8.8 Wires, MSD 6AL, Aluminum Driveshaft, Wonderbar, TB Coolant Bypass, Ported Plenum, Modified MAF, Syclone Fuel Pump, JET Airfoil

15.556 @ 86.65mph, Nov 10, 2000.... I know it sucks.. but it will get better!

http://www.geocities.com/transam85tpi/

Member - The Tidewater Trans Am Club, Norfolk VA http://www.geocities.com/ttacva/

Guido

I too think that SFC are required. Kenwood has a Paxton, a set of SLP runners and full exhaust on his hard top 87 GTA. It has stress cracks over one of the doors where the metal is cracking.


Just because some people have had good results without them, doesnt make them any less neccesary in the long run.

Matt, your an idiot. Go away.

Oh yeah, my dad helps me all the time. He likes to. I dont mind an extra hand in there to help wrench either.

------------------
-86 IROC
Vortech Supercharged 406
-=ICON Motorsports=-
"Well, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?"

Biochem

There was a time when I would work on cars along side my father and for a while EVERYTHING I had learned about working on cars, I had learned from him... Kevin just has a few more years to learn from his then I did from mine! Now my father asks ME for advice about working on cars... Do you think I'd just toss my kid a wrench and expect it to make him a man overnight?

Matt84TA, YOU ARE AN IDIOT... <Insert Jester's quote here>!

------------------
1984 z28 w/ a 357 cu in. monster engine which is looking like the posterchild for Edelbrock with the exception of the Holley 750vac... all the suspension stuff... 9-bolt posi disk is in...

-=ICON Motorsports=-

novadude

Here is another vote for Matt being an idiot.

My dad has helped me with a LOT of car stuff in the past.

Doesn't take much to build an engine? Wonder how many engines Matt has put together, and how well they have held together???

-=ICON Motorsports=-

[This message has been edited by novadude (edited April 06, 2001).]

FlashGTA

Great list, you missed a couple of real basic ones though.
30. Know your engines firing order.
31. Know what kind of gasoline your car likes best. (Exxon/Mobil)
32. Know what kind of gasoline your car hates. (Phillips 66)

Another vote that MATT84TA is an idiot.

Bill91Z

It also doesn't take much to snap your little pencil neck, but you don't see us doing that now do ya...well, yet anyway.
B1tch

------------------
-Bill

-=ICON Motorsports=-

Modertor TPI board

-1987 Buick Grand National-

*CC 218/218, ported and polished irons, custom DP by Custom Tubes, Walbro 307 hotwired, 009s, custom PROM and 20psi of fury*

Wanna try me?

[This message has been edited by Bill91Z (edited April 06, 2001).]

Matt98SS

my 1LE was cracked at the roof line too on a hardtop no less. But then again I had more HP then most people around here

Matt
-------------
98 SS work in progress
TH400, Ford 9", TNT 2 stage, you get the picture

Chris 96 WS6

Hell, some people don't even have fathers around, so to have your dad around AND to have something fun to share with him is great, even if jealous little Knight-Rider wannabe bastards make futile attempts to make fun of you for it.

Yeah, I've stayed out of this whole mess until know, but I'm tired of seeing a fellow ICON member get trashed repeatedly by someone with the character of a snail.

Oh, and Matt84TA, PLEASE, PLEASE insult our cars (especially pertaining to the level of rust), or our intelligence, or our education level, or anything else. I would consider it a pleasure to disprove anything you think you can come up with.

You know so little about us as a group, yet you make generalizations trying to insult ICON, I would suggest you a)either learn more about us so you can flame us properly, or b) shut up.

-=ICON Motorsports=-

------------------
1996 Trans Am WS6 (Ram-Air)w/K&N, airfoil, Lakewood LCA's and Panhard Bar, Dynomax Ultraflow race muffler, HPP+ (running stock tuning) and 160 'stat, FLP Longtubes and LT4KM.
Pre-header performance:
13.83@100.67MPH
255hp/289tq on dynojet (before headers)

3rd gens formerly owned:
Red '88 IROC-Z LB9 5.0 TPI (can be seen in Featured Rides)
Red '85 Camaro LG4, converted to 355

Biochem

I think 90% of us on every page (that includes 3GO!) would vote for option B... shut the hell up!

The other 10% just don't care one way or the other...

------------------
1984 z28 w/ a 357 cu in. monster engine which is looking like the posterchild for Edelbrock with the exception of the Holley 750vac... all the suspension stuff... 9-bolt posi disk is in...

-=ICON Motorsports=-

[This message has been edited by Biochem (edited April 06, 2001).]

gruveb

Matt,

Was your father an annonymous sperm donor?

Just wondering, you seem to have a little issue there or something........

Matt84TA

Some of you guys missed my point. I'm not dissing people who wrench with their dads. Hell, I wrench with my friends all the time.

I'm dissing people like Kevin who act like they are God's gift to the automotive world, but HAVE to have daddy do the work for them because... (gasp) they don't know how!

Bill91Z

I don't think he ever admitted to being God's gift to automotive technology or whatever it was that you said. If I had the option of either doing it by myself or having my dad helping me out using his superior experience and talent I would much rather choose option "b". But, I am not that lucky and do not speak with my dad (that a$$h0le). Anyway, what I'm trying to say, is that Kev probably never has his dad do anything to his car without him being right there by his side learning how to do it, helping out in some way, or doing it himself with an experienced mechanic there to supervise. I am done defending Kev, I'm sure he could do a better job of it anyway

------------------
-Bill

-=ICON Motorsports=-

Moderator TPI board

-1987 Buick Grand National-

*CC 218/218, ported and polished irons, custom DP by Custom Tubes,
Walbro 307 hotwired, 009s, custom PROM and 20psi of fury*

Wanna try me?

[This message has been edited by Bill91Z (edited April 06, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Bill91Z (edited April 06, 2001).]

jobryan26

You have to start somewhere. I'm sure that somewhere in your posts you are meaning something totally different than what's coming out. Everyone needs help that's what this board is for because not everyone knows everything (except VADER :P hehe ) I too wish me and my dad had the relationship to where I could call him up and say "Hey lets work on our cars or something". But anyway. Back to the topic.



------------------
'87 Trans Am:
(Engine)
305 TPI
160 Degree Thermostat
TB Bypass
Accel 300+ 8.8 Racing Wires
Accel Super Coil
Bosch Platinium Plugs
Custom Ram Air with K&N
Removed Emissions Equipment & Cat.
(Stereo)
Kenwood Excelon

Ward

iTrader: (1)

Last rule of all thirdgen owners - DONT EVER BUY A *****!

------------------
1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."

ede

ok matt how does your insult to me and my son have anything to do with you thinking kevin needs his dad to wrench his car. i think YOU missed the point. for what's it's worth i build several engiens each year for other people that do all the r&r. it would seem they aren't afraid to get dirty and some even have the ability or have actually done it before but for what ever reason chose to have me build their engines.

matt84ta you're an idiot go away


------------------
ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond Lodge 538 F&AM

gruveb

Why can't we all just get along?


Boy, this is fun.

gruveb

Here's a good rule. It sort of flies in the face of don't buy a *****, but learn how those other cars make power, and apply some of the ideas and principles to your thirdgen.

I had a VW with dual webers, 1835cc, heads, exhaust - the works, and it was very, very, very quick, no bottle!!! True, there is no replacement for displacement, but even more important is having matched parts, properly tuned and balanced.

Get the most out of your engine, instead of getting more engine!!!

PS. My wife let me build that vw engine in the kitchen...I had no garage at the time. She ROCKS!!!

Ward

iTrader: (1)

Uh oh - time to bust out the bullet proof vests and duck for cover...

------------------
1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."

TRAXION

33. Off the shelf chips like HyperJunk, Jet, ADS, Performance Resource, etc are not worth the money they cost. Learn how to program your own PROMs. Its only about $160 for the equipment (given the use of FLASH EPROMs).

Tim

------------------
TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.244 @ 112.51mph (1.778 60' / 7.819@88.32mph in the 1/8)
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels.
Gunning for NA 11's with bigger cam, bigger stall, and bigger exhaust.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

ede

i'd like to thank everybody for playing along here, but it's time to close this thread and move on. kevin and the others have given us all a few pointers and tips. i'm ashamed to admit i don't know the fireing order of a SBC after all these years. I have it wrote on the front of my puter to use on here and have it wrote on the wall in the garage.

------------------
ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond Lodge 538 F&AM