Restoration/Upgrades: Where should I start?

[DeFeKT]

Searched a bit and couldn't really find specific guidelines that would help.

I recently got into an accident, hydroplaning over a curb. At that moment I came to understand how important a good set of tires is, properly maintained brakes, maybe even suspension bushings (Going out a limb, but I'm sure worn parts are of no help).

So I'm working this summer to make all the repairs on my car (S13 fastback, auto, stock). My question is, in what sequence should I restore/upgrade my car? Mind you, I am considering getting into drifting sometime in the future, maybe by the end of summer.

My car could really use a new set of tires, new pads/rotors, possible head rebuild (maybe even the whole KA24DE, not sure), possibly new suspension (I'm sure everything is shot to hell), and possibly transmission work (laggy auto, could just need an ATF change). Also, I'm getting low gas mileage (Approx 16 mpg daily driving).

I guess the ultimate open-ended question is: Where would you start? What specific parts would you upgrade and in what order? And how much of this do you think the average guy can do outside his house? Keep in mind, I'm on the same budget as every other college student.

My end goal is to have a reliable beater in good-enough condition so I wouldn't be afraid of taking it to a track for entry-level drifting.

:faint:

[NismoSilvia270R]

start with whats broken. what is broken?

[DeFeKT]

Yeah I left this out because this is first priority regardless. A tension rod is snapped, and a control arm is bent. There might also be rack and pinion damage. These are getting fixed starting tomorrow.

What I'm interested in is what I should do once the car is back in running condition.

[NismoSilvia270R]

same thing happened to me twice.
im doin the hicas rack and stock replacement arm. most likely rack damage in your case, happened to me

[NismoSilvia270R]

BEWARE: the first time the frame brace?(tension rod mount) was fine, but the second time it was the first thing to go

[MakotoS13]

1- replace the broken
2- replace the worn
3- replace the aged

example:

after i fix my hub i'll install a strut then begin to replace bushings while i get the body ready for paint.

[Nismo240SX]

i'd go ahead a start re-placing whats broken with a few upgrades. Get the Tein tension rods which are afforfably priced and will give you some added performace. and coming from another s13 auto owner (soon to change) don't expect more than 22 mpg. i'd change your fuel filter, o2 sensor, air filter, and plugs and you should see around 20+ mpg. i used to only get 17-18 and now i get about 21-22. I know thats not alot, but with these damn gas prices, i guess it levels out.

[aznpoopy]

like everyone else said, start with what's broken. once that's done...

brakes and tires are expensive but important. get brembo blanks, some perf or near OEM quality pads, replace your brake lines and bleed your fluid. get new quality tires.

after you get back on the road do a full tune up. air fuel oil filters, oil change, spark plugs, plug wires, rotor & cap, etc etc. after that u should do repairs on problems as they come up and preventative maintenance. leaky seals, upper chain guides, stuff like that. get a factory service manual! check your timing, check your a/f mixture, clean ur fuel tank, etc etc.

after you've squared that away, you can look into doing some non-neccesary performance upgrades. typically its a good idea to upgrade to aftermarket as things break b/c oem is so damn expensive anyway.

[oojpeeoo]

maybee if we knew wut was broken we could help u out more

[DeFeKT]

Well, like I said. Most of it is just worn or aged. What's broken as of right now is a single tension rod, a single control arm, and probably whatever is associated with the rack and pinion. But so far, this is exactly what I was looking for in responses. If you guys, please keep them coming. Thanks a lot. :bow:

[DeFeKT]

Also, do you think it's worth pitching out $200 right now and getting TEIN tension rods all around instead of $35 for a junkyard part? Is there a noticable difference for the price? Do tension rods wear out?

[D1champ]

If you going for OEM spec restoration, you can get OE tension rods or get some used ones in good shape.

[FaLKoN240]

If you really care about bushings, your OE ones on your tension rods were shot, and chances are, the $35 dollar tension rods at the junkyard have shot bushings too. Either get NEW bushings pushed in, or just upgrade to pillow ball joint tension rods.

[aznpoopy]

been over a year... hope he's farther along then that. ;)

[420sx]

muahaha wheres Doug when u need him....

[MakotoS13]

1- replace the broken
2- replace the worn
3- replace the aged

example:

after i fix my hub i'll install a strut then begin to replace bushings while i get the body ready for paint.

i've already said my piece.