Has anyone in Houston had their MREV2's professionally installed and can recommend a shop? I am installing the Iso-Thermal MREV2 and spacer and would like it done professionally, but most definitely by someone who has done it before.

At this point, I'm leaning towards the dealership simply because they are familiar with the engine and will drop me off and pick me back up when its done (and are relatively close), and if they drop a bolt into the intake or something, I'm pretty sure I'd have better luck getting justice from them than a shop.

My only concern is that the dealer may put marks on my otherwise perfect paint and clearcoat or not be competent to handle something aftermarket. My dealer is mod-friendly, however, and one of the service managers said he would not void my warranty if I ever (theoretically speaking), had it done.

Input please. I really want a shop that has done this before and has experience with the lower collector. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

I'm warning you now, do not go to a dealer. Although they're telling you now, it is not a NISSAN or NISMO part so you will probably void your warranty if something goes wrong. Also, it likely that they've never installed this particular mod before. SGP is probably a good place to go. I'm sure there are other local shops who specialize in servicing Zs.

 

Go to Sears and buy a Inch pound torque wrench and do it yourself....it's easy.....everything is 10mm bolts.......I have installed 7 or more of these now and I could do it blind folded now.

 

Thanks Z.

SGP sounds familiar, but who is that? Have they done these before? I'd really like it to be done by someone who has experience with this particular part (the more the better).

Unfortunately, I do not know of a single shop that specializes in new Z's.

 

I really don't want to learn to work on a Z by using mine as part of the "Experimental Group."

Thanks for the advice, but I'm skeeeered.

 

SGP is the recommended shop in Houston for new Z's. Believe me when you show up and see 30-40 cars out there in the parking lot and most are Z's then you'll know they are specialists. They are friendly group of guys, but they are very busy right now with huge projects. Just call them up and see if they can fit you in. Their phone is: 281-444-9195. Also they have a website: www.sgpracing.com

 

+1 on doing it yourself. i installed the 5/16 spacer with one of my friends and it was pretty easy, just follow the instructions and make sure all hoses are plugged back in, etc. the only problem i had was that my coolant line wasn't plugged in and i leaked coolant all over the floor and the car started to overheat, and i had air in the lines. easy fix, just plugged the line in, took the ride to sgp and had them bleed out the air, and fill her up with coolant. now she's riding just right. next mod will be the mrev 2...

 

Thanks for the advice! I called them and they quoted me $400 for the MD Iso-thermal plenum and the 5/16 spacer.

$400?

Does that sound about right? I thought it was a little high for something that is supposed to be so simple, but I want it done by the best with zero mistakes.

 

The labor rate is $95 an hour over there and at many other performance shops. And as BrainLeash69 said, they are VERY busy right now. Go by the shop and check it out. That will be the only sure fire way of knowing if you think they are trustworthy. Like my sig says, my car is SGP built. I would not take it anywhere else!

 

SGP is a great shop my team is getting our cars tuned there but the MREV2 is def a do it yourself project. 30 min install. 1 hour max.

 

That's what I keep hearing, which is why I kinda hesitated when they told me I'd would take them 4 hours to do it. From what I hear, even me and a couple of my dolt friends could do it in an hour.

On the other hand, as TruBluZ stated, I do want it done, not only right, but flawlessly. I do not mind paying for their experience and professionalism at all (they deserve it), but FOUR hours to do such a simple install? Hmmm...

I think I'd have felt better about it if he would have said "Two hours at $200 per hour."

Thanks for the helpful replies. I have a buddy who is a certified mechanic and has all these excellent tools, but let's face it, compared to the guys at SGP, we are... well, let's just say that there is probably a pretty big gap there.

 

How about 1 hour at $400 per hour?

 

How about drive doen here to SA and give me $50 and I'' do it in an Hour or less!!!

 

lnstalls that wnt1bd and 210 VQz has done....8 plenum spacers, 6 with MREV2, Kinetix SSV, 3 Kinetix V+ plenums, DC Sport Headers, 3 HKS exhaust systems and in process of 2 vortech kits..... we know what we're doing, it will be done flawless and for alot less money. like i said, all the props in the world to the guys at SGP but you don't need them for this.

 

TruBluZ:

Thanks for the great tip! I took my car to SGP and will never let anyone else touch it! Furthermore, after meeting Mark, Lane, and Thomas, I have more confidence in going further with my mods than I had previously decided.

Thanks to everyone who contacted me and extended very gracious offers to help me do it myself. You all rock and make this community what it is. Thanks especially to Mike D. for all the time he spent on the phone with me, explaining the details of the install. I owe you more than just a few beers, man.

Thanks most of all to Mark, Thomas, and Lane at SGP. It was an honor to meet those guys: true fellow car enthusiasts who LOVE what they do and it shows in their work, their customer service, and their knowledge of our cars. It's rare to meet fellow car enthusiasts in the business who have not "burned out." These guys are as enthusiastic about modding Z's as the customer themselves. You can tell they love what they do and are damn good at it.

Not only did they do the job for less than quoted, but they also installed my Stillen CAI and carbon fiber intake tubing as well! I feel great about doing business with them. It was well-worth the time and investment just to have the honor of checking out their shop and the outstanding vehicles in their care. It was an awesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon and I can't wait to do it again.

TruBlu: I think I met you in the waiting room. Were you the one with the fooking spectacular Daytona F/I Blue Z on the lift above mine? That was my most favorite car on the lot, btw.

While I know I could have gone and forked over a few hundred bucks for the proper tools to do it myself in the Texas heat, it was far, far more rewarding to do business with the guys at SGP, learn a few things in the process with some one-on-one time with Mark (who helped me map out my next mods and let me hear a few great exhaust systems), and meet other fellow car enthusiasts and Zed lovers like myself.

I missed a catered BBQ pool party with kegs to spend my Saturday at SGP. Best decision I've made this year, and I probably had more fun! Honestly, it was a blast to be around that crew and those cars for an afternoon. I can't wait to go back and finish my next level of mods.

Thanks to everyone who offered to help and thanks also to those who directed me to SGP. I will be a customer for life. My only regret is not finding them sooner.

 

+1 for SGP!

 

Yes sir, that was my baby. Got her out yesterday. She's plain SICK!!! It was nice to meet you. It is always good to meet people that are as excited about these cars as I am. I'm glad you took my advise and at least gave them a shot. It's good to see you feel the same as I do about the guys at SGP!

 

+!00000000. This mod is like 30x easier than a stupid CAI install on this car. It may take you an hour or two (two if you are a newb or are taking your time).

 

Please elaborate!

 

Absolutely! I'd pay them a hundred bucks just to hang around and ask questions and look at bad *** cars all day. That was the best time I've had at a performance shop ever and I can't wait to go back.

This was the one positive thing that came from breaking my shoulder.

Otherwise, I'd have done this myself and missed out on all that great auto-****, and missed seeing those badass Zeds like yours and meeting the guys at SGP. They rock!