I have heard that it takes 4-6 hours to install the VPR cams. I got a quote today from my local MBenz dealer of 12.5 hours -- $1,700. They referenced the book time and the fact that they have not done one before. How come I always hear that?? WTF.

Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the DC area which won't twist my arm and break it off?

thanks!

 

Wow!!! Are they really expecting you to bend over and appreciate that?

I hope they are planning to at least buy you a nice meal or perhaps provide you with a tube of K&Y.

Shop around!!!

 

Yeah they are bending you over...MB techs will only follow their "time" bible and really won't deviate from it...they are always over estimates for any procedure they do.

They seem to unbundle each activity and just keep adding the hours...its a profit center no doubt about it.

Keep looking around...

 

Wow, that is just out and out rape.

I'll ask Ken and see what he honestly thinks (timewise) a shop could do the swap in.

It's basically the same as any other factory cam swap, you just make sure you don't install it 180 out and you're golden. It drops right in.

When you find a new installer and they have any questions at all, have them call Ken.

PM me for his number when they get started.

 

email me jason@gemsbyjwade.com i have someone for you

 

Try Funktion Auto near Dulles airport - they are excellent! www.funktionauto.com

 

Ouch...does it at least bring the vasiline!!!!????

 

With this statment alone you should be running scared! You don't even want to know what happens when a cam is not properly installed.

 

Don't feel to bad. I was quoted 650 for a pulley and intercooler pump install.

 

Thanks Rocketman. I'm going to check these folks out today. I'm in Leesburg about 15 minutes away from them and I've been looking for a local tuner with AMG experience ... things are looking up

 

This place is in my backyard. I just called them and they said 5-6 hours and that they have done a ton of Kleeman cams before I am also going to get a a before and after dyno. thanks for the info Rocketman!

 

Do they have a dyno there? If not where will you dyno? I know Currys has one (like 2 min away from this place), but they are pricey ... It would be nice to dyno the cars on the same dyno for comparison although I'm probably going to wait for the VRP packages to be complete before purchasing mods unless I can get a smoking deal on the $$$ Kleeman stuff.

 

Funktion Auto does not have a dyno. They use another place close by. Funktion Auto is considering installing a dyno due to all the race car work they do. The owner, Walid, is a great guy - tell him Ralph Erickson sent you in.

 

Hmm if they use Curry's dyno it is the type that dynos lower. I dynoed 400/439 at the wheels stock and then dynoed 424/475 stock on a dynojet.

I will be sure to tell them that Ralph sent me!

 

Yeah Currys has a Mustang dyno. Good to know your numbers on it though in case I go there, thanks. Did you have them log a/f and boost for the runs? Just curious ...

 

It is not Curry's. The place is The Auto Shop and a dyno session costs $100. They use a machine called a Dyno Dynamics Dynamometer.

 

the car is at FunKtion now...what a high end shop. It looks just like the a Ferrari dealership and garage inside.

The install is 6 hours at $98/hr however there are $450 in required parts -- e.g., 36 bolts cost $195 and the tensioner kit was $125 and another $50 for valve cover gaskets. $1K all in.

Can't wait to feel the difference!

 

I was there this morning, sorry I missed you. Did you get a dyno before? I ordered Kleemann headers - they are going to install next Monday and I may go for an enlarged MAF since they have one they will give a good deal on. The slippery slope is getting steeper!

 

+10000000

If they haven't done one before, I wouldn't let them touch your car

 

I stopped by Funktion Auto today ... very clean shop with some nice cars in house. I also saw e55baller's car there ... love the grill! Is that from a CLS?

It's really a small world. I was talking to the guy that works the front counter (Wayne) and I came to realize that I knew him from somewhere ... then it came to me, he sold me my Evo when he worked at the local Mitsu dealership in December of '05! Very nice guy, glad to see him working there.

I also met the owner who was very friendly and we talked 55K for a while.

Anyway, after scoping them out, I'll definitely be going there for installation of mods, etc.

 

don't know why you would even go to the dealer. I would never go to the dealer unless it's warranty work. Waste of time and funds.

 

My sentiments exactly...

 

Isaac.. How is the car?

Did you fire it up yet?

 

Hey Victor,

I pick it up tomorrow. I can't wait to hear it idle! I will let you know how big my smile is tomorrow!

It was 6 hours of labor as you expected...versus 12.5 for Benz, lol.

Josh -- yes that grill is just a cheap $250-300 grill off ebay -- probably a replica from a CLS but it works for me. Is your car there now? We should meet up.

 

$100 is a great deal. Funktion told me that the dynamics typically reads lower than the mustang which reads lower than the dynojet.

I wonder if anyone has experience with that. I have experience with the mustang reading lower than the dynojet for my E55 and old Supra.