Sorry I know this thread is dead but I just spent time reading the entire thing. Sounds like you have a beast now, congrats! I still feel like I have some unanswered questions though lol. How much was the final bill? And are you able to name the tuner at least for the sake of bad customer service so other hellcat owners don't suffer in the future?
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Killed my HC - looking for advice - worst case scenario
Hey everybody!
First post!
I wish I had a better post to start with, but unfortunately I don't. What I have is a dead HC, no warranty coverage and I have now been labeled a criminal mod-er by Dodge. Yes, I made the mistake of listening to my salesman and I am now paying the price. I can go into details on anything anyone cares to know more about but I will try and keep this first post short and to the point.
Here are the details on the car:
2018 Charger HC
Triple Black
Performance related Mods:
Toyo R888R DR’s
BWoody End Links
LMI
Catch Can
Metco Valve cover breather
Cat deletes
2.85 metco pulley/gates belt
Trinity 2 tuner tuned via email tune/data logging
93 octane tune/Race gas tune
Yes, I installed the End links, LMI, Catch can, Breather, Unlocked PCM, Pulley/belt and the trinity 2 tuner and emailed remote tunes.
I learned everything I know from the same research everyone here does and I actually had the time of my life installing these mods by myself and changing out tires several times for track days etc. This had been a life long dream to have a car this powerful, make it more powerful, race it and TRY and do the work myself. I guess that's where I made my mistake. You all can be the judge of that.
I tracked the car once before the mods and ran 11.4/124 which I believe is about what the car should run stock. I then ran it stock at a 1/2 mile event and made a modest 149.6 mph run which I thought wasn't that good. After the mods and tune, I tracked one more time and reduced my times to 10.8/132 which I was very happy about. I was scheduled to again attend a 1/2 mile event and the following occurred just a few days before the event.
The pulley and tuning had been on the car about two weeks when my life changed forever. While out and about, I hit the gas and ended up throwing a P0300 code (random piston misfire) and the engine began running rough. Later after getting home I could hear ticking coming from the engine. Nothing from the SC that I could detect that day. I knew this was bad as anyone would but for the life of me couldn't figure out why it happened.
The only additional piece of information for that day was that I had gotten a fresh oil change that morning. Don't know if that plays into any of this at all.
The only other time a code had ever been thrown was after the first emailed tune I received. It was a P0106 (MAP/Barometric pressure performance problem). The tuner stated that he may not have increased one of the values enough in the base tune he had sent me. He revised it and I installed the new tune and never saw that code again.
After that, I was happy with everything except that when I data-logged I couldn't record the 24 values the tuner was looking for and after much trial and error got 16 values he said he could work with. After receiving another revised tune, I data-logged again and sent those to him with a request for a 93 and separate race gas tune for track days. He sent a final revised tune and stated he had advanced the timing one degree. I asked if that was the 93 or race gas tune and he stated that it could be used for both. I was not sure if that was correct but I went with it since I know he is an experienced tuner.
I obtained some ms109 and ran about 2.5 gallons mixed in with about 5 gallons of 93 to see if there was any difference. I couldn't really detect anything. The day of the engine failure, I had about 2.5 ms109 mixed with about 10 gallons of 93. This was completely a testing and research period for me as I was intending to data log one of the runs. I never made it that far.
The car is not being warrantied due to the mods which I did not try to hide. I had listened to a dealer representative and thought I was completely covered. I was wrong. It also appears that the SC is now making a weird noise as well, sounds like bearings to me. I had taken it to a mechanic nearby just to hopefully help diagnose and after listening to the cylinders with a stethoscope, he noticed a weird sound coming from the SC when the car is shut off. I think the SC must have been damaged as well and is just now starting to show signs of it. I listened to it as well and could hear something I definitely don't like as the engine is turned off. I have videos of both I will try to attach to this post. BTW the mechanic noted that the rattle seems to be coming from the passenger side rear cylinder. He said all the other cylinders sound smooth.
That's my story. I contacted multiple mechanics and so far only one will even attempt to fix the car. Unfortunately he is about 6 weeks lead time before he could get started. I am searching for anyone in So Florida that could get me up and running sooner but it's not looking good. I will be contacting Gearhead Fabs as well, but they are 85 miles from me. I am open to all options though and plan to discuss this with them as soon as tomorrow.
Go easy on me guys, I can hear all the moans and groans already but my questions are:
1 - What happened, why did it fail
2 - Any recommendations on a shop down here that could handle this kind of work in house
3 - What would you be looking to do with your HC if this happened to you?
I don't know what my options are but I know they're all expensive, I've resigned myself to that reality.
Couple things, my baby's name is Bessie the HellBeast. I planned originally on keeping her forever. I mean that. Second, did I mention this was my daily driver? Yes, I'm currently ****ed.
Suggestions, constructive comments, questions, ALL WELCOME.
*I tried to attach video but it wouldn't let me. I will try again down below once I figure it out. Sorry. Added catch can to the list, forgot about that.
First post!
I wish I had a better post to start with, but unfortunately I don't. What I have is a dead HC, no warranty coverage and I have now been labeled a criminal mod-er by Dodge. Yes, I made the mistake of listening to my salesman and I am now paying the price. I can go into details on anything anyone cares to know more about but I will try and keep this first post short and to the point.
Here are the details on the car:
2018 Charger HC
Triple Black
Performance related Mods:
Toyo R888R DR’s
BWoody End Links
LMI
Catch Can
Metco Valve cover breather
Cat deletes
2.85 metco pulley/gates belt
Trinity 2 tuner tuned via email tune/data logging
93 octane tune/Race gas tune
Yes, I installed the End links, LMI, Catch can, Breather, Unlocked PCM, Pulley/belt and the trinity 2 tuner and emailed remote tunes.
I learned everything I know from the same research everyone here does and I actually had the time of my life installing these mods by myself and changing out tires several times for track days etc. This had been a life long dream to have a car this powerful, make it more powerful, race it and TRY and do the work myself. I guess that's where I made my mistake. You all can be the judge of that.
I tracked the car once before the mods and ran 11.4/124 which I believe is about what the car should run stock. I then ran it stock at a 1/2 mile event and made a modest 149.6 mph run which I thought wasn't that good. After the mods and tune, I tracked one more time and reduced my times to 10.8/132 which I was very happy about. I was scheduled to again attend a 1/2 mile event and the following occurred just a few days before the event.
The pulley and tuning had been on the car about two weeks when my life changed forever. While out and about, I hit the gas and ended up throwing a P0300 code (random piston misfire) and the engine began running rough. Later after getting home I could hear ticking coming from the engine. Nothing from the SC that I could detect that day. I knew this was bad as anyone would but for the life of me couldn't figure out why it happened.
The only additional piece of information for that day was that I had gotten a fresh oil change that morning. Don't know if that plays into any of this at all.
The only other time a code had ever been thrown was after the first emailed tune I received. It was a P0106 (MAP/Barometric pressure performance problem). The tuner stated that he may not have increased one of the values enough in the base tune he had sent me. He revised it and I installed the new tune and never saw that code again.
After that, I was happy with everything except that when I data-logged I couldn't record the 24 values the tuner was looking for and after much trial and error got 16 values he said he could work with. After receiving another revised tune, I data-logged again and sent those to him with a request for a 93 and separate race gas tune for track days. He sent a final revised tune and stated he had advanced the timing one degree. I asked if that was the 93 or race gas tune and he stated that it could be used for both. I was not sure if that was correct but I went with it since I know he is an experienced tuner.
I obtained some ms109 and ran about 2.5 gallons mixed in with about 5 gallons of 93 to see if there was any difference. I couldn't really detect anything. The day of the engine failure, I had about 2.5 ms109 mixed with about 10 gallons of 93. This was completely a testing and research period for me as I was intending to data log one of the runs. I never made it that far.
The car is not being warrantied due to the mods which I did not try to hide. I had listened to a dealer representative and thought I was completely covered. I was wrong. It also appears that the SC is now making a weird noise as well, sounds like bearings to me. I had taken it to a mechanic nearby just to hopefully help diagnose and after listening to the cylinders with a stethoscope, he noticed a weird sound coming from the SC when the car is shut off. I think the SC must have been damaged as well and is just now starting to show signs of it. I listened to it as well and could hear something I definitely don't like as the engine is turned off. I have videos of both I will try to attach to this post. BTW the mechanic noted that the rattle seems to be coming from the passenger side rear cylinder. He said all the other cylinders sound smooth.
That's my story. I contacted multiple mechanics and so far only one will even attempt to fix the car. Unfortunately he is about 6 weeks lead time before he could get started. I am searching for anyone in So Florida that could get me up and running sooner but it's not looking good. I will be contacting Gearhead Fabs as well, but they are 85 miles from me. I am open to all options though and plan to discuss this with them as soon as tomorrow.
Go easy on me guys, I can hear all the moans and groans already but my questions are:
1 - What happened, why did it fail
2 - Any recommendations on a shop down here that could handle this kind of work in house
3 - What would you be looking to do with your HC if this happened to you?
I don't know what my options are but I know they're all expensive, I've resigned myself to that reality.
Couple things, my baby's name is Bessie the HellBeast. I planned originally on keeping her forever. I mean that. Second, did I mention this was my daily driver? Yes, I'm currently ****ed.
Suggestions, constructive comments, questions, ALL WELCOME.
*I tried to attach video but it wouldn't let me. I will try again down below once I figure it out. Sorry. Added catch can to the list, forgot about that.
281 - 300 of 304 Posts
Also I'm interested to know when you originally had the problem why you didn't just change the car back to stock and take it to the dealership to have it covered under warranty?
Maybe because that's the dirt bag thing to do and the OP took responsibility for his actions?Also I'm interested to know when you originally had the problem why you didn't just change the car back to stock and take it to the dealership to have it covered under warranty?
I LITERALLY asked the dealership exactly what I could and could not do prior to making ANY mods. I asked my salesman to check with the SRT mechanic and find out exactly what would void my warranty AND stated clearly that I did NOT want to do anything to void my warranty. I followed the list of mods I received back to the letter. After tuning the car and having a catastrophic failure I took the car into the dealership in the exact condition they told me to. At no time did I ever intend on deceiving the dealership or Dodge. I do not regret handling things the way I did. I regret listening to an idiot at a dealership that LIED to me and having to pay for his lies out of my pocket.Also I'm interested to know when you originally had the problem why you didn't just change the car back to stock and take it to the dealership to have it covered under warranty?
The real shame here belongs to the dealership that allowed an employee to lie to me and then after being shown proof completely ignored this behavior and gave me the cold shoulder. I’ve learned valuable lessons that have been openly and truthfully reported here in this thread and although it is at my expense, I hope it has and will help other HC owners.
As far as what it cost? It wasn’t cheap. Installed Forged block, dual fuel pumps, BAP, 1300id’s, ATI, Upper, tensioner pulley, JBL cat-less midpipes, DSS one piece DS and dyno tuning. If all I had done was have the new block installed it would have been much cheaper obviously but it didn’t make sense not to spend the extra money.
As far as the tuner involved, most know who he is. If you’d like to know just PM me. I’m not going to reveal it on the open thread but I do agree that it is important for people to know that this dude left me high and dry and never once attempted to find out what happened and I absolutely would NOT recommend him.
Plan on posting some track vids and times soon as well as data from Ocala 1/2 mile in October. Thanks and all the support has been much appreciated.
Good on ya 3XBlackCHC cant wait to see some track times.
Yeah someone is salty, that's unnecessary and childish.Maybe because that's the dirt bag thing to do and the OP took responsibility for his actions?
Thanks for honest the reply and truthfulness of the entire thread. That really sucks they lied to you and treated you that way. Happy to see you up and running and your new times are insane! I'm jealous. Good luck with the car!I LITERALLY asked the dealership exactly what I could and could not do prior to making ANY mods. I asked my salesman to check with the SRT mechanic and find out exactly what would void my warranty AND stated clearly that I did NOT want to do anything to void my warranty. I followed the list of mods I received back to the letter. After tuning the car and having a catastrophic failure I took the car into the dealership in the exact condition they told me to. At no time did I ever intend on deceiving the dealership or Dodge. I do not regret handling things the way I did. I regret listening to an idiot at a dealership that LIED to me and having to pay for his lies out of my pocket.
The real shame here belongs to the dealership that allowed an employee to lie to me and then after being shown proof completely ignored this behavior and gave me the cold shoulder. I’ve learned valuable lessons that have been openly and truthfully reported here in this thread and although it is at my expense, I hope it has and will help other HC owners.
As far as what it cost? It wasn’t cheap. Installed Forged block, dual fuel pumps, BAP, 1300id’s, ATI, Upper, tensioner pulley, JBL cat-less midpipes, DSS one piece DS and dyno tuning. If all I had done was have the new block installed it would have been much cheaper obviously but it didn’t make sense not to spend the extra money.
As far as the tuner involved, most know who he is. If you’d like to know just PM me. I’m not going to reveal it on the open thread but I do agree that it is important for people to know that this dude left me high and dry and never once attempted to find out what happened and I absolutely would NOT recommend him.
Plan on posting some track vids and times soon as well as data from Ocala 1/2 mile in October. Thanks and all the support has been much appreciated.
Link to the latest Bessie Update
www.hellcat.org
Update on Bessie and her return to the track
Hey everybody!!! As promised I have results from TNT at PBIR and the Ocala, FL. 1/2 mile event put on by WannaGoFast. If you remember, Bessie went through a complete overhaul after an engine failure determined to have been caused by a misfire due to a lean fuel condition at WOT. Here’s the...
www.hellcat.org
I was sad when I first began to read this thread. Went through something similar when I attempted to procharge my 392 scat pack.
I am now happy again after reading all posts. Congrats on everything and getting your car back in tip-top shape
I am now happy again after reading all posts. Congrats on everything and getting your car back in tip-top shape
Thanks a lot man, much appreciated. Hope your story turned out good as well! Have a good one.I was sad when I first began to read this thread. Went through something similar when I attempted to procharge my 392 scat pack.
I am now happy again after reading all posts. Congrats on everything and getting your car back in tip-top shape
For the record. The tuner that originally tuned this car is in fact:
Johan Mangs from DiabloToona
I've come to the conclusion that anyone tuning and/or building our cars should be named whether good or bad. You can read the full thread and decide for yourself if the tuner used good judgement and/or had anything to do with the engine blowing up in the first place. Either way, his customer service sucked and he left me high and dry with no support at all. I'll name him now just for that. Sorry it took so long to post an update with his information. I am finding that some in the hotrod tuning and building world are not just poor at customer service but downright unscrupulous.
I am currently writing a review of GEARHEAD FABRICATIONS owned and operated by Mario Abascal that is sure to turn some heads and cause some backlash. I'll link to the review once im done writing it. It will be factual and true and completely unflattering. I once recommended this shop, I now recommend staying away from this shop. See the impending review to find out why.
Johan Mangs from DiabloToona
I've come to the conclusion that anyone tuning and/or building our cars should be named whether good or bad. You can read the full thread and decide for yourself if the tuner used good judgement and/or had anything to do with the engine blowing up in the first place. Either way, his customer service sucked and he left me high and dry with no support at all. I'll name him now just for that. Sorry it took so long to post an update with his information. I am finding that some in the hotrod tuning and building world are not just poor at customer service but downright unscrupulous.
I am currently writing a review of GEARHEAD FABRICATIONS owned and operated by Mario Abascal that is sure to turn some heads and cause some backlash. I'll link to the review once im done writing it. It will be factual and true and completely unflattering. I once recommended this shop, I now recommend staying away from this shop. See the impending review to find out why.
Interesting, I know quite a few that have used Gearhead Fabrications and had good dealings with them. One of the most well known members here is @WhipCat, but he doesn't post as much here as he used to.For the record. The tuner that originally tuned this car is in fact:
Johan Mangs from DiabloToona
I've come to the conclusion that anyone tuning and/or building our cars should be named whether good or bad. You can read the full thread and decide for yourself if the tuner used good judgement and/or had anything to do with the engine blowing up in the first place. Either way, his customer service sucked and he left me high and dry with no support at all. I'll name him now just for that. Sorry it took so long to post an update with his information. I am finding that some in the hotrod tuning and building world are not just poor at customer service but downright unscrupulous.
I am currently writing a review of GEARHEAD FABRICATIONS owned and operated by Mario Abascal that is sure to turn some heads and cause some backlash. I'll link to the review once im done writing it. It will be factual and true and completely unflattering. I once recommended this shop, I now recommend staying away from this shop. See the impending review to find out why.
I am familiar with whipcat, met him a couple times including once at Gearhead, very nice guy. I believe his experience has been different from mine. I won’t get into it here, I’d rather consolidate it into a new post. Either way it will be the truth without embellishment. Some may decide it’s somehow my fault. I don’t see it that way. I have a legitimate complaint against Gearhead Fabrications and no matter how much you may like them, you will be able to put yourself in my shoes and see whether my complaint is valid or not. I leave it up to the community.Interesting, I know quite a few that have used Gearhead Fabrications and had good dealings with them. One of the most well known members here is @WhipCat, but he doesn't post as much here as he used to.
Get a promise, in writing from any dealer that claims that (list of mods) is approved.
Get a legal contract drawn up and get them to sign that they will support all warranty work. If they won't, then you know what they really support.
People get married without contracts, too. It escapes me.
Get a legal contract drawn up and get them to sign that they will support all warranty work. If they won't, then you know what they really support.
People get married without contracts, too. It escapes me.
Sorry to intrude on the OP and can't wait to read about his issue with GH.Get a promise, in writing from any dealer that claims that (list of mods) is approved.
Get a legal contract drawn up and get them to sign that they will support all warranty work. If they won't, then you know what they really support.
People get married without contracts, too. It escapes me.
But, I had the exact opposite experience with my sales guy, I told him I was going to tune mine and beat on it like a [insert non politically correct something here] and he told me if I tune it, I own it, which I agreed with. I tune it and the only warranty I have is the money in my bank account.
He was knowledgable about the SRT stuff and recommended a couple shops that as far as he knew, had very few issues with the basic pulley/injector mod.
I can't understand why people would expect Dodge or any OEM to warranty a failure they clearly have no control over.
However I do understand basic economics of It's broke I want somebody else to pay for it. And jr feller is why I quit being self employed all those years ago. LOL
Not my 1st rodeo.
Good luck to the future OP..
.
You quit being self-employed years ago? So you are an employee now or won a lottery or what?
Employee and working on winning the lottery, LOLYou quit being self-employed years ago? So you are an employee now or won a lottery or what?
./
I think I'm scared straight! I'll think I'll stay stock (plausibly).
I would highly recommend staying stock if its your daily driver. If it’s your fun car and you’ve got the money to play with, have at it.I think I'm scared straight! I'll think I'll stay stock (plausibly).
281 - 300 of 304 Posts
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