My SPi experience (cool video inside)

[CanadianCamaro]

Alright then – Here’s my SPi story (although somewhat belated).

I heard about SPi thru the on-line forums and I got to know Andrew and Alain at SPi through my good friends Mike and Joe who have both had work on their cars by SPi. When the time came to replace my mushy stock shifter with something that performed and looked better, I took the opportunity to go down to SPi, pick up a Hurst shift kit and introduce myself to the boys. They immediately impressed me as down-to-earth and honest guys. It was obvious they were not going to sell you on something just to make a quick buck. These attributes rank high in my mind because any moron can turn a wrench. But listening to the customer and making well thought-out recommendations is something that many can’t do. So when I finally decided to do a little more work, SPi was at the top of my list.

The car – OK like most, she’s my baby. I like the classic look – ala first gen – but I also love the look of the stock car. Take for example the Hurst shifter. Flat chrome stick and white knob – classic and it just “looks right” to me. I don’t competitively race my car and because of all this I am not seeking to force every last HP out of her.

In June 2009 I decided that this muscle car needed to sound the part. So started the research. Now remember, exhaust is a personal thing and at that time, there wasn’t a lot of options out there. So I decided to give exhaust diverters (cut-outs) a try (install thread: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43505). PERFECT! – boomin’ loud when you want it, stock when you don’t. Scares little old ladies and keeps the family happy all at the same time. The only other performance mod I had done prior to SPi was to install a CAI cold air kit. Why? Because I felt it was a well engineered product and it just “looked right” (oh and the magazine tests rated it pretty good too). Everything else done to the car to date are minor cosmetic changes. I do a lot of work on my car myself. But when it comes to major items and playing with the tune, that’s when I turn to the experts.

The Goal – Again, focused on aesthetics here – I would have been happy with half the power gained but the louder/stronger “attitude” of the car was what I was after . I had a cam in mind – which is pretty major, but I felt that was the way to go. So I went in to see the boys. The first thing that took me back was that they listened to what I wanted (a cam) and then asked questions around what I wanted to achieve, what I use the car for etc. After listening, they recommended that we do headers and tune first and then maybe down the road go cam. Why? Well, they said they would be happy to install whatever I wanted – but after “listening” to me they felt I’d be happier with this to start. Plus there’s always the matter of “power tolerance”. Play with 40-50 more HP now until you get board and then go back for more. Wow…. Talk about honest advice! Sure I’ve had “honest” service before, but never with such attention to the “listen first” approach.

The Hardware – My own variation of SPi’s Stage 2 package. I call it the Custom Stage 2 package. Dynatech 1 7/8” long-tube headers & high-flow cats ceramic coated silver, Noweeds exhaust diverters, CAI cold air intake and custom tune! I am not a firm believer in the need for a “custom” tune. No 2 cars are the same (we proved this on the dyno). And it takes an expert to coax the best balance out of each tune – and that’s what SPi does. About 12-15 pulls later Andrew had the tune where he wanted it. Optimal A/F curve, flattened out torque curve, better numbers at lower rpm’s etc. All the while taking the time to answer my questions.

The Result – Unfortunately I had not done a dyno with the car pure stock. But we all know the factory specs so start with those. We also did not do a base line before the installs, but a couple months earlier I did a couple pulls on another dyno. So while many variables will limit the comparability, for the sake of information, on that day (May 15/10) the car pulled 367 HP / 366 ft/lbs (stock tune, rear wheel, all figures here are rear wheel). When all said and done, the best numbers that we ripped off at SPi were 425 HP / 428 ft/lbs. So while I wasn’t concerned about the peak numbers achieved, I’ll those gains any day!

Closing Comments – So needless to say I am very impressed with the guys at SPi. They do great work, give honest advice and they listen! Rest assured that I haven’t been remunerated in any way to endorse them. They simply asked me to do a write-up about my experience with them and give my honest opinion. So here it is; If you’re thinking about doing any work on your car, minor or major, old, new, street, race, whatever, give SPi a call and chat with Andrew or Alain. You’ll be glad you did.

And finally, I spent a crappy rainy day learning how to make slide shows/videos and I thought my first attempt turned out pretty good – CRANK IT UP!!!

[RickRay]

Originally Posted by CanadianCamaro

Alright then – Here’s my SPi story (although somewhat belated).

I heard about SPi thru the on-line forums and I got to know Andrew and Alain at SPi through my good friends Mike and Joe who have both had work on their cars by SPi. When the time came to replace my mushy stock shifter with something that performed and looked better, I took the opportunity to go down to SPi, pick up a Hurst shift kit and introduce myself to the boys. They immediately impressed me as down-to-earth and honest guys. It was obvious they were not going to sell you on something just to make a quick buck. These attributes rank high in my mind because any moron can turn a wrench. But listening to the customer and making well thought-out recommendations is something that many can’t do. So when I finally decided to do a little more work, SPi was at the top of my list.

The car – OK like most, she’s my baby. I like the classic look – ala first gen – but I also love the look of the stock car. Take for example the Hurst shifter. Flat chrome stick and white knob – classic and it just “looks right” to me. I don’t competitively race my car and because of all this I am not seeking to force every last HP out of her.

In June 2009 I decided that this muscle car needed to sound the part. So started the research. Now remember, exhaust is a personal thing and at that time, there wasn’t a lot of options out there. So I decided to give exhaust diverters (cut-outs) a try (install thread: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43505). PERFECT! – boomin’ loud when you want it, stock when you don’t. Scares little old ladies and keeps the family happy all at the same time. The only other performance mod I had done prior to SPi was to install a CAI cold air kit. Why? Because I felt it was a well engineered product and it just “looked right” (oh and the magazine tests rated it pretty good too). Everything else done to the car to date are minor cosmetic changes. I do a lot of work on my car myself. But when it comes to major items and playing with the tune, that’s when I turn to the experts.

The Goal – Again, focused on aesthetics here – I would have been happy with half the power gained but the louder/stronger “attitude” of the car was what I was after . I had a cam in mind – which is pretty major, but I felt that was the way to go. So I went in to see the boys. The first thing that took me back was that they listened to what I wanted (a cam) and then asked questions around what I wanted to achieve, what I use the car for etc. After listening, they recommended that we do headers and tune first and then maybe down the road go cam. Why? Well, they said they would be happy to install whatever I wanted – but after “listening” to me they felt I’d be happier with this to start. Plus there’s always the matter of “power tolerance”. Play with 40-50 more HP now until you get board and then go back for more. Wow…. Talk about honest advice! Sure I’ve had “honest” service before, but never with such attention to the “listen first” approach.

The Hardware – My own variation of SPi’s Stage 2 package. I call it the Custom Stage 2 package. Dynatech 1 7/8” long-tube headers & high-flow cats ceramic coated silver, Noweeds exhaust diverters, CAI cold air intake and custom tune! I am not a firm believer in the need for a “custom” tune. No 2 cars are the same (we proved this on the dyno). And it takes an expert to coax the best balance out of each tune – and that’s what SPi does. About 12-15 pulls later Andrew had the tune where he wanted it. Optimal A/F curve, flattened out torque curve, better numbers at lower rpm’s etc. All the while taking the time to answer my questions.

The Result – Unfortunately I had not done a dyno with the car pure stock. But we all know the factory specs so start with those. We also did not do a base line before the installs, but a couple months earlier I did a couple pulls on another dyno. So while many variables will limit the comparability, for the sake of information, on that day (May 15/10) the car pulled 367 HP / 366 ft/lbs (stock tune, rear wheel, all figures here are rear wheel). When all said and done, the best numbers that we ripped off at SPi were 425 HP / 428 ft/lbs. So while I wasn’t concerned about the peak numbers achieved, I’ll those gains any day!

Closing Comments – So needless to say I am very impressed with the guys at SPi. They do great work, give honest advice and they listen! Rest assured that I haven’t been remunerated in any way to endorse them. They simply asked me to do a write-up about my experience with them and give my honest opinion. So here it is; If you’re thinking about doing any work on your car, minor or major, old, new, street, race, whatever, give SPi a call and chat with Andrew or Alain. You’ll be glad you did.

And finally, I spent a crappy rainy day learning how to make slide shows/videos and I thought my first attempt turned out pretty good – CRANK IT UP!!!

Very nice set up Scott...Great Video... Nice numbers too.....

[Burnt_RS]

Scott, I wish my 6 would sound half that awesome. great video. did you buy stock in any rubber companies yet?

[TJ91]

Great write up Scott, although i have never gotten any work done on my car with SPI....not yet and it wont be on this one ....they are definitly great guys. Ive met up with them a couple of times at shows and because of Joe and its great to see a company who actually cares and cuts the bs. No pressure and all they want is what you want. A great car and they know how to make em.
Scott, your car has me drooling all over the floor. Its too bad we couldnt meet much this year and i know your secretly pissed lol but ive had an EXTREMELY busy year but everything is moving foward nicely, so this little puppy in my garage should be a beast by Spring 2011, which is why ill be needing all the amigos help as well of SPIs advice as to what to do. But ill touch base with that as soon as i secure my "Position" which is moving along but not qutie there yet....
Anyways the car is great, and agree, Did you buy Pirelli out?! That burnout was badass!

[stratman2SSRS]

Very COOL Video Scott!!!!
Nice numbers.
Can you make a video of mine???

[CanadianCamaro]

Originally Posted by stratman2SSRS

Very COOL Video Scott!!!!
Nice numbers.
Can you make a video of mine???

Yep - But you gotta come to Cayuga so I can get some good video

[Asylum]

I'd say I'm happy for you but thats an understatement.

P.S., Proof I exist is in Scotts Video.
:\ Dyno Pull One, YEAH! lol

[Beehave]

Wow! Wish I had more time to check out your car back in MIlton. Sweet Video..and enjoyed your thoughts & perspective.

I have heard from others, SPI is the great! I am saving my money....sorry Timmies.. my visits are less. I am inspired to get some modifications soon.

[SSmoked]

pretty decent vid. ac/dc is over used tho lol.

your dyno numbers seem weired. that torque curve looks more like a hp cruve. shouldnt it be linear instread of gaining? you hp curve is pretty asom could bring peak power up to 6 before dropping.

cant wait to see this thing run at cayuga on the 25th.

[2010 SSRS]

cool vid, and awesome burnout.

[BLACK67]

Originally Posted by SSmoked

pretty decent vid. ac/dc is over used tho lol.

your dyno numbers seem weired. that torque curve looks more like a hp cruve. shouldnt it be linear instread of gaining? you hp curve is pretty asom could bring peak power up to 6 before dropping.

cant wait to see this thing run at cayuga on the 25th.

Good observation on the torque curve SSmoked, I thought that once myself. What you have to look at is this chart starts at 340 trq not Zero.
If it started at 0 it would apear linear. Starting at 340 shows more important detail.

Andrew has givin me so many charts from all my pulls from different days I get a headache studying them. lol

[SSmoked]

^^ true say and the fact that the numbers go up by 5 lol. regarless good numbers for a car with basic bolt ons and a tune.

[BLACK67]

Originally Posted by SSmoked

^^ true say and the fact that the numbers go up by 5 lol. regarless good numbers for a car with basic bolt ons and a tune.

Its more than just good numbers, its a totaly different driving experience. I goes from a nice ride to Holly Sh*t!
I know Andrew could make your ride real nasty with the wave of his wand

[SSmoked]

^^ i would belive so lol. he made 60 hp and 60tq since stock. thats huge when it comes to the holy shit factor. and if he ever has plans to boost than the car gets scary to be in the passanger seat.

ill predecit a 12.3 pass at 125mph pending his 60ft at cayuga on the 25th. street tires are gone eat up his 60ft,fleathering the throttle is gona be need big time.