Small Steps For The Mechanically Challenged
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Small Steps For The Mechanically Challenged
I bought a Blackwing about 2 weeks ago and was prepared to take it to the local shop that has done work for me in the past. Then I became a member of this forum and after reading many posts and visiting the related links supplied in the posts, I went out yesterday and put the darn thing in myself!
I know for some of you, this is small stuff. I have to tell you though, I feel so empowered. Not only did I save myself some money (which can be put some where else in the car) but I've gained a little confidence that maybe there are other projects that I can do myself also.
Thanks to all of you that readily post your "how to's" and advice so those of us that are mechanically challenged can learn to tinker around the garage too.
I know for some of you, this is small stuff. I have to tell you though, I feel so empowered. Not only did I save myself some money (which can be put some where else in the car) but I've gained a little confidence that maybe there are other projects that I can do myself also.
Thanks to all of you that readily post your "how to's" and advice so those of us that are mechanically challenged can learn to tinker around the garage too.
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,756
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
That's great news!!!
There is an endless supply of info and help here.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy!!
There is an endless supply of info and help here.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I bought a Blackwing about 2 weeks ago and was prepared to take it to the local shop that has done work for me in the past. Then I became a member of this forum and after reading many posts and visiting the related links supplied in the posts, I went out yesterday and put the darn thing in myself!
I know for some of you, this is small stuff. I have to tell you though, I feel so empowered. Not only did I save myself some money (which can be put some where else in the car) but I've gained a little confidence that maybe there are other projects that I can do myself also.
Thanks to all of you that readily post your "how to's" and advice so those of us that are mechanically challenged can learn to tinker around the garage too.
I know for some of you, this is small stuff. I have to tell you though, I feel so empowered. Not only did I save myself some money (which can be put some where else in the car) but I've gained a little confidence that maybe there are other projects that I can do myself also.
Thanks to all of you that readily post your "how to's" and advice so those of us that are mechanically challenged can learn to tinker around the garage too.
I've been paying people to work on my other cars for years simply because I didn't want to do it myself. I completely forgot how good it feels to stand back and look at your own handy work.
Heck even the scratches and scraps don't hurt so bad when you're done. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Despite the comedians, there is an endless source of good information available here. Congratulations, there's nothing stopping you now. Just buy good tools and anything is possible!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Northern N.J. NJ
I am also mechanically challenged. I got a Blackwing for Xmas and plan to put it on soon. I pulled all of the installation instructions from the forum. Is there anything missing in the instructions that I should be aware of?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 534
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Way to Go. Pretty soon you'll be taking pictures of your work and posting it here on the forum for others to follow . It does feel good to do a project you had doubts about.
. It does feel good to do a project you had doubts about.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Good for you! I ordered my Vette new in '01 ('02 Vert) and not long after the expiration of the factory warranty I was getting quite scared of repairs costing more than I wanted to spend and was going to sell the car. This Golden Group of true enthusiast has made it possible for this retired old man to not only feel more comfortable about owning and making correct repairs myself on this fun but engineeringly compromised machine but brought back the passion and desire to enjoy the hobby/lifestyle through modding and the camaraderie experience here. We're all in the same boat, just some of you are better with the "oars" than the rest of us. Thanks for being here. I'll get off my soapbox now and go take a nap. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
Likes: 1
From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Congratulations
You're just a few more bolts away from doing a full heads and cam upgrade.
O.K., maybe that's pushing it.
There's lots of bolt-on's / other mods that you can do. It just takes giving it a try.
You're just a few more bolts away from doing a full heads and cam upgrade.
O.K., maybe that's pushing it. There's lots of bolt-on's / other mods that you can do. It just takes giving it a try.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,385
Likes: 24,790
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Congrats. Nothing like being able to do something yourself and save some cash too.