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01-03-2013, 03:22 PM | #2426 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
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01-03-2013, 04:00 PM | #2427 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 220806
Join Date: Aug 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Dirty jersey
Vehicle:2004 Honda S2k |
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01-03-2013, 04:04 PM | #2428 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
Thank you. If all goes well with the WRX I'll probably pick up that red ap1 they have. 7k miles!
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01-03-2013, 05:49 PM | #2429 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 289693
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:2013 BRZ Sterling Silver Met. |
If you can look into a brz, it's essentially a 2013 s2k but is a more capable dd if need be and you don't have the headache of previous owners because it is brand new. I hope everything works out. Just wondering do you know who from Akuma worked on your car ?
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01-03-2013, 06:06 PM | #2430 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 220806
Join Date: Aug 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Dirty jersey
Vehicle:2004 Honda S2k |
Speaking of 2013 s2000, they will be unavailing the new s2000 at the Tokyo Auto show.
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01-03-2013, 06:09 PM | #2431 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 220806
Join Date: Aug 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Dirty jersey
Vehicle:2004 Honda S2k |
My advice is to check them anyway especially if you bought the car modded. Better safe than sorry. Or just out right replace them. Your old ones were probably pretty foul if you we're running that bad of a boost leak for a while.
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01-03-2013, 06:26 PM | #2432 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 289693
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:2013 BRZ Sterling Silver Met. |
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01-03-2013, 08:15 PM | #2433 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
Quote:
SO; I just got back from the dealership I purchased the car from. It was a war of me pursuing the lemon law and them pursuing the idea of not losing any money. I explained to them that their master tech bull****ted me when "performing" boost leak checks, and what I found at Akuma, and how I was experiencing the misfiring issue. First instinct whenever I experienced a missfire was to pull over to the side of the road and clear the DTCs. In turn, I never had it present to present to the dealership. In a yelling match, they said they couldn't do anything without having the code present. So, I said I'd be right outside making the car missfire. It didn't right away, probably because I had just cleaned the plugs 2 hours prior to that while running a compression test. No check engine light ever came on, nor did an audible missfire occur. I plugged in Cobb AP anyhow, and viola. There it was! I showed them this, and they brought the car in. The same "master tech" that was dicking me around plugged in his Snap-On Solus and discovered that it was caused by a malfunctioning injector/plug. The injectors were pointed out to me by Akuma as looking stock, with discrepencies during the tuning process that points to them being stock rather than the DW 750cc's that the dealership claimed was in them. I was told that this could be the source of the problem I'm experiencing with the car..either that or a ringland going bad, which was debunked with the compression test. As of now, the car will be dropped off to them tomorrow night, and they will be putting me into a loaner. I think they're going to just try to slap in another injector, an OEM one if that's what's in the car now. The car will definitely need to be retuned after that, which I explained... After all that, if they're willing to pay and fix everything..there is the issue of the car failing inspection. I realize that this was caused by me clearing DTC's, creating "not ready" codes as I cleared those misfires too soon before taking the car for inspection. THOUGH, there is only one catalytic converter on the car...we'll see if it'll pass emissions. If not, I would assume that the dealership won't be willing to pay for the new exhaust system, pay for the injectors, pay for the tune...there's also an oil leak I noticed, not sure what it is. I looked under the skid plate and saw it on the block. There was also oil on the starter. Hopefully all this makes the decide to just give me my money back. I've had enough of this headache, dealing with this bull**** every time I have a day off from work, as well as researching and taking it to tuners and paying money AFTER a day of work. |
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01-03-2013, 08:18 PM | #2434 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
Quote:
I feel a bit taken advatage of, honestly..as I still paid $420 for this and a boost leak test. He certainly seemed to be in a rush. |
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01-03-2013, 09:47 PM | #2435 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 253836
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central NJ
Vehicle:2008 AW e90 M3 2011 WRX 350/365- sold :( |
I'm sure many in this thread will agree with me when I say: "That's why you don't go to Akuma."
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01-03-2013, 09:57 PM | #2436 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
I asked a personal friend and was told that John at Akuma was currently the best Subaru tuner in New Jersey. That's what made my decision. But, like 25 minutes of street tuning for $400? Are you ****ing serious?
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01-03-2013, 10:05 PM | #2437 | |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 219492
Join Date: Aug 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Soviet Russia
Vehicle:17' 5mt XV & 02 WRX @comrad |
Quote:
If you want to make this work, get it fixed then checked over then call mikey. Done and done. |
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01-03-2013, 10:12 PM | #2438 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
We'll see..I am becoming so overwhelmed, and extremely angry day after day while I'm getting ****ed left and right. I'm hoping to just get rid of the thing.
They're probably gonna stick me in some Buick LaCrosse tomorrow |
01-03-2013, 10:15 PM | #2439 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
Also, they only did the boost leak test. I was going there with intent to fix the boost leak and get the car actually dynotuned, assuming that the tune was causing all of my issues. I was told to run a compression test, as a ringland might have been my issue, or an injector issue.
Fortunately I was able to do a compression test on my car at work today, since I'm unable to do it at home and didn't want to pay someone $100 or so to do it for me. |
01-03-2013, 10:20 PM | #2440 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 289693
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:2013 BRZ Sterling Silver Met. |
Quote:
John is good, but there is alot going on there, and just because some one can give the best doesn't mean you get their best. |
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01-03-2013, 10:20 PM | #2441 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 218771
Join Date: Jul 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Delco, PA
Vehicle:'11 F150/55 Bel Air MT07 |
I've heard both good and bad about Akuma, never personally used them. But you'll hear positive and negative stories from just about every vendor/mechanic. However, I'm with Ivan. Anything maintenance/testing/repair related, take it to AZP. Always had great experiences there, and they never steered me wrong.
As far as your tune, I can't say I'm surprised. You took a car that has been having problems, and got it tuned. Can't really complain if you didn't get a great tune/the tune you wanted. The tuner didn't have a great base to start with. It's not really possible to tune a car for power/performance if the car is having problems. Unless you want to blow the thing up. Interested to see how all of this tuning/AP use will affect what the dealer ends up doing for you. If it were me, I'd be doing as little as possible to it until things get sorted out at the dealer. They could just as easily say you tuned the car, how do we know you didn't cause the problems? And I know the car was modded when you bought it, but that's how the used/as-is disclaimer works |
01-03-2013, 10:43 PM | #2442 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
Quote:
Not excited to see how this guy who wouldn't even check the car for a damn boost leak before saying there weren't any goes about replacing injectors and such. |
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01-03-2013, 11:31 PM | #2443 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 289693
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:2013 BRZ Sterling Silver Met. |
If I was you I would make sure they don't fix it, and instead get your money back. I know a certain dealership in the area that puts airplane oil in the motors sometimes just so they won't smoke when they leave the lot. If you annoyed them and they already screwed you once I wouldn't give them a second chance.
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01-04-2013, 03:28 PM | #2444 |
Former Vendor
Member#: 214570
Join Date: Jun 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NJ/SLC
Vehicle:2008 |
Guys this is a little ridiculous. The customer came in and had purchased a used car. I explained to the owner that we perform a boost leak test before any dyno appointment to make sure the car is ready to be tuned. this is one step in a number of checks that are performed.
The owner told me he had no money and could only afford the dyno tune. I explained to him that if we did not find a boost leak, I would not charge him for the service. No other shop would do that. The minute we ran the smoke, leaks started popping up. Multiple couplers, the BOV, the TGV, and a few other leaks were found. I brought the customer back and showed him what was going on. We spent 40 minutes repairing all of the leaks. He was NOT CHARGED a dime for the labor due to his budget. I then updated his Accessport and loaded my base map. All this time I explained to the customer that we like to do a compression test on cars like this because he can not know the history of the vehicle. I was told he has no money and can not do it. No problem. I gave him the form we have for the comp test and leakdown test numbers so he could have a friend do it(he works at a Nissan Dealer). This would save money. We went on the dyno. After a few minutes it became apparent the exhaust was touching the roller so we needed to road tune it. I was having concerns about the injectors at this time as well for 2 reasons. The owner thought they were 750cc, but the did not appear to have been changed. Also, the scaling and latencies I always use on these...it has an SPT intake... was not even close. I toof k it on the road and noticed large amounts of tip in Negative Feedback and roughness on 2 cylinders. This can be indicative of a poorly performing injector, loss of cylinder pressure, or a spark issue.... I can go on about other factors I saw, but you guys understand how to trouble shoot. I then got a SAFE MAP on the car that he could go to the dealer with. I explained what I found, in detail to him, at the time of checkout. At checkout I gave him these discounts: -FREE Labor to fix the boost leaks -$50 Discount off of his tune I took time to explain how a compression test and a leak down test would work and what info it would provide. He was also told we would help him by talking to the dealership about what we found. He was also told we would happily do all of the diagnostics to determine the actual cause of the problem. We would offer a discount on the comp and leakdown services as well. I seriously do not know what you guys want from me or Akuma??? I sat with him the whole time, explained everything. He brought me a car with issues, and could not afford to diagnose the issue. I completely sympathized with his plight. I wanted to help. Everyone wants to bash Akuma lately, and I have personally taken an interest in why that is happening. I take time with EVERY customer that walks in the door. If we have had an issue in the past, I have made it my 100% business to fix it. Stuff like this is very frustrating, because I try very hard to spend time with all of our customers. Lou was no exception. John |
01-04-2013, 03:30 PM | #2445 | |
Former Vendor
Member#: 214570
Join Date: Jun 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NJ/SLC
Vehicle:2008 |
Quote:
Thanks. John |
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01-04-2013, 05:06 PM | #2446 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 219492
Join Date: Aug 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Soviet Russia
Vehicle:17' 5mt XV & 02 WRX @comrad |
John,
we are all just going from the information provided. As you know two sides to every story, also this is a small nit group here, we arent exactly going all over talking **** as you say. I know plenty of people tuned and worked on by you that have nothing but good things to say. No one here was bashing, if anything its the dealer who is responsible, not you. Dont take it so personally, no one said you did him wrong or that akuma is a horid shop. im am curious though, why tune the car if the car was already in bad shape? or you just wanted to make a new map safer to hold him over for now until his issues were sorted out? |
01-04-2013, 10:21 PM | #2447 | |
Former Vendor
Member#: 214570
Join Date: Jun 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NJ/SLC
Vehicle:2008 |
Quote:
I told him in the beginning we should do a comp and smoke test...short answer, it was not in the budget. I strapped it on the dyno, told him if I found anything, it was coming off for testing. Exhaust hit the rollers, I took it out for a road tune. At that time I noticed all of the issues. I made a safe map(as best as possible) so he could talk with the dealer. I then spent another 30 min talking with him. I don't know why he thinks we gave him substandard service. I don't know what else I can do?? I have to balance running a business and helping people out who at 'strapped' for cash. John |
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01-04-2013, 10:36 PM | #2448 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 340910
Join Date: Dec 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Plainsboro, NJ
Vehicle:07 WRX LTD Urban Grey Metallic |
Quote:
No offense to you, but in my opinion...I don't think you jumping in here and spilling your guts is the proper way to handle ONE person saying something negative about your business on a forum. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate you helping me in the ways you did and also your guidance on how to approach a process of elimination to figure out what was going on. However, my experience with you wasn't purely satisfying. If you as a reputable tuner listened to the problems I described and maybe looked at the AP snapshot memory download before proceeding with the brief service at near full cost, explained your findings and advised me from there, THEN it would have been a truly satisfying experience for me. |
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01-04-2013, 11:50 PM | #2449 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 220806
Join Date: Aug 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Dirty jersey
Vehicle:2004 Honda S2k |
Quote:
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01-05-2013, 10:13 AM | #2450 |
Former Vendor
Member#: 214570
Join Date: Jun 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: NJ/SLC
Vehicle:2008 |
First, he came on here bashing us....never hinted he was dissatisfied. I did not know until I read it here.
He only had to have the tests performed, then we could move forward. He would not have had to pay anything else toward the tune...I can not rectify a problem that I do not know exists. We also fixed more than just 2 or three couplers on your front mount kit. As far as the Snapshot on the AP, that is bad info from someone you got, as I know you do not know what that is. The MEM Snap will give me very basic info about the CURRENT tune since the last time the battery was disconnected OR you RESET THE ECU...like when you did it for the misfire very recently before you came. That really is no big deal as, it only gives me info from the current state of the tune on the car. It will give info like DAM, AF Learning at certain break points, and if there has been long term knock at certain RPM/LOAD. If I did not tune it, and the car is running funky, I can not say if the data gleaned there is from the tune...with all the boost leaks or if you have a mechanical problem. You needed further diagnostics...which were offered at a DISCOUNT. I know these cars better than most and have been tuning for a very long time. A Subaru should not take a seasoned calibrator more than 20 minutes with a good base map. If there are issues, it may take more or less time depending on how obvious the issue is. I can not please everyone, but I do feel we should be able to honestly defend ourselves from unwarranted abuse. I will always try and solve any issue 100%. I want every customer to have a good experience at Akuma. It is the customers responsibility to bring a concern to my attention so I can alleviate any concerns to them. I will continue to try and service the Subaru community to the best of our ability. I hope people read both sides and gain a fuller understanding of what really happened here. All he needed to do was talk to me before posting, and this would have had a far better outcome. John |
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