I've had my blue slate '08 G37S for a few months now, and I'm planning on doing some mods over the winter while it's laid up in the garage. I want to maintain the overall classy look of the G, making very minor cosmetic changes to spice it up slightly, but nothing crazy. However, I am the textbook definition of clueless when it comes to DIY and cars. So every mod I want, I have to pay someone to do it. Here are my ideas...

Drop - I'm leaning towards Eibachs, but I still want a comfortable daily ride. Do these change the ride quality at all? How much should the labor cost run me for installing new springs? Is that a dealership install, or should I go somewhere else?

Front lip - I can't decide between JP or Stillen, but probably JP. Same question as the springs: where do I go to have this color-matched and installed? What should the paint/labor run me?

Ironman Headlight Mod - Just a matter of waiting for the snow so I can take the headlights off and ship them out.

Rear Valance Overlay - I'm still not sold on the look of this because none of the pictures show it very well, but I want to decrease the visual height of the rear end, and that seems to do it. What are your thoughts?

Basically, I'm asking if anyone out there has done these mods and NOT done them on your own. Where did you go to have it done, and how much did they charge you in labor costs? Obviously the Ironman has to get shipped to NYC, and I know that cost, but everything else I have absolutely no clue. Any advice/suggestions are appreciated!!!

 

well your asking some broad questions there. All those listed mods carry prices all over the board. The lips cost what you can find on the web and install is pretty simple. The painting is another story. again, that can have a huge range. As for lowering, it really shouldnt take a shop and lift more then an hour to do just spring swap. maybe an hour and a half. so springs plus install shouldnt run you more then 300-400 bucks i would think. I had mine installed for 100, but that was kinda getting hooked up.
Ironman is what it is
rear valance is sold by bat somewhere on here and install should be done by someone that knows what they are doing. If they screw it up, its garbage. i have seen people doing overlay work for 25 bucks all the way to 100.

i hope i kinda helped.

 

i would guess around 1k for everything you mention without painting or installation.

you can put on the springs, overlays, and the headlights yourself.

 

Thanks guys. I've looked into the actual purchase prices for everything listed, just didn't have any idea how much it should cost for installation.

Basically I just need someone to paint the lip and install the Eibachs, I figure I'll try to do everything else on my own. As for the rear overlay, how hard can it be? It's basically a big sticker, right? How many people have done this on their own?

I'm not really familiar with any sort of performance shops in my area, so should I call the dealership for a price quote? In everyone else's experience, is it a good idea or a bad idea to have the dealership take care of some of this stuff? Or should I call around to local body shops? Is there some other place I should call? Thanks!!

 

you should pm choy boy then. he has the ironman mod and used to have the jp lip. so he can give you an estimate on the installation and painting prices.

 

I'm in the process of doing everything above, look at $2k - including painting of the lips, this EXCLUDES the springs.

JP USA Lip alone runs $550-$700 for the full kit + atleast $350 for the paint match and installation.

The overlay for the Valence was quite easy. Have patience, you can do it yourself. The taillights on the other hand, were quite the pain in the ***.

 

When you get it finished, show me some pictures!!!

 

Heres my review.

Drop I'm leaning towards Eibachs, but I still want a comfortable daily ride. Do these change the ride quality at all? How much should the labor cost run me for installing new springs? Is that a dealership install, or should I go somewhere else?

Eibachs are the best springs out IMO, i heard they dont harm the ride at all. If im going to drop my car im droping it on Eibachs just bc i head the ride is still the same.

Price roughly 200-225 for springs shipped to your door
Installed-100-150
Then same price when removing them

Front Lip- I can't decide between JP or Stillen, but probably JP. Same question as the springs: where do I go to have this color-matched and installed? What should the paint/labor run me?

Ide get the JP, vendors such as Amped, HPauto, and Jimshowstoppers all carry the lip for about 345 shipped. Call up your local body shop to get it painted and installed. Please go to a high end shop.

Ironman Headlight Mod - Just a matter of waiting for the snow so I can take the headlights off and ship them out.

200+ shipping. (great mod btw)

Rear Valance Overlay- I'm still not sold on the look of this because none of the pictures show it very well, but I want to decrease the visual height of the rear end, and that seems to do it. What are your thoughts?

His name is andy, bluebatmobile.net or email him at bluebatmobile@san.rr.com

Honestly bro, all your mods above seem like great mods, and will complete the look of your car. All above is on my to do list as well. I have the valance, i just have to install it. I have the iron man mod, and everything else in my sig. Im waiting on a lip either JP or Replica of TS <ide prefer..And the drop prob after winter on Eibachs

Good Luck