Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - My build thread/experiences with AZ86 & JDL

Hey guys,

((I'm on mobile, and Tapatalk won't let me upload any picture I've tried, so I'll email them to my PC))

I want to preface this by saying I'm the type of customer that doesn't like to bad mouth service that isn't up to par. I was pretty vulnerable to poor quality work in the first year of having this car. The flex tubes started to rattle on my first set of headers, so I went to a local shop to have them fix the problem. The result was pretty ugly and costly. Rather, I like to promote those that deserve it, people that have a passion for what they do, and people that care about the customer.

I've had my 2014 Whiteout FR-S since December '13, and right now this is what I have installed:

JDL catted UEL headers
JDL 2.5" over pipe
JDL 2.5" catless front pipe
Manzo M2 2.75"catback
aFe drop in dry air filter
TRD springs
25mm rear, 20mm front track spacers
Whiteline front camber bolts
Carsmo armrest @MaddBaggins awesome custom made 10 ball shift knob

It's nothing too crazy, but the purpose of this thread was to document the help I have received from the local community since I've had the car. This is my first ever self purchased and insured car (I've only owned a motorcycle). In other words, I've really needed the help.

I want to thank the entire AZ86 community first. I an convinced that this group is among the best 86 community in the world. @jeffsides does an amazing job with keeping the group positive and active. Just take a look at the AZ86BASH2 turnout from yesterday.

Next, I want to thank @AZFA20 (Alan) for being the local guy I go to for installs and to learn about our cars. He has worked on many many 86's, so I feel very comfortable bringing my car to him. If you're in the AZ area, go to Surprise if you want a passionate and helpful guy to take care of you and your car.

Lastly, I am happy to say that, as with @AZFA20, I have gained a couple of friends as well as trustworthy guys to buy from with the JDL Auto Design team. I mentioned how I like to support passionate vendors, and it's clearly the case with JDL. It took me a while to get to know them, because they don't spend a lot of time on the Internet getting caught up in what seems like a trend of vendors trying to say how much better they are than the rest, while degrading others' work. JDL spends that time working on our cars, making sure they hammer down a repeatable and quality product. I also value a personalized experience. It's nice to talk to people about hockey, where they are from, etc. when you are working with them.

I'll share a reason why I'm so thrilled with JDL. I ordered those catted headers (of which I'll get a video clip shortly) about a month ago, and asked if they would be able to get them done before the AZ86BASH. They said they would do their best and keep me updated throughout the process. They were swamped with projects leading up to the Bash, and 3 days ago on Friday, they let me know they would stay late on Saturday to finish it up. Not only that, but I had an appointment to get it installed with Alan Friday evening. (Quick note: JDL and Alan often share customers and work together; goes to show how the good guys stick together). They installed it for me, staying until 9 pm to get it done. This was right after another 86 owner was getting his turbo setup fixed by JDL. The previous vendor didn't do the best job at putting it together, including cutting into existing parts and leaving important components unattached. This goes back to where I mentioned they put many hours into their processes, so it's done with proper fitment. Also mentioned earlier is the quality of their products. The 86 community is well aware of that by now, as shown in their product threads and community reviews.

I'll wrap this up by saying I apologize if this isn't the best spot to give credit where it is due, but I need to give thanks to everybody I mentioned for helping me realize the 86 family is such an amazing group to be a part of for my first car.