When I was 16 years old, I got my permit and immediately started looking for a car to suit my needs. After comparing one to the other, I got a 1993 Jeep Wrangler (YJ). It was a hardtop convertible, all blacked out from the rims to the mirrors to the paint itself. Once I had it for about 2 weeks, I decided I would put 33 inch tires on it with a lift kit along with some other odds and ends such as a stereo system, middle consul, tire cover, shifter knob, new mirrors, grill covers, fog lights and many more. However, the biggest downfall to the Jeep was that it was the four cylinder model and was absolutely the slowest thing on planet earth. As time passed my friends started a car club, and I knew I needed something better.
After selling my Wrangler off, I found a deal I couldn't pass up. I was able to snatch a 1994 Dodge Stealth for just under 3 grand. I fell in love with the car the day I set my eyes on it. It was a silver/tan color with all black leather interior, 5 speed, 3.0 liter, tinted out. However, only being in my driveway for a week I couldn't help myself and threw on a set of black rims, HID headlights, stereo system, magnaflow exhaust, and tinted taillights. Feeling great about my deal, I went down to a car meet that next weekend to show it off. Nothing but complements I got and couldn't be happier. Then the day came where I lost a race to a z28 Camaro, and knowing me, that just couldn't be. So off it was with the Stealth and on to faster things.
It was mid April and I found a blacked out 1993 Camaro z28. Picking it up for 4 grand made me feel good because I had enough money to put a little extra into it. I got online that same night and order a NX nitrous 125 wet shot kit for it and needless to say it was the best investment ever. The following weekend a buddy asked me to have a friendly race, so obviously I agreed, but he didn't know what I had already done to the z. After shifting into second gear I sent the shot into the motor and the feeling was indescribable. The amount of pure power the z28 put out of the monstrous 5.7 liter 350 v8 was awesome. Unfortunately after having it for a few short months, I was running low on money because it was such a gas hog, so I shed a tear when I sold it.
After taking some time to think about my next move, my brother started talking about turboed cars such as gsx, gst, and tsi. After doing some research, I found out that you can get good gas mileage without having to sacrifice power. Immediately I found myself a black covetable 1995 eclipse gst.
This car was very interesting. When I got the car for a messily 2 grand, the clutch stuck, it wouldn't go above 4k rpms, and the top didn't work. However, once I got it home and started tinkering with the computer system, I was able to fix these minor problems. Being me, I insisted that I put an SAFC tuning system in the car to maximize power along with an evo 16g turbo. I had it running exceptionally well on 20psi, which is around 300 wheel horsepower. However, one day I was cruising down the highway and decided to punch it, really see what kind of power this little 4 cylinder has. So I dropped it into 3rd and took off, but once I shifted into 4th, and loud bang occurred. Smoke came flying out the back of my car along with shrapnel, oil, and coolant. Once I pulled over and got a look under my car, I realized I blew a rod and sent it through my oil pan leaving 10 holes in the engine block. Needless to say, it was shot.
After this minor accident, I decided I wanted to stay with a turbo car, but what? About a week later my brother showed me this 1987 Mitsubishi Starion and after looking into it more, I had to have it. When I got the car, it needed the wastegate pipe on the manifold welded back on, which I did myself. However, the car wasn't smooth sailing from there. After getting to car running, I blew multiple turbos and couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Then I decided to just rebuild everything and go balls to the wall. Over the course of the last year now, I've completely rebuilt the engine, new H1C turbo, professional tune, intercooler setup, lowered on 2 inch springs, new refurbished tail lights, roof racks, complete exhaust from the turbo back, gauges, SAFC tuner, MAF sensor, radiator, and many more extras. Currently I am still driving this car when I am home from college and have it running perfectly for my taste. Even though it is no where near practical, I love the fact that there isn't another car like mine in the area. Most people have never even heard of this car. My love for cars will always be growing. However, after having been through my car experiences so far, I know what to do and not to do when it comes to just about anything car related.
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