Why the dislike towards AJP?

[I Vtec, do you?]

I see so many threads where people are always concerned about the quality of AJP and the like. Why?

They seem to know their shit - they always reply to threads with knowledge on the topic, they were the first to run 11s in the strip, first to hit 500+ WHP, and their car is still taking it like a champ.

There were a few kinks in the beginning, which I think can either be credited to a new platform, driver error / installation, and tuning.

Just wondering what people's thoughts are on AJP since a lot seem to view them negatively and I can't seem to see why...

[06si]

What turned me off is the fact that almost everybody who received the first shipment has either sold the kit or sold their car within like 6 months of installing the turbo. I don't know if it's just a coincidence or what but i don't feel like throwing down 5 grand and messing up my engine even more than it already is.

[I Vtec, do you?]

Originally Posted by 06si

What turned me off is the fact that almost everybody who received the first shipment has either sold the kit or sold their car within like 6 months of installing the turbo.

That's exactly what worries me. I recently came into a bit of money, and since this car is my most prized thing I own, I want to put some of it towards it. I figure I can shave away 8k and still have plenty left over for a rainy day, ion case one come about.

I was seriously considering putting her in the hands of AJP and getting her up to 350 WHP or so, but I want to hear everyone's thoughts on that first. It seems like they're doing it right, but I'm just confused why no one holds onto the kit...

I was also thinking a comptech blower, but I'm really wanting a turbo over a S/c.. After driving a mazdaspeed protege, which only puts down a tiny bit of boost to 170 HP and feeling that tiny turbo spooling up, I can't imagine the hit of a turbo from AJP. I figure since I love the feeling of Vtec kicking in, I would love the spooling of a turbo instead of the always-on power of a S/C.

[Mr Bigs]

Well you could say that most of the first kit owners were like beta-testers. AJP was the first to make a worthwhile kit for the Si but they were in the learning process also,no-one has blown an engine yet with the kit. AJP is also a small company that doesn't have the advanced facilities as larger companies(Greddy,Comptech,etc). People encountered alot of hiccups on the kit including AJP on their own car. The biggest problem is engine management which isn't under their control. Once a new engine management surfaces alot of these problems will be eliminated.

[GreySi07]

Originally Posted by Mr Bigs

Well you could say that most of the first kit owners were like beta-testers. AJP was the first to make a worthwhile kit for the Si but they were in the learning process also,no-one has blown an engine yet with the kit. AJP is also a small company that doesn't have the advanced facilities as larger companies(Greddy,Comptech,etc). People encountered alot of hiccups on the kit including AJP on their own car. The biggest problem is engine management which isn't under their control. Once a new engine management surfaces alot of these problems will be eliminated.

I agree,but you might just want to go ahead and call AJP so you can get all of your questions answered.

[DetachmentBravo]

Your point about engine management is dead on, but it also raises some questions for many of us. Mainly, why would AJP release a product that does not have sufficient tuning support? There is the feeling that AJP rushed to the market and could do with a little more R&D.

Also, reading the responses from the AJP posters on the forum, I feel that they have very different priorities than most of the enthusiast here. AJP is relentlessly pursuing the goal of having the highest horsepower, fastest 1/4 mile FG2 on the planet, and they have succeeded brilliantly at this. As a consumer, however, this is not my goal. I don't want and don't need 500whp or even 400 whp. I want reliable, streetable horsepower that I don't have to wait until 4,000 rpm for. I want a kit that will last me 50,000 miles or more. For my money I feel far more comfortable going with a Greddy kit as it better suits my needs.

[sickyute]

^^^^
your 1 error up there is "greddy kit" ....
u'd be lucky to get what u paid for out of the greddy kit ... and i'm saying that cuz of the countless threads of people asking for help, maps, solutions, etc etc ... even those who completely got rid of greddy kits for comptech blowers and in 2 cases(that i know of) AJP kits ...
some have had success after tuning, others have tuned and still no success ... it's like a hit or miss ...

i think the reason for them moving on to 500+whp is because the kit currently for sale is done with for now ... as in that's where they'll leave it at the moment for the consumer but they'll move up to show the limits of the kit ...

people have sold kits ... some may have been buyers remourse, unhappy with kit, other things came up and there was a need for money etc etc ....

others have kept their kits and seem quite content with it ...

this is a forum ... and a lot get's lost in translation ... take everything with a grain of salt ...

personally ... i'd slap this kit on my car again if i wasn't using the money for other projects on the sedan ...

[TsujenDB1]

Originally Posted by DetachmentBravo

I want reliable, streetable horsepower that I don't have to wait until 4,000 rpm for..

Thank turbo isn't your think, go all motor :) But if you really think about it, when your racing someone your above 4k in every gear hell even above 5k

[TsujenDB1]

my 5000 mile review on the AJP kit

check that out

[ezcivic type r]

Id say wait until Hondata is finished with Kpro or what ever it is. then get the kit or piece together a kit and get it tuned by someone who knows what they are doing.

[honda06si]

the only arguments i have with AJP is that the kit is a little overpriced...and for someone living far away and only getting to talk over the phone...their custom service isnt the greatest

[honda06si]

look here

my 5000 mile review on the AJP kit

[F.I.A.T]

Originally Posted by 06si

What turned me off is the fact that almost everybody who received the first shipment has either sold the kit or sold their car within like 6 months of installing the turbo. I don't know if it's just a coincidence or what but i don't feel like throwing down 5 grand and messing up my engine even more than it already is.

from your own words you told me your parents usually buy you and your brother a new car about every year or so. maybe your not the only one who has this privaledge.

to clear things up off all the kit only 4-5 have been sold. this is tracked since all the new owners have to order the reflash from us either way. not to mention 2 of the kits were sold before they were ever installed maybe its was buyers remorse. i have no idea.

[F.I.A.T]

Originally Posted by DetachmentBravo

Your point about engine management is dead on, but it also raises some questions for many of us. Mainly, why would AJP release a product that does not have sufficient tuning support? There is the feeling that AJP rushed to the market and could do with a little more R&D.

Also, reading the responses from the AJP posters on the forum, I feel that they have very different priorities than most of the enthusiast here. AJP is relentlessly pursuing the goal of having the highest horsepower, fastest 1/4 mile FG2 on the planet, and they have succeeded brilliantly at this. As a consumer, however, this is not my goal. I don't want and don't need 500whp or even 400 whp. I want reliable, streetable horsepower that I don't have to wait until 4,000 rpm for. I want a kit that will last me 50,000 miles or more. For my money I feel far more comfortable going with a Greddy kit as it better suits my needs.

the fact remains that unless you push the limits of the known envelope you will never be able to develop a product that will last. you dont manufacture a connecting rod to withstand 300WHP and only that number. from a manufacturers point it is important to build all your products to exceed what the average consumer will ever need. this allows for us to confidently stand behind whatever has our name on it.

[F.I.A.T]

Originally Posted by honda06si

the only arguments i have with AJP is that the kit is a little overpriced...and for someone living far away and only getting to talk over the phone...their custom service isnt the greatest

thats is kind of odd, justin since i have ben there to answer all of your questions as well as your mother's when she stopped by and visited us. I have always said anyone that wishes to speak with us can gladly give us a call. in most instances i have always recommended a phone call over IM's or emails since some of what i might say will either be distorted or misunderstood which can much easier be correct during a live conversation.

[TwinScroll]

Props for AJP for shining out first. Correct me if I am wrong but its Greddy and AJP to be the first Co.'s to throw down a turbo kit. For the kids who broke stuff or whatever, its the risk the we take knowing that everything is still too new. Communication is the key to any successful business and if that's what they were or "are" lacking then its something that can be fixed. Otherwise, TUNE ON...

[DetachmentBravo]

Originally Posted by F.I.A.T

the fact remains that unless you push the limits of the known envelope you will never be able to develop a product that will last. you dont manufacture a connecting rod to withstand 300WHP and only that number. from a manufacturers point it is important to build all your products to exceed what the average consumer will ever need. this allows for us to confidently stand behind whatever has our name on it.

This is a very sensible and correct form of product development. However, I would argue that this is not necessarily the best form of testing for all applications. For those seeking maximum horsepower, pushing the envelope is perfect, but for those looking for more midrange power, it might be better to perform endurance tests and optimization of boost response.

[sickyute]

Originally Posted by DetachmentBravo

This is a very sensible and correct form of product development. However, I would argue that this is not necessarily the best form of testing for all applications. For those seeking maximum horsepower, pushing the envelope is perfect, but for those looking for more midrange power, it might be better to perform endurance tests and optimization of boost response.

then this is not the kit for them ...
they'll be happy with greddy or comptech or redshift or whoever ...
i'm just saying ...

that's why the buyer needs to do the research before they jump in ...
unfortunately most see numbers and jump in ... which is good and bad

[DetachmentBravo]

Originally Posted by sickyute

then this is not the kit for them ...
they'll be happy with greddy or comptech or redshift or whoever ...
i'm just saying ...

that's why the buyer needs to do the research before they jump in ...
unfortunately most see numbers and jump in ... which is good and bad

Very true. I guess that was my original point... I just went on a tangent. People have a tendency to bash whatever doesn't meet their wants or needs.

[blueroadster]

I agree that the kit is a little expensive however, the price has gone down since the initial debut.

Other than that, some people (including myself) have had issues, but the AJP guys were willing to help resolve. They may not be active on the forum 24-7 (who is), but every time I have called them, they always took the time to assist.