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Dark Horse Servicing

N1T3MRE

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2024 Dark Horse Blue Ember R6103, H Pipe with Hot Dogs, Full PPF Xpel Ultimate
Engine oil life warning come on earlier than expected, putting this down to a couple of track days so not too concerned.

Can't believe the car is now 2yrs old with 18000km, and because of the track days I also asked for oil changes for the diff and tremec. This is where it gets interesting.

Prices I was quoted verbally by the service centre - Capped 24m service $379, Basic oil change for Diff between $150 and $200, and Tremec oil change.........$1500, which I politely declined thinking WTAF. Also reminded them that I still need the recall for the BCM flooding sorted.

Dropped the car off nice and early, went through what was being done for the day including what needed to be done for the recall, the noise that started after the last service like something rolling back and forth at low speeds and the bonnet flutter was getting worse, questioned about the diff and gearbox oil changes, said I only wanted the diff as $1500 I think is a little excessive for a transmission oil change (I could be wrong here), at which time was told it would be $300, politely declined and said I was quoted $150 to $200 so would do myself. They walked off and come back saying they would honour quoted price if I wanted to go ahead as they had got in gear to do already.
Was surprised when they said the car would be available same day and they would let me know when ready.

Got the call, saying all good for pick up, went back in, passed the BCM test and no issues, front tyres are down to 3mm and even (track day wear and tear) and rears at 4mm, front brake pads are down to 6mm which is good.

They took the car for a drive and stated no noise from bonnet flutter so did not adjust, its not noise just a lot of movement. So next time I am coming by let them know and the manager is coming for a drive so I can show.

The diff oil got changed, and was told I got a bargain, the oil alone was $196, I offered to pay for the consumables and was told they were going to honour the original quote........my question is what type of oil is used in the diff, and quantity to be $196 of oil.

After @Binchicken1979 commented on the state of the air filters, this was not mentioned at all of the condition or replacement requirements. Hate to see the cost of the first service after the capped price ends, but I bet it will be everything from replacement spark plugs, pads, air filters, Trans and Diff oils and filters, might have to go old school, get a set of ramps, derust the tools in the shed and start doing my own maint servicing.

One very big positive...... I believe the tech from previous service rescued the socket or whatever they dropped into a panel somewhere on the left hand side of engine bay as the noise has gone finally.......turning left or right at low speed and would hear something roll and stop, not all the time but enough to be annoying.

Biggest question I have is what is involved in doing an oil change on a Tremec, do you need any specialised tools to pressurise the system because of coolers?
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Deano1978

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Good post, I've only done 9,00km in 18mths. I need to get out more!

Interesting about the gearbox oil change. A bit of a quick google indicates the oil itself is widely available and about $110 to buy from Supercheap etc...

The gearbox model (TR3160) is petty widely used and not new, same as the GT350 and Mach 1 so there's plenty of vids around explaining how to do it. Drain/Fill plugs don't seem to be in odd locations so someone has likely screwed up the quote, there isn't $1500 worth of parts/labour in it.
 
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N1T3MRE

N1T3MRE

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I forgot - they pumped the tyres up to 40psi cold - was an absolute dog to drive, have since dropped back to 32 cold
 

hal26

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Buy a few wrenches and do this kind of stuff CHEAP. Lube can be found FAR CHEAPER online. Yes it is a nasty job but unless money is no object, do it yourself and do it right. Years ago I took in a Dodge Hemi for a trans change. When I left after the job it was FOUR quarts low....
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