Ditto..... (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

Ditto to everything Stan has taken the time to communicate here. I have personally had conversations with the Dinan people and it seemed like they were doing me a favor talking to me. Tried to call them several times and always get voice mail. Finally, I got one of their people that called back and he wasn't too informative and directed me to the web site for any questions.

I bought my car with the Stage III suspension, intake manifolds, exhaust, engine and trans chips installed by the previous owner. I don't have a before and after comparison, but I do have the
invoices from the work that was done and it was not an inexpensive undertaking. I am not too happy with the shocks as I feel they could use more compression damping. I am looking into replacing them, but really need to evaluate my needs vs. my expectations of a 4200lb car first.

As Stan has pointed out, there are less expensive ways to accomplish the same, or better result. Good components do not always have to be expensive. With Dinan, you are getting a name. In fact, if you buy enough of it you will "earn" a badge that you can stick on your decklid if you are into that. Otherwise, if you go the route Stan has suggested, no one will know but you what was done to the car and how much (or how little) you spent to get the results.

1) Yes, Dinan is more expensive than you can do by using other brands. Dinan stuff is good, but you can get the same performance for less. Some of their stuff is a rip (e.g. intake gaskets), some of it is good stuff.
2) Contrary to what a lot of folks have complained about, I and many others have had good relationships/conversations with the folks at Dinan. You just have to talk with their 8 specialist, not any of the M3 bozos.
3) Personally, I don't deal with them often, but I've not had a bad experience with Dinan people or products.

Now to specifics:
1) Buy the Conforti engine chips (see links in posts below). If you want, buy the Dinan tranny chip. No one has reported problems with the combo. Jim C's chips have "proven" better power curves.
2) Tranny cooler. What Fer? I may be blowin' smoke here, but I don't see the need for it.
3) Suspension - you'll pay a lot less just going for Bilstein/Koni's from Bekker's or Zygmunt. Dinan does have a camber plate, but that's all that I'd get from them. Buy a CSi front and rear sway bar.
4) Intake manifold - have your stock one Extrude-honed.
5) Exhaust -buy a Supersprint.
6) Take the money you've saved and put it into good 18" wheels with top performance tires.
7) You'll be much happier.

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.