Before I jump into doing any mods to my IROC I wanted to ask if there is a general method for a total car flip. I ask to try and avoid as much back tracking as possible. I have a pretty long list of what I want to do. It includes getting the power up to 400 hp, new digital gauge cluster,new paint, audio upgrade, lighting for the exterior, re leather the seats, and possibly swap the auto for a 5 speed. I have read a few threads and most say avoid going to a manual but i just find more satisfaction driving a manny around. I dont plan on drag racing but def want to be able to keep up/pass any normal guy who decides to challenge at the red light.

Thanks in advance

 

See your accountant 1st.
Defining a total budget or how much you are prepared on spend (and sticking to it ) on each phase would be a good starting point

The guys on here can help you best spend $500 or $50,000 depending on the size of your wallet

 

Exactly. We need to know your budget first. You have mentioned some items that might be expensive to some, but not to others(leather re-upholstery, a manual that will handle up to 400 HP, paint, etc.). I guess I should clarify we need to know your budget, and how much of this you can do yourself(all, some, somewhere in between?). Say you can spend 10,000.00. If you can do it all, you can get a lot of the parts within that budget. If you have to farm things out like the upholstery and paint for example, you are going to chew through half of that budget right off the bat. As an example, DIY leather will run you 750 to a grand. Having someone else paint it is going to probably run 3k up to 10k depending on the amount of body work needed and what level of perfection you are looking for.

 

I would like to keep the entire project below 12k. I have heard instead of painting to do a wrap. That should help save some money for other things I want to do.