G8Geek
04-05-2010, 11:04 AM
I just wanted to first thank Charlie for creating this forum as it proves to be an invaluable resource for myself to learn more about my car, the G8. I'd like to keep this brief, but I just wanted to share that a few months ago, I made three changes to my car which made a significant difference to my driving experience. After a significant amount of research, I decided to modify my 2009 G8GT with American Racing Headers 1-7/8", RotoFab CAI, and a VMS Tune. I spoke to Kirk over at Vector Motorsports and he already had a tune for the header\CAI combo I chose, which made me feel better since he had my exact setup on a Dyno already. Yes, I know every car is different and there is no better way then actually throwing your actual car on a dyno and getting it tuned, but at the time, there werent may tuners in my area that understood the G8 as well as Kirk. So I went with it and haven't had an issue in the 9 months my ECM/TCM was tweaked. I did all three of these in the same day, so I do not notice the difference as each component was added. I wanted to do all three because they really all "go together". The big nostrils up front (CAI), the "Phelps"-like exhale (AR Headers), and the "smarts" to get the most out of them (Tune). Without getting too verbose, I can ensure you that the car I drove away in was VERY different than the one that ignited that morning.
The biggest difference was a significant change in the power band, I just had a lot more car. The sound too is amazing (best of both worlds), tame at slow speeds and a beast when opend up. I left the stock mufflers on for back pressure and Dyno results have proved only a 5hp gain when they're removed. I spoke to Tom at ARH who also has a G8 and he convinced me of this setup. I can only thank the very quality products and everyone I dealt with at ARH, RotoFab, and VMS were top-notch in both knowledge and response. I also have a cool "Dealer" who appreciates the automobile. What I needed was a four-door Family sedan that has balls and can easily fit a car seat. I had no idea what I was getting for the money but this has to be one of the best cars ever to see the asphault. I can write a book about this car, but It's my belief that these three changes have proven to be a solid combination without jeopardizing the integrity and reliability of the rest of the components. I have close to 50,000 miles on this setup and it is ONE HELL OF A DAILY DRIVER. I get more looks and compliments and I don't feel like a teenager driving it. It the closest thing to that E55 AMG I always wanted for considerably less dime :-) Now I'm itching for a Maggie though!
If you're in North Jersey or Southern New York and desire the same improvements, go to the below shop, they are meticulous and overall awesome people
Speak to "Rob" and let him know that "Ryan" sent you for a discount on services.
Stage1 Automotive
stage1auto@optonline.net
422 State Rt 23 # 3
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444-1825
(973) 839-4900
The biggest difference was a significant change in the power band, I just had a lot more car. The sound too is amazing (best of both worlds), tame at slow speeds and a beast when opend up. I left the stock mufflers on for back pressure and Dyno results have proved only a 5hp gain when they're removed. I spoke to Tom at ARH who also has a G8 and he convinced me of this setup. I can only thank the very quality products and everyone I dealt with at ARH, RotoFab, and VMS were top-notch in both knowledge and response. I also have a cool "Dealer" who appreciates the automobile. What I needed was a four-door Family sedan that has balls and can easily fit a car seat. I had no idea what I was getting for the money but this has to be one of the best cars ever to see the asphault. I can write a book about this car, but It's my belief that these three changes have proven to be a solid combination without jeopardizing the integrity and reliability of the rest of the components. I have close to 50,000 miles on this setup and it is ONE HELL OF A DAILY DRIVER. I get more looks and compliments and I don't feel like a teenager driving it. It the closest thing to that E55 AMG I always wanted for considerably less dime :-) Now I'm itching for a Maggie though!
If you're in North Jersey or Southern New York and desire the same improvements, go to the below shop, they are meticulous and overall awesome people
Speak to "Rob" and let him know that "Ryan" sent you for a discount on services.
Stage1 Automotive
stage1auto@optonline.net
422 State Rt 23 # 3
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444-1825
(973) 839-4900