
My goal was to create the car I had always wanted. This was my third Integra, but the first since I became a responsible adult (learn more about my [Teggy history here](/blog/welcome)). I bought the car form a kid in Sacramento, who was the second owner. It had about 123,000 miles at the time and he stated that it had been in a little fender bender, but nothing serious. Now I know that it was more serious and some of the car has been resprayed, but it wasn't obvious at the time of purchase.

Anyway, I bought her and was excited to get started with my project car. Unfortunately she stayed in the same exact sad state as I when I first bought her. Life just got in the way. I hadn't spent enough time to nail down what I really wanted to with her. Many times my beautiful and loving wife would ask me "when are you going to do something to your car?". I just found it hard to make time and sourcing the extra cash to do what needed to get done. But honestly, I just __did not have a plan__!

![1998 Acura Integra GSR](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1P0F22LMsHmn7MssQaF-3lY4NW-qLfPXEFnDaZdBpR7Vr1o2glPENT5C5Lmor02CaC10TuCdUKia_FFMN6Wny72PTdtouxYn8yJMDa8GKNFf4awqJvUOh5WOEZwCrYMGTTOglI8HRN4=w1200)

## Tip One Make a plan

I created an [upgrade spreadsheet](/upgrades) where I track all the items to replace (maintenance), update, upgrade, and scheduled maintenance. I want my car to have a very long life, I also want her to [excel at the track](/events). This spreadsheet (google sheets) has 3 tabs.

### Tab One

Is the maintenance schedule. I track all maintenance routines: _oil change_, _oil filter change_, and _coolant flush_. I base the _next due_ date on the Acura recommended guidelines.

### Tab Two

Is the maintenance fluids and items. I track the items I use for maintenance: oil type, _Mobile 1 Synthetic 5W30_, coolant brand, etc. It has a columns for:

* brand
* part #
* manufacturer recommended replace by (date or miles)

This info informs my dates on _tab one_.

### Tab Three

Upgrades and replacements. This is my wish list + progress list. I have several columns on here:

* __Name__: Generic basic name like "New headers"
* __Brand__: If I have a specific item I have purchased or would like to purchase
* __Part # or Notes__: If there's a specific part number or description/link to the item
* __Completed__: this column is YES/NO. Really simple, have I installed this item? YES/NO
* __Date Completed__: if item is on the car, then I mark the date. This will help if and when something goes out. I can look at when I installed it
* __Before Track__: this column is for me, I mark some items as "I need to install this item before I try going to the track". Most of these that are marked __YES__ are for safety reasons.

That's it for my spreadsheet. It will change over time, but i have a plan. How does that saying go?

> If you can't measure it, you can't improve it ~ Peter Drucker

## Tip Two: Make a budget

Yearly, monthly, quarterly, what ever type of schedule works for you. Put cash aside because this is an expensive hobby.

## Tip Three: Prioritize maintenance

If the core of your car is not working well, it does not matter that you have that rad _MUGEN_ header or rad _Type R_ shifter. If the car is older, focus on the what drives the car. It can be hard, because she may be an _ugly duckling_ for a little while, but it is well worth it! Remember that __compound interest applies to everything__, not just money. The more time and attention you put into maintaining your car, the longer and better she will perform. Make maintenance the priority not an after thought.

Most of my focus has been upgrades to the core components on the car. For example:

* [DCSports](https://www.dcsports.com/?ref=98gsr.com) headers, mine where cracked and it caused me to fail smog, b-pipe and exhaust
* catalytic converter & o2 sensors, I figured while I was at it might as well update this
* struts and shocks, I went with a basic stock setup because I could tell they were due
* brake pads, same just stock to ensure that I was being safe
* headlights, I tried polishing mine but they were so foggy it was pretty unsafe
* distributor o-ring, vtec solenoid upper and engine gasket
* [Skunk2](https://www.skunk2.com/?ref=98gsr.com) cam plug
* valve cover gasket, grommets, and spark plug gaskets
* [Mishimoto](https://www.mishimoto.com/?ref=98gsr.com) radiator, stays, fans, hoses, temperature sensor, oil cap
* Timing belt, A/C belt, P/S Belt, Alternator belt
* [AEM](https://www.aemintakes.com/?ref=98gsr.com) intake w/K&N filter
* [DCSports](https://www.dcsports.com/?ref=98gsr.com) Front and rear strut bar, not maintenance
* [Hasport](https://hasportperformance.com/?ref=98gsr.com) motor and torque mounts, mine where completely shot and the engine pulled hard right under acceleration

## Tip Four: Shop around

Now that you have a budget and a plan, now it's time to shop around. Take your time making purchases! I always consider serveral factors before I make purchases:

1. Is this an "I want this" or "my car needs this" purchase? It doesn't ALWAYS need to be a "need" but remember the plan
2. Is this item on my master plan?
3. Is this the best I can buy or is what I want out of my price range? If it's out of your price range, then save your cash and wait. Get what you __really want__, don't settle.

### Where to shop

* [98gsr.com community](https://discord.gg/3pkD7S4hnz) join our discord where we all can buy, sell and trade items
* [Craigslist](https://www.craigslist.com) is still a good option
* [Facebook Marketplace](https://www.facebook.com) is where everyone is currently
* [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com) follow other enthusiasts that have the same car, look at who they follow. There are many used part resellers in Insta
* [Amazon](https://smile.amazon.com) Buyer beware, but there are also many _official_ stores on here, like Mishimoto
* [eBay](https://www.ebay.com) the old tried and true! There are deals to be found
* Direct brand websites: everyone who exists now a days has web presence. Look them up, read reviews, and visit forums

## Tip Five: Tools

The right tool does not make you a mechanic, but it will make the job easier. I am not saying go out and spend all your hard earned $$$$ to buy tools. But it is helpful to have the right tools. Some tools are really expensive and some tools, you might only use once. Look around because many places rent tools. [Autozone](https://www.autozone.com) has a tool rental program, just ask.

## Tip Six: Manuals, education and time

I highly recommend sourcing the maintenance manuals for your car. eBay has a many Haynes manuals and there are electronic ones also online for free. Scour YouTube for helpful content, do your research before your start a project. Watch several videos from different youtubers. Make sure you understand what needs to be done before you take things a part.

## Tip Seven: Find a shop

Find a good local shop that you can work with. Ask questions, take your car in. Inevitably there will be items that you cannot complete on your own, and that's ok. It's going to happen. Learn to lean on the pros.

## Tip Eight: relax, it's a marathon not a sprint

Life will get in the way, don't stress. Other things will take priority, it's no the end of the world. Take a deep breath, enjoy the ride.

> The prize is found in the journey and not at the finish line.


8 Tips for Getting Started with a Project Car


Thank you for visiting my blog and website! My goal is to document my Teggy's build, share car meetups, races, and rad cars from around the web!

![1998 Acura Integra GSR](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wN0bb5Rqw5LBoTzUeJYMe9KG5VunAAtkFb3MbCj-mDgVQQz_PZVU2wHbOUhgtNSUgP_j51QYpTZA7Ib4X6m3KmiLFUtgKtxATAwZq9HTJqNuhMUGzH9gso8VBlG4_BMpT6nqiYbkeqM=w1200)

## My Teggy

Is the inspiration for this website. She is a [Super Sonic Blue Pearl](https://www.instagram.com/98IntegraGSR) (B90P) 1998 Acura Integra GSR. I bought her back in 2016 after our oldest daughter graduated from high school and I gifted her my commuter. My wifey suggested that I buy a car that I have always really wanted, which afforded me the opportunity to another Teggy. She's the 3rd Teggy I have owned and hopefully my last, unless I can find a mint Type R.

## My Teggy Pedigree
I have owned 3 GSRs, my first two met early and untimely deaths in accidents. Boy, I was young and dumb! I bought my first teggy in 1998, she was a green 1995 4-door GSR . I owned for a little over 3 years. After I wrecked her, I bought my second teggy, she was a red 2000 2-door GSR. Unfortunately, I was only able to keep her on the road for 6 before she met her untimely end. That engine had a whole 5,000 miles  on it, so sad!

![1995 Acura Integra GSR](/images/blog/green-teggy.jpg)

## Teggy Love

As you can see I have long loved this car. From the days that CompTech and [RealTime Racing](http://realtimerl.com/) where ruling the races with twin Type R's. To the Playstation dropping the first version of Gran Turismo. Then the height of fame came as The Fast and the Furious breaks into the box office. I am proud to own an Integra. She will be well cared for, maintained and updated, so that she may live a long, loud life.

### Enjoy some pics

![1998 Acura Integra GSR](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ntu1RV1UcBcSzjeIhxevgZBeEu3AfTHJpiELEkuM30C1x5OEfVUJQeJ5gPS2WR0j83ZhuMTj_bR9guYxub2RuJa-bsMWM0i6afggzbAqx7QC61Bovg_by9jIvRuXwqtsWHwSN5LwqPo=w2400)

![1998 Acura Integra GSR](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ero_9uFJI1MIqPgHc3yUakYzQd7VL1XJEU1KSqmL_XggbXNVSgApOzV2qadhIMAn6RNKgQAJxrponFGIBx8Lgu-HDPVepi72GjUwr_yv7ATp-jun99RwD8sqI-0q8X1cDQG_poJUI3g=w2400)

![1998 Acura Integra GSR](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uEgtgtaJHgywhs2fXAGCYAvNsWWlIdnGW-vOCHWyt7Shrm8Q7J-RmfJntNOilmQtvppCOFPerXaIFkHRKCEx7DA8OyipD7ngO4XU6D8Dj6RrwtoI66KeJqIL9255tJtD6eBsr1DlIVw=w2400)


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