Virginia New Guy

[jvangel]

Hello everyone ! Bought my 16 year old Son his first car today, and he's pretty happy. It's a 2000 Acura Integra GS with 117,000 miles with an automatic. The gent selling it wanted $3950 but I ended up paying $2500 because the car needed brakes, tires and the check engine light is on which he told me that the code was for the catalytic converter. So I just bought front brakes and will do that along with an oil change tomorrow.

What do you all think about the converter ? I called Acura and those crackheads quoted me $1214.00 just for the converter. Midas gave me an install quote of $530. Hmmmm While at Autozone tonight, the gent behind the counter told me about another guy here in the Winchester area that does exhaust work that is a lot cheaper then midas.

Anyway, just trying to learn about this car and what quirks await us..

 

[Charly[horse]]

Buy it yourself and install it. You will save a lot of money and it isn't hard at all to do.

 

[bkirshr]

It would be much cheaper to do it that way. You may want to look into a high flow cat since you have to replace it anyway, they are less restricting that the oem and oem replacements. I think magnaflow makes a good one for our cars, however I don't know the part number off the top of my head.

 

[phatintegra]

You need to check on Virginia law about high flow cats. I know VA have safety inspection every year and SMOG every 2 years. I'm not sure how strict they are on the safety inspection.

Magna-Flow makes cats. Take a look at these website. www.rockauto.com and www.parts.com there is a bunch others but you can find them thru google.

 

[jvangel]

1st off thanks for the feedback. Now for an update,......

I changed the oil, replaced the front rotors and brakes, removed the exhaust manifold shield and painted it black with BBQ paint. I also pulled the PCV and it was clogged. Hmmmmm So I replaced it with a new one and then reset the Check Engine Light and it has NOT come back on. Thank God ! Looks like the clogged PCV was causing the check engine light.

One thing my Son & I were not happy with was the stock sound system. It sounded tinny and anemic at best, so I decided to do some speaker research. Long story short, when I went back to look/hear the speakers, I realized that the drivers side door speaker wasn't working. I pulled both door panels and tested the passenger speaker in the drivers side and yup,.......a blown speaker. (wanted to make sure it wasn't the wires)

I just returned from Best Buy about an hour ago and installed new Pioneer TS-G1644R 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers. I also picked up the Metra connections to make the job plug & play. They are not top of the line speakers, but they do the job. Now the stereo sounds 100% better.

My Son wants a new stereo so were thinking about getting one of those 2 din screen stereos so the screen can be used as a GPS from the map app on his iPhone. I like the other apps on the phone that can be used on the stereo.

 

[dlo253]

If you plan on getting a nice stereo like that I would HIGHLY recommend getting a security system first.

 

[jvangel]

This car has an alarm, but I'm guessing you are probably thinking something a bit better ?

 

[dlo253]

If it has the factory system, I would suggest something a little better. Quite a few people have luck with Viper systems. Never had any experience with the factory alarms but have heard they don't really do much. (Assuming that's what you have currently.) For a cheaper alternative, in the past I've had really good luck with CrimeGuard systems believe it or not. I paid more for it back when I got it but the price has dropped a few times and that system is only $50. If set up and installed properly it can be very reliable. All depends on what you would like to spend to protect future investments.

 

[Ganyon]

Kill switches and a quick release steering wheel are 2 good options. But they really arent neccassary. If they really want the car, theyll tow it. Now, for a great sounding system, I highly suggest a 12 inch rockford punch p3 hooked to a 1k watt amp. I have one and it makes my doors flex like aluminum foil. Lol

 

[drevans_satx]

2 din screen stereos so the screen can be used as a GPS from the map app on his iPhone. I like the other apps on the phone that can be used on the stereo.

Pioneer AppRadio 2?

I think sony has one as well, and I think pioneer actually just came out with their new line which is like the appradio.

Either way I'll soon be investing in the AppRadio even though it has crappy reviews. It looks gorgeous and apps exist that let you essentially unlock the radio and do anything from your phone.