Repost? Nope!

As you may know, I have a Dezod Stage 1 Turbo Kit. I've had my share of issues, the most being driveability after the bolt on which I now know was due to tuning. I previously had a Stage 0 ordered through ZPI which I had cancelled (twice) due to shipping issues. I made my "ZPI Experience" post which I bashed ZPI for shipping and refunds - which I can now apologize for and retract - after speaking with the shop guys and gals and understanding the situation better.

With all the posts that went back and forth, Kenny still offered his help in tuning my vehicle along with helping with any other issues I had. Nervous that I may be mobbed by ZPI'ers upon arrival, I still accepted the offer.

I drove down March 3rd, stalled only once due to a pipe popping off. My hood liner got a hole burned in it, and my fan shroud near the turbo melted. Thats ___.

First I met Bryan, head mechanic. Very cool, got a tour around the shop. Then I met Kenny, thanked him for letting me in , got another tour and explanation of some of the vehicles. With 3 or so shop tC's along with 5 other shop vehicles, you can tell the are def doing some R&D.

Later on, I met Keisha, and she was very nice despite my ordering debacle. Same goes for Joey.

The took my car in after finishinp up this fully built beast (pistons, head package, clutch, stage XX turbo kit, cat back, guages, the works) and welded on the wideband and we then took both cars to get tuned. I could only get up to about 10 psi as the clutch seemed to start wearing. My highest number was 26x (can't remember), but I consistently got about 250whp and 260ish wtq. This was a HUGE difference from the 202whp running EXTREMELY LEAN during partial throttle and EXTREMELY RICH (off the chart) during full throttle that I got on the initial dyno. Previous, I could not get on it at all in higher gears as the car just fell on its face.

Kenny made some suggestions on future upgrades (piping, different BOV to fight the regular stalling), etc. We went back to the shop, installed the vacuum manifold and I was on my way. Although it took a little longer that expected, I can't complain. Everyone was cool, and I got what I came for with a very fair price.

Some notes...
Kenny has a TON of turbo components on order from what I understand. The goal is to have shippable kits on the shelf soon. Since the dates from vendors hasn't been 100% accurate, he is not giving hard dates as to when kits are complete. This was my biggest issue, and it looks like that is taken care of. I can honestly say they are not out to screw anyone! And also, the refund process does take a lot longer than usual if you go that route - but it is handled by a 3rd party.

They have TRIED and TESTED over and over again their kits.
I had issues with pipes rubbing the radiator hose, wastegate burning the heat liner and burning the fan shroud, constant stalling - all things that ZPI tested and re-designed their kit around. If you can get around the temporary wait time, seriously consider ZPI.

Kenny invited my brother and I to dinner with them and for some drinks - unfortunately my brother worked in the AM and we could not do it. I wanted to though. Ended up getting home at like 4am. D'oh.

My dyno...
Here is my car (the blue) and Bobby's car (the red). Bobby had a fully built engine, lower compression, cat back, etc running 11psi I believe. I had my car w/ the tuning. I do not have a cat back, and I was running about 10psi. After I get a cat back, I think I'll be happy with where I'm at with the vehicle until I have another pile of change to throw at it.



Ok, well, I want to say thanks again to the gang there for being cool and taking care of a previous hater .

Ok, time to re-read my post and make the necessary edits!

 

zpi is the greatest they have thier issues, but every company does if they say they dont they are lying. im hoping sometimes this year i can drive out there and visit the shop so they can see " the orginal kiddo" and how its running now.

 

Im hoping to make the 900mile journey to Louisville sometime this summer. Hopefully I will have cash to go F/I.

 

Matt, come back down.. We'll put a clutch in, and lets turn up the boost!

I'm sure we can find you an unsuspecting STi to pull on. :D

 

Good stuff.. Hopefully one day I too will make the trip.. I am always in Georgia.. whats one trip to Louisville? Good stuff.

 

Matt,

Thanks for the kind words it was nice to finally meet you after all of our interaction. I do not think that you should be disappointed with the numbers. I know that you wanted more power but look at the bright side you now have a car that you can enjoy again. I know you have been having a lot of issues and I think having these wrapped up is very important and you now have the turbo car you wanted just a little slower.

For a few more dollars I think the power you are after is there. We just need to change the MAF pipe design and redo some of the piping with the exhaust this should yield you more power.

Either way thanks for the praise as this forum is usually only used for talking down on someone.

-Kenny