sk tunes his 370z

Boost_lee · 08-29-2011, 01:09 AM

good progress here, best of luck on your build!

mr_sk · 09-01-2011, 08:01 PM

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good progress here, best of luck on your build!

Thanks man, love you car. Looks great.

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I was originally going to go with a Stillen oil cooler, but the z1 seems good too and it'll cost less shipped to my door than the Stillen even if I drive over to pick it up, seems like a good deal.

Can't go wrong with either, so yeah, whichever you can get cheaper is the winner. My install is next weekend...stoked.

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you can buy the ester oil form them or somewhere else and do it yourself still. Dealer way overcharges for everything. I did order the magnetic drain plus that AK370z recommended though. They rip you off with shipping i think ($10 to ship that little thing?), but I can't really find it anywhere else and it'll be good for our engine sin the long run.

Word - going to follow you and brucelidats recommendations.

So I pulled the trigger on this: Kenwood DNX-7120 + Ipod cable &

Stoked - and ordered the following cables for hookup:
Nissan Antenna Adapter OEM antenna to Motorola Male
120ASWC Metra ASWC Auto Sensing Steering Wheel Cntrl Intrfc

Got a good deal, going to do the install next weekend if it has arrived by then ... Getting my clear bra installed Sat and going to throw in my post MAF Z1's as well....

mr_sk · 09-05-2011, 08:23 PM

Clear Bra Review:

I arrived at Savage Auto Sports (savageautosports.com) at 9:10AM for a 9:00AM appt. It was about an hour drive from Brooklyn. Upon arriving I was greeted and my car was taken immediately to begin work...off to a great start.

Savage has a nice waiting room stocked with tons of car magazines, a TV (though you can't hear it over whatever local radio station is playing) along with free instant coffee (awesome).

I had been told to allow a few hours for the install so I was mentally prepared for 2 to 3 hours at most to wait. The unfortunate part of the experience was I ended up waiting till nearly 2:00PM, which is closer to 5 hours. Not a big deal, but you know how it was when you're mentally prepared for one thing and receive another.

Savage did a great job w/the install, despite a few minor scratches and imperfections in the application of the clear bra. I took pictures after driving home, I just haven't transfered them from my phone yet.

Overall I rate the experience a 8 of 10 (would have been 10 of 10 if done in 2 hours) and the application a 7 of 10 (I know it's very difficult to apply the clear bra). I would goto Savage again in the future for tinting or additional clear. Also, would like to shout-out Andrew, a knowledge G owner that was a pleasure to chat with. I also bought some LED's while I was in the store.

Things I feel could have been done better:
1) Let the client know clearly how long the operation will take. That can help aid people being restless. If it's going to take 5 hours, let the client know up front 5-6 hours.
2) Offer lunch - While I was waiting (no car, would have to walk), they did a McD's run, but didn't ask me if I wanted anything. I didn't even notice until them came back w/food. Would have
been great to ask, I as was running on two cups of coffee all day ....
3) Lower the in-store radio, heh.

Minor scratch where the hood/bumper meet there is a little recess:

Minor bubble imperfections front left:

A perfect section:

mr_sk · 09-06-2011, 09:42 AM

I also put in an order with Leo @ Detail Addict. I highly recommend these guys. Leo responded promptly to many of my emails, shipped the product out quickly and worked out a great package for me. I'm really happy w/the experience and would use them again for future cleaning products.

This weekend (weather dependent) I'm hoping to give the car a nice wash, polish, seal and wax.

mr_sk · 09-06-2011, 09:52 AM

My oil cooler install is this weekend and I just hit 1000 miles, so I think I'm going to have Vinny Tens also do a Nissan Ester 5w30 change while I'm in there. Just makes sense to do it then. I still don't have ramps or a jack - need to order those in time for my next oil change.

hdskull · 09-09-2011, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_sk

I also put in an order with Leo @ Detail Addict. I highly recommend these guys. Leo responded promptly to many of my emails, shipped the product out quickly and worked out a great package for me. I'm really happy w/the experience and would use them again for future cleaning products.

This weekend (weather dependent) I'm hoping to give the car a nice wash, polish, seal and wax.

Post some pictures after you detail the car! My car has way too many swirl marks...

mr_sk · 09-11-2011, 09:46 AM

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Post some pictures after you detail the car! My car has way too many swirl marks...

Will do - possibly next weekend. Been slammed with weekend tasks ... I did do a nice wash & vacum this weekend - the setup Leo gave me worked great. Best wash I've done to date.

On another note, I had my Oil Cooler installed by Vinny Tens yesterday, Sat the 10th. I'm going to follow-up the next post w/a review.

mr_sk · 09-11-2011, 10:12 AM

Vinny Tens Review

Background:

So, there's a lot of chatter on the forums about both Vinny Tens and Performance Motorsport. As I mentioned in previous threads, I decided to use Vinny Tens for the following reasons:

1) Relationship w/my dealer (Westburry Nissan recommended)
2) The prompt responses from Brandon @ VTR (Email/Phone)
3) Reviews (Both positive and negative)

I had decided if things didn't goto my liking at VTR, I would try PM.

I was getting a 19Row setrab oil cooler install, and a break in oil change w/5w30 Nissan Ester and a Fram filter.

Experience:

I showed up about 10m late (again, heh it's a drive from Brooklyn). I had a 9AM appointment. I arrived and was brought into the facility and met a few guys. One was there for an 02 sensor install + oil change, the rest were mechanics or friends that had stopped by.

Shop:

The shop is great. It's very large, had 3 enormous bays with multiple lifts and can fit many cars. The area was very clean, which is important to me. Tools and materials were in the right place for the most part - In other words, things are not strewn around everywhere. Being an engineer myself, organization is important - it typically means more effective work can be done when you have a clean + organized working environment. There are chairs that you can setup wherever to kill time. There isn't really a designated "waiting room", you can basically setup anywhere.

Wait Time:

VTR took care of the first client, which was fine as his work only took 20-30m to accomplish. While waiting I talked with the client and looked around the shop. They were very cool about me sitting down anywhere and watching the mechanic (Steve) work. I'll get to that more later.

If I was in a rush (needed to be in and out) I'm sure VTR would have facilitated. However, I ended up staying most of the day. Mostly because I was having a great time chatting with everyone, including Vinny and other's that dropped by throughout the day.

As far as my install time, I don't recall, but everything went pretty quickly. I literally sat next to Steve as he did my entire install (Setrab 19 row oil cooler & ester oil change)

Mechanics:

Steve did all the work to my car, and I have to say honestly, best mechanic I've worked with to date [1]. He seriously took excellent care of the car, pulled it in the bay slowly, carefully placed it on the lift, took his time taking my bumper and under car shroud off, had everything organized, it was very reassuring.

Also, the coolest part was that I was literally sitting next to him during a lot of the install, watching him work, talking about cars and just shooting the ****. Sure, some people won't be terribly interested in that, but for most us, being car enthusiasts, getting to chat w/the mechanic is a great bonus, especially when they aren't an *******.

When done, he ran the car, checked for leaks and overall just did a great job.

Results:

Oil temps are down, the entire 1 hour ride back in the hot sun on the traffic filled highway my oil temps stayed at least 20 degrees cooler than they had been previous.

Car was returned clean, with only a few finger prints on the bumper. No scratches on the exterior or dirt on the interior.

I was provided some extra oil as well as instructions on when to check and under what conditions to add the remaining oil (if necessary).

Misc:

Vinny and Steve are both stand up guys, doing excellent work [3]. I was completely surprised by the experience because the forum is filled with a lot of negative chatter about VTR.

During the day I met a real cool GTR owner (putting down a nice even 600whp - tuned by Vinny) and another GTR on the dyno (can't remember the #'s though). He's also got assorted turbo cars (350z, sti, 240sx, etc) along with some real race chassis and cars. I was literally smiling ear-2-ear when the GTR was doing pulls on the dyno. The sound of that car was amazing ... so mean.

It's a great place to walk around the just checkout the cars.

Also, I was offered both Breakfast and Lunch options, along with access to the fridge that contained soda and water. I took them up on the breakfast option, but passed on the lunch. None-the less, we all say around at the table and chatted during lunch, laughing and having a great time. It felt like a real family affair - not your typical in and out mechanic.

Price:

Price was on par w/others - I didn't shop around too much, but the oil cooler price and install was all fair. No complaints there.

Final:

VTR is the place where you can be in and out in 30m to get simple work done[2], or spend the entire day chatting, getting work done and watching the cars come in and out. My experience was excellent - I plan on giving them my LTH/CBE install when it arrives (I was going to do myself, but I'd prefer to just do it right, do it once). I'lll also be doing a CO install w/them come spring, and probably whatever other non-warranty nissan works pops up between.

I'm sure PM is a solid place too, but VTR did such an exceptional job they've won my business going forward, and I would highly recommend others to try them out as well.

Because of all the negative VTR chatter I felt compelled to tell my side of the story, because it was very different than even I had expected.

Errata:
[1] I say this because while tuning and maintaining my 04 S4 (b6) I went through 3 different mechanics. First issue was that they couldn't seem to get to the bottom of the issues I was having. Granted this is apples to oranges, but the experience I had at these 3x mechanics always left me feeling dirty. Like I was being fed BS. You know in your gut if someone is full of **** or not.

Regardless, this was the best tuning experience I have had (next to TDC tuning doing my 04 STi back in 05 in NH).

[2] The client before me was in and out in a hour.

[3] This is sort of a blanket statement but I say it because of the following; It's vinny's shop, so you know it's top down attitude. He runs the place a certain way and expects that of his mechanics. That's what came across to me. And I know first hand that Steve did excellent work. Also, when people are just dropping by to say hello and are happy to chat about their experience, well you know he has happy customers. And the results speak for themselves; 2x GTRs in one day (doing something right - it's not like VTR has some huge marketing budget), plenty of track/race cars and a long personal history of racing.

mr_sk · 09-12-2011, 08:52 PM

I've noticed some gnarly grooving already in BOTH my front rotors. I just noticed this weekend. I've got an apt on Friday @ 7AM at Nissan, at which time I'm also going to speak w/the finance department about the 2.5k warranty I was charged for. I'll snap some pics on wed when I do my weekly wash and show you guys the grooves. .... 1200 miles and grooves on the rotors....Nissan better replace them under warranty.

da mayor · 09-13-2011, 04:06 PM

great honest review

mr_sk · 09-13-2011, 05:02 PM

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great honest review

Thanks man - I try and make all the reviews as subjective as possible. It sort of turned into an epic, heh, so thanks for reading it and providing feedback.

mr_sk · 10-09-2011, 07:29 PM

I'll get pictures up soon!

Back from a thread update hiatus.

Couple of good things have happened to the Z.

- Installed head unit by bigaudiofanat
- Installed LTH/CBE @ VTR
- Hit up Englishtown Raceway

Headunit Review:

Most of you know bigaudiofanat (Need Help? Let me know!) as being the resident NE forum audio installer. After helping me determine the correct wires I needed, I ordered, setup a time and waited for the weekend.

Matt arrived on time and got straight to work. The first thing he did which reassured that I picked the right guy for the job, was to use painters tape to mask off any area of my interior he'd be using as a pry/fulcrum point. Kudos Matt!

We chatted it up as he worked through the install - he did clean soldering, heat shrinked all the connections, and had the stereo installed in no time. We walked me through the functions of the HU, since I bought it used I didn't have a physical manual.

He cleaned up after himself (wire pieces, tape, etc) and pretty much left no trail he'd been in the car - no new scratches to the interior - awesome!

Matt you did leave one of your flat head drivers here, I'll return when I see you next, maybe for a detail session?!

Anyways, will use Matt again if/when I expand my system, Would highly recommend him and pricing is spot on. As far as the deck, I bought it used on the forums here, it's awesome, great deal - Have to give props to the seller too, bumblez.

FI LTH/AAM 2.5" CBE Install @ VTR

I bought the FI LTH from TheDreamer probably a month ago and soon after ordered the FI CF CBE 18" RES from Tony. That's still in the pipe, but for now I'm running a 2.5" AAM CBE (AAM Competition - Nissan GT-R, 370Z Turbo Performance Specialists)

After the experiance w/my oil cooler installer, I decided to go with VTR again for my LTH/CBE.

I arrived Sat, chatted a bit and Steve (the lead mechanic) got right to work. He had the factory CBE off in ~20m - but heh, the OEM headers took hours. Steve worked his *** off, for hours to get all the bolts out to get that drivers side header out - I'm happy I didn't attempt this myself. I don't have the patience OR the tools OR the skill.

In the meantime, they allowed me to setup a desk right on the shop floor, w/my PC and I knocked out a bit of work (and browsed the370z of course!). We had lunch and by then Vin and a few other guys where in.

No GTRs this time, but a few guys dropped by to inquire about the shop and I think some even booked future appointments. Regardless, they were greeted, offered some pie and chatted it up with us.

After lunch I went back to putzing around and Steve went back to the headers....FF about ~4 hours IIRC the headers are out and he's working on the FI LTH. As far as build quality of the FI LTH, they are spot on (According to Steve). They fit even better than OEM he said.

Since I didn't organize w/Tony in time to get the extended 02 wires, we had to extend them. Out came the soldering gun and wire cutters.

Once the headers where on and wired up, I unboxed the AAM and set it up for Steve. He had it on with-in minutes, and then it was to alinging the tips - what a pain in the ***. No offense AAM, but damn, weld the f'n tips on PLZ! They don't really line up 100% because the quality just isn't 100% - I mean, the overall build quality is Top notch, but the tip setup w/the single pipe you have to align and bolts to tighten the separate tips, IDK, it's just not an optimal setup IMO. ah whatever, eventually this will be replaced with either a FI setup or an FI setup...hah, and I mean forced induction...hah..

So, while I'm chiling, Vin throws me the keys to a ~500whp 350z and tells me to go see what real power is like, hah. I take the car out by myself in the ajdacent industrial area and give it a go.

So, at first I'm like, damn, where's all the power? This thing is ******* docile...so I turn onto a straight-away, about ~20mph in second - I floor it...it goes...RPMs hit about ~ 5k and then it REALLY GOES, but 7k the *** is loose and by redline my foot is off the gas and my heart is in my throat.

What a ******* experiance. So I turn the next straight away and do the same in 3rd......docile....5k...FASSSSTTTT...7k *** is swinging..haha. wow.

Drove back and Vin says, "you either get it or you don't....and by that **** eating grin on your face, you get it" [paraphased].

Anywho, if I keep this car, I'm going TT. Otherwise I'll sell it and go GTR. We'll see in spring.

As far as VTR, another awesome experiance. They worked on my car till about ~8PM, then took it out for a drive to make sure nothing rattled, clanked, etc. I now have a DashDyno SPD so I could monitor AFR..no problem, running just like stock, no need for a tune. I did notice a slight rattling, and we could all hear it - we couldn't tell if it's the engine itself and all the new noises I'm hearing w/out the cats, or an actual piece of metal. They said come back next weekend and they'll throw it on the lift. You can barely hear it, but if it keeps up, I'll go back just to be sure.

The only downside of the day is that dyno wasn't working, so I couldn't do a before and after. I'll probably go back this weekend to get an after though.

FI/CBE Review:

It sounds mean - it's raspy as ****, but I like it. And it smells like **** - which I don't like - hah, I mean I stink of gasonline now from the headers and no-cat. Hopefully that subsides a bit or all my clothes are going to smell like my boy who has a 69 chevelle. I definetly feel it in the butt dyno - it's just more constant when I floor it - like it's got power, power, power all the way up. It's not a HUGE difference, but it is more consistent power across what feels like the entire power band. I like it - though it's too ******* loud I think for the long term. It's really, really loud. Ah well, it's fun as hell being an ******* w/a loud exhaust.

EnglishTown:

Had to leave early cause my dog went into surgery. She's ok now, but my wallet isn't (- $2400!)

Went w/a 350 nismo buddy, Neeko. I ran an awful 14.9 - I launched early and missed my second shift - nerves I guess. I was running at ~35psi as well. I need to go back soon and fix that piss poor run. I was running stock (minus OC and HKS drop-ins).

Awesome turn-out at Englishtown though - tons of sick sick sick cars!

mr_sk · 10-09-2011, 07:52 PM

Pics!

Not the best pic, I'll take more this weekend, but here it is finally on:

The AAM CBE unboxed:

The VTR ~500whp 350z:

NYBladeZ · 10-09-2011, 08:32 PM

LTH install is a biotch. Let the VTR v. PM debate continue, as long as both satisfy a majority of their customers its likely a matter of personal preference. However I think PM has better connects with GTM and does UpRev, VTR does not.

mr_sk · 10-09-2011, 09:00 PM

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LTH install is a biotch.

Aint that the truth! Steve definetly had his work cut out for him that day.

Quote:

Let the VTR v. PM debate continue, as long as both satisfy a majority of their customers its likely a matter of personal preference.

I have nothing against PM - I've heard positive things about them. But I am building a relationship with VTR and it's been really solid thus far. If there are two quality shops in NY that's awesome - the more the better really.

Quote:

However I think PM has better connects with GTM and does UpRev, VTR does not.

My understanding is that even though VTR isn't a reseller of UpRev, they have the knowledge to perform an UpRev tune - I could be wrong though. I know they have a lot of experience with Cobb AP and Split second boxes. For the moment it doesn't seem like a tune is necessary, as my AFR is spot on.

NYBladeZ - I remember seeing in another thread you have the loudest exhaust in NYC hehe...wait till you hear mine - it's f'n loud! Lets go set off some car alarms and scare small children! hah, Do you goto the LI Great Neck meets?

08-29-2011, 01:09 AM	#46 (permalink)
Boost_lee A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SATX Posts: 2,813 Drives: 09 370Z TT 6MT Rep Power: 29	good progress here, best of luck on your build! __________________ My TT Z

09-05-2011, 08:23 PM	#48 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	Clear Bra Review: I arrived at Savage Auto Sports (savageautosports.com) at 9:10AM for a 9:00AM appt. It was about an hour drive from Brooklyn. Upon arriving I was greeted and my car was taken immediately to begin work...off to a great start. Savage has a nice waiting room stocked with tons of car magazines, a TV (though you can't hear it over whatever local radio station is playing) along with free instant coffee (awesome). I had been told to allow a few hours for the install so I was mentally prepared for 2 to 3 hours at most to wait. The unfortunate part of the experience was I ended up waiting till nearly 2:00PM, which is closer to 5 hours. Not a big deal, but you know how it was when you're mentally prepared for one thing and receive another. Savage did a great job w/the install, despite a few minor scratches and imperfections in the application of the clear bra. I took pictures after driving home, I just haven't transfered them from my phone yet. Overall I rate the experience a 8 of 10 (would have been 10 of 10 if done in 2 hours) and the application a 7 of 10 (I know it's very difficult to apply the clear bra). I would goto Savage again in the future for tinting or additional clear. Also, would like to shout-out Andrew, a knowledge G owner that was a pleasure to chat with. I also bought some LED's while I was in the store. Things I feel could have been done better: 1) Let the client know clearly how long the operation will take. That can help aid people being restless. If it's going to take 5 hours, let the client know up front 5-6 hours. 2) Offer lunch - While I was waiting (no car, would have to walk), they did a McD's run, but didn't ask me if I wanted anything. I didn't even notice until them came back w/food. Would have been great to ask, I as was running on two cups of coffee all day .... 3) Lower the in-store radio, heh. Minor scratch where the hood/bumper meet there is a little recess: Minor bubble imperfections front left: A perfect section: __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html Last edited by mr_sk; 09-06-2011 at 09:40 AM.

09-06-2011, 09:42 AM	#49 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	I also put in an order with Leo @ Detail Addict. I highly recommend these guys. Leo responded promptly to many of my emails, shipped the product out quickly and worked out a great package for me. I'm really happy w/the experience and would use them again for future cleaning products. This weekend (weather dependent) I'm hoping to give the car a nice wash, polish, seal and wax. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

09-06-2011, 09:52 AM	#50 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	My oil cooler install is this weekend and I just hit 1000 miles, so I think I'm going to have Vinny Tens also do a Nissan Ester 5w30 change while I'm in there. Just makes sense to do it then. I still don't have ramps or a jack - need to order those in time for my next oil change. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

09-11-2011, 10:12 AM	#53 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	Vinny Tens Review Background: So, there's a lot of chatter on the forums about both Vinny Tens and Performance Motorsport. As I mentioned in previous threads, I decided to use Vinny Tens for the following reasons: 1) Relationship w/my dealer (Westburry Nissan recommended) 2) The prompt responses from Brandon @ VTR (Email/Phone) 3) Reviews (Both positive and negative) I had decided if things didn't goto my liking at VTR, I would try PM. I was getting a 19Row setrab oil cooler install, and a break in oil change w/5w30 Nissan Ester and a Fram filter. Experience: I showed up about 10m late (again, heh it's a drive from Brooklyn). I had a 9AM appointment. I arrived and was brought into the facility and met a few guys. One was there for an 02 sensor install + oil change, the rest were mechanics or friends that had stopped by. Shop: The shop is great. It's very large, had 3 enormous bays with multiple lifts and can fit many cars. The area was very clean, which is important to me. Tools and materials were in the right place for the most part - In other words, things are not strewn around everywhere. Being an engineer myself, organization is important - it typically means more effective work can be done when you have a clean + organized working environment. There are chairs that you can setup wherever to kill time. There isn't really a designated "waiting room", you can basically setup anywhere. Wait Time: VTR took care of the first client, which was fine as his work only took 20-30m to accomplish. While waiting I talked with the client and looked around the shop. They were very cool about me sitting down anywhere and watching the mechanic (Steve) work. I'll get to that more later. If I was in a rush (needed to be in and out) I'm sure VTR would have facilitated. However, I ended up staying most of the day. Mostly because I was having a great time chatting with everyone, including Vinny and other's that dropped by throughout the day. As far as my install time, I don't recall, but everything went pretty quickly. I literally sat next to Steve as he did my entire install (Setrab 19 row oil cooler & ester oil change) Mechanics: Steve did all the work to my car, and I have to say honestly, best mechanic I've worked with to date [1]. He seriously took excellent care of the car, pulled it in the bay slowly, carefully placed it on the lift, took his time taking my bumper and under car shroud off, had everything organized, it was very reassuring. Also, the coolest part was that I was literally sitting next to him during a lot of the install, watching him work, talking about cars and just shooting the **. Sure, some people won't be terribly interested in that, but for most us, being car enthusiasts, getting to chat w/the mechanic is a great bonus, especially when they aren't an ***. When done, he ran the car, checked for leaks and overall just did a great job. Results: Oil temps are down, the entire 1 hour ride back in the hot sun on the traffic filled highway my oil temps stayed at least 20 degrees cooler than they had been previous. Car was returned clean, with only a few finger prints on the bumper. No scratches on the exterior or dirt on the interior. I was provided some extra oil as well as instructions on when to check and under what conditions to add the remaining oil (if necessary). Misc: Vinny and Steve are both stand up guys, doing excellent work [3]. I was completely surprised by the experience because the forum is filled with a lot of negative chatter about VTR. During the day I met a real cool GTR owner (putting down a nice even 600whp - tuned by Vinny) and another GTR on the dyno (can't remember the #'s though). He's also got assorted turbo cars (350z, sti, 240sx, etc) along with some real race chassis and cars. I was literally smiling ear-2-ear when the GTR was doing pulls on the dyno. The sound of that car was amazing ... so mean. It's a great place to walk around the just checkout the cars. Also, I was offered both Breakfast and Lunch options, along with access to the fridge that contained soda and water. I took them up on the breakfast option, but passed on the lunch. None-the less, we all say around at the table and chatted during lunch, laughing and having a great time. It felt like a real family affair - not your typical in and out mechanic. Price: Price was on par w/others - I didn't shop around too much, but the oil cooler price and install was all fair. No complaints there. Final: VTR is the place where you can be in and out in 30m to get simple work done[2], or spend the entire day chatting, getting work done and watching the cars come in and out. My experience was excellent - I plan on giving them my LTH/CBE install when it arrives (I was going to do myself, but I'd prefer to just do it right, do it once). I'lll also be doing a CO install w/them come spring, and probably whatever other non-warranty nissan works pops up between. I'm sure PM is a solid place too, but VTR did such an exceptional job they've won my business going forward, and I would highly recommend others to try them out as well. Because of all the negative VTR chatter I felt compelled to tell my side of the story, because it was very different than even I had expected. Errata: [1] I say this because while tuning and maintaining my 04 S4 (b6) I went through 3 different mechanics. First issue was that they couldn't seem to get to the bottom of the issues I was having. Granted this is apples to oranges, but the experience I had at these 3x mechanics always left me feeling dirty. Like I was being fed BS. You know in your gut if someone is full of ** or not. Regardless, this was the best tuning experience I have had (next to TDC tuning doing my 04 STi back in 05 in NH). [2] The client before me was in and out in a hour. [3] This is sort of a blanket statement but I say it because of the following; It's vinny's shop, so you know it's top down attitude. He runs the place a certain way and expects that of his mechanics. That's what came across to me. And I know first hand that Steve did excellent work. Also, when people are just dropping by to say hello and are happy to chat about their experience, well you know he has happy customers. And the results speak for themselves; 2x GTRs in one day (doing something right - it's not like VTR has some huge marketing budget), plenty of track/race cars and a long personal history of racing. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html Last edited by mr_sk; 09-12-2011 at 09:48 AM.

09-12-2011, 08:52 PM	#54 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	I've noticed some gnarly grooving already in BOTH my front rotors. I just noticed this weekend. I've got an apt on Friday @ 7AM at Nissan, at which time I'm also going to speak w/the finance department about the 2.5k warranty I was charged for. I'll snap some pics on wed when I do my weekly wash and show you guys the grooves. .... 1200 miles and grooves on the rotors....Nissan better replace them under warranty. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

09-13-2011, 04:06 PM	#55 (permalink)
da mayor Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 313 Drives: #TheGoldenZ Rep Power: 15	great honest review __________________ #TheGoldenZ [GTSPEC][RAVSPEC][AutoVisionNY][631Coatings vinylwrapped][Evo-R][SoFreshLifestyle][Intrack Tires][Project Mu][MXP][HempsteadAutoCollision][SNTRL]

10-09-2011, 07:29 PM	#57 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	I'll get pictures up soon! Back from a thread update hiatus. Couple of good things have happened to the Z. - Installed head unit by bigaudiofanat - Installed LTH/CBE @ VTR - Hit up Englishtown Raceway Headunit Review: Most of you know bigaudiofanat (Need Help? Let me know!) as being the resident NE forum audio installer. After helping me determine the correct wires I needed, I ordered, setup a time and waited for the weekend. Matt arrived on time and got straight to work. The first thing he did which reassured that I picked the right guy for the job, was to use painters tape to mask off any area of my interior he'd be using as a pry/fulcrum point. Kudos Matt! We chatted it up as he worked through the install - he did clean soldering, heat shrinked all the connections, and had the stereo installed in no time. We walked me through the functions of the HU, since I bought it used I didn't have a physical manual. He cleaned up after himself (wire pieces, tape, etc) and pretty much left no trail he'd been in the car - no new scratches to the interior - awesome! Matt you did leave one of your flat head drivers here, I'll return when I see you next, maybe for a detail session?! Anyways, will use Matt again if/when I expand my system, Would highly recommend him and pricing is spot on. As far as the deck, I bought it used on the forums here, it's awesome, great deal - Have to give props to the seller too, bumblez. FI LTH/AAM 2.5" CBE Install @ VTR I bought the FI LTH from TheDreamer probably a month ago and soon after ordered the FI CF CBE 18" RES from Tony. That's still in the pipe, but for now I'm running a 2.5" AAM CBE (AAM Competition - Nissan GT-R, 370Z Turbo Performance Specialists) After the experiance w/my oil cooler installer, I decided to go with VTR again for my LTH/CBE. I arrived Sat, chatted a bit and Steve (the lead mechanic) got right to work. He had the factory CBE off in ~20m - but heh, the OEM headers took hours. Steve worked his * off, for hours to get all the bolts out to get that drivers side header out - I'm happy I didn't attempt this myself. I don't have the patience OR the tools OR the skill. In the meantime, they allowed me to setup a desk right on the shop floor, w/my PC and I knocked out a bit of work (and browsed the370z of course!). We had lunch and by then Vin and a few other guys where in. No GTRs this time, but a few guys dropped by to inquire about the shop and I think some even booked future appointments. Regardless, they were greeted, offered some pie and chatted it up with us. After lunch I went back to putzing around and Steve went back to the headers....FF about ~4 hours IIRC the headers are out and he's working on the FI LTH. As far as build quality of the FI LTH, they are spot on (According to Steve). They fit even better than OEM he said. Since I didn't organize w/Tony in time to get the extended 02 wires, we had to extend them. Out came the soldering gun and wire cutters. Once the headers where on and wired up, I unboxed the AAM and set it up for Steve. He had it on with-in minutes, and then it was to alinging the tips - what a pain in the . No offense AAM, but damn, weld the f'n tips on PLZ! They don't really line up 100% because the quality just isn't 100% - I mean, the overall build quality is Top notch, but the tip setup w/the single pipe you have to align and bolts to tighten the separate tips, IDK, it's just not an optimal setup IMO. ah whatever, eventually this will be replaced with either a FI setup or an FI setup...hah, and I mean forced induction...hah.. So, while I'm chiling, Vin throws me the keys to a ~500whp 350z and tells me to go see what real power is like, hah. I take the car out by myself in the ajdacent industrial area and give it a go. So, at first I'm like, damn, where's all the power? This thing is **** docile...so I turn onto a straight-away, about ~20mph in second - I floor it...it goes...RPMs hit about ~ 5k and then it REALLY GOES, but 7k the * is loose and by redline my foot is off the gas and my heart is in my throat. What a ***** experiance. So I turn the next straight away and do the same in 3rd......docile....5k...FASSSSTTTT...7k * is swinging..haha. wow. Drove back and Vin says, "you either get it or you don't....and by that ** eating grin on your face, you get it" [paraphased]. Anywho, if I keep this car, I'm going TT. Otherwise I'll sell it and go GTR. We'll see in spring. As far as VTR, another awesome experiance. They worked on my car till about ~8PM, then took it out for a drive to make sure nothing rattled, clanked, etc. I now have a DashDyno SPD so I could monitor AFR..no problem, running just like stock, no need for a tune. I did notice a slight rattling, and we could all hear it - we couldn't tell if it's the engine itself and all the new noises I'm hearing w/out the cats, or an actual piece of metal. They said come back next weekend and they'll throw it on the lift. You can barely hear it, but if it keeps up, I'll go back just to be sure. The only downside of the day is that dyno wasn't working, so I couldn't do a before and after. I'll probably go back this weekend to get an after though. FI/CBE Review: It sounds mean - it's raspy as , but I like it. And it smells like - which I don't like - hah, I mean I stink of gasonline now from the headers and no-cat. Hopefully that subsides a bit or all my clothes are going to smell like my boy who has a 69 chevelle. I definetly feel it in the butt dyno - it's just more constant when I floor it - like it's got power, power, power all the way up. It's not a HUGE difference, but it is more consistent power across what feels like the entire power band. I like it - though it's too *** loud I think for the long term. It's really, really loud. Ah well, it's fun as hell being an ***** w/a loud exhaust. EnglishTown: Had to leave early cause my dog went into surgery. She's ok now, but my wallet isn't (- $2400!) Went w/a 350 nismo buddy, Neeko. I ran an awful 14.9 - I launched early and missed my second shift - nerves I guess. I was running at ~35psi as well. I need to go back soon and fix that piss poor run. I was running stock (minus OC and HKS drop-ins). Awesome turn-out at Englishtown though - tons of sick sick sick cars! __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html Last edited by mr_sk; 10-09-2011 at 08:13 PM.

10-09-2011, 07:52 PM	#58 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 13	Pics! Not the best pic, I'll take more this weekend, but here it is finally on: The AAM CBE unboxed: The VTR ~500whp 350z: __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

10-09-2011, 08:32 PM	#59 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	LTH install is a biotch. Let the VTR v. PM debate continue, as long as both satisfy a majority of their customers its likely a matter of personal preference. However I think PM has better connects with GTM and does UpRev, VTR does not. __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

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