Attn CA Members - Shop Info Requested

[HPF_MK3T]

I recently received a phone call from a customer who had taken his Eclipse to a shop called ATT Turbo in the Freemont, CA area (Has a Dyno for tuning) and left it overnight for them to tune. He had a recently professionally rebuilt motor w/ Eagle Rods and JE Pistons (less than 2k miles), AEM EMS, FJO Wideband, AEM 3.5 Bar MAP Sensor, 650cc Injectors, Upgraded turbo (less than 250 miles). He received a phone call the following day saying a cylinder was making no compression and the possibility of a rod that had failed. They then blamed the 3.5 Bar AEM Map sensor for not working, and that the Eagle rods are "Mass produced in Chinese Sweat Shops". The customer took his car home and found chunks of metal in his oil pan and it starts with a loud clunking noise. He also notices his oil pan looks like the car has been jacked up by the oil pan--big dent, 4 dimples. I would just like to know if this is a reputable tuner shop and if anybody has had any good/bad experience with them. They said that they have had experience with the AEM system. Any input or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe Schesso
Horsepowerfreaks, Inc

 

[Ludachris]

I think you might be referring to ATP Turbo (www.atpturbo.com) in Fremont. From what I've heard they're pretty reputable, though I'm not sure how much of that reputation is from working on DSMs. I haven't dealt with them myself, but I know a couple people that have - I'll see what I can find out. I know they do a lot of VW,/Audi, BMW and f-body performance work.

They're fairly well known around these parts because they have an AWD dyno.

 

[DrZiplok]

I think you may have a hard time getting anyone to say much critical of any of the local shops, more because freedom of online expression has become risky than because they're all particularly wonderful.

I have spent a little time at ATP, if this is indeed the shop you're talking about. They seemed reasonably professional, but certainly not a first-class operation.

If the customer is local, I would recommend documenting *all* of the evidence. Take stock of the paperwork (if any) that accompanied the leaving of the vehicle, and photographs of all of the evidence (especially the marks on the oilpan). The lack of any paperwork does not necessarily leave your customer SOL, especially if money has changed hands; there is a reasonable expectation that can be made as to the care of the vehicle and the symptoms you describe certainly don't fit it.

Then contact the local BBB. I would take these steps as rapidly as possible; for the sort of expense likely to be incurred, real legal advice is probably warranted.

For future suggestions, you might want to recommend Vishnu Performance Tuning in Pleasanton as an alternative. I have tuned there in the past, and would be more inclined (although still not enthusiastic) to leave a vehicle in their care.

Good luck to your customer.

 

[Ludachris]

Let me ask that everyone please email the original poster instead of posting complaints in this thread. I don't want this to become a bashing session.