……A success story that is……..

Intro:
Let me start by saying that this thread has been started only to express my own personal experience w/ Altered Atmosphere. If you have taken note on my post count - I obviously don’t post much, so please keep any snide comments to your self. This thread will not be used for anyone else to bash, hate and or talk ****. You are welcome to share just as long as you stay on topic, be civil and act like your grown – otherwise, save the drama for your mamma! Thank You!

Brief History:
I bought my new G35 Coupe back in November of 2005. I had initially intended not to modify the vehicle….I think we have all said that before. Any how, that didn’t last long – my first round of mods was all the typical breathing/bolt on mods and a reflash. The reflash was my first introduction to AAM. I quickly got bored and decided to do a full build, forged motor w/ twins……

Extremely shortened version:
By July of 2006 I was on my way. Mike @ AAM had assured me that he would take care of me and I had nothing to worry about……little did I know – that this venture was just the beginning of a 2 year roller coaster. I must say that Mike and his crew at the time painted such a beautiful and believable vision for me….I suppose that’s there job. Needless to say as soon as my car was dropped off for the overhaul – things began to go south. A lot of miscommunication, misinformation, and inaccurate information…so on and so on. Mike and I bumped heads quite a bit. I felt the build was not going the way we had originally planned. I was sick to my stomach and debated with myself whether or not I had made the right choice. Fast forwarding ahead – once the car had been put back together March 2007 – my nightmare just got even worse…OIL CONSUMPTION! Even though the car didn’t show the typical signs – 12 quarts of oil every 3k miles became very expensive!!

Final Thoughts:
I’m sure most of you are thinking that this was supposed to be a success story??.......well it is….I just haven’t gotten to that point yet. I truly think that everyone has this “ideal” way of how things are supposed to be and turn out….I know I did and still do. As a consumer that spends an exuberant amount of money on his vehicles – I expected and demand for the best!! Why not?? I paid good money (cash in my case). I want perfection!! These things are not completely unreasonable – but are they practical in this situation?? During this entire process with my car – I realized that Mike (AAM) are just normal human beings and can’t work miracles. I also realized that modifying my car the way I have – I need to except that things will not always go as planned….I think we can all agree to that. On the same token - I truly hope that Mike and the people that currently and or have worked at AAM realize that we (the customer) shouldn’t have to lower our standards, settle for mediocracy and or even deal with less then perfect customer service. Being as particular as I am, I know for a fact that I’m not the easiest person to work with. I share these little tid bits in order for everyone to relate and understand the progression I have had w/ AAM. I have witnessed Mike as well as his team evolve. By no means have they reached their destination, but they have made much, much progress and are learning from their mistakes. That being said @ nearly 19k driven miles on the 1st built motor, Mike finally agreed along with his AAM Team to take round 2 with my build. An even bigger challenge was having to deal with me. Yes people – Mike/AAM agreed to 100% stand behind their product. Mike had agreed to pay for all parts and labor for the oil guzzling monster of a motor. AAM has gone the distance in providing a huge effort in making things right. A HUGE THANKS to Jason being caught in the middle of the whirl wind, he always tried to get me some sort of answer to calm me down. Thanks to Randy for mumbling curse words under his breath. A HUGE THANKS to Clint for always trying to stay positive and providing hope. Clint is a breath of fresh air for that shop and given the opportunity – he will be the driving force to getting that shop where it needs to be. A HUGE THANKS to Eric for all his fabrication and welding skills. A HUGE THANKS to Alex – for having an obsessive compulsive disorder (I mean that in a wonderful way)….his machining skills are bar none, the best! A HUGE THANKS to Frank Hill….at times I felt like my car was in “Hills Garage” as many times my car has sat on his lift. I’m sure he has cussed me many times. I have never seen a more professional, honest, and hard working mechanic. Frank always takes the time to talk to me about my car and he always makes me a priority. Frank’s work is hands down flawless. His work is as meticulous as it gets…..let me stop there, I don’t want his head to get too big – he’s got to save all the hair he can. To everyone else @ AAM that had a hand in my build(s) – I THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! My 2nd built motor has almost 5k miles – she purrs like a kitten and runs like a champ. Lastly – A HUGE, HUGE THANKS to Mike, he has thoroughly impressed me for standing by his words and has delivered. Hopefully, my car has been a learning experience for everyone. Things at the shop still need improvement but as long as Mike sticks to his ethics (see below – quoted from AAM Website) more and more people/customers will know that he has been making huge efforts to change. Understand it’s your character that people remember and pay attention to when things go wrong…its how and what you do to rectify the situation...It's one thing to "talk the talk" BUT it holds so much more value to actually "walk the walk.”

“Business Ethics - We stand by our Customers......At AAM the basic business ethic is carried on, an ethic of being honest, providing unparalleled service, 100% customer satisfaction, and a commitment to every customer who walks through the door”

The quality of the people and your product, determines the success of your business

Thanks,
Karl
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Im not one for HUGE parts list, but I can tell you one thing - I didn't cut any corners....so.....to keep it minimal: JWT 700bb TT Kit, Built/Forged bottom end, alot of cooling mods, Hks VPRO & much more.....and for the rest....what you see is what you get.

A Few Pics of the "Mistress"









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Great to hear that everything is coming together and they're evolving (good word). Your story was great as well. You left your feelings out of it and stated the facts.

I personally had a great experience with them but it was just for something minor compared to what you were doing.

I thought it was a thread bashing on your AAM i was like ooooh damn getting interesting, then you end up thanking them so never mind...oh wells glad to hear about your good experience and most definitely enjoy your new built set up

I am glad to hear that there is another shop that stands behind their work.



Homie...When you go to SGP..who do you deal with? Mark is kool and honest....its that Thomas guy I dont and will never trust The only way SGP will ever get a dime from me again is if Mark calls me and tells me that he fired Thomas. If you read this Thomas....its because you way over charged me on the DLI even though I called you on it....and the only reason I did not tell you to take it out of the car is because of Mark....I just went and paid the over $100 more you charged over what other dealers are charging.I even told you that I had dealer price access from HKS and that I know what others are charging....but you though you were all that. MAN !! if it were not for Mark....the things I would post over at my350z.

Sorry OP.......did not mean to go OT....I just saw the SGP name and had a flashback Thomas

NICE LOOKING CAR !!!!

I'll say the same thing as I did at My350

8 months to build and install a TT kit as the motor goes back in , is rediculous !!! And then have to go who knows how long to get it fixed...seems like a 2 year night mare to me . Then you give them Kudo's ????? Must have been part of the deal to get your car fixed....!!!!

OUCH !!!

Damn Karl i didnt know you had any problems with the car.I still remember going to the skyline drive meet and you and alberto racing down 95 and i never saw any smoke out the back end but its good to hear that your in good shape again.

8 months for a TT and Build

Thats because is one of those "Special Special Special" builds.

I am glad you had a good experience with AAM, your car looks like an amazing sleeper. And nice BBK.

Also whoever you dealt with at AAM I am guessing is not the person who quoted me $400 for an HKS exhaust install and $350 for a spring install two months ago. I don't foresee myself ever calling those guys back again.

LOL well it depends where you call, shops that do building engines and installing turbos/SCs all day wont charge the same prices as little small shops would, it's always going to be more, so might as well take it to a garage shop near by and have them handle those small stuff haha. But $400 bucs for exhaust install is bullsh1t! haha...As for springs I seen it go that much before at some baller shops

I think it was fair to share all (or at least some) points- good and bad. Thanks for the feed back...it means alot!

Thanks bro! You made some very valid points. That is why I put this thread toghether......Looking back I think Mike and I would/ve done things differently. Although my build and or the entire process was not timely - I still have to respect the fact that these people @ AAM continued to push forward to make sure I was happy....2 month or 2 years, it is what it is.

Thanks for the truthful comments!

Yeah dude! Tell me about it....I truly wish I had no oil issues on the first motor - it felt so strong and continued getting stronger the day considering the motor was wack. No one would believe me if I had said that when we broke into the 1st motor the machine work (previously sourced out - no longer in the picture) was awful. Cylinders were coned shaped, clearances were off the charts etc etc.......with all that being said the car NEVER had the "typical" symptoms?!?!?!?!

Your car was looking fresh when I saw her at IOT - Thanks bro!

You can't rush perfection......

Thanks bro - I'm a big fan of the BBK as well

Thanks for all the kind words!

Karl

Next time spend your hard earned $$ here...
http://www.functiontuned.com/

u will not be disappointed..

Or Forged Performance or GTM or MRC or Performance Factory

U will not be *disappointed*