Argh - Warranty Issues

[sl33py]

My '96 Skyline (R33 GTS-T) has a misfiring problem. After spirited driving, the engine misfires while idling. It's bad enough that gf and I go "WTF!" when we both cop what feels like a boot in the ass while waiting at the lights. I'm not sure why it does it, but after reading on here, I suspect a split in the coilpacks that might be causing the spark to arc out and hence miss.

Now here's what I consider the "real" problem:

I bought the car about a month ago, and this misfire is the only thing that really bugs me about it. I rang up the warranty company and they said all work on the car must be done with their approval and by a mechanic they nominate, after being inspected by one of those mechanics to confirm there is a problem.

The companies they listed are Fast and Furious, Evo Motorsports and some guys called "Layton Automotive".

Now, when I was shopping for the car in the first place, I got a less than great impression of FnF, and after reading the "where to get ur skyline serviced" thread, I am VERY hesitant to take it to EVO for even an inspection, never mind any work done. They also didn't impress me too much during shopping, same as FnF. So I rang Laytons, who basically said "you're much better ringing up Evo... they have much better resources for working on ur car than we do."

After all the horror stories I've read and heard about Evo, I'm not sure I want to take the car there at all... this isn't a HUGE problem.. but it does bug me.. but if i take it to Evo and they screw up the car even more then I'll be kicking myself because it was only a small annoyance in the first place.. I don't want them to work on it and leave other stuff broken or whatever, and increase my troubles.

What do u guys think I should do? The thought of just getting the coilpacks swapped out by someone like Ed@Integra Automotive or another third party has crossed my mind.. and to just not say anything to the warranty place at all.. I mean, can anyone imagine in the future some major 5h1t happens with the car and needs a few grand work and they look inside the bay and go "Woah there buddy, hang on. Those aren't the stock coilpacks!" (or whatever they determine is the cause of my problems). I mean, the car is secondhand anyway! They wouldn't have a clue what was in the car on the day I bought it.. There's no big changes like aftermarket turbo etc.. just exhaust and wheels and slight lowering.

Anyway, tell me what you think, as I really do want to get rid of this minor niggle, and would rather pay someone I think is trustworthy (i.e. anyone that's been recommended in the previously mentioned thread) to just fix the problem and not mention it to the warranty place. Think I'll go ring Ed or someone now and see what they think.

[Amaru]

Take it to Ed at Integra. From what I have seen, these warranties are practically useless and a waste of money.

Before you do anything, chuck another set of spark plugs in it. Its a 30 minute job, and the plugs (BCPR6ES) will cost you about $15 - $30 depending where you get them from. Could just be a set of shite plugs that are cleaning themselves up when driving hard and foul straight away again at idle/low revs.

[Stevie]

Like always I will recommend Trojan in Mitchell. Plugs leads and coil packs sound like the place to start looking. It depends on how good the warranty is but it might be worth doing if it saves you some cash? F&F is a workshop that doesn’t really have a reputation and is trying desperately to get one. They are closely associated with J Racing and have even moved to be closer to them. To be honest I would go of my gut feeling if I had the choice. If you didn’t get a good vibe from F&F then don’t go there! Pay the cash yourself and check out Trojan. A workshop who’s reputation allows them to have never advertised or even put a sign up outside the shop! lol…In contrast the F&F are always on the radio/print with there ads.

[sl33py]

I got new plugs last month when I bought it

I'll probaby give Ed a call. I don't think the warranty ppl will notice replaced plugs/coilpacks/whatever if they never saw the originals anyway.

[leech_]

post removed opinion has changed...

[MYSHY32]

I can also recommend Jakes Performance as he has worked on a number of my cars.

he is fairly busy at the moment with summernats approaching thou

[Stevie]

Hey mate I checked out F&F for you today and my honest advise is stay away! Multiple reasons. Wont go into it.

See Trojan.

[race_snooze]

my personal opion is to if you can pull coil packs off one at a time to find the one causing the issue, then if you have no luck swap ignighters with someone, the reason i say to do this is to save you some money, and to find what ther real proplem is, then go see a real work shop, eg ED's or Trojan

[sl33py]

Booked in with Ed!