Are there many who work on their own ISF?
11-09-15, 06:56 PM
#16
It really just depends on my work schedule and whether or not I have the tools to do the job. If I have the time and it's not too terribly complicated, then I'll do the work...oil changes, suspension, brakes, exhaust...nothing too crazy.
11-09-15, 07:35 PM
#18
Just curious what the O2 sensors socket did you use when installing the Borla exhaust ?
11-09-15, 08:04 PM
#19
I've only replaced the exhaust tips myself (removed bumper) in the 4 1/2 months I've had my F. Took it to the dealer for my 55k oil change as an excuse to start a relationship there, the first time I've ever had anyone else change my oil in 40 yrs of car ownership.
I'm gonna have a local shop install the PPE headers & exhaust, a place listed on PPE's website who have a great rep. on the MR2 board (I'm a long time Mr2 owner), they've done over a dozen header installs & have it down. Think I'll have them put the USRS at the same time, since they'll be doing an alignment after dropping the subframe.
I'm gonna have a local shop install the PPE headers & exhaust, a place listed on PPE's website who have a great rep. on the MR2 board (I'm a long time Mr2 owner), they've done over a dozen header installs & have it down. Think I'll have them put the USRS at the same time, since they'll be doing an alignment after dropping the subframe.
11-09-15, 10:16 PM
#20
I know owning a car comes with a responsibility, and I take pride in being a good owner by tackling some of the jobs myself. But for things that I have not done prior, such as spark plug changes, I know that I am able to utilize CL as a solid resource, as well as contact those who are more mechanically-inclined with prior experience, for help and guide. It's not all about having a car that looks sexy- gotta put in the time to make her such, and it goes beyond just doing a thorough detail. And for things that I'm not too familiar with, I am fortunate to have a nearby shop with great guys who are always willing to lend a hand.
11-10-15, 02:28 AM
#22
It's a mixed bag for me as well. 
Servicing is done by Lexus to keep the service history all stamped up by the dealers, should I ever wish to sell the car on.
My coilovers and USRS were fitted by a very reputable Supra tuning shop, all the other aftermarket parts I installed with some help from a mate.
He also works at a bodyshop his Dad owns. so any paintwork is given to them to do.
I'll also get a local ICE shop to do any electrical work. Just for peace of mind more than anything.
Servicing is done by Lexus to keep the service history all stamped up by the dealers, should I ever wish to sell the car on.
My coilovers and USRS were fitted by a very reputable Supra tuning shop, all the other aftermarket parts I installed with some help from a mate.
He also works at a bodyshop his Dad owns.
so any paintwork is given to them to do.I'll also get a local ICE shop to do any electrical work. Just for peace of mind more than anything.
11-10-15, 05:20 AM
#23
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Oh yeah, I don't do tires because I don't have the machine. I do alignments because I am hovering over the tech and if he doesn't do it the way I want it, I take the wrenches and fix it myself.
Last edited by lobuxracer; 11-10-15 at 05:25 AM.
11-10-15, 05:54 AM
#24
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You do body work? It's pretty rare to find someone who can rebuild an engine and get panels straight or lay down a nice coat of paint. I suck at body work. Anything else, including machine work, porting, valve modification, no worries, but don't tell me to fix a dent and make it look like factory. Not going to happen.
Oh yeah, I don't do tires because I don't have the machine. I do alignments because I am hovering over the tech and if he doesn't do it the way I want it, I take the wrenches and fix it myself.
Oh yeah, I don't do tires because I don't have the machine. I do alignments because I am hovering over the tech and if he doesn't do it the way I want it, I take the wrenches and fix it myself.
I do everything from top to bottom. Bodywork,paint work, engine and transmission work. Let's not for get about suspension and brakes and steering.
I built this Datsun 280 z with a 1jz 446hp @16 psi. I did everything but the tune and I mean everything.
11-10-15, 06:11 AM
#26
Originally Posted by pat1
I do everything from top to bottom. Bodywork,paint work, engine and transmission work. Let's not for get about suspension and brakes and steering.
I built this Datsun 280 z with a 1jz 446hp @16 psi. I did everything but the tune and I mean everything.
I built this Datsun 280 z with a 1jz 446hp @16 psi. I did everything but the tune and I mean everything.
11-10-15, 07:08 AM
#27
Pole Position
The O2 didn't want to come out when the exhaust was on the car, so I removed the exhaust with the O2 sensors still in it.. The attempted to remove the sensors.. Even cut the shield off of one and used a pipe wrench after heating it up with a small torch.. No dice. Gave up.
8 year old car that was driven in the salted roads of the Canadian winters = exhaust parts are never easy
11-10-15, 09:00 AM
#28
Granted I don't own an ISF yet, but researching over the past few months had led me to believe that working on the ISF is generally easy and very much like my old G35 in terms of chassis arrangement. If you have a DIY interest, it's downright shocking how much money you can save doing your own work. Yes, you have to spend money on tools, but $500 in decent tools will let you save thousands in easy maintenance and repairs. It's really not that hard at all, especially if you have a decent impact gun, good socket set, a few good jacks and jack stands, panel removal tools, breaker bar, etc. There's no doubt in my mind I could have the rotors and pads replaced on all four axles in less than 2 hours on an ISF. Shock and/or spring install? 3-4 hours, maybe less. This is doing it in my garage with basic tools and an electric 350lb impact gun.
I probably have $3,000 in tools acquired over the years and have saved well in excess of $20,000 in repairs/maintenance doing my own work since the late 1990s.
I probably have $3,000 in tools acquired over the years and have saved well in excess of $20,000 in repairs/maintenance doing my own work since the late 1990s.
11-10-15, 10:40 AM
#29
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Good to know there are a fair few who still get their hands dirty
Speaking of recalls. I had the radiator one done at dealers and ended up needing a new radiator because they cracked the plastic join to the hose when inspecting! All sorted amicably and not really anyone's fault but just beware when doing that recall to look out for leaks after.
Speaking of recalls. I had the radiator one done at dealers and ended up needing a new radiator because they cracked the plastic join to the hose when inspecting! All sorted amicably and not really anyone's fault but just beware when doing that recall to look out for leaks after.
11-10-15, 10:43 AM
#30
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Granted I don't own an ISF yet, but researching over the past few months had led me to believe that working on the ISF is generally easy and very much like my old G35 in terms of chassis arrangement. If you have a DIY interest, it's downright shocking how much money you can save doing your own work. Yes, you have to spend money on tools, but $500 in decent tools will let you save thousands in easy maintenance and repairs. It's really not that hard at all, especially if you have a decent impact gun, good socket set, a few good jacks and jack stands, panel removal tools, breaker bar, etc. There's no doubt in my mind I could have the rotors and pads replaced on all four axles in less than 2 hours on an ISF. Shock and/or spring install? 3-4 hours, maybe less. This is doing it in my garage with basic tools and an electric 350lb impact gun.
I probably have $3,000 in tools acquired over the years and have saved well in excess of $20,000 in repairs/maintenance doing my own work since the late 1990s.
I probably have $3,000 in tools acquired over the years and have saved well in excess of $20,000 in repairs/maintenance doing my own work since the late 1990s.