Thread: Marsh Tuning and Morfius Performance

Codyace is the man. Hands down one of the best SR20 guys out there: so I'd have to believe his side.

All in all I think this thread also has a couple points under the surface, almost philosophical perches of thought (regarding automotive sport and hobby):

1) It's extremely difficult to take a 20 year old economy car, swap engines and boost it and expect OEM factory reliability (and drive ability) and:

2) It's much more worthwhile, personally satisfying and rewarding, to do the work on your car yourself. I can't say that enough. For YOU to be the reason your car is now making twice the horsepower now then when you bought it, after YOU worked on it and are the reason, is immensely satisfying IMO. It's seeing your work come to fruition. And not just that, and this is the biggest reason of all, and one of life's toughest lessons: sometimes.. YOU CAN'T COUNT ON ANYONE BUT YOURSELF.

I know that is certainly a pessimistic viewpoint on life. But it's true. It's why some of us don't even let the tire guy drive our cars into the bay 20 feet.

Chris, Cody, Matt, Mark and Tim are all quality humans with no motivation to lie.


1) It was a Lego bolt-on build. I purposefully did not break any new ground at all. Nissan OEM turbo (both of them), Nissan GTiR manifold, Nissan OEM fuel rail and Nissan S15 injectors. Modest power goals of 250-300whp. All the other systems of the car already fully sorted and capable of handling the new power goal. 3-4K worth of top quality Owner Provided Parts, a grand for a new VE, plus 9K for the shop itself (parts/labor). 5 1/2 months. Two (2) tries.

My expectation were and are entirely reasonable and can be easily met by a professional shop.

2) Ruf, Stillen, JWT, Brabus, Alpina, Hennesey, Cobb, Robello, Saleen, and a hundred thousand other professional tuner and hot-rod shops around the world appreciate customers just like me. Guys like me are the reason they can pay the rent, keep their doors open, and still bolt on the odd speed part for broke-ass youngsters.

I may be an odd one in this community, but by no means am I an anomaly as a car enthusiast.

I hear ya, Shawn. Just referring to how rewarding it is to do the stuff on your own or w a friend. I once didn't know much beyond changing oil, but eventually over the years went to engine swaps. It's great to be able to rely only on yourself and not get into these situations.... That being said for what you paid there really shouldn't be an excuse for the areas of poor workmanship. I'm with you on that 100%

This thread makes me sad on several different levels.

Here's the AC fan.

[img][URL=http://s499.photobucket.com/user/ShawnB1/media/Marsh%20Tuning%20Issues/Marsh%20morfius%20melted%20fan%20002_zpskejek6ki.jpg.html][IMG]http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr354/ShawnB1/Marsh%20Tuning%20Issues/Marsh%20morfius%20melted%20fan%20002_zpskejek6ki.jpg[/img][/URL][/IMG]

And yes, that is part of an insect melted into the plastic.

[img][URL=http://s499.photobucket.com/user/ShawnB1/media/Marsh%20Tuning%20Issues/Marsh%20morfius%20melted%20fan%20003_zpsskpeydjr.jpg.html][IMG]http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr354/ShawnB1/Marsh%20Tuning%20Issues/Marsh%20morfius%20melted%20fan%20003_zpsskpeydjr.jpg[/img][/URL][/IMG]

So I ordered an identical new fan for $75.62.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OBOOC6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01

Some heat barrier product for $22.00. This will cover the center of the back of the fan housing. Extra material to cover anything else that may need it.
Amazon.com: Thermo-Tec 13575 12" X 24" Adhesive Backed Heat Barrier: Automotive

Not to mention a turbo blanket for $79.99.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012BBSIRM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

I will probably also order some of the heat-barrier (header) wrap. Hit the downpipe and j-pipe.

Sure wish the fan was discovered and dealt with during that "shakedown" I requested a dozen times. Or found and dealt with before I came up the second time.

I suppose if you don't spot a missing PCV system, you sure as hell ain't gonna notice a warped or melted fan housing.

So far the Official Melt Count stands at three (3) items. The AC low pressure line, the radiator wire, and the AC radiator fan.

Ya, it's sad. I'm not really sure what to say about the whole mess.

I'm shocked Marsh Tuning delivered what they did...twice. I, like Shawn, was under the impression they had their shit together. Apparently, not.

I really don't understand why Marsh Tuning didn't jump all over this project. If anything, Shawn should be complaining it's over built and they went too far with it. He clearly gave them instructions to go to town....and he had the funds to back it. It's beyond me why a small business is giving an opportunity to shine and they don't take it. All they had to do was call Shawn, when they still had his trust, and get the green light for any extras that weren't discussed. It makes no sense.

You'd think the manifold/turbo/downpipe would be coated for the price tag...sorry to see that man

damn Shawn B. Sorry this happen to you bro.

The nearest auto shop to my farm is 20 minutes. They take for-ever. And ever. My Sentra would be between Bubba's tractor, Big Jim's semi, six pick-up trucks, a bass-boat, and a Winnebago.

The nearest import specialist shop to my farm is somewhere in Dallas. 160 miles.

After I got home with the car and the AC no longer blew cold, but before the compressor seized, I was out driving my Sentra.

I ran into a guy who used to work at a shop I had quote me on painting my Siebon CF parts. I never did get them painted, still in boxes in my shed rafters, but this kid remembered my car from three years ago. We chatted, he looked, shook his head, and told me he could "clean up all that mess in your bay."

I went by his new place of employment yesterday. A body-shop 25 minutes away, tiny, tiny little town. A serious load of cars in neat rows out front. Five (5) matching, meticulously maintained buildings. Grounds neat as a pin, like a very nice home lawn. The two bays I could see were not just tidy, they were immaculate. OCD, anal retentive, scrubbed and manicured kind of place. In the middle of BFE.

Met the Owner. Been at the site for 24 years. Owns every bit of it. If he does it, it is 100% and no shortcuts or he passes, "just look around." Told me he quotes firm up front, will call with any changes necessary, and "if a man ain't got his word, he's nothing." He's also looking for another good honest technician.

I talked to Chris the youngster I had met. They are 3-4 weeks out. Will not take the car until they are ready for it. Will turn it around in a couple days at most, cars do not sit. Can do all the work necessary, plus offered to build me some custom heat-shields. Which "would take some time" but will fit, work, and look professional, "not no homemade bullshit."

I'd like to get my AC fixed ASAP so Jamie can come down.

On the other hand, I really like Chris, the Owner, and their entire operation. Any decent shop out here is gonna be nearly that long of a wait, most of which will not even work on a 20-year old, import, hot-rod (and think I'm stupid for even asking).

So, I *think* I'm gonna order the parts today or tomorrow, call Chris/Owner and reserve a waiting spot on their list.