PLEASE PLEASE help me out of minivan hell.
I have a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan EXT with the 3.8l motor.
If I cannot sell it, how can I make it something that handles and I can be not so ashamed to drive?
I was thinking...
lowering it a bit.
17" rims and wider tires
sport springs.
Sport exhaust
cold air intake with hood scoop
it's metallic blue so thinking a white dual racing stripe like a viper (would only do this if I do a full body kit, so unlikely)
my problem is HOW and WHERE to get things like that for a minivan.
I saw one by APC but I can't find anything on them.
I don't want to go airsprings, just shorter front coils and something for the leaf springs in the rear...
any ideas?
Part X it for a van like mine... [bow_down]
You know you want to... :) :)
Geoff... [coffee]
you kiddin'?
just put some Ducati stickers on it.
people will know that although you're probably pussy whipped you are managing to maintain some of your manhood. ;D
oh forgot
upgrading the rotors to slotted sport performance with high performance pads.
the stocks are sponges that warp too easily
i also read a transmission cooler is a must.
I wish BMW made a sweet handling sporty 7-seat van.
Quote from: sofadriver on December 03, 2011, 08:56:40 AM
you kiddin'?
just put some Ducati stickers on it.
people will know that although you're probably pussy whipped you are managing to maintain some of your manhood. ;D
What he said. [thumbsup]
I even slipped a small Ducati Corse sticker on my 1 year old nephew's stroller and it took his parents like 6 months to notice it. Can't start them on the right path too early! [thumbsup] [Dolph]
If I were to upgrade a minivan, I'd go for things that folks on the street won't be able to really notice without careful inspection.
Brakes, suspension, maybe wheels and tires if I could find something that wasn't too flash looking.
Make it handle nicely and perform better without making it look like a tuner on the outside.
Because a tarted up minivan just seems a bit sad.
Quote from: zarn02 on December 03, 2011, 11:11:16 AM
If I were to upgrade a minivan, I'd go for things that folks on the street won't be able to really notice without careful inspection.
Brakes, suspension, maybe wheels and tires if I could find something that wasn't too flash looking.
Make it handle nicely and perform better without making it look like a tuner on the outside.
Because a tarted up minivan just seems a bit sad.
i do agree
but finding this stuff. [bang]
build one of these instead
VW Van with a GT3 Engine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6rmH4vERsM#)
Still have to find the damn parts
I have an online acquaintance that has a 12 second quarter mile Pontiac Transport. It would be a better option as they make a SHIT ton of GM 3.8L supercharged go fast goodies. If they can build a 3.8L that pushes a front wheel drive Pontiac Grand Prix to 8 second quarter miles no reason you couldn't do it too.
Of course you could always track down a Chevy Astro van and stuff a 350 into it. Been done tons of times.
some minivans have ok bodies
lower the suspension and black the whole thing out... paint it black, dark windows, the hwole 9 yards
put a racing stripe on it
hire some strippers to ride around with you.. if you have 2-3 hot strippers, no one cares, even if it's a buick regal.
No matter what you do it's stil a minivan. Save your money for something cool.
don't put a pedabear sticker on it
or any stickers like "don't laugh your daughter is in the back"
do this
http://www.turbovan.net/van.html (http://www.turbovan.net/van.html)
The Ashes Challenge Part 1 - Top Gear - BBC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7hfSiYQQF4#)
First 2 minutes [evil] ;D
Quote from: Triple J on December 03, 2011, 01:29:53 PM
No matter what you do it's stil a minivan. Save your money for something cool.
Triple J is correct.... EXCEPT he forgot there is one thing. The ONLY thing that will make your van cool.
I present to you the A-Team van paint scheme! [laugh]
(http://www.photobasement.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/ateamvan.jpg)
Or you can get a license plate holder that reads "I'd Rather be Riding My Ducati". People would understand.
QuoteI present to you the A-Team van paint scheme! [laugh]
It also helps to have
Mr. T riding shotgun...........................................to take "Pity on the Fools" ;)
we need a Mr.T smiley, mohawk and gold bling
You own a minivan? Go kill yourself!
just kidding, a couple of beers bring out the old new yorker in me
Quote from: The Architect on December 04, 2011, 10:49:46 AM
You own a minivan? Go kill yourself!
just kidding, a couple of beers bring out the old new yorker in me
only cause the Acura MDX turned out to be complete crap.
to be honest. my main concern is safer driving/handling on the autobahn.
evasive maneuvers in vans at 85mph aren't so great with stock setup.
Quote from: Raux on December 04, 2011, 10:59:23 AM
to be honest. my main concern is safer driving/handling on the autobahn.
evasive maneuvers in vans at 85mph aren't so great with stock setup.
Springs, shocks, and change out the rubber bushings to ureathane.
off topic;: Where in germany do you live? The wife and I plan on picking up her next BMW in Munich, and dropping it off in Frankfurt.
Quote from: sno_duc on December 04, 2011, 12:05:24 PM
Springs, shocks, and change out the rubber bushings to ureathane.
off topic;: Where in germany do you live? The wife and I plan on picking up her next BMW in Munich, and dropping it off in Frankfurt.
Kaiserslautern.
about 1hr from frankfurt.
Quote from: sno_duc on December 04, 2011, 12:05:24 PM
Springs, shocks, and change out the rubber bushings to ureathane.
off topic;: Where in germany do you live? The wife and I plan on picking up her next BMW in Munich, and dropping it off in Frankfurt.
ok springs shocks and bushings.
springs. i think front springs can be had by eibach. lower it about 1 - 1.5in
shocks.. suppose any sport shocks the right length
bushings?
rear springs are leaf springs I think.. what to do there?
Quote from: sno_duc on December 04, 2011, 09:38:32 AM
The Ashes Challenge Part 1 - Top Gear - BBC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7hfSiYQQF4#)
First 2 minutes [evil] ;D
that whole thing was hysterical [clap]
Quote from: RAT900 on December 05, 2011, 12:44:25 AM
that whole thing was hysterical [clap]
The Poms cheated [cheeky]
Quote from: Raux on December 04, 2011, 12:25:17 PM
ok springs shocks and bushings.
springs. i think front springs can be had by eibach. lower it about 1 - 1.5in
shocks.. suppose any sport shocks the right length
bushings?
rear springs are leaf springs I think.. what to do there?
I would be surprised if you didn't have struts at least up front. You may have to get creative and find struts for something that's a bit heavier/more sport oriented and then cross-check dimensions.
As for the rear, you can find leaf spring helpers around. Check off-road and Jeep parts sections. Summit, Jeg's, etc. That'll help stiffen up the rear. The BIG thing you're going to need, probably both front and rear, is a stiffer anti-roll bar. Especially with as tall as that thing is. Not sure if anyone out there already makes one, but if you can find a stocker around, it shouldn't be too hard to cut/reinforce/splice.
SCRUBS - Turk and the mini van (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFz12xoa5oA#)
Quote from: zarn02 on December 03, 2011, 11:11:16 AM
Because a tarted up minivan just seems a bit sad.
This.
Unless you go full-on '70s Boogie Van...
(http://images.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/06122008cruisein_7705_resized.jpg)
(http://www.knfilters.com/images/press/pirates-of-the-caravan2.jpg)
Shag carpet, fold-out bed, lava lamps...
(http://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/j/q/jqen14b22a7pa2p4.jpg)
problem solved. selling it soon.
The biggest upgrade you could get for any van is an airbrushed mural of one of Frank Frazetta's paintings.
Try this:
(http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachments/painting-designs-graphics-photography/313856d1203632652-vector-mystery-machine-mystery-machine.jpg)
JM
How about getting one of those sport wagons instead? Audi makes some nice looking ones and they should be a lot cheaper in Germany than in the US. They have close to the same utility as a minivan/suv and will wreck them in terms of handling/power/mpg.
well to be honest, looks like i'll be back down to just three kids, so no need for the minivan.
Will be for sale in the near future. YEAH... my minivan persecution is over.
Where did the other one(s) go?
Sold on fleaBay?! ???
;D
[bacon]
Quote from: The Bacon Junkie on December 05, 2011, 11:06:40 PM
Where did the other one(s) go?
Sold on fleaBay?! ???
;D
[bacon]
trust me, with a background check, i'll get no bids.
Best possible mod for a minivan is to cover the whole thing with a 5-gallon jerry can of gasoline and add a match.
Quote from: dropstharockalot on December 05, 2011, 12:38:58 PM
This.
Unless you go full-on '70s Boogie Van...
Shag carpet, fold-out bed, lava lamps...
(http://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/j/q/jqen14b22a7pa2p4.jpg)
MMM... pineapple butt lotion...