So, this '02 NBP CL-S has been my daily driver for 145k miles, 12 years now. It was bone-stock (other than the wheels) until two weeks ago. My plan was to give it to my sister-in-law and buy myself a new Jag. So, wanting it to be in top shape, I re-did the 105k service. I reasoned I probably ought to replace motor and tranny mounts too - I sometimes hear clunk shifting from reverse to drive. Then I decided I should replace the brakes. Seemed like a good idea to check the struts as well. Figured I ought to replace all the filters, seals and such while I'm at it. Then I thought I should clean up the interior and exterior. I mean, it's family that's going to be riding around in this - it should be safe, reliable, and decent-looking at least, right?

Now it has a CAI, slotted & drilled rotors, Legend front calipers, lowered on Tein S, filled and re-sprayed rear bumper, and CF hood & trunk. New front seats are on order. It's 'almost done' because the only other things I'm planning to do are headers, have the door dings taken out, and install an aftermarket head unit. Ok, maybe sways. And maybe mod the grille. I'm thinking I'll keep it, maybe buy the SIL a used KIA or something.

I'm kind of blaming y'all for this. As you can see, I've been a member here for a long time, joining shortly after I got this car. For most of the car's life it has been treated to dealer service as I've been too busy over the last decade to fool around with cars. But when I decided to fix the vehicle up to give it away, naturally, I logged onto Azine to get some advice and how-to info.

Modding/upgrading is a true example of 'one thing leads to another'. I mean for example, I knew I had a warped rotor that would need replacing/re-turning. Yeah, well, a complete set of new rotors are just not that much more expensive than a single one at A-zone so why not just replace them all with something better. And, if you buy everything as a package, it doesn't cost that much more than a set of good performance pads. And it's about as easy as rotating your tires. And, heck, it's only one more bolt to replace the caliper while you're there. And as long as you have them off, clean them up and paint them, right? And, of course, you've got one end of the hose off at that point, why not take the other end off and put on stainless lines?

So I got quotes on cleaning up the exterior. Guess what, it's cheaper to buy CF than it is to repair and re-spray a hood and a trunk. After factoring in $600 for door ding removal, I'm $600 less than the cheapest quote I got to clean up and re-spray the whole car. (Ok, I fixed and re-sprayed the back bumper myself but still I'm pretty sure I'm still ahead on the deal - at least that's what I'm telling myself - I mean, my labor is free - it's a workout instead of going to the gym.)

Of course, you can spend $25 for a replacement intake air filter - but for a few bucks more you can get a CAI (ok, maybe not a few bucks but we're not talking a king's ransom here). [[BTW, anybody notice their auto trans shifts smoother with a CAI? I'm still pondering why that is but it is unmistakable, highly noticeable. (The CAI was the first thing I did so it wasn't something else like motor mounts that caused the improvement.)]]

I was also pretty sure I had one bad strut on the rear (least that's what I told myself). Well, you know if you're going to tear out the rear seats to get at the shock towers (which I think is the worst part of the whole damn operation), hell, just put on new springs too. Of course you have to do the fronts while you're at it - they're a whole lot easier to do than the rears anyway and the springs only come in sets...ahem, I'm such a pushover for my own logic.

So, that's what can happen in two weeks with a large dose of self-delusion(and a fair chunk of change, to be honest about it).

As soon as I can dream up some 'sound' reasoning, I'll get the headers and the headunit ordered. (I don't know why this thing doesn't have an exhaust leak - you know, maybe it could fail smog inspection or something...). Now, I've got the dreaded Ere1 thing going with stock radio, so no cd playing. Of course, replacing it would not only get me cd playing again but Bluetooth, hands-free phone, ipod capability, navigation....oh, the argument is coming together already, I can feel it.

 

how much did 2 new front seats run you?

 

^ Just the leather covers and you get to do the install - right at $500. I haven't received them yet so I don't know if they're worth it or not.

 

That carbon doe.

 

Do you have your stock nbp hood?

 

Deductive reasoning suggests someone knocked up their SIL.

 

No, sorry.

 

Now I'm curious...how did that add up to incest for you?

 

I thought my collected snippets of yours would speak for themselves, as they suggest an unnatural indebtedness to her. Not judging you, btw, although calling it 'incest' makes it sound so sordid...

 

Ah, I see your point. Well, I do feel a sense of responsibility for her, and she does live me at the moment, and she is not entirely unattractive.....you aren't single by any chance, are you?

 

Married, fortunately. But keep looking for a husband for her, as every girl needs one, whether they realize it or not!