I pulled the trigger and went for it. I gave Shaun at SGP my debit card and payed 4.4 K for my new HKS F-CON V-PRO last night. The price includes everything ($890 knock amp, etc.) and the installation of my exhaust plus tune.

My research suggests that this system is far and away the best. But dang, that is a lot of money. Now I will have to go all out on my engine build and TT. That will happen in about 6-8 months when I have the 15 plus K to do it right.

I hope that the 550 to the wheels I will eventually make is worth it. Any opinions, since I am experiencing a bit of buyers remorse? Should I have gone w/ the IS (2K cheaper) or another shop that uses the UTEC?

 

nice!
I don't think you'll regret it once it's installed and running, ... you can always get a 'tuner' turbo kit installed earlier now, b/c you have some serious tuning power.

i just got the f-con v-pro too...can't wait

 

NoLimit,

I thought of that, but I will save 1.8K if I install the TT when I rebuild the bottom end.

Also, I will have to replace my tires and rims. I have the performance tire package w/ less than 3.8k on it. I REALLY like the rims (better than anything I have seen in the aftermarket) so I want to get at least 10 K on them. The Bridgstones will probably be pretty worn by 12K.

 

One suggestion I would make is to go for some drives in cars with the power levels you are interested in. If SGP has as many cars around as they claim, this should not be too difficult.

Two questions I would want answers to would be

Can I handle/control a car with that level of power?

Am I paying for power that I can't use except under certain rare circumstances?

In other words, do I understand exactly what I am getting for my money ahead of time? One drive may be worth more to you than reading 100 posts!

 

Wow, that is a lot of cash considering so many others are making that kind of power with the UTEC and others.

 

True,

The UTEC is a good unit, but the V-Pro is on another level.

Originally I was leaning towards the UTEC, but the V-Pro has more power potential and is far more smooth and sophisticated. You will never get detonation with a properly installed and tuned V-Pro. I just wonder if there are any authorized dealers out there who could do it for less.

Bill, that is probably good advice.

 

Holy smokes. I didn't realize that system was so expensive.

 

The main unit is $1400, but you need the knock amp, 890 (measures/prevents detonation which is what causes engines to blow) wideband 02 sensor (350), MAP sensor (225) harness (240) and a couple other items. The install labor is 500 and the tune 500 (claim is that the tune is more expensive since it must start from scratch).

My only complaint is that authorized HKS dealers like SGP have a monopoly so I am pretty much paying full retail for everything. I would feel a LOT better if I could save maybe 5-10 percent over retail.

I guess the proof will be in how the car runs.

 

Yeah, that's crazy money, but I guess the ends justifies the means. If it works as advertised, you'll definitely be happy.

 

Outrageous. I would hope you'd have a 10 sec car with the money you've spent. Let us know.

 

I am aiming for 500hp as I know that anything higher is really not usable power, I know as I have been with Bigbri and his did not hook up at 500+ and then he went to 700+.. . I have the Unichip which is not better than the UTEC but hell it manages just fine.

 

The V-Pro is so worth it. Hands down the best management on the market. Good choice.

 

Dan,

Everyone who has one agrees.

DP. 4K is nothing in the world of VQ FI...the engine build and TT will cost 15.

I am saving my nickels and dimes

 

Ugg, and I'm just tryin to reach 280-290 HP right now, you guys are talking 500+! Sheesh, lol

 

Chiefy,

Get a plenum spacer, exhaust and test pipes. Run a cheaper engine management like UTEC and a good tune. That should get you an extra 30 maybe 35 hp for 3K.

HP's for the VQ are expensive.