Fab9Tuning's NC MX-5 Turbo Kit Discussion- EFR/Garrett V-Band
Someone pointed out a subtle stab directed toward us from another vendor and I'd like to address it with facts, as a professional. We don't consider their product a direct competitor for many reasons, but I won't have snide comments out there left unaddressed. Our kit is the premium solution, on every level, hands down. Just as it was intended to be from the beginning.
The statement was:
"The blues and purples look nice, but those are shades you see right before the chromium boils away and weakens the weld."
This is false. Plain dead wrong. First, the HAZ is super small on our welds, as it should be, thanks to expensive boutique #12 cups, and 30chf.
Second, chromium definitely leaves the stainless during welding, which is why you use 308 rod on 304 to replace it.
We didn't accidentally ceramic coat our manifolds before taking pictures of proper welds. It's all about fitment, proper penetration, quality materials and knowing how to handle a tig torch. If you'd like to save a few dollars by all means there are solutions out there, we simply won't cut corners when the market is in need of a premium solution.
Quick break and we wanted to share this before we get back to wrapping up the day-to-day around here..
There are products to achieve this already on the market but they look like they belong on a garden hose, not our turbo kit... To source the coolant for the turbo we tossed some aluminum tubing on the lathe and cut these up...
There was also discussion about a "track ready" intercooler that "no other kit features" so I'd like to leave this here... Full 3.5" thick monster intercooler with unbelievable exposure after installation. Plus, these end tanks are formed inside with airflow dynamics in mind, not a shape that appears to be the result of fabrication limitations.
The mount is a robust 1/4" water jet aluminum plate that is being welded to each IC this evening. None of that flimsy 1/8th sheet metal stuff here!
We're on our 5th downpipe and here is another example of absolutely perfect penetration. These are also welded in short sections at a time to keep from warping the flange.
The statement was:
"The blues and purples look nice, but those are shades you see right before the chromium boils away and weakens the weld."
This is false. Plain dead wrong. First, the HAZ is super small on our welds, as it should be, thanks to expensive boutique #12 cups, and 30chf.
Second, chromium definitely leaves the stainless during welding, which is why you use 308 rod on 304 to replace it.
We didn't accidentally ceramic coat our manifolds before taking pictures of proper welds. It's all about fitment, proper penetration, quality materials and knowing how to handle a tig torch. If you'd like to save a few dollars by all means there are solutions out there, we simply won't cut corners when the market is in need of a premium solution.
Quick break and we wanted to share this before we get back to wrapping up the day-to-day around here..
There are products to achieve this already on the market but they look like they belong on a garden hose, not our turbo kit... To source the coolant for the turbo we tossed some aluminum tubing on the lathe and cut these up...
There was also discussion about a "track ready" intercooler that "no other kit features" so I'd like to leave this here... Full 3.5" thick monster intercooler with unbelievable exposure after installation. Plus, these end tanks are formed inside with airflow dynamics in mind, not a shape that appears to be the result of fabrication limitations.
The mount is a robust 1/4" water jet aluminum plate that is being welded to each IC this evening. None of that flimsy 1/8th sheet metal stuff here!
We're on our 5th downpipe and here is another example of absolutely perfect penetration. These are also welded in short sections at a time to keep from warping the flange.
Reply
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Someone pointed out a subtle stab directed toward us from another vendor and I'd like to address it with facts, as a professional. We don't consider their product a direct competitor for many reasons, but I won't have snide comments out there left unaddressed. Our kit is the premium solution, on every level, hands down. Just as it was intended to be from the beginning.
The statement was:
"The blues and purples look nice, but those are shades you see right before the chromium boils away and weakens the weld."
This is false. Plain dead wrong. First, the HAZ is super small on our welds, as it should be, thanks to expensive boutique #12 cups, and 30chf.
Second, chromium definitely leaves the stainless during welding, which is why you use 308 rod on 304 to replace it.
We didn't accidentally ceramic coat our manifolds before taking pictures of proper welds. It's all about fitment, proper penetration, quality materials and knowing how to handle a tig torch. If you'd like to save a few dollars by all means there are solutions out there, we simply won't cut corners when the market is in need of a premium solution.
Quick break and we wanted to share this before we get back to wrapping up the day-to-day around here..
There are products to achieve this already on the market but they look like they belong on a garden hose, not our turbo kit... To source the coolant for the turbo we tossed some aluminum tubing on the lathe and cut these up...
There was also discussion about a "track ready" intercooler that "no other kit features" so I'd like to leave this here... Full 3.5" thick monster intercooler with unbelievable exposure after installation. Plus, these end tanks are formed inside with airflow dynamics in mind, not a shape that appears to be the result of fabrication limitations.
The mount is a robust 1/4" water jet aluminum plate that is being welded to each IC this evening. None of that flimsy 1/8th sheet metal stuff here!
We're on our 5th downpipe and here is another example of absolutely perfect penetration. These are also welded in short sections at a time to keep from warping the flange.
The statement was:
"The blues and purples look nice, but those are shades you see right before the chromium boils away and weakens the weld."
This is false. Plain dead wrong. First, the HAZ is super small on our welds, as it should be, thanks to expensive boutique #12 cups, and 30chf.
Second, chromium definitely leaves the stainless during welding, which is why you use 308 rod on 304 to replace it.
We didn't accidentally ceramic coat our manifolds before taking pictures of proper welds. It's all about fitment, proper penetration, quality materials and knowing how to handle a tig torch. If you'd like to save a few dollars by all means there are solutions out there, we simply won't cut corners when the market is in need of a premium solution.
Quick break and we wanted to share this before we get back to wrapping up the day-to-day around here..
There are products to achieve this already on the market but they look like they belong on a garden hose, not our turbo kit... To source the coolant for the turbo we tossed some aluminum tubing on the lathe and cut these up...
There was also discussion about a "track ready" intercooler that "no other kit features" so I'd like to leave this here... Full 3.5" thick monster intercooler with unbelievable exposure after installation. Plus, these end tanks are formed inside with airflow dynamics in mind, not a shape that appears to be the result of fabrication limitations.
The mount is a robust 1/4" water jet aluminum plate that is being welded to each IC this evening. None of that flimsy 1/8th sheet metal stuff here!
We're on our 5th downpipe and here is another example of absolutely perfect penetration. These are also welded in short sections at a time to keep from warping the flange.
Reply
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 199
Total Cats: 31
From: Memphis, TN
Actually, the jab didn't come from he whom you've insinuated. Surprising turn of events, it was!
Also, as was pointed out a few posts ago, the 800cc's may or may not be sufficient for some people's intended goals. Brian also has 1000cc ID's in stock which is what I purchased for my Fab9 kit.
Sounds like we pre-prod folks may see our kits on our doorsteps as early as next week. w00t.
Also, as was pointed out a few posts ago, the 800cc's may or may not be sufficient for some people's intended goals. Brian also has 1000cc ID's in stock which is what I purchased for my Fab9 kit.
Sounds like we pre-prod folks may see our kits on our doorsteps as early as next week. w00t.
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Tonight we wrapped up our "jig" set of intercooler pipes and the battery base plate. Couldn't be more pleased with the finished piece. This setup supports our AGM 680 battery and slightly repositions the power steering reservoir. No need to relocate it and run power steering lines all over your engine bay. If you're a pre-production customer that has not already purchased this setup, and don't want to relocate your battery please reach out to me.
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 199
Total Cats: 31
From: Memphis, TN
Yeah and I messed up -- saw the invoice for the downpipe and AGM setup (and a pair of guages) and wrongly assumed it was the last invoice. Seemed delightfully low 
Still gotta get my atmospheric tune so I can flesh out my dyno baselines, otherwise MY BODY IS READY.
Oh, and the clutch install looks like Dante's Inferno, 9th level of hell type of bullshit. I might pansy out and pay someone else to do that. Not that I couldn't do it, it just looks like I really do not WANT to do it
Still gotta get my atmospheric tune so I can flesh out my dyno baselines, otherwise MY BODY IS READY.
Oh, and the clutch install looks like Dante's Inferno, 9th level of hell type of bullshit. I might pansy out and pay someone else to do that. Not that I couldn't do it, it just looks like I really do not WANT to do it
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Newb
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 23
Total Cats: 2
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The decision was made to produce a downpipe adaptation kit. This setup will allow the user to utilize their factory exhaust system AND leave them with a nice 3" V-Band for future use with an aftermarket exhaust system.
As you can see it fits beautifully.
The first three sets of intercooler pipes were completed today, these are for the shop NC (keeping with the purple theme).
As you can see it fits beautifully.
The first three sets of intercooler pipes were completed today, these are for the shop NC (keeping with the purple theme).
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,146
Total Cats: 1,087
From: Lake Forest, CA
You guys... Sheesh, you guys. Looks fantastic.
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I am at such an impasse! I have thousands upon thousands of dollars of parts for my 01, ready to start building it into a streetable SuperMiata-ish build. However, NC prices are dropping like a rock and the NC is just a flat out better chassis (I have owned both). Do I take the plunge and start selling off all my NB stuff and get an NC to work towards having this glorious kit? Decisions, decisions...
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