Friends I've noticed that there's a correlation on boards having to do with imports between folks who do mods and folks who have serious problems.

I've concluded that modifications and the use of aftermarkets parts seriously compromises the rock-solid reliability of our cars.

This is new to me since I've never modified, but it may be old news to y'all. So I'll ask: how seriously do you weigh this before you modify?

 

I think its partly because those who mod cars tend to be a bit hard on their rides as well. Especially if its a performance mod.

Example... the average person who buys a TL for going from point A to B is more likely to be trouble free than the guy who redlines his TL, overheats his tranny and then blows a head gasket...

The other part would be mods that are IMPROPERLY installed or simply are of shoddy construction.

 

I would have to say that the risk is just like over clocking a computer or graphics card. When you ask more from your equipment, the more likely something will fail.

 

but, then their are stupid people and then their are smart ones... its all on the owner... Like me who got the weapon R intake billet rotor fuel regulator etc... i don't go racing all over the place... but, the first time i got it... man did it make a diffrence... it responded a bit quicker... again, thats when i first got the "mod"... now i just drive like if i was driving my cadillac... Low and Slow... (not low since i'm waiting for TLXrAcEr to bust out the 2.5 kit before i lower the car... )

Basicly... it comes down to the Owner... The Stupid owner who was inspired to much by fast and the fearious and the Educated owner who just drives their car, like ken said. from point A to point B...


off topic Edit: at first i though you were questioning the Moderators of the forum...

Edit for the post below this one: Yes it will... anything that basicly give the car more power risks the cars long term reliability... Example thats not about forced induction but its basicly the same idea... more fuel into the combustion chamber + more air = a bigger explosion which give you more power in return... the bigger explosion causes your engine to wear down faster then it normally would if it was a normal combusion in the chamber...

 

Will forced induction compromise the long-term reliability of an engine?

 

Yes if done improperly and if it can't take the compression.

So.. IF you do it right.. you should be fine

 

ya just like ken said, if you do it right, you'll be fine! after I put my custom turbo kit on, I changed my transmission fluid, radiator fluid, fuel filter, clean intake manifold, and change my oil every 1,500 mile w/ new ngk spark-plugs! so, its up to the owner, if you take care of the car, you'll be alright!

 

i have a injen air intake, dropzone suspention with a exhuast system on my 3.2, " so far " and i have a heavy foot. i like performace so i do dive fast but not all the time "my girl hates it" with 114,000 mile my tl run great! i think its all about maintaining it, i take care of my ride all the time. changing oil, fual injecter cleaner every other full tank of gas, etc..so i think its all about maintaining it

 

Ya whenever you change the origin of the car, it will never be the same. I mean ya you buy mods to improve speed, sound in your stereo, looks on your car. But a lot of the mods, like suspension, only hurts it. But I've lowered, and it rides amazing. I also take very good care of my car, thats a big thing too.

 

Most Mods that are available for the TL's are not anything big enough to in themeselves cause more damage to your engine. Putting forced induction is always going to put strain on your engine, but if you are controlled in your abuse of your car and take the proper precqautions (GOOD oil, changed frequently, other routine maintenance performed when it should be) then you are less likely to have problems. The problems I am having are because a) I BEAT on my car and b) I had a coolant problem that went unnoticed for while it seems now and may have overheated the engine. Putting exhaust and an intake on your car is only going to give you 5-15 HP depending on the car, that is in NO WAY enough extra HP to cause damage to your eginine. It's the beating on the car that does it more than anything, and even that won't be as much of a problem if you just maintain the vehicle properly.

 

So what kind of compromises am I looking at with an exhaust and intake? I have never modded before. Thanks for all the help guys, very much!

 

So what kind of compromises am I looking at with an exhaust and intake? I have never modded before. Thanks for all the help guys, very much!

 

No compromises other than noise (varies from barely any more noise than stock to fartcan loud)

Intake will only be loud past 4000 rpms.

 

Ok good cause I'd hate to lose fuel economy (my number 1 concern due to the high distances I drive). Thanks!

 

Yeah, if anything the intake will make it somewhat better.

Most people lose fuel economy with HEAVY and large aftermarket wheels and super sticky tires.

 

i think every body is different on how they drive and how much they take care of it. a person who drives nice and easy does not change there oil when they surpost to will likely have proplem then a person who was a heavy foot that maintain there car like if it was sick