18 Year Old High Schooler - TI Planning?

[roadblkx]

Hey guys I think I've posted my car a few times but I'll refresh your memory for context: that is pretty much how the car sits now, except it has clear tails. OK, to the main idea of the post: I am currently a High school senior. I work at a grocery store and make 7.75 an hour and work about 12 hours a week. I average about 80 bucks per week. I currently have $2100 and need to save up $3K to buy this car from my parents, who are only loaning it to me at the moment. Then, I'd need to start over. I have big plans for the car, including an M3 motor swap my dad can help me put in (he knows tons about cars).

Also in the plans are a new entire exhaust unit, exterior parts, wheels, etc. I am wondering what my big picture game plan should be, in your guys' opinions.

I REALLY want to get the M3 engine in there during this upcoming summer, but I am really not sure if that is attainable at this point. I am happy with the car but have a vision for what I want and want to get closer. Is something like a lawn mower service in edition something that would work out?

What do you think I should do? I have thought about putting away 50% of my paycheck into the "buy the car" fund. another 20% into the engine fund. 10% into Misc. car fund. the other 20% into eating/friend hangout. what say you?

overall tips/comments welcome.

[cooljess76]

Given your current income and situation, I'd invest in some driving schools and common wear items such as cooling system parts and tires. yeah, the motor swap is a nice goal, but that shouldn't be until way later down the road. Aim to master the 4cyl first, then start thinking about performance as your driving skill improves. So many people pick up these cars for cheap then dump tons of money into making them faster, but never realize how loose that rear end can get depending on various road conditions.

[familytruckster]

+1 on what he said.

All of the threads and comments I've seen about the handling of these cars almost made me get rid of it. And toss in the fact I got my car for 100 bucks with an overheated and blown up motor from cooling system failure!

[BMW_Hatchback]

1+ what jess said, but if you want the swap I'd be smart to not spent more than half of your saved money on it.

[Philly]

Originally Posted by familytruckster

+1 on what he said.

All of the threads and comments I've seen about the handling of these cars almost made me get rid of it.

Have you driven a 4cyl Ti with a good suspension and tires??
Im gonna guess 'No' since you got yours for $100. Its a big gokart.


I think Jess was more referring to the fact that the OP is 18 years old.. he should learn to control a car, let alone a car that is rearwheel drive and that will step out on you if you provoke it to hard - before dropping in a m3 motor.

[Xenocide]

Ryan I still have my m3 midpipe and entire catback from the car of mine you drove. Do you want it? I need to get rid of it still.

[roadblkx]

Originally Posted by Xenocide

Ryan I still have my m3 midpipe and entire catback from the car of mine you drove. Do you want it? I need to get rid of it still.

I'd be REAL interested in that dude. send me a PM or facebook me.

Edit: Is that something I could use in my current car as is or would it be something I'd add in when I get the engine. I guess what I'm asking is if it would fit the 4cyl. engine.

[Xenocide]

i sent you a message.

[b.u.ti-ful]

Well, if I was 18 again, I would tell my parents I'll pay them later and put all my money in the "getting 18 year old girls into my car fund."

But that's just me.

And any other honest old guy.

[roadblkx]

I think I may curb the M3 engine plans for a while and get the 325 instead. That would be much cheaper and more realistic and would probably still give me a little more fun that I've been wanting without killing myself.
I can always buy the M3 engine after college if I want it.

[BMW_Hatchback]

fun

[cloud9193]

well, im 16 working two jobs, one making ~$100 an 8-hour shift working friday and saturday, and another making 7.50 an hour all the other days except sunday
i bought my car though for 6k, and i'd like to get an engine swap too, but since i just got the car less then a month ago i'd like to get to know it first.
so what im doing is buying everything that i want that wouldnt have to be changed when i do the swap (i.e., depo angel eyes, vaders, head unit, tweeters)
maybe that will help guide you

[cloud9193]

oh, and

Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful

getting 18 year old girls into my car fund

+10000

[Dave_PA]

You are a lucky 18 year old! my first car was a volvo 240 4cyl auto that was the family hand me down. Slow and not pretty...but it did work!!

I agree w/what everyone above said. I think you should get the car to a level that the reliability is rock solid and enjoy the 4cyl. For all the above reasons PLUS the fact that your insurance on a 4cyl 2 door hatch back is going to be much less than a 6cyl modified 2 door hatch you should keep the 4cyl. A word of advice a friend told me many years ago when i purchased my 72 2002. You will have more fun going fast in a slow car than going slow in a fast car.

You are lucky that you have to purchase the car and not the insurance. at your age that's really the kicker!

Enjoy!

[familytruckster]

Originally Posted by Philly

Have you driven a 4cyl Ti with a good suspension and tires??
Im gonna guess 'No' since you got yours for $100. Its a big gokart.


I think Jess was more referring to the fact that the OP is 18 years old.. he should learn to control a car, let alone a car that is rearwheel drive and that will step out on you if you provoke it to hard - before dropping in a m3 motor.

So, just because I didn't pay double the blue book value my car is a POS?

I agree, just trying to drive the points home. (cooling system and car control)