VA Beach/Hampton Roads

VABAM

Tidewater Z Auto Service

Where is RT Tuning?

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JGuebara14

In Pennsylvania, does tidewater z do uprev tuning? Also let me know how the install goes

VABAM

Hoping to get a some good pics of the install but I'll definitely be posting an after action report. I'm expecting great things with this kit considering I already have a RJM clutch pedal. I'm hoping the parts will get in tomorrow and be installed later this week.

Tidewater Z isn't able to do tuning that requires a dyno because they don't have one. IMO its a great place for maintenance, bolt-ons and performance parts that don't require dyno tuning but, I might be a little baised due to the head mechanic/owner being a friend.

The only down side to his shop is they do not install costumer supplied parts as a general rule. Understandably that has rubbed some people the wrong way. He has been burned too many times by customer supplied parts. His prices have been very fair on parts.

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JGuebara14

Well damn the fact that we can't bring our own parts is a killer for me. I can understand if it's a used part but if it's brand new there shouldn't be any hesitation reason why shops do that is so that they can add on a profit for ordering parts for you when you can do it yourself, I saved $300 by ordering my clutch kit myself instead of having the shop do it.

VABAM

I agree it is a little bit of a bummer but after witnessing some of the customers he has to deal with it is understandable. I agree sometimes you can miss out good deals but on the flip side he has gotten me deals on parts too. One time he saved me $500+ on a part.

I've been at his shop when a guy showed up a with a new part wanting it to be installed, this is back when he used to install customer provided parts. The part was not the correct version and the customer argued that it was. It came out that he got his info from a forum. In the end after wasting almost a hour of my friends time he left in a huff only to come back 2 months later to have his Z fixed because the incorrect part caused serious damage to his Z. This happens regularly.

He got sick of dealing with forum mechanics, poor quality parts, etc. so he adopted the policy. He has plenty of business so the customers he losses due to the policy doesn't affect him that much.

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240se

I'm in Tabb so Tidewater Z is just down the street from me. I have been curious as to whether they did good work. There has been a Z shop at that location since at least the early 80s, how long has your friend worked there?

VABAM

I'm unsure how long he has worked there. IIRC he worked there for awhile then bought the business from the original owner. I would guess 20+ years easily. He does a great job, I wouldn't take my Z there if he didn't. His advise alone has been invaluable. He has steered me to better choices in parts and in the long run has saved me money.

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