Turning My SL into a Hot_Rod_SL

[Hot_Rod_SL]

Ok well guys I was thinking about getting a new car, but now I am thinking about saving a couple thousand $$$$ and just fix up my 1992 SL with like $3000-4000. It is completly stock right now. I know I really want to get new rims and tires (16's with low profile tires), tint the windows, upgrade the speakers. I know I really want to get a new paint job, but I dont want to spend more than $1000 for a paint job. I dont really care about performance (cause it is a SOHC engine with like 144,000 miles). I would like to get an exhaust though maybe, or just a new muffler. I just want a car that will look good to cruise around in.


Could you guys reccommend any products. Exp. rims and tires.

[Hot_Rod_SL]

Alright since no one will reply to my msg I will,

This is the list so far of what I am going to get:

$380- 16x7 Enkei TBS 11
$380- Dunlop Sp Sport W-10, p205/50vr-16
$250- 25% tint

-order from SPS-
$279- eibach performance suspension
$189- Short shifter
$74- momo shift knob
$29- black special edition emblem kit

I think that is about $1,581+ with the install of the new lowering springs. I think I am going to put the rest into some speakers, amp, and woofer/s. And then maybe a paint job, but I think I might wait till next spring for the new paint job.

[JayLS1]

Hot Rod, maybe nobody wants to answer you because nobody knows how. If my kid wanted to drop $3-4,000 into a car that's worth about half that, give or take, I'd sit 'em down and have a serious talk with 'em. With 144 thou miles, you may be driving into some serious repairs before long. Unless you've got bucks to burn ('cause I doubt you'll ever get back anything close to what you're planning to drop into that car), you gotta ask yourself if it's worth the bucks just to cruise. Your car, your decision. Just my input.

[Patrick_97SC2]

I'd save up a bunch of money and maybe switch over to a newer car with less mileage...maybe even go to a DOHC. I had a 96 SL2 and I spent about $2000 on it w/ modifications. I then saved up and sold my SL2 and got a 97 SC2 with only 15k miles on it. My payments are low so I can still save a decent amount. I took out most of the stuff I put on the SL2 (I kept all my stock stuff and the stuff I did get was just bolt ons).

So far my mods on the 97 include:

Stereo/Alarm/Outside
JVC head unit w/ cassette player and 12 CD changer
JBL 12" sub in an encolsed box (switched from old car)
Hifoniks 200 watt amp (switched out)
Phoenix Gold wiring
Hornet alarm system
20% tint

Interior
2 15" black lights under the dash
2 strobe lights (for shows)

Engine/ exhaust
custom 2.25" piping
Mozart bullet muffler (4.5" tip)
Hotshot chrome cold air intake w/ K&N filter (switched)
JG Big-bore throttle body
92 stock header, jet hot coated (silver-luster)
Accell 300+ Thundersport wires w/ NGK v-grrove plugs

Handeling
17" Koing monsoons
Falken tires
Eibach prgressive springs (1.5" drop)
Gabriel Gas charged struts
SPS strut tower brace

All this adds up to about the money you want to spend but I've spent this a little here and there. I still want to add guages and a body kit but the only way I can do that is if I get a sponsorship from one of the local dealers here. I may be possible but we'll see.

-Patrick

[100KSW2]

Hot Rod

I agree with the earlier post about spending so much money on a car which is probably nearly the end of its useful life (and a base engine, also). I hope you won't mind some heartfelt advice from an old head like me

My suggestion is to start by having the car detailed (my Saturn retailer charges $150, for example, to wax the car, shampoo the interior, and even clean the engine), you may be very surprised at the results (you did not give any details about why you think it needs a new paint job). Or, you could do it yourself for about $30 to $40 and a day's labor. When my Saturn turned 7 years old a couple of weeks ago I detailed it myself and it looks like new.

If you go in for anything else, probably the most bang for the buck would be to go for some new wheels (and tires, most likely at 144K!). As was also pointed out above, these new wheels can easily be moved to your next car - if you think you will definitely be buying another S series Saturn. New tires alone will make your car ride better and are probably the cheapest enhancement you can make to the ride and performance of ANY car. If you use the search feature of this board you can find many posts about tires for Saturns,
different brands, how mediocre the stock tires are, etc.

My Saturn has been so inexpensive to own that I have been able to put some of those savings into the bank to pay for my next one. If you are careful with how much you spend now, you will be able to really treat yourself on your next car. Sometimes a little makeover like I describe here is enough to satisfy that new car hunger. If you are able to do some or all of the work yourself, you can take pride in your project, too!

Good luck to you. Enjoy your Saturn and your efforts to personalize it!

Jim

[Hot_Rod_SL]

You guys are 100% correct... but. I am 18 and going to go to college every new car that I looked at the insurance was like 250-300 a month. I will probly get another Saurn and just take all the stuff out of my SL and put it on the new Saturn. My car was free (from my Mom) insurance is like $100 a month. It is like the best deal for a car that looks good and was babied until I got it last year. I have almost fully detailed my car each month the past 2 months (everything but shampooing). The paint is really nice except for some long scratches across the sides from the sides of the garage. The hood is peeling pretty bad but from far away the sides look like new. :) I dont think I would do a new paint job till spring anyways if I do one at all. If you read above I might just be taking out like $2000. Now tell me if you can find a car for like $2000, $100 a month insurance that you know the 1st (and only) owner, and is newer than 1992? ummm I think you would tell your kid GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!

[Dr. Bob]

I have two sons, 19 and 17, so here goes my opinion with which you can do whatever you wish. You can even argue with me - I'm used to that <img src="http://www.saturnfans.com/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/Images/Wilk.gif" border="0" align="middle">

Unless your course of study is automotive engineering or to become an automotive technician, I wouldn't mess with hot-rodding any car, much less an aged Saturn w/ 144K miles. In fact, my 95 SL2 with 92,000 miles on it was damaged in a hailstorm last year to the tune of $3000 to fix and I'm struggling to justify fixing it even with the insurance coverage. You will have much better places to put the money and your time - invest both in your education, you will not regret that.

Now if you were studying automotive engineering or to be a technician (not a bad business to be in if you like working on cars), I'd say the hot-rodding would be valuable - it would be an incredible learning experience. But, I'd still say find a vehicle with less miles.

I put 200,000+ miles on a 88 Cavalier 4-door - my kids didn't want to be seen it, much less drive it, but by keeping it 10 years I was able to pay cash for my next car, and haven't borrowed to buy a vehicle since.

[LI 350]

Heya! I'm 21, and in college as well. The only mods. I plan on doing to my saturn(97SL2) is maybe a 2.25-2.5 cat back dealw/a $50 muffler from pep boys or something, a hot-shot intake & maybe tinted glass, that way it will sound good & have better looks; be sure not to overdo it w/ acessories & make it look gaudy (e.g. gold trim everywhere, those stick-on chrome fender flares, & the big "peeing calvin" stickers).

[Chrisnos93sl1]

While my main quest with my 93 SL1 has been mainly performance / handling products, I've done some mods too make her look nicer. One of the best things I've done is convert from the black bumper covers too painted SL2 bumper covers. I've also put on 92 factory alloy wheels with a factory rear decklid spoiler. It has helped give the car an more aggresive look that fits the true nature of the car. If I can be of any help feel free to give me an e-mail. You may also want to check out my web site to maybe give you a few ideas.

Chris's SOHC Performance Page
(http://www.crosswinds.net/~chrisnos93sl1/home.html)
Team SOHC
(http://www.crosswinds.net/~chrisnos93sl1/team%20sohc.htm)

[Patrick_97SC2]

BTW I'm only 19 and a sophmore in college. I've managed to save some money while doing the mods to my car. They haven't been all at once. Save up, spend some here and there and have fun doing it.

-Patrick

[Hot_Rod_SL]

Hey Chrisnos,

Do you think I should get my engine rebuilt if I am really serious about keeping my SL. Should I maybe do a engine swap? Maybe swap in newer SL motor, you know the one with 100hp? I know Honda guys do this all the time. Are the motor mounts in the same location? Do you by any chance know the engine #'s?

Thanks

P.S.
I cant really make my car a "hot rod" it is kind of a joke. I just want a car that will look nice (for a while). Then after the "bug" has completely bit me do some performance. :)

[Chrisnos93sl1]

Well if you put a newer SOHC motor in your not going to make any more hp. The reason the newer SL's (95 and newer) make more hp is because they have multi-port fuel injection. We have the old TBI (single fuel injector) that is less efficent and thus makes less power. To convert to multi-port would require a complete new wiring harness, computers, and much more. It would be just as easy to convert too a twin cam motor. It's alot of work!!

If I were really serious about keeping you car, I'd go for the motor rebuild. I'd get a get a performance JG head with a higher compression ratio that has ported/polished with a 3 angle valve job. You may want to consider forged pistions and conecting rods. I currently have a spare SOHC motor I aquired from a junk yard. I'm hopping to do the same mods to it. With this kind of build up I'm hopping to step up from a 50hp shot of nitrous too a 75hp shot.

But if you truly love your car and never want to part with it, GO FOR IT. If I can help in any want feel free to ask. Later man

[Hot_Rod_SL]

Chris,

Have you had your car dynoed? I would like to see what kinda of hp you are putting to the wheels. I am having the amp and sub installed today and am going to have the tint and wheels installed in about a week. Friday I go in for the 144k tune up. They are going to look at the sway bar bushings because I dented in the braces and I thinking I might have messed up the bushings. If I do have them fix it then they said they have to do a front end alinement (sp). And they are going to charge me $100 for the right side exterior mirror (parts/labor).

There is a 96 SL2 parting out around here with front damage (I think that is it). The ad in the paper says that the rear is intact. I dont know but I think the 96 still had the same body style as my car? I think I might go check it out.

[cityhawk01LW30093SW2]

Actually, the '96 was the first year of the new body style (at least for sedans and wagons). You might check with other tekkies here as to the interchangeability of the rear suspension parts, though.

[cityhawk01LW30093SW2]

By the way, Hot_Rod_SL, I'm 38 years old. When I was in college, I took a 1963 Chevy pickup that I bought for $100 and built a new engine for it (283 with Corvette hi-comp heads), brazed new sheet metal over all the rusted out body panels, bought new spoked rear wheels... glass-pack mufflers.

My dad protested with all the littany of practical advise about wasting money, etc. But, one has to do what one has to do. It sounds like you aren't planning to go too berserk with it, and one poster mentioned doing it little bits at a time. If you can buy things that you can transfer to the next car, so much the better (i.e. wheels). I'd say spiffing up the outside and putting on a cool set of wheels would do wonders to the car for starters. When you get bored with that, you can look forward to a new exhaust or something like that.

[lowrider SL1]

Hot rod SL...$250-300/month for insurance?!!! I'm a 20yr. old guy with a 2000 SL1 and I live in California and I pay less than $120/month to insure it!! I really think you should consider saving up for a new car. It wouldn't be worth it to put so much money into that car. I have no regrets that I bought a new car even though my payments are more. I think that if you have enough money to do all those mods, you definitely have enought $ to put a down payment on a car! I only put down $2,300 when I bought my car...well whatever you do good luck, but spend wisely!

[Chrisnos93sl1]

Sorry no dyno #'s or 1/4 mile times yet. I really haven't had the time to get it done or to run her with college and work. I was going to have her dyno'ed two weeks ago at the Compact Power Jam in Carlisle, Pa, but something with the trans going bad. Well it turned out to be the pressure plate in my relitively new Centerforce Duel Friction failed. So right now my cars sitting at the dealer with no trans in her. Hopefully she'll be back on the road early next week. Hopefull in a few week's I'll have some time slips. I have to wait for Centerforce to give me a all new clutch. Trust me as soon as I get some I'll post it too the message board.

[Hot_Rod_SL]

good new and bad news.

Good news:
OMG my rims look nice on my car!!!!! The tint goes on monday.

Bad news:
I am going to have to spend $700 for new struts all the way around and rear brake job. The struts have never been replaced on my car!!! The driver side rear strut is leaking oil and is about blown. I am going to go in tuesday and have them fix it.

Next will be the short shifter and knob and black-outs for the front. I think I might also get the special edition emblems.

[Chrisnos93sl1]

Man $700 for struts and a brake job is alot. I got KYB struts from Summit Racing (www.summitracing.com) for $70 a strut (better than stock). I've put my H&R springs and 2 different sets of struts on my car. All you need is some basic tools and a spring compressor that you can rent at a part store. It takes me a little less than 2 hours to change all four struts. As far as brakes it would be also cheeper to get some after performance pads. I currently have Auto Zones Carbon Metalic's on my car. They don't cost that much and are alot cheeper and work alot better than genuine Saturn parts.

Now as far as a short through shifter, you can also do yourself. I did it to my own shifter along with putting a factory leather shift knob on for that final touch. All you need is a hack saw and a grinder and your set. I had access to a band saw so it only too me about 30 minutes to take out the shifter and cut it. I wish I only would have done it sooner!! Check out (www.saturnspeed.com) for step by set directions under the teck section. Good luck man, and like always if you have any questions feel free to give me an e-mail.

Chris's SOHC Performance Web Page
(http://www.crosswinds.net/~chrisnos93sl1/home.html)
Team SOHC (SOHC car owners)
(http://www.crosswinds.net/~chrisnos93sl1/team%20sohc.htm)

[Hot_Rod_SL]

just thought I would send this msg back to the top.


I havent done much lately but I am going to probly save up and get a paint job in the spring of 01'. Then probly if my car is still running strong get a new engine and build it up. I think I will also get a new exhaust and clutch. I think I might go with NOS. Most of my friends and co-workers have said that it is about the nicest Saturn they have seen. There are like 1 or 2 other SLs around here with nice rims and one I think has exhaust (but it was that ugly green color that they had back in 91-94). All my car needs now is some power! :)

[abkaiser]

"hack saw and a grinder and your set. I had access to a band saw so it only too me about 30 minutes to take out the shifter and cut it."

...I've gotta add to this too because I just did it. :)

To make the above even easier, I didn't even take out the shifter. Just took out the center console to expose the shifter, spread some moist big rags around the shifter area to catch metal shavings, and hacksawed away (went through two blades). Really easy, and you'll save $190. Got a Momo knob, and it looks and feels great.

Next mod will be to get new gauges. At MMRUSA, they have gauges with Chinese charcters for the numbers! Too cool. Hopefully after I get married in a month, I can convince the new young Old Lady to let me blow money on them...

[Hot_Rod_SL]

by cutting the shifter you are not actually changing the throw of the shifter (witch makes it a real "short-shifter"). I think also but cutting the shifter you increase the distance that you hand has to move which is totaly oposite of what I would want to do. Also the short-shifter changes the pivot point. This is what a real short shift does and if the one that SPS sells just has a choped shaft then that is a total waste of money and what you guys did was correct. But what the SPS one says is that it reduces the shift by 40%.

[JPRex]

If I'm not mistaken, the idea behind a short shifter is that you don't need to move your arm to shift. You can shift by pivoting you hand at the wrist as oppossed to pivoting at the shoulder. So all things being equal, a short shifter translates into shorter shifting times which may or may not allow you to move your SL a little quicker.

[jcesl2]

Its kinda late to jump onto this post, since you've already bought a lot of stuff. First, I have a 99 SL2, I am 22, and my insurance is $270 a month (thanx to an icy road and a curb). As far as spending money on a car, you're young so go for it. I haven't regretted a single dollar that I spent on my car. Here's a page on it:

www.jcesl2.domesticracer.org

Do you have any pics of yours? FYI: A friend of mine was up at the track in Denver a couple weeks ago, and there was a Saturn running a 12.0 quarter mile (at 5400 feet).

[Hot_Rod_SL]

I have no pics of my car to post. :(

I need to save up some money and put NOS or forced induction in it. I would like to build up an engine and put a turbo on.

I race *SO* many Civics now it is crazy! I dont think I have one a race yet though :(. I raced one guy with either NOS or turbo on a civic HB and got totaly smoked but I beat him around this long sweaping off ramp at like 55-60 mph (lots of fun, all the stuff in the car slides to one side exp. the sub box even though it is velcroed to the carpet). And I can normaly beat them off the line but after about 50 feet they start to pull on me. I just need about 50+ more hp.
I love the handeling of my car now with the 16's.