AWE CATs install
#16
Just curious for the thoughts on this one. I emailed a reputable area tuner that agreed to install my AWE CATs. I asked them to give me a price and they answered "Labor to remove, cut out, re weld, reinstall new cats
4 hours @ 110 per hour
Total cost: $440"
I wanted a back-up to my friend in case I decide I would rather go with someone who's done this in the past. I worry about the 02 sensor issues that could come from inexperience. Two things about this response that I don't get. I didn't know they needed to be cut or welded from what I've read here on the forum. Secondly, 4 hours seems about 2X too long. What do you think?
4 hours @ 110 per hour
Total cost: $440"
I wanted a back-up to my friend in case I decide I would rather go with someone who's done this in the past. I worry about the 02 sensor issues that could come from inexperience. Two things about this response that I don't get. I didn't know they needed to be cut or welded from what I've read here on the forum. Secondly, 4 hours seems about 2X too long. What do you think?
There is no cutting or welding. The tuner you spoke to must not know much about P-car's since the cats are not welded in place.
As far as the time it takes. If an experienced mechanic cannot do this is less than 4 hours I would be skeptical about their skill.
#17
Just curious for the thoughts on this one. I emailed a reputable area tuner that agreed to install my AWE CATs. I asked them to give me a price and they answered "Labor to remove, cut out, re weld, reinstall new cats
4 hours @ 110 per hour
Total cost: $440"
I wanted a back-up to my friend in case I decide I would rather go with someone who's done this in the past. I worry about the 02 sensor issues that could come from inexperience. Two things about this response that I don't get. I didn't know they needed to be cut or welded from what I've read here on the forum. Secondly, 4 hours seems about 2X too long. What do you think?
4 hours @ 110 per hour
Total cost: $440"
I wanted a back-up to my friend in case I decide I would rather go with someone who's done this in the past. I worry about the 02 sensor issues that could come from inexperience. Two things about this response that I don't get. I didn't know they needed to be cut or welded from what I've read here on the forum. Secondly, 4 hours seems about 2X too long. What do you think?
#18
Take a trip down south. For a 6 pack I can do this for you It really is not complicated.
In all seriousness, if your friend has any mechanical skill whatsoever, you guys will figure it out.
In all seriousness, if your friend has any mechanical skill whatsoever, you guys will figure it out.
#19
I couldn't find anything in one place on doing the install. I have a forum member that is going to install the AWE 200 cell cats for me. He has done a lot of visual mods, but I don't believe he's done an exhaust yet, but I trust his knowledge in general. Can someone point me to install instructions or let me know of any pitfalls to watch out for? Thanks!
If he's pretty handy then let him go at it I say.. I did mine and although I've changed a couple of exhausts before, it's really quite easy if you have the right tools. I backed up onto rhino ramps and did mine in the driveway.
#20
I wish I didn't live so far or I would take you up on that! He does have the skill and he's an engineer (though I believe it's comp sci) so he's smart. I thought this sounded fishy and believe it or not, it's a place called BR Racing here in the Bay Area. They are supposed to know their stuff.
Last edited by michaeldantep; 02-17-2010 at 10:42 PM.
#22
Well, if they didn't know that's bad as a sponsor and if they did know that's worse. I have the email with the guy's name that could post here, but I won't for now. However, I did call (and got a voice mail during normal business hours) because I wanted to hear the person tell me this live
#24
The guy from BR Racing emailed me and thought for some reason I had a model where the cats were connected to the headers. It was a mistake even though my car model is clearly in the subject line of the email. Anyway, it seems they will do it and it will take them just 1 1/2 hours and they guarantee their work.
Last edited by michaeldantep; 02-17-2010 at 10:51 PM.
#26
You are probably correct. I will probably go with them b/c I can at least go back to them if something happens without feeling bad about it.
#27
I just wanted to say that Robb from BR Racing has been more than patient and helpful to me in answering all of my questions. He is going above and beyond in terms of customer service!
#28
Robb is a good guy, he'll take care of you.
#30
I bought AWE CATs from a forum member and I had BR Racing install them. They did a great job and more than this, Robb spent time answering all of my many questions. He showed me their various cars (I trust his knowledge b/c he owns a garage full of rare and other high end cars and he races) and even more importantly, he was honest about what mods would actually help my car even though he sells them all. He probably ended up saving me thousands. I intend to go back for my clear bra install and if I decide to do one more engine mod, I will be going back for that as well. My highest recommendation. The place is owned and run by a father, son team and they are very professional and knowledgeable.
All that said, I don't think I like the sound of the CATs. I drove it 30 miles home and had it up to 95 (top down). It sounds ok until you go WOT, then it sounds a bit like a rice racer to me. I will obviously try it for a while and provide more feedback. The power difference? Who knows..I can't tell, just seems louder and not a good kinda loud to me. The one good thing is the PSE button still completely quiets it down when I want it to be more normal sounding. This is just my first impression and before everyone jumps on me, sound is subjective both in terms of what is loud and what is a good sound. Also, yes it's a convertible and I had the top down, so it was louder than it would be in a coupe or with the top up.
All that said, I don't think I like the sound of the CATs. I drove it 30 miles home and had it up to 95 (top down). It sounds ok until you go WOT, then it sounds a bit like a rice racer to me. I will obviously try it for a while and provide more feedback. The power difference? Who knows..I can't tell, just seems louder and not a good kinda loud to me. The one good thing is the PSE button still completely quiets it down when I want it to be more normal sounding. This is just my first impression and before everyone jumps on me, sound is subjective both in terms of what is loud and what is a good sound. Also, yes it's a convertible and I had the top down, so it was louder than it would be in a coupe or with the top up.
Last edited by michaeldantep; 03-10-2010 at 06:09 PM.