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Thread: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

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    Default To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    (Not sure if this should be in the Financial section)

    Okay, here's the story. I still have the same car I got when I started driving, a 1995 Ford Taurus. Everyone's been on me for the last two years to get a new car. Why? I don't know. It's had a few problems with it but nothing major that couldn't be fixed in a day and it runs fine! Why go get a new car when you don't need it? But here's the thing, I've had a fantasy for these few years with my Taurus of turning it into a sleeper...

    It's a big job I know, and it would take a lot of time and money. Say I got a new engine (it's a V6) and transmission (I'm assuming I'd need a new one to put up with a new engine?) and turbocharged it (although the only cars I've seen turbocharged were small light little things, can you turbocharge a heavy Taurus?) and a new exhaust system(?) just to start with. I figured I'd have to change a lot of other things in the car for it to be able to handle those newer major parts. I wouldn't change anything externally/looks-wise.

    I know this sort of stuff has been done before, but usually by people that know what the hell they're doing. I don't, I'd have to leave it totally in the hands of the mechanics. Is turning my Taurus into a sleeper a ridiculous undertaking for someone other than a car expert? And how much approximately would it cost? I really wouldn't want to spend more than $15,000; is that unrealistic for what I have in mind? Although if I were to buy a new car, I'd be spending between $25,000-$35,000 so would it still be better financially to just revamp my Taurus anyway?

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Financially... well, and this is just my opinion... it would probably be better financially to just buy a new car. But, you said you don't need a new car so that would be a moot point, right? I mean, if you have the money to burn and it really is a fantasy of yours, you could vamp your car out like that... but it's not going to up it's retail value except for a very select number of people... which means that you won't be able to just put it up for retail sale if you need/want to for any reason (you'd more likely be selling it for parts if the engine/tranny/etc are more than the value of the car itself). Personally, I'm all for keeping cars as original as possible for when/ if you chose to sell them later. Modding them out is a risk since it's something that YOU like, but isn't necessarily something other people would like... I guess I've always equated "sleeper" with "second car".

    (This is just my opinion on what is practical on this matter.)
    If you think school is hard, try being stupid.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    If I put all of this work into it I'm not parting ways with it till I'm dead unless it gets destroyed in an accident. When I first got my licence and the car, I thought it would be cool to keep it forever, just everytime something broke fixing it. Even the major parts. Everyone laughed at me lol because they were like: "Do it to a Corvette, not a Taurus!" but I am very eccentric.... Besides, even if I left it as is I'm not going to get more than $3OOO for a thirteen-year-old Taurus with I don't even remember how many miles on it and $3OOO for it would be a rip-off IMO.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bella21 View Post
    but it's not going to up it's retail value except for a very select number of people...
    That's what I'm saying, it's a thirteen-year-old sedan with a ton of miles on it, it has virtually no retail value as it is now. ^^That's really not an issue with this car lol.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    I got here as fast as I could!

    Don't do it.
    If you were to do that your car would require about 500 times more regular maintenance than it does now, and you would constantly have to be tweaking things to get them working right. I definitely agree with bella21 that the smart decision is sleeper=second car. What will you do for the 4 days your car is getting fixed because something broke?

    Also, concerning a turbo, are you aware that all the big diesel trucks are turbo charged? It's not just little cars
    If you were to turbo your taurus, you would HAVE to alter the appearance in the front to create airflow for it. You'd have to have a scoop or some holes up there to catch the air.

    In general, just don't do it. Even if you were to successfully get this all done to your liking, it would be unsafe to drive.

    keep it, and get a fun second car! It won't be worth much as a trade in, so why not just have it as a backup?

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Oh, and some other points/problems...

    I do have some trepidations over buying a shiny new car; if I were to buy a new car it would be some sort of turbocharged sports compact (working in car dealerships has made me decide never to buy pre-owned lol, which sucks because I'd rather turbocharge a 7th generation Toyota Celica or Acura RSX, but they ceased to make those cars in 2006) and the people I know that have owned those kinds of cars were targets for vandals. One guy's car was stolen and gutted completely for parts and then thrown in a ditch (and he had the satellite tracking services), one guy's got keyed in parking lots and used to get beer bottles thrown at it at night (and I live two blocks from him, it's not a good neighborhood and we have to park out on the streets).

    Who the hell is gonna carjack or jealously vandalize a '95 Taurus??

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by austinatalie View Post
    I got here as fast as I could!
    Thank you!

    Quote Originally Posted by austinatalie View Post
    Also, concerning a turbo, are you aware that all the big diesel trucks are turbo charged? It's not just little cars
    Now that you mention it, yeah..... *slaps self*

    Yeah, I guess such an undertaking is really for someone who has a lot of time and money and knows what they're doing. Back to square one.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    may I suggest a top of the line VW Jetta, or maybe the Eos?

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    As little as $3,500 for a 350+hp crate engine
    Roughly $1200 for a decent tranny
    Prolly less than $1000 for all adapters
    Extra $1000 for misc stuff (cooling, driveshafts, and whatnot)
    Maybe under $1,500 worth of suspension/axle/braking upgrages to accomodate the horsepower

    Labor is another beast, that would be a very custom job so no idea how many hours at $65-$85/hour rate.. maybe 20-40 hours but I really have no idea


    Those are just very rough guesses so don't quote me on that. Honestly I think it could be done for under $15,000 and that thing would be pretty sick!

    -E
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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by X Evan X View Post
    Honestly I think it could be done for under $15,000 and that thing would be pretty sick!

    -E
    Perhaps I should have added more to my post. I do think it could be done for 15,000 and that it would be pretty cool, but I just don't think it's right for you. I think it would be an awesome pain in the ass. Not to mention how most people wouldn't get it. Your friends that want you to get a new car would be baffled.

    Technically speaking, if you want raw power but don't care much for looks or luxury, there are better options for you in the $15k range.

    This car would be dangerous because it handles like shit, and if you wanted to fix that as well, then... there are a zillion problems. The Taurus is a heavy, front wheel drive car designed to move like a couch.

    Personally I think it's unethical to put power like that in a car that can't turn or stop very well.

    it just doesn't make sense.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    agreed with austinatalie that if you're contemplating the purchase and installation of 'serious' performance parts, there's a lot more to consider than engines and trans alone. You've also got suspension issued because of the extra weight you'll be adding, you've got handling issues, braking issues etc. In the case of a smallish front wheel drive car, you've also got the issue of attempting to cram twice the factory power through factory designed front driveshafts and u-joints etc.

    I'm a bit of a performance car buff myself ( Subaru WRX ), and have added a few things to my own vehicle over the years. However, the vehicle I started with was built for performance and handling, whereas yours was not. Even so, mine now likes to chew up transmissions every couple of years due to the extra power. Improving performance by 10 or 20 percent is one thing ... increasing power by 50% or 100% is something else altogether.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Ok so where do I start…. First it is very possible to SUPERcharge the Tauras, which is very different from turbo charging. I would start by looking at the Ford Thunderbird SC which was a supercharged 3.8l engine from the factory. However the transmission in the Tauras platform is NOT designed to handle the kind of power that you would be making with the SC. The brakes would be inadequate as well. All in all while is could be done, I would not recommend it.

    Now for 15,000 I would look at some of the lower mileage SHO’s and spend some money to make them look a little more plain jane, if you are going for the sleeper look.

    The other option is to buy a new car to get back and forth to work, but keep the Tauras as a fun toy, and slowly build it into the sleeper you want.
    You Cant Quit until you try, You cant live until you die, You Cant learn to tell the truth until you learn to lie.You Cant Breath Until you choke,You gotta Laugh When your the Joke, Theres Nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive! Will you swear on your life, that no one will cry at my Funeral!
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    Yes please save me from this life of debauchery! You can all kneel down and worship at the Church of the Holy Clitoris to convince me!!

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    If you want a hi-performance Taurus, your best bet would be an SHO engine and drivetrain. Not sure how available they are new though so your best bet would be reconditioned. But rather than go through the hassle of retro-fitting parts, buy a used SHO. That way Ford has done all the work for you. $15,000 would buy a well maintained example (SHO owners tend to be pretty anal about maintainence) or one thats beat up with money left to rebuild. Presto instant sleeper.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by austinatalie View Post
    snip
    Also, concerning a turbo, are you aware that all the big diesel trucks are turbo charged? It's not just little cars
    If you were to turbo your taurus, you would HAVE to alter the appearance in the front to create airflow for it. You'd have to have a scoop or some holes up there to catch the air.
    Not all big diesel trucks are turbocharged. Many are, not all. I drove big diesel fire engines for 20+ years and big dump trucks for a few years part-time. I drove turbocharged engines, Detroit Diesel -71 series engines which are supercharged, and naturally-asiprated diesels.

    You would NOT have to alter the appearance of your Taurus. You would not "have to have a scoop or some holes to catch the air". That's bullshit. Many production cars that are turbo or supercharged don't have hood scoops. I have one - supercharged, no scoop. And lots of the "hood scoops" you may see are non-functional, especially on older cars. More important is to install a "cold air intake". Especially for a supercharged vehicle.

    You can get a kit to install a supercharger (belt-driven) or a turbocharger (a type of supercharger driven by a turbine impeller via hot exhaust gas). I would not recommend this. Your engine is old and these devices put more strain on the engine structure and parts. Your transmission may not be strong enough to handle the increased power and torque. If you boost it more than 6-7 psi, your engine is going to fail catastrophically.

    To the OP, your Taurus is not worth much. Financially, your best bet is to keep it until maintenance costs are too much, or it has a major failure like the engine or transmission, then get rid of it. Old Tauruses are a dime a dozen and not in demand.

    There aren't too many hot-rod Tauruses out there that I'm aware of. If you have money to burn, and that's what you want, go for it- but your 'sleeper' Taurus is not going to be worth what you put into it. My suggestion - if you want something with more zip, is to buy a good pre-owned Mustang. There are PLENTY of things you can do to Mustangs. Just go to a newsstand and look for some of the Mustang magazines. "5.0 Mustang & Super Fords" is the one I read.

    Yes, I see you are against pre-owned, but I have had good experience with pre-owned vehicles, and have had good pre-owned vehicles that I couldn't have afforded new.

    Don't make the mistake of falling in love with your car.
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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Threadjack: hey Melonie! Have you seen the new WRX STI? NICE!!!

    http://www.subaru.com/shop/overview....ZAWRX&trim=STI
    Quote Originally Posted by Katrine View Post
    ....And I_Luv_Dancers.....can I say that your post brought a tear to my mildly buzzed eye? Right on...you are so awesome, thank you for the post. I really needed to hear it, esp. after what's happening with someone close to me. Big hugs and tugs to you!

    Quote Originally Posted by asianlady View Post
    ........I have had pretty good sex with hot guys and surprisingly great sex from over weight old farts who made me very vocal which I am not usually

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    I've always wanted to build a Sleeper, but you really need a second, reliable (not necessarily expensive) car. My friend built a few, but they spent a lot of time under the knife being re-modified, or repaired.

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    As a certified car nut and wrenchhead, I'm all for it.

    And I luv dancers can suck a fat one, falling in love with your car is half the fun of loving to drive.

    I respect the FINANCIAL choice to lease or exchange cars every few years, but some of us bond with our cars(or even a certain year/model) and don't care to drive anything else.

    Episode 4 of Initial D makes me cry every time I watch it.
    You can't love something you think is flawless - me


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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by Lady Jade View Post
    I just have to say that you car people are getting me all hot and bothered.

    I expect to see every single one of you at the E-town swapmeet this spring for cookies, cars, and some molesting!
    Can we walk around all giddy munching on Oatmeal Raisin cookies, and drooling on all the '67 to '69 camaros?
    You Cant Quit until you try, You cant live until you die, You Cant learn to tell the truth until you learn to lie.You Cant Breath Until you choke,You gotta Laugh When your the Joke, Theres Nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive! Will you swear on your life, that no one will cry at my Funeral!
    Quote Originally Posted by cameron_keys View Post
    Yes please save me from this life of debauchery! You can all kneel down and worship at the Church of the Holy Clitoris to convince me!!

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Onebay, for about 5000 you can get a really nice low milage SHO that would leave you plenty of mony left over to make it yours, and customize it a little
    You Cant Quit until you try, You cant live until you die, You Cant learn to tell the truth until you learn to lie.You Cant Breath Until you choke,You gotta Laugh When your the Joke, Theres Nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive! Will you swear on your life, that no one will cry at my Funeral!
    Quote Originally Posted by cameron_keys View Post
    Yes please save me from this life of debauchery! You can all kneel down and worship at the Church of the Holy Clitoris to convince me!!

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    hmmmm Sausage and Cookies and Camaros OH MY! Just might have to make it there if the racing schedule permits
    You Cant Quit until you try, You cant live until you die, You Cant learn to tell the truth until you learn to lie.You Cant Breath Until you choke,You gotta Laugh When your the Joke, Theres Nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive! Will you swear on your life, that no one will cry at my Funeral!
    Quote Originally Posted by cameron_keys View Post
    Yes please save me from this life of debauchery! You can all kneel down and worship at the Church of the Holy Clitoris to convince me!!

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sh0t View Post
    And I luv dancers can suck a fat one, falling in love with your car is half the fun of loving to drive
    I meant in the financial sense, not the romantic sense, Sh0t.

    Just had an experience with a guy who was in love with his truck-and trying to sell it. His flaw was that he put beaucoup bucks on great (and unnecessary) tires and other stuff into an old pickup that was half-rusted out and needs a clutch. Then he was asking for WAY over the money for it - 'cause he "loved" it and thought potential buyers would too. Wrong. It's been sitting in his yard for months. He put more into the thing than it was worth, and he's going to lose big money when he finally does come to his senses unless some idiot comes along with more cash than sense.

    One needs to let their sentimental attachment to a vehicle go when it's time to get rid of it.

    There are cars that are worthy of love. A standard 13-year-old Taurus isn't it.

    "Ya can't make a Ferrari out of a Yugo" - I Luv Dancers!
    Quote Originally Posted by Katrine View Post
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    Quote Originally Posted by asianlady View Post
    ........I have had pretty good sex with hot guys and surprisingly great sex from over weight old farts who made me very vocal which I am not usually

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    How about keep maintaining the taurus as you have but use it as a winter car. Pick yourself up a 60's convertible...Mustang or whatever for 15K for tooling around in. They are rising in value instead of depreciating, so you can indulge yourself a little. Insurance is only 200 a year for classics like this.
    hb

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by I_luv_dancers! View Post
    I meant in the financial sense, not the romantic sense, Sh0t.

    Just had an experience with a guy who was in love with his truck-and trying to sell it. His flaw was that he put beaucoup bucks on great (and unnecessary) tires and other stuff into an old pickup that was half-rusted out and needs a clutch. Then he was asking for WAY over the money for it - 'cause he "loved" it and thought potential buyers would too. Wrong. It's been sitting in his yard for months. He put more into the thing than it was worth, and he's going to lose big money when he finally does come to his senses unless some idiot comes along with more cash than sense.

    One needs to let their sentimental attachment to a vehicle go when it's time to get rid of it.

    There are cars that are worthy of love. A standard 13-year-old Taurus isn't it.

    "Ya can't make a Ferrari out of a Yugo" - I Luv Dancers!
    I love seeing the advertisements for cars/trucks that say: $50K invested in my baby, yours for $15,000.

    It's like: "I'm Stupid - Here's Proof"

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    The sleeper idea is cool if that's what your into. I just can't figure out why you'd want to sink that kind of cash into a Taurus. It's basically a boring sedan. Why not trade for a muscle car if your going to undertake a project of this size?

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    Default Re: To the SW Car Experts....In Way Over My Head?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sh0t;

    And I luv dancers can suck a fat one.
    Indeed.

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