Rank Your Modability
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: upstate new york
I'd like to think I'm level three, however I haven't done much more than cosmetics to the vette. Old school shade tree here. Changed motors,trannys,rear ends,heads,cams etc. on the old sbc's, and complete rebuilds on a couple pontiac GTO 400/455 motors. Hate body work, but have done some of that too except for paint. Still learning about the LS motors, but am getting to the point that I would rather not do anything major!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
Just for fun guys
. What are your areas of expertise in regard to how familiar you are with modding your car? Guess your "Level" and what you are comfortable with in regards to your own car.
FWIW I did attempt to add a poll but for some reason, the option would ONLY allow me to check the box. Nothing showed up for me to actually type in poll options.
Level One - Very light experience. Simple interior snap on items, maybe a decal here or there but that's it.
Level Two - Somewhat more than a novice. Can do their own HVAC repair and remove body side moldings. Comfortable changing their own air filter.
Level Three - Graduated from mediocre stuff. Comfortable changing their own heads, does most of their own service. But still would need to go to a tuner.
Level Four - Very familiar with Corvettes in general. Can rebuild an engine in their garage or their friends shop and drop a transmission if they need to. Also familiar with sanding/painting the body, hydrocarbon etc.
Level Five - The master tech. Familiar with C5 suspension geometry, can rebuild and tune an LS1 as well as build a custom LS7 for their C5. Can do a transmission swap, tune the engine, design custom parts etc.
Now of course those descriptors are just for guestimating purposes but you guys get the picture.
I would put myself at a level Two. I've done the HVAC fix, can do easy maintenance (oil change, air filter change), removed BSMs, can swap catback exhaust, and other easy things but there is no way I would tackle anything like a head removal.
-Alex
. What are your areas of expertise in regard to how familiar you are with modding your car? Guess your "Level" and what you are comfortable with in regards to your own car.FWIW I did attempt to add a poll but for some reason, the option would ONLY allow me to check the box. Nothing showed up for me to actually type in poll options.
Level One - Very light experience. Simple interior snap on items, maybe a decal here or there but that's it.
Level Two - Somewhat more than a novice. Can do their own HVAC repair and remove body side moldings. Comfortable changing their own air filter.
Level Three - Graduated from mediocre stuff. Comfortable changing their own heads, does most of their own service. But still would need to go to a tuner.
Level Four - Very familiar with Corvettes in general. Can rebuild an engine in their garage or their friends shop and drop a transmission if they need to. Also familiar with sanding/painting the body, hydrocarbon etc.
Level Five - The master tech. Familiar with C5 suspension geometry, can rebuild and tune an LS1 as well as build a custom LS7 for their C5. Can do a transmission swap, tune the engine, design custom parts etc.
Now of course those descriptors are just for guestimating purposes but you guys get the picture.
I would put myself at a level Two. I've done the HVAC fix, can do easy maintenance (oil change, air filter change), removed BSMs, can swap catback exhaust, and other easy things but there is no way I would tackle anything like a head removal.
-Alex
Nice thread Alex 
It's nice to know is side of members who are on here a lot such as Vetteman Jack,MSG C5 and Mr. Bill.
As for me Id have to say a 4.5. Reason being I can do all that if the time comes, but I can't say I can tune because I havnt been taught or shown, same goes for building an engine. Otherwise if I just watched and played with the software. I could do it.
I'd love to just hang with a tuner and an builder through a couple tunes,aka different scenarios like FI and NA. And with an engine as well. Otherwise I'll learn when I tear my block apart for fun. Lol
I can't express how much I hate not being able to tune my own car is. But being young I really need to try and concentrate on getting a "Career". A harsh case ADHD really hinders that. But I'm working on it. Lol
I want Lucky to rate himself,him and ET
It's nice to know is side of members who are on here a lot such as Vetteman Jack,MSG C5 and Mr. Bill.
As for me Id have to say a 4.5. Reason being I can do all that if the time comes, but I can't say I can tune because I havnt been taught or shown, same goes for building an engine. Otherwise if I just watched and played with the software. I could do it.
I'd love to just hang with a tuner and an builder through a couple tunes,aka different scenarios like FI and NA. And with an engine as well. Otherwise I'll learn when I tear my block apart for fun. Lol
I can't express how much I hate not being able to tune my own car is. But being young I really need to try and concentrate on getting a "Career". A harsh case ADHD really hinders that. But I'm working on it. Lol
I want Lucky to rate himself,him and ET
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 2
From: Frederick, Maryland
I didn't mean effect my learning ability, just concentrating and prioritizing. I have very bad impulsivity too lol. I know tuning is easy. But when I get my priorities straight and a career lined up, then I'm buying HP tuners and goin a it lol
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'd put myself at about 3.5 but with limits.
I've tackled some bigger jobs such as brakes and rotors but I stick at "box pulling" and routine servicing. I don't have a lift. My biggest mod was probably fitting my AVIC Nav/audio system which was a console out job. I know the lighting inside out after doing the mods to comply with UK regulations. If you saw my FRCs you'd know why I don't do bodywork
I wouldn't go further than plugs and wires on the engine. If I could go down to the dealer and get parts easier I might be a tad more adventurous but it takes 3 weeks for parts to arrive here.
I've tackled some bigger jobs such as brakes and rotors but I stick at "box pulling" and routine servicing. I don't have a lift. My biggest mod was probably fitting my AVIC Nav/audio system which was a console out job. I know the lighting inside out after doing the mods to comply with UK regulations. If you saw my FRCs you'd know why I don't do bodywork
I wouldn't go further than plugs and wires on the engine. If I could go down to the dealer and get parts easier I might be a tad more adventurous but it takes 3 weeks for parts to arrive here.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 227
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
At this stage in my life, I would rate myself between a 1 and a 2. When I had my '72, which I purchased in 1973, I would have rated myself as a 4. I pulled and rebuilt the motor and performed all other mechanical things during the 7 years I owned that car.
On these newer cars, with all the computer driven items, I won't even attempt it. Although, I did do the rocking seat fix.
Besides keeping it sparkling clean, I really don't have the time, energy, or inclination to get my hands dirty anymore. I just want to drive it!
On these newer cars, with all the computer driven items, I won't even attempt it. Although, I did do the rocking seat fix.
Besides keeping it sparkling clean, I really don't have the time, energy, or inclination to get my hands dirty anymore. I just want to drive it!
That sounds about right for me also. (I don't mind getting dirty, just don't have the time, place/room to do so.....working on solving that problem however........never thought I'd pay more for a 24x26 garage addition than I did for my first 3 bedroom, 1 bath house!!!!!.....and it was a brand new house!!)
Last edited by mike5511; Sep 20, 2011 at 04:35 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
Is there a level zero? Seriously, I'd probably rate myself a #2 (which, coincidentally, is how I feel when I wake up each day.)
The rest? Well, gotta keep my mechanic busy, you know ...
.
The rest? Well, gotta keep my mechanic busy, you know ...
.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 23
From: Ohio
Probably between a 2 and a 3. Used to do body work, transmissions, engines, etc. back in the day because I couldn't afford to pay someone to do the work. Now, I just do what I am comfortable with and write checks for the rest of the work.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
I rate myself a level # 4, can do anything necessary on the vehicle mechanically. I am capable of bodywork / paint and have done it in the past, but would rather pay someone else to do that now. Don't have the money or desire to move to a level $5, that is what the specialty shops are for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 812
Likes: 2
From: Metairie Louisiana
OK, wanted to test the mod waters and did the zip tie air filter...no problems there. So I got a little more bold and installed 885 fog light bulbs using the bottom access method (before seeing the top access thread)...got it done but it was truly a pain in the ***. Desire to mod-high. Patience and skill-low. Do I get any bonus points for being able to keep my tires at the right pressure?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Kinda like n8dogg said,,kinda cast a wide net on some of your categories. Not computer savvy,,real reluctant to go there,,but most any mechanical stuff,,willing to go for it. Do my own work/maintenance and most repairs. Did tackle the dim HVAC with out a problem(except for using a crappy soldering iron,,now have to do it again
)!! Guess I'd go for a 3.5 too!!
)!! Guess I'd go for a 3.5 too!!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
Sort of like a jack of all trades type thing LOL.But yes these are not set-in-stone definitions but just for general understanding and the threads intended purpose.
-Alex
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 1
From: Silicon Valley
At this stage in my life, I would rate myself between a 1 and a 2. When I had my '72, which I purchased in 1973, I would have rated myself as a 4. I pulled and rebuilt the motor and performed all other mechanical things during the 7 years I owned that car.
On these newer cars, with all the computer driven items, I won't even attempt it. Although, I did do the rocking seat fix. Besides keeping it sparkling clean, I really don't have the time, energy, or inclination to get my hands dirty anymore. I just want to drive it!
On these newer cars, with all the computer driven items, I won't even attempt it. Although, I did do the rocking seat fix.
Besides keeping it sparkling clean, I really don't have the time, energy, or inclination to get my hands dirty anymore. I just want to drive it!I'm a 2 now. but in the 70's with no money ... a 4.
Just wanna keep it clean and drive ...