Considering Major Upgrades: What shop?
10-28-16, 07:39 PM
#1
Considering Major Upgrades: What shop?
I'm considering bringing my 7 into a shop for some upgrades.... my car runs great, no issues, but the minor items have been done since the engine rebuild 4k miles ago (AST, downpipe, RB Exhaust, intake). Items under consideration:
There isn't a shop here in MI with these skills. I am looking for good suggestions for someone with the right skills and solid track record to perform all this work. Recommendations appreciated somewhere in the midwest and I guess down the I-75 trail. Hoping not needing to go down to Florida, but I guess I'll do what I have to do!
- It definitely need to upgrade to a new intercooler (still on OEM).
- I think the radiator was replaced by a Koyo (but not sure).
- This would be a good time for an ECU (thinking Power FC).
- Considering larger secondaries as well.
- Goal is to run about 12.5 psi max, and attach around 325 rwhp.... via an upgrade of parts, not a complete redo of the entire system.
- While i am at it, it would make sense to inspect the toe links, clutch, and brakes. No issues, but might as well use the winter down time as productively as possible.
- Might also consider bringing over an audio guy as well.
There isn't a shop here in MI with these skills. I am looking for good suggestions for someone with the right skills and solid track record to perform all this work. Recommendations appreciated somewhere in the midwest and I guess down the I-75 trail. Hoping not needing to go down to Florida, but I guess I'll do what I have to do!
Last edited by pjr; 10-28-16 at 07:42 PM.
10-29-16, 06:48 PM
#6
Banzai.... yes, I have heard good things about him.... actually started his business many years ago in the Monroe area (southern Michigan) before moving to Indy. I've met him once or twice at a Rotary group outing at the Woodward Dream Cruise.
But... baggage. Before I bought my NSX in 2010, I was considering a performance build on a FB.... I emailed him, we went back and forth a bit on a few emails, he gave me a quote, but obviously, I went to another direction by purchasing the NSX. We really never got too serious.... like they're wasn't phone calls, or deposits, or anything like that.
Last year, after selling my NSX, (the market is so hot), i was thinking of doing that FB build again, and sent him an e-mail. He remembered the emails (I actually forgot that he and I communicated about that project idea back 5 years earlier) and without sharing too much detail, I don't think he cares to do business with me. Felt I wasted him time, and he was pretty strong about that. It wasn't my intent, of course.
Sigh. Life is hard some days, ya know?
But... baggage. Before I bought my NSX in 2010, I was considering a performance build on a FB.... I emailed him, we went back and forth a bit on a few emails, he gave me a quote, but obviously, I went to another direction by purchasing the NSX. We really never got too serious.... like they're wasn't phone calls, or deposits, or anything like that.
Last year, after selling my NSX, (the market is so hot), i was thinking of doing that FB build again, and sent him an e-mail. He remembered the emails (I actually forgot that he and I communicated about that project idea back 5 years earlier) and without sharing too much detail, I don't think he cares to do business with me. Felt I wasted him time, and he was pretty strong about that. It wasn't my intent, of course.
Sigh. Life is hard some days, ya know?
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11-06-16, 01:17 AM
#8
I'm sure if you're ready to do the work, there will be no issues. I'm self employed and have gotten quite trained at recognizing time wasters(not saying you are one). Take it to Banzai then tell us how happy you are a couple weeks later. You're welcome.
12-29-16, 08:07 PM
#12
Timing is good for an update. My car was transported down to Banzai in November, and the work was completed this week. Although the 7 has not made the trek home quite yet, and won't see Michigan roads until the snow is gone and salt washed away, I can comment on the professionalism and thoroughness of the team... which is just outstanding.
The initial focus of the work was to install a more capable Intercooler plus a PFC, along with the subsequent tune work, as well as an overall inspection of the car. The found much more funkiness than i expected, especially given its "seal of approval" from two other highly regarded "experts." My new Coil overs were installed on the opposite sides, Metal shavings in engine bay from idler pulley, lack of hub-centric rings for my wheels, and a poorly installed Fan wiring and Koyo radiator.
The communication throughout the process was outstanding, including pictures of the defects, a compression test, a baseline dyno with assessment of the map (which has some areas of running "pig rich" and other areas at very lean).
A plan was forged, which included the Pettit IC, GReddy intake elbow, PFC, Supra TT fuel pump, and a Pettit idler pulley.
Also performed was AST elimination, the required battery relo, vacuum line simplification including the Banzai block plate kit, and installation of Banzai Trans and diff braces and an R1 engine brace that had I acquired locally.
The communication was superb, every step of the way.... even when finding these little "surprises." They provided a project web page, which was updated with pics, dyno charts, and the new parts as they arrived. Only thing i was missing was a web cam in the engine bay as work was being performed LOL (and no, that's not a suggestion).
The final dyno shows a robust 315 RWHP; more HP with a stronger and flatter curve with improved safety. Perfect!
Looking forward to the new year and thinking Spring! Thanks you Chris and Elaine; to all, thank you for the recommendation.
Top Notch!
The initial focus of the work was to install a more capable Intercooler plus a PFC, along with the subsequent tune work, as well as an overall inspection of the car. The found much more funkiness than i expected, especially given its "seal of approval" from two other highly regarded "experts." My new Coil overs were installed on the opposite sides, Metal shavings in engine bay from idler pulley, lack of hub-centric rings for my wheels, and a poorly installed Fan wiring and Koyo radiator.
The communication throughout the process was outstanding, including pictures of the defects, a compression test, a baseline dyno with assessment of the map (which has some areas of running "pig rich" and other areas at very lean).
A plan was forged, which included the Pettit IC, GReddy intake elbow, PFC, Supra TT fuel pump, and a Pettit idler pulley.
Also performed was AST elimination, the required battery relo, vacuum line simplification including the Banzai block plate kit, and installation of Banzai Trans and diff braces and an R1 engine brace that had I acquired locally.
The communication was superb, every step of the way.... even when finding these little "surprises." They provided a project web page, which was updated with pics, dyno charts, and the new parts as they arrived. Only thing i was missing was a web cam in the engine bay as work was being performed LOL (and no, that's not a suggestion).
The final dyno shows a robust 315 RWHP; more HP with a stronger and flatter curve with improved safety. Perfect!
Looking forward to the new year and thinking Spring! Thanks you Chris and Elaine; to all, thank you for the recommendation.
Top Notch!
Last edited by pjr; 12-30-16 at 05:07 AM.
12-30-16, 12:08 AM
#13
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I think it would be appropriate on your part to at least spell the Company's name correctly..after all..Sigh..life is hard some days..and so is good Feedback!..That is If you aim it at the right Guy!