ATI installed by grubbs...experiences wanted!!!!

[esemes]

hey g35 crew.....

i am currently looking (VERY HARD) into getting a new 2004 6mt with the ATI, installed by grubbs in texas.....

they are calling the manager of my service dept. tomorrow (mon 29) to accquaint him with the idea of warranty work on the blower car...

i am very ready to go forward on this (they found the color and options i wanted, and expect delivery by the week's end...) finding DG (really wanted plat. originally though) with 6mt, and nav hasnt been very easy for me....

so, i am wondering on your opionoins of doing this, AND your ownership experiences with the ATI installed as well...

i am in clearwater, florida, and wont be able to 'drop' in very easily.... (sure think i can find an ATI authorized shop nearby however). i dont plan to race (track) and drift, or abuse the car at all; i am very gently on most of my rides, but will expect to be able to lay into it (whenever) and get excellent results....

i spent almost three hours reading over 20 pages of results from a search i did here last nite; seems i am now up to speed on the 500 mile lube change need (but cannot invision how-to) anf then the need to perform a change whenever the motor gets change (run synth, and change it at about 3000 miles max, for several reasons)

any help/ideas/info is greatly appreciated

much thanks


scott


ps- egg- got your pm back.... would like to chat with you soon... kinda need to know when you would be available..(assume your in TX)


http://www.procharger.com/SPORT_COMPACT/images/G-35_uhLG.jpg

[rouxroux]

OK Scott, congratulations on your choice of car/dealer/ATI...you will not regret the choice of any of those! We have the 1st ATI G35 that Grubbs did in TX. (ltrrip had his coupe done by the Grubbs mechanics, but @ ATI while they were learning the finer points of the install). We live in Louisiana, but I would have gladly sent the car cross-country for this kind of service! The workmanship and attention to detail throughout the installation process was super! We are now approaching 9000 miles with the supercharger, and I can tell you it is one of the best-balanced, well-mannered "off the shelf" cars you will ever experience. I just love talking folks for rides in this vehicle just to see the grins! A few folks this past weekend stated it was as fun as a Six Flags ride! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif So streetable, but power on demand whenever you want it. I have had MANY turbo and supercharged cars in the past, and was ALWAYS having to "fiddle and tune", but this combination is a home run for sure. Overengineered IMHO as far as intercooling goes, and I like it that way! Many, many miles in-town, and many road miles with NEVER a hint of heat problems...Negligable fuel efficiency drop (although you DO have to turn the unit, so expect 1-2 MPG less due to parasitic loss)...Sound is great, not loud @ all. I expect we probably have the highest number of miles on an ATI C2 unit on a G35, and I can attest that this car sees it's share of spirited driving http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif, and nothing but total praise for the fine folks at Grubbs (especially Danny) who made this dream a reality for us. I'll be glad to answer any other questions you have.

[rouxroux]

Scott, you can check the thread "re: G35c ati kit" (Sept. of '03) for info on changing the oil (I even took pics of the process, and after changing from a 12cc to a 60cc syringe you can get it all in 1 shot). There's not much to it, and I am changing mine every 5000 miles now to line-up with my motor oil (synthetic) change.

[af412]

Scott-
I just received my G35c from Grubbs a week ago Sunday. I had the Vortech installed there (I was their “guinea pig” for the Vortech). I understand what you mean about now being able to just drop by. I live in Japan and went through the entire process via e-mail. Everything turned out great. Shoot me a PM and I can give you some details and advise.

http://www.fototime.com/62E6FDE325D6C71/orig.jpg

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http://www.fototime.com/6A729AE23D21060/orig.jpg

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http://www.fototime.com/85E3870474A0A96/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/89150BCD75C9DC4/orig.jpg

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http://www.fototime.com/CF5FD3CA3EFD438/orig.jpg

-Rob

[esemes]

thanks guys!!

i feel more confident already!!

questions (new)

gauges... (had a vortech before, and know the importance)

1- fuel pressure and 2- boost, vac pressure.....

(((can these be installed also?? or do some come with??)))

breakin miles..... does the dyno test-tune add enough miles to effectively break in?? i am wondering how many miles i can expect to have when delivered...

thanks again

scott

[rouxroux]

Well, there are A-pillar kits that are built for the G35, you may use one of those if you wish (check with Robert on that one). As far as "break-in" miles, the only things I can think of is the initial oil change and then checking the deflection of the blower belts that you will need to check as they do stretch a bit after break-in (both things you can do within 30 minutes with no difficulty at all)! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[esemes]

Well, there are A-pillar kits that are built for the G35, you may use one of those if you wish (check with Robert on that one). As far as "break-in" miles, the only things I can think of is the initial oil change and then checking the deflection of the blower belts that you will need to check as they do stretch a bit after break-in (both things you can do within 30 minutes with no difficulty at all)! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif



10-4

so you dont have any blower monitor equip?? maybe im used to the oldschool, but ithought it was a must (to make sure that you arent starving for fuel)

a neat dual pillar pod would be nice, imo

scott

[winw]

Hey, you know that the dealer on Dale Mabry in Tampa will install a SC? Just an option to have local install, dealer, warranty service. Good luck.

[rouxroux]

Scott, After 3 different dyno/tuning sessions, we were able to see where the unit started to run just a tad lean. I don't explore that RPM range much, and now that I have some sequential shift lights, I'm not as scared about bumping the rev limiter by accident. But you are right, being "old school" I have had MANY A/F monitors on my SC & turbo'ed cars (even the '66 Corsa we have has a STOCK manifold pressure gauge in the dash). Maybe an A/F meter in the future, but I just don't want a "pillar pod". Maybe one in the center "cubby" after that gets worked out.

[esemes]

Hey, you know that the dealer on Dale Mabry in Tampa will install a SC? Just an option to have local install, dealer, warranty service. Good luck.



JUST CALLED inf. OF TAMPA....

their parts and service manager both said that they dont do anything like that...

-what am i doing wrong?

[Eagle1]

I have 7500 miles on my ATI and line up with Rouxroux's comments all the way. Here is a link to the instrumentation solution that I chose to apply.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287816943

[winw]

I only talked to the sales guy. He may have been pulling my chain. Can't remember his name, he's asian. May be only one there. He mentioned the Stillen, but I'm not leaning towards SC, so didn't explore other systems. I do have a letter from them that they'd put on a catback and it wouldn't void warranty. Maybe the sales people can work an angle.

But if the service manager says they don't then maybe I'm mistaken. Sales people are a dime a dozen and typically bounce around dealerships. The service guy should know if the do it. Sorry if I mislead you, I was going on sales jargon. Try one of the sales people and see what they say.

The one in Clearwater said they don't do any aftermarket work.

[esemes]

I only talked to the sales guy. He may have been pulling my chain. Can't remember his name, he's asian. May be only one there. He mentioned the Stillen, but I'm not leaning towards SC, so didn't explore other systems. I do have a letter from them that they'd put on a catback and it wouldn't void warranty. Maybe the sales people can work an angle.

But if the service manager says they don't then maybe I'm mistaken. Sales people are a dime a dozen and typically bounce around dealerships. The service guy should know if the do it. Sorry if I mislead you, I was going on sales jargon. Try one of the sales people and see what they say.

The one in Clearwater said they don't do any aftermarket work.



its all good!! i am glad you reminded me to explore other options...

however, it all seems to lead back to grubbs.....

luckily, the closest ATI certified dealer/tuner is about 7 miles from my doorstep, and, i have a repoire with them from my iron-block vortech days..... they are sticklers for making things look VERY oem-like, and, in getting maximum SAFE output...

seems like i have struck gold...

someone pinch me already...(waiting for the call back from grubbs now; they are contacting the SM at my local dealer, to verify what the parts/others there said....) <--basically, if the cars' not abused, and, its not the s/c that needs warranty work, then it is status quo (as is my fx i gues)

i just cannot give up the free loaner car, and excelent service i have now im afraid...

once this is 100% clear up (and solidified) its time to make a deal....

-eS

[esemes]

well well

now im told (by a local salesman) that 80% of the oem warranty (approx?) will be voided with the implementation of the supercharger.... while i am sure this is a somewhat biased opinion, i am starting to get nervous...

i mean, well, the tranny and clutch can withstand the added 100hp, right?? (60lbs-ft torque)??

i feel confident the engine itself will be okay, but how the heck could there be that many other items "not covered" anymore??

S

[rouxroux]

Go here for all the info you'll need:

http://secure.grubbs.com/perf_policy.htm

That will give you the description of the Magnusson-Moss act (read #5).

Let me know if I can be of any other help, or e-mail Danny @ Grubbs.

[Eagle1]

try flywheel, driveline, differential, anything associated with the engine, clutch of course, anything remotely related to the making and transmitting of more power.
If you are really concerned about warranty then don't mess with this. Because fighting warranty issues is very problematic as to cost/benefit, and the dealers know it. If they do the install and make the money from it, that is one thing. Some dealers have a following in the performance market because they do the mods and they stand behind them. Others have no interest in that market and if there is anything other than stock, they use it to avoid warranty coverage. That is the business. Wish it was not that way, but most of the time, it is.

[esemes]

i jus got off the phone with one of the installers at grubbs...

they are now gonna strongly suggest the vortech s/c kit instead of the ATI unit... reason being that the vortech kit has better management for timing retarding and a better way to detect any problems (and chill things out before they happen)....

so now, im back to researching.... and looking for owners with this specific kit (especially anyone who's bought the deal thru grubbs)

-thanks

scott

[al503]

try flywheel, driveline, differential, anything associated with the engine, clutch of course, anything remotely related to the making and transmitting of more power.
If you are really concerned about warranty then don't mess with this. Because fighting warranty issues is very problematic as to cost/benefit, and the dealers know it. If they do the install and make the money from it, that is one thing. Some dealers have a following in the performance market because they do the mods and they stand behind them. Others have no interest in that market and if there is anything other than stock, they use it to avoid warranty coverage. That is the business. Wish it was not that way, but most of the time, it is.


This is a great synopsis that takes into account what could and probably does happen v. the letter of the law. If anyone has anymore mod/warranty questions, point them here.

[Russ2kSE]

Talk to Zimbo, he is on here and g35driver.com. He has the Vortech on his sedan 6spd.

[af412]

Scott-
My Vortech was installed at Grubbs 9 days ago.

[esemes]

Scott-
My Vortech was installed at Grubbs 9 days ago.



can we talk??

although i am extremely thankful for all the ATI's that have come to my aid, its the specific vortech kit that i need detailed info on now...

seems grubbs isnt gonna do the ATI's anymore (in leu of the VORTECH'S)

can i PM< you my number, or, you PM me yours??

i'll be up all night, as usual..

thnx

sms

[zimbo]

Yeah, I have the Vortech on my 6MT sedan. My feeling is that if Grubbs has the R4 software and knows how to use it then they are a great choice for the install.

--Steve

[winw]

If the dealer is saying that, then I would consider getting the SC later, after say 15k miles or so to work out any potential bugs in the car. I've been through this with Audi. the MM act doesn't mean anything. It's a great academic discussion, but in the end, if the dealer denies your warranty claim, asserting some federal law won't mean anything to them. They are concerned about getting reimbursed from Infiniti, not protecting your rights.

If you aren't working out an acceptable arrangement with your dealer, and the SC company doesn't warrant your engine and drivetrain, then you are taking a big risk, imo. Especially with some of the transmission problems people are having.

I'd try the one on Dale Mabry again and find that sales guy. He mentioned Stillen's warranty. I haven't done any research on it myself.

[MustGoFastR]

As for the s/c voiding the factory warranty: I though that's why the s/c came with it's own powertrain warranty that supercedes the factory warranty?

[MustGoFastR]

As for the s/c voiding the factory warranty: I though that's why the s/c came with it's own powertrain warranty that supercedes the factory warranty? I'm not so sure I'd worry too much about what your local dealer has to say at this point, as he may not know how these sorts of things work.

[winw]

I would want to know exactly how the SC warranty works and pays and discuss it with the dealer beforehand.