Messages

[What:]

From the folks that brought you the Willow Springs Track Day with SRT!... Dan Cragin and Garry Wong will be having an open house to officially usher in Specialty Performance Team (SPT) in Alhambra.  

Join us on Sat. Feb 23rd to give SPT a warm welcome and see what they have to offer.  SPT will be focused on providing service and support for Viper, SRT and McLaren customers.

There will be coffee and donuts in the morning and a BBQ lunch for all!  There will be special cars and some products on display.

What:
-Specialty Performance Team open house with Dan Cragin and Garry Wong

When:
-Sat. Feb. 23rd
9AM to 2PM

Where:
-919 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, 91803
(626) 588-2882


Please let us know if you can come out!

Attending:
Lance
Ben K.
Rolf
Anhtuan
Art
Matthew G
Scott H.
Raj
Jeff & Jen
Angel
Bruce C.
Thom
Demoe
Ryan
Ernie & Pat
Derek & Roland
Armen
Dan & Cathy
Bruce L.
Mike B.
Darryl & Dianne
Mitch
Ray W.
Nino & Ruth
Jim K.
Mike V.
Justin & Beth
Mike & Cheryl
Fast Eddie
Diane & Randy
Jay
Eddie and Michelle

What Redsled says is very true.  Environmental conditions can affect the sound readings depending on how far away the readings were taken and well as the type of equipment that was used.  But for us we can only work with what we have so just take this as a general guideline.

At the Willow Springs event I took readings from the yellow wall at the pits and I also took readings from the Toyota Tower right by the straightaways.  

From the yellow wall, most of the red group were barely cracking 98-99 dB, a few of the ACR-Xs and Comp Coupes were low 100s like 101-102.

From the Toyota Tower which was crazy close and really had you guys fly by at high speed...most of red group were in the low 100s like 102dB.  A couple readings that stuck out in my mind...

Viper X hit a 104.7dB
Mike Greenberg's Comp Coupe hit 105dB
Mike Von Q hit 106dB

For everyone else there were a lot of 102s and 103s and even a few 100s and 99s...and again this was from the very close Toyota Tower.  Now granted the Tower is a little above the straight away, but it was still so close to you guys blasting by that I don't think the height was enough to make a difference.

Ben - I don't recall the exact dB number for your car, but it was below 105 dB from the Toyota Tower.  I specifically was trying to catch cars that hit 105 or over and most all of Red Group was okay from my readings.

Also keep in mind that Willow is fairly open desert so there is a lot more space for the sound to dissipate and not reverberate (i.e. like against valley walls).  Still good data points to note though.

[What:]

Time to plan your half day at work and go play on a Friday afternoon!

On Feb. 8th, we are doing a weekday event so that we can get a tour of the Edelbrock facility in Torrance.  This would be during their business hours so we can see the operation in full swing.  We will also get to check out Vic Edelbrock's garage.  And then it is off to an early dinner at El Torito Grill!



What:
-Tour Edelbrock facility
-We will get to meet and talk to the head honcho himself, Vic Edelbrock.  As well as VP of sales and marketing, Steve Whipple.
-Check out cars and other toys in Vic's Garage
-Dinner at El Torito Grill

When:
-Friday, Feb. 8th
-Meet at Edelbrock at 1:30pm (please be on time)
-Dinner at 5:30pm

Where:
Edelbrock
2700 California Street
Torrance, 90503
-UPDATE on parking - There is limited guest parking, but plenty of street parking

Vic's Garage
510 Madrid St.
Torrance, 90503
-a few mins away in another building.  We will take a short drive over in our cars.

El Torito Grill
21321 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, 90503
-Dinner 5:30pm. It is between Benihana and Red Lobster.


This event will be fast approaching so we need a head count as soon as possible to confirm the size of the tour group as well as make reservations for dinner.

Attending:
Lance
Bruce
Anhtuan
Paul and Teresa
Lyle L.
Raj
Alan B
Jay & Jennifer
Jeff & Jen
Angel
Demoe
Lance & Sandy Lillie
Craig & Dolly
Denny
Steve + 1
Mike B.
Jim & Judy
Bill L
Darryl & Dianne
Paul G
Dr. Ray
Bob
Jeff & Erika
Sean
Tony & Sherrie
Ken +1
Al & Tamdan
Bob J.
Ray W.
Nino
Matthew, Amy + 3
Hugh
Gary
Dan & Cathy
Paul & Pam
Peter
Paul H.

Hey gang,

This is a week and a half away.  Lets get some more people to sign up!  Remember, you can have your car serviced or just come and hang out.

>8
Put me in for the fluids thing...ouch
Turkey please
Thx
Is this what I need for 4 k miles

Well that's a little extreme for just 4,000 miles unless it was 4,000 track miles   Hey guys/Eddie...maybe it would be helpful to post up recommended service intervals and what people should be looking to do given their usage/mileage?  I'll put you down for it now Raj and can always change it if you find out later you need less work than that.

[Date: Saturday, January 19thTime: 9AM to 3PMEddie's shop: R and S Automotive 24773 Valley St., Newhall, CA 91321 (661)254-4589]

Viper Tech and Service Day at Eddie's Shop!

January 19th Saturday

Our own Eddie Reinsma is graciously opening the doors of his shop, R and S Automotive, so the club can have its own private Viper Tech and Service Day.  You will get a chance to learn how your Viper works both under the hood and up on the rack.  Talk to fellow owners about mods, what works, what doesn't, and what you need.  Headers? Catch cans? Adjustable coil-overs? Heads and cam or supercharger?  Wanna hit the track? Learn what you need to do.  This is your chance for in-person discussions of all these things and more!

In addition, Eddie will also have service techs available for those who would like to get any work done on their cars.  If you want work done on your car you MUST be on the reserved sign-up list.  Space and time is limited so reserve your spot on this list early!  All pricing on parts will be cost +20% (tax is included).  PM Eddie for specific parts pricing.  You can also bring your own parts if you wish, but just be sure Eddie knows!

Services offered (pricing below is for Gen 4 and 3.  Gen 1 and 2 should be very close unless there is something very different in the servicing that Eddie does not know about.  PM Eddie if you want to be sure):


1. 4 way Alignments - $125

2. Tire balancing - $50

3. Tire mounting and balancing - $90 (includes tire waste fee).  You can bring tires in or Eddie can get them for $10.00 over cost plus mount and balance.  Please specify.

4. Complete fluid service includes oil and filter change, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid exchange, rear differential drain and fill with friction additive, transmission drain and fill, power steering flush, coolant exchange all Mopar parts - $550.00

All parts and fluids will be factory except the brake fluid.  Availble brake fluid choices will be ATE BF1 dot 4, ATE super blue racing fluid dot 4, or Motul 600.  Engine oil is MOBIL 1.  Coolant flushes use factory coolant and distilled water.

5. Oil and filter change - $130

6. Clutch Fluid - $30

7. Rear Differential service - $194

8. Transmission Fluid service - $104

9. Power Steering fluid flush and fill - $90

10. Coolant flush and fill - $107

11. Brake fluid flush and fill - $99

Any profits from the day are being donated to the club!


Date: Saturday, January 19th

Time: 9AM to 3PM

Eddie's shop: R and S Automotive 24773 Valley St., Newhall, CA 91321 (661)254-4589

Meetup Point (link)
Denny's (12861 Encinitas Avenue Sylmar 91342) at 8:30am (point A) and depart for Eddie's at 8:45am (point B).

Lunch can be provided for $10 and will include a foot long sub, chips, and a drink.  Please note if you want lunch and if so which sub you want: Black Forest Ham, Spicy Italian, Cold Cut Combo, or Turkey Breast.

If you are signing up AND you want service done on your car PLEASE specify what you need and if you will bring your own parts.  Without this info we WILL NOT be able to put your car on the services list.

I also want to make it clear that this is as much a social, hang out, learn something event as it is a day to get your car serviced.  In other words, even if you don't need to get your car serviced you can come out anyway and just hang out with us!  Just let us know so we can get a head count for space and food!

Attendee List:

1. Anhtuan - Brake Fluid flush and fill (bringing Motul 600)- Turkey Breast
2. Scott H. - Alignment - Ham and Swiss
3. Lance - Alignment - Cold Cut Combo
4. Bruce
5. Raj - Complete fluid service - Turkey Breast
6. Jay M- Alignment / Oil Change - Turkey Breast
7. Fast Eddie - Complete fluid service - Turkey Breast
8. Ben K. - Complete fluid service / Alignment (SRT 10 Truck)- Turkey Breast
9. Jim Kenehan - Cold Cut Combo
10. Angel
11. Odie - Spicy Italian
12. Mike S.
13. Mike - Fluid check and recommend-Spicy Italian
14. Matthew G. - Oil and filter, check clutch fluid - Turkey Breast
15.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/only-about-5-of-chrysler-dealers-will-sell-srt-viper/

Will be interesting to see if more details about this come up during VOI.  Seems like the good news is that the Viper will get the special treatment that it deserves during the dealership visit.  The bad news is that there will be even fewer places qualified to sell and service the cars.  Glad we live in a major city!

Some combo shots I cobbled together from the inter-web


Open this image in a new tab to see the full size version...

I agree with Dan in that the average lay person isn't going to be able to tell the difference.

For those who may have missed this...

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/srt-unveils-2013-viper-gts-launch-edition/

well now we know what she'll look like with racing stripes  <11

Deja Vu...

Sat. is freed up!  I am in!

For those wanting to drive too fast, please be in front of me so I can upload the video to YouTube when you pull one of these....

http://youtu.be/QeoBlmdBPuc

(runs out of skill right at about 20 sec mark)
http://youtu.be/ubE5mj-RR10

http://youtu.be/JE80zCYD4-M

Is there still room for me to add a guest who will be riding in with me?

Please add me to the list for this one.  Thanks!

I will be there!

Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday morning!  I am in!  I will be at the pistol range.  Can we get some info on the Super Car Sunday meet location etc.?

Regarding location...a few things I am keeping in mind...

1. Dan and his family live in the West LA-ish area so if I were him I would consider my drive to and from work.

2. Rent.  Helps to keep the overhead low so stay out of high rent areas.

3. Customer base...consider not only where owners live that have Vipers, but where are the customers that have spent or are willing to spend a lot of money on their car.  This goes beyond regular maintenance.  Where do the people live who really mod their cars.  I think you will find most are in West LA, South Bay/Beach Cities, and Orange County areas.

With these points in mind, the Long Beach area seems to make the most sense.  It is about the midpoint between the LA and OC zones and the rent should be pretty reasonable.   For everyone else, if you are indeed offering pickup and delivery service then it should be a moot point.

Regarding things I would want out of a performance shop...I am going to be very upfront here.  I have probably spent more than most on modifying my car (though not as much as some ) and almost all of it thru DC Performance in one fashion or another.  So obviously I have much love for Dan and his crew.  But now that we have a chance to provide input on the new shop I am going to be blunt with my wish list.

1. Pick up / delivery - A pick and delivery service is a nice idea and will be great for some, but for others (myself included) I would worry more about it being on a flat bed or trailer.  I would rather drive my car in.  It would be great however to have someone drive me home and then come pick me up when the car is done.  Kind of like a shuttle service.  Of course this would only be for jobs that require the car be there overnight.

2. Wi-Fi and a waiting room with tables.  For jobs that require only a few hours, I have no problem driving in and waiting.  But if it is during the week, having a place where I can work off my laptop while I wait would make things more bearable.

3. Scheduling - this is a real sticking point for ALL performance shops.  I have yet to see one do this well.   Project management is the name of the game.  I cannot stress this enough.  Having someone with project management skills who can help customers coordinate when to drop off their car, when to pickup their car, and daily status reports on their car is paramount.  Lets examine a few potential scenarios... I bring my car in and wait for the work, but 2 hrs. pass before my car is even on the rack or anyone is even looking at it.  Or I come in to pick up my car, but its another 2-3 hrs before I can leave with it because it is not ready at the promised time.  Or my car is brought in and is at the shop for 5 days, however it is only being worked on for 2 days.  The rest of the time it is just sitting around (waiting for parts notwithstanding).  All these kinds of situations are unacceptable.  A project manager could help alleviate all of them by keeping the communication loop open.  Imagine a project manager calling to tell me to bring my car in on Tuesday at 11am because another car will just have been picked up and the guys would start working on my car within an hour after it was brought in.  And given the extent of my project the car would be ready for pickup Thursday at 1pm.  Then end of day Tues and Weds I get a status report of how things are going.  Finally come Thurs. I get confirmation that the car will indeed be ready for pickup.  I am a project manager by trade and this is how I run my business.  Of course, crap will happen and things will come up on a project that no one expects, but if the project is properly managed and the communication is good then the issues should be easily resolved.

4. Parts availability and pricing - I don't mind buying parts through the shop, but I want to know that the shop is offering me the best pricing they can get out of their suppliers.  And if their suppliers can't get pricing better than what I can order the part for myself then its time to switch suppliers!  I understand that the shop has to eat and make some money on parts sales, but the shop needs to be honest about how far they think they can take this.  For example, a shop sells headers for $2,000,  but everyone knows you can order that same set of headers for $1,500 at other places.  The shop needs to be fully aware of the best pricing in the market for their most popular parts.  Then they need to squeeze their suppliers so they can match that price or skip their supplier and order it for $1,500 like everybody else and maybe tack on a handling fee of $100 to $150 for the part.  And if a part is not available through your regular suppliers, start looking at other suppliers and scour the earth to get the part so the customer can be in and out with their car.  Its too easy for the shop to say they checked with their 2 regular suppliers and its out of stock.  If I can find the part in stock thru another source with just a few keystrokes and hitting up my contacts in the club...then the shop did not look hard enough.      

5. QA - Given the high performance nature of these cars, quality assurance testing and double checking is very important.  People need to be double checking each others work.  Things like forgetting to screw on a power steering cap or leaving the fuse box lid off is unacceptable.  The same care needs to be applied to making sure other parts are not nicked or scratched up in the process of working on something else.  If stuff like this happened in my shop...heads would roll.  Admittedly, I am a taskmaster and demand perfection.

6. Hours - Ideally I would want a shop that stayed open until 7pm and one that is open on Sat.  More work gets done faster and makes it easier to drop off and pick up cars.

Any performance shop that can hit these marks would be GOLD!  Dan knows how to do great work and I have high hopes for the new DC Performance!