I don't think it would take 20 hours to install the kit. I mean, it's not that complicated. Is there any other work you're having done?

See if he can make a guarantee of sorts.

 

Not really, I think they may have to relocate a oil cooler (but I think mine is already relocated since I have stillen kit) and Install a tranny cooler.

 

I had the upmost confidence in the gtm kit. So much so I did the install myself and I never worked with f/I before. Did it in one weekend.

Whoa now. It probably only take me one 20 hour day now I know what I'm doing. And so long Jeff you get all the tools for me and feed my 2 kids and expecting wife. Then I'll do it

 

If you search enough threads on this forum and on the 370z forum, you'll find there is plenty of proof that its not always best to go for the cheapest option. Then again there are a handful of self-installs as well, with little to no experience with FI that have PROVEN the kit is sound and the instructions and phone support from Sam is awesome.

With that said, you should choose the option that you are most comfortable with dealing with the end results of, whatever that may be. I can add my experience from GTM and tell you it's well worth it to use them. I don't know the other companies, so I can't comment on them...I have plenty of experience with Sam to tell you it's worth the wait and money, 3 weeks and $1100 is nothing for the peace of mind you can expect.

Once again just another peace of sound advice from someone else.

You should care and I would never let someone touch my car I didn't fully trust.

I've always respected your knowledge about cars, but a lot of the times your arrogance shows through in your commentary. Speaking solely on what I know, 20 hours and 3 weeks is because he's backed up with lots of orders and he'd rather keep a guys car longer than tell him he can have it done in 2 days and not come through. With what I've experience with this kit, 20 hours is nothing and if the guy who made the kit, tuned the kit says 20 hours...I'd want to be sure I was there for every minute of the installation for a guy who says he'll do it in 10. I'm not saying it can't be done...Sam puts a very long time and large amounts of effort into his installation instructions, the pictures and video, that make it very easy to install. Just saying I'd be a skeptic till I saw it first hand.

As for the rate quote, a rate is just that...you're paying for the amount of experience and knowledge a guy has. If Sam (or the very good technicians he uses) was an idiot he wouldn't be able to charge $125 and still have a business now would he?

 

20 hours of work is 20 hours of work. Why the 3 week turnaround? If he's so backed up, why not just have the car scheduled to come in in 3 weeks, instead of holding onto the car for that long?

The kit can be summed up as:

Brackets
Piping
Supercharger
Injectors
Cooler (rotrex)
Belt.

I'd confidently say that I can do it in the prescribed time in the instructions, having never installed this particular kit. If his experience is so vast, he should be able to comfortably do it in half the time. I've done other rotrex sc installs that require more work and typically can finish it in under 8 hours with an assistant. I'm not a mechanic by trade.

Give that, I'm sure any competent shop can do the install in a reasonable period of time.

Remember taking 2 hours to do your first oil change? I bet you can do it in 10 minutes now.

 

Mike we should meet up and install this together lol

 

^^^ That's the way to do it. That way you understand how it was put on and if you need to work on anything you understand where things are and how they were put. That was one of my reasonings for doing it.

 

I agree. This way, if any small issues pop up, you're familiar enough with each and every component, and can address it yourself, possibly in a few hours the day of, instead of having to suffer possibly a week of downtime.

@ kosstick: I'm down to do an install. Could always document everything and write up a DIY for you to post up in the process.

 

Can I come watch?

 

Ill pm you. Only thing that bothers me is the Engine Mounts having to be swapped out (I am clueless as to that process and what type of machinery we would need)

 

Anyone know of a DIY Garage in socal? (with lifts, tools, ect)

 

I did my install on the floor without a lift and just the regular tools i already had. The only think i had to buy was the 90 degree drill bit.

 

Update -

Been swamped at work the last 3 weeks and Doesn't seem like my co-worker will be back anytime soon. I spoke to Sebastian at Specialty Z and he seems like a very informative guy, he has done a few GTM TT, which according to him are way more labor intensive and believes he can tackle this job. It also helps me save a few bucks since he can tune the car right after.

$1800 total for install (not sure if tune is included).

Would have liked to team up with Mike on this but the fact that I get off work at 5 PM, while doing 12 hour shifts is going to make meeting up to do this labor intensive job a very big hassle. Might as well pay a professional to do it.


Quick question to all you SC/TT guys though... How'd you guys save up for this project? Did you already have the cash or did you get it financed some how or put it on a CC?

 

If you don't have the ability to pay off the car or don't have it already paid off, FI is probably not a good idea.

You should always keep an oh-shit fund ready, because you never know what might happen. E.g. if you blow your engine on the dyno, well, you better be able to get a new one.

Also, invest in AAA if you haven't already. Upgrade to the higher tiers of membership as soon as you can.

 

I'll throw my 2 cents in. Church lets some guys use his lifts to make extra money doing installs. Church does not or will not ever support or cover these installs.

It can be a crap shoot. Over on the s2k forums a guy got his FI installed by some of the guys there and they butchered it. I don't think I'd want to risk my car with an install from a bunch of weekend wrench warriors.