New User - lots of Questions (upgrading VN)

[jeraldo]

First up, hey everyone!. I found this site about a week ago and have been trauling through the threads for as much info to help my knowledge base before getting work done on my car. (I know jack all about cars).

I've owned my Red VN Calias for nearly 2 years now, and havent had any work done on it (and only 2 services as it was only supposed to be temporary).

Anyhow i sent it in yesterday for a service and low and behold and it needs work done.

- Rear Shock Absorbers Leaking
- Exhaust Tailpipe Rusted
- Some exhuast rubber missing (couldnt read writing)
- Middle Exhaust muffler baffle rusted
- Fan Bolt Cracked
- Master Cyclinder Rear Seal Leaking (Master cyclinder reservior was empty apparently)
- Oil Leak from Powersteering Rack.

Anyway the guy from Complete Autocare (who is pretty genuine) gave me a quick quote of about $1000+ for repairs. ($220 shockies, 300-400 exhaust, 300 cyclinder).

Now i WAS planning on doing the beast up, as i know a sprayer/body kitter in my area, but with these repairs, im not sure if its worth it.

What i orginally had in mind for my car was:

- Body Kit
- Respray
- Rust cut (tiny bit top of rear window)
- Lowered a bit
- New exhaust (Extractors)
- Mags & 17/18"
- Some interior stuff (stereo, pedals, steering wheel).

SO the big question is, DO i get the repairs done and continue on with my plan, or buy another car?

Thanks, Jared.

[mouce]

Well...with all that work that needs doing, this would be a perfect time to do a full suspension and exhaust (that takes care of numbers 1,2,3 and 4 on the repairs list). If you've got the $$$ to do it that is.

A new master cylinder...well...you really can't afford to put that one off, having no brakes could be a bit of a problem.

As for the power steering rack, just get a reco one and chuck it in, normally a good idea to throw a seal kit at the ps pump as well.

Get it up to scratch mechanically, then look at the respray/bodykit that you want. There's no point having a car that looks fantastic, if you can't drive it anywhere.

Personally I'd say go for it. Do it up nice, and do it all properly and it'll be something you can enjoy for years to come. The advantage with doing this up, and not getting another car to start on, is that you already know what's wrong with this one. If you get another car, you will have to start all over again.

[YMY-88U]

i had a rusted out exhaust aswell, but it is a great excuse to buy a sports exhaust

[jack.mc]

i had a rusted out exhaust aswell, but it is a great excuse to buy a sports exhaust

same here I went for extractors while it was there! My exhast DID fall off though (rusted where outlet from 2nd muffler is). The next day I drove across sydney to get the new one on... Loud!!

[CSL]

yeah egt a redback sports zort for about 250-350 depending on amount of mufflers/ where you go, you may as well get some king springs and shortend shocks while your at it, you can get these on ebay for bout 330 all up, so your on a bout 500 bucks if you do it all yourself and read above in regards to other items, but do replace your master cylinder asap

[commy92]

i got a master cylinder out of a vs for sale. Pm me for deatils

[StealthX]

Dude.. Seriously.. from my heart... Before you drive anywhere... Get that Power Steering Rack fixed!!!!! The oil from this tends to leak onto the exhaust manifold.. and beleive me.. if it gets hot enough! IT WILL catch on fire.. I learnt that the hard way!. Get a reco one $500? or a brand new one $1120 with all new pipes (in my case). Then get your master cylinder done, THEN get into your modifications.

I started out about 2 years ago.. and the first year was just fixing broken stuff/old stuff. an .. now.. im proud to say there is nothing mechanically or electrically wrong with my car (well.. except my rear tail-lights haha). But my car goes in to be fully painted and Kitted on the 1st May.. So get your rig fixed up first, get a RWC on it. That would be a good start, if you dont fix it now.. you will still have to fix it later. Broken things.. will brake more things in a system, So get it shaped up first.

Good luck d00d

Cheers
Mike.

[richie_cky]

reco power steering rack for $500? is it made of pure gold or something?
Ive seen many around for less than $250, and on ebay for $90...

[jeraldo]

Well my car is in today getting the Master Cylinder fixed and a new 2.5" catback exhaust put in (Berkley i believe). its gunna cost me 700-800 i think.

They quoted about $400 for a reco powersteering rack, but im not gettin that done just yet. (400 seems a bit steep). Anyway i quickly checked on ebay and came across some reco racks, but am not sure if its wise to buy from ebay (i mean they could be stuffed)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/VN-To-VQ-V6-V8-Power-Steering-Rack-RECO_W0QQitemZ4625018286QQcategoryZ102357QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

How hard is it to remove steering racks? WOuld it be a good idea to check the wreckers first for a rack?