[fourZero]

First off, I'm basically a lurker around here, haven't posted much but I've read quite a bit and learned quite a bit from some very informative posts. WolfPlayer has done some extensive testing and seems to be a great help to this community.

I will post a user journal at some point in time, as I have gone through 2 turbos, 1 motor, 2 IC systems, 2 DPs, and many protunes on GST's Mustang dyno.

Long story short: I have my '06 WRB STi at GST getting a built motor w/Wiseco 0.020" oversized coated slugs, freshly rebuilt and upgraded FP Green turbo (was a 20g with 8cm hotside), Perrin stealth FMIC and blow-through boost tube, TiAL VTA BOV, TGV delete and other minor supporting modifications.

GST originally did the 20g install and tune on my motor (APS TMIC, Cobb 3" catless TBE, K&N drop-in filter), and through my own blatant stupidity and reckless driving, I cratered my #1 piston.

The car was supposed to have been finished last Saturday. Greg called my cell late Friday night and told me to hold off until Sunday, as one of the techs was sick Friday and they were running a little behind. I didn't get that message until I was halfway to Hayward (coming from Bakersfield) Saturday, they told me that it would be a long day but to go ahead and come up.

At about 5:30pm, after working feverishly to get the car up and running, Mike set up the laptop to set the rev limiter, etc. for a break-in map and noticed a significant drop in oil pressure at idle and decided to pull the plug.

We were all disappointed, to say the least, but thankfully the problem was found at the shop and not on the drive home. I asked Mike if he could take me to a hotel so that my wife could pick me up the following day. He said that there was no way he would let that situation go down that way, he promptly set up and paid for a one-way rental car from Oakland so I could get home to my family, and personally dropped me off at Enterprise.

In case any of you do not have personal experience with Mike, Greg, and the rest of the staff at GST, these guys are top-notch and have absolutely bent over backwards to accommodate my very particular needs for this build. This is on top of the many days I have spent at the shop for Protunes, etc. where the guys have come in on a Saturday JUST to work on my car, knowing that I have a very hectic work schedule and have a hard time taking time off during the week.

Mike's tuning would be enough in and of itself to keep me driving all the way up to Hayward, but it's the customer service and general attitude at the shop are what have made me a lifetime customer.

I think that once I post some empirical evidence of Mike's tuning potential, that will speak volumes by itself. We all know that the relationship with a tuner is not just about numbers though, and this is where GST shines. If you want a dyno-queen and bragging numbers, it's probably not the shop to go to, as Mike takes a very practical approach and tunes conservatively. Plus, they have the "heartbreaker" Mustang dyno, which is not good for bragging rights, but a fine tuning tool.

My hat goes off to these guys. I am not sponsored by the shop nor do I stand to gain personally by any of this, I am just a satisfied customer who felt the need to share my positive experience.

[bfrancis827]

Good info. I went to GST to check things out and have been contemplating getting a protune. So now I will!

[CenCali07STI]

yeah mikes awesome. Followed him to subie fest and hanging out with him and the guys from gst was a great time very nice people. I also went to him for a baseline and he was very informative with all my little questions.