Thread: Are there any good shops in Mass to get mods installed?

yeah in your driveway you will feel better about your car knowing u did everything yourself just my 0.02

Originally Posted by jmj4492

I would, but I am not too expirenced with modding I can do simple things, but something like a dp and plog I would have no clue how to do

A Downpipe or PLOG are complicated?

Downpipe and PLOG are SUPER easy tech wise. The biggest issues are getting the car off of the ground enough to get some leverage on the downpipe bolts (which WILL be rusty). I had never done any sort of modding either until a month or so ago, so I didn't feel real confidant either. I never did get the downpipe bolts off, so I had to take it to shop for that, but it is 4 bolts, two rubber supports (look like FAT rubber bands) and the oxygen sensor removal and install (which screws out and back in easy enough). Like I said, VERY EASY tech wise, just a pain if you can't get under the car enough.

For the PLOG, it was absolutely the fastest and easiest mod I've done so far (except maybe the T-Stat swap or the dog bone flip). I was surprised at how easy it was. Get a deep socket 13mm and a 13mm wrench and have at it. It was something like 10 bolts or nuts (it was a combination of the two) and that was it. Just disconnect the spark plug wires (noting their locations for reinstallation) and then the bolts and nuts. Be careful around the dipstick though. Then just lift out the old and the gasket, put the new gasket on and put the new in. It took me something like 20 minutes to swap. Oh, and put the plug wires back on. Last tip. I found it easier if I removed the front passenger side engine support (dog bone). so that I could get a ratchet into that area easier.

Also, for the rusted bolts/nuts, get some PB Blaster. It is a spray lubricant and rust "destroyer". Spray the bolts/nuts each day for a few days before doing the work, and then again about 20 minutes before removing them. Makes life a LOT easier. You should be able to get it at about any automotive supply shop.

As for a good shop in Mass.... I wouldn't have the faintest idea. Sorry.

Originally Posted by bluegtp91

A Downpipe or PLOG are complicated?

Of course they are. All four bolts on the DP and all eight on the Plog.

I didn't have a guide as it was pretty self explanatory. Look at the new parts, see the bolt locations, find the bolt locations on the parts on the car, remove, install the new... Pretty easy.

Pulleys NEED to be removed with a supercharger pulley puller. Find someone in your area with one to save having to buy one for $100. I think that some place online rents them for $30 otherwise. I haven't done a pulley yet, but it seems like it would be pretty easy again, just go straight and easy to make sure it doesn't bend anything. As for the PCM, it is inside the air filter box, and I haven't done that swap either, but when I put in my FWI (fender well intake) I had to remove the PCM from the air box. It just looks like it is two bundles of wires going to two large plugs. Pull the plugs, swap the PCM, replug the plugs. But I don't know that there isn't something else to it, but that is what it looks like.

Before dropping a pulley, be sure to read this thread:
Safely Modding Your 3800 Powered Car!! - General Tech Discussion

you must re do your pcm at the same time you replace your pulley. Otherwise you will create a lean condition and have a very likely chance of blowing your motor if you do not. This condition would exist throughout the RPM band and you could not baby it or take it easy to get around this. You would have to drive without the belt on your SC if you do not do these at the same time........just thought I would warn you in advance. ZZperformance rents the pulley pullers for $30.....their pulley systems are good, but do not buy a pcm through them for the 3.4 setup.

If you get a DP from zzperformance right now, they will give you a $50 off coupon to use on your next order if you return your stock cat to them( use it when renting puller and/or their pulley system)not sure how long this promotion will last. I plan on ordering my downpipe very soon.

You will probably get more for your cat at the local scrap yard. I got $120 for mine last year.

do it yourself.... you will thank me

Originally Posted by jmj4492

Yea I plan on doing the plog, 180 t-stat, cai and 3"dp first then I am gonna do the pcm and pulley. Also thanks for the info on the pulley puller I will definatly rent one. Also which should I install first the pcm then pulley or pulley then the pcm.

They both need to be done at the same time to get the most benefit, and you certainly should NOT put the pulley in without the upgraded PCM. Once you put in a new intake, you will already have accessed the stock PCM, so you will at least see what it is for when you are ready for the upgrade.

And I agree with others, do NOT get the ZZP PCM. Others are better like the DHP PCM is argued as the best PCM "swap" out there, of course having a custom tune specifically for your vehicle would be the best, you will get somewhat close to that with these PCM "swaps". 3800 Performance sells the DHP PCM if memory serves me correctly. Others people like others as well, just stay away from the ZZP PCM.

Oh. Here is a picture of inside the air filter box showing the stock PCM location...



And the full PCM removed from the box...

Where in Mass are you? I'm in Enfield Ct, aka 2 seconds from Springfield and have done/helped many people with modding.

Also I know a lot of guys on the local boards that would be willing to help/hang out as well. There's a modding day coming up very soon in Attleboro.

damnit........we need a modding day........no peeps around here though, well not with mods...

PM incoming.