Just had my base timing advanced 2 degrees

PINITI-FX said:

Searches reveal that brnjugfx45 was among the 1st to bring this to our attention & help us understand it with the ongoing help of his tech. GeoFX, SinCity & many others used this SHARED help to their benefit and for the benefit of future modders. (I MUST Force myself to stop typing now) :x Further Searches will REVEAL that Most All recently "approved mods" originated with Others, & even Other forums. While the Sharing of knowledge is so MUCH appreciated, many prefer to GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE AND EARNED. (MUST stop typing now) Is one to be made to feel, or considered inferior to, because they chose or want to choose an Alternate or Different path than what has been "approved" (ex. CAI, Exhaust, Plenum, Springs, etc.) ? When will further mods. be "approved," so we know where & when to spend OUR money & time in a non foolish way? :roll: Others might be inclined to stick around longer or come over and SHARE their knowledge with us if they didn't 'feel' threathed or chalenged by a (hate to say it) "look at me i'm jon carson" approach. :shock: Please continue to SHARE the knowledge, and not FORCE it. (i'm glad i had the strength to stop typing when i did) :?

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Mmm, wasn't sure where it'd be best to address this, but I guess I'll do it here. First off, the pic came out bigger than I had intended and I have since sized it down (let me know if I missed any). Second, the "MGFR Seal of Approvel" is exactly what it says: MY PERSONAL opinion of the mod and if you'll notice, I've only out it on mods I have done personally, some of which I was the first (plenum, 7 wire ground kit, intake, Z-tube, sway bar, stealth bulbs), some of which I was not the first (STB, timing advance, Nav-TV). At any rate, it has nothing to do with who did it first, or giving credit to anyone for anything or to say that cetain mods are worthy of my personal seal over others. It's simply a cutsey picture I made up (actually my wife did it and she spent a lot of time on it) to express MY enthusiasm for the mods I have done, nothing more, so don't go gettin' yer panties in a wad over it.

You'll notice it doesn't say "InfinitiFX.org Approved"; there's a reason for that. If it's that big of a deal to everyone, I can remove it, but this wasn't exactly the reaction I was looking for. If you are in some way insinuating that I have such large pull around here to the extent that the presence or absence of this silly little picture can make or break a mod or sway peoples opinions, then I guess I'm severely underrating myself.

Every mod anyone had done here (as well as some that are available, but noone has yet done) is a good mod, IMO. Again, my seal, is personallized and my opinion only. This is why I put it only on mods I have done myself, either on threads I have made pertaining to the mod or on the main threads pertaining to them (only where I didn't start a thread on it). I will not put the seal in any thread or on any mod that I have not done personally (unless of course, I'm just trying to be cute), since that would infer that the seal has more imoportance to it than it does. At any rate, I'm not trying to pass this off as something it isn't.

So, does this help clear things up? I'm happy to take any suggestions and listen to any opinions and if the majority feels that it is still generally a bad idea and has valid points to back it up, I'll just take it down and be done with it. I just thought it was kinda' cool, though others would get ammusement from it and was pretty proud of myself for thinking it up and creating it.

Ok first of all I've never realized the caricature of "the Fonz" was so cheesy until many years later.... ****, it's bringing back bad memories of "Joanie Loves Chachi" now (anyone think Joanie was hot?)...

In regards to whether the "seal" is appropriate or not is really up to each person to decide. I thought it was cute at first and having it go across multiple topics was not a big deal to me. The qeustion of whether doing so is a reflection of MGFR's character is entirely another matter. I've met Steve personally a few times now as part of the HFXA and in no way should these posts be representative of his character. I've found him to be an friendly, engaging source of information on this forum (as I have many others here) as well as in person. In no way did I think he was taking credit for mods and no offense was taken.. IMO, it was just his way of saying he liked a certain mod.

Obviously, others would disagree and that's their perogitive to do so (that's why we have a forum). However, I would only ask you speak to him personally to see that this was in no way a reflection of his character. It's a shame that in todays internet world that it's so easy to judge a person by how and what he writes.

Now do I want to see the Fonz anymore? Probably not. Ever. Personally, I don't think any "seal of approval" on any mod is necessary. It looks and sounds too much like an advertisement. There is a great wealth of knowledge and information here in infinitifx.org and it's each reader's responsibility to decide what they want to do. I totally agree with the Piniti-FX and brnjugfx45 (as I shared a lot of info with them both publicly on the forum as well as PM and hope to do so in the future) on this subject. In the end, it's up to each individual to make a decision on mods and such IMO. It's our mutual enthusiasm that drives the site and I hope that this will be the only thing that matters in the future.

Man,

What did I miss. I was making a joke about the Fonz picture and I think it went waaaaaay out into left field on this one.

Not sure but I think we need to lighten up a little bit.

Although I appreciate everyone's input I dont think the spirit of this thread is still where it needs to be.

If I come across like an AZZ, I apologize and did not mean to offend anyone as I can come across pretty direct. Tell me. Better yet email or PM me please.

I will give the same courtesy. If there is ill will between other members then take it off line.

Opinions are good. I dont think anyone tried to take credit for anything. Just a simple "hey this is cool" aaaaaayyyyyyyyyy

Now, can we group hug and move on or do we need to knock some heads?

Why am I still typing about this crap. Let it go.

I thought the Fonz logo was amusing and creative. It was MFGR's time, enthusiasm and effort to lighten things on a thread and I don't think anyone needs to read more into the logo than for what it states: His manner of saying that the advance timing is a great mod in his own opinion and experience. He highly recommends it!

Seriously, guys/gals it's all cool. Shared knowledge is just that. Someone takes the initiative to bring up a topic or insight and everyone enhances the knowledge of that topic. Yes we're very appreciative that someone initiated a mod though we all take credit for confirming how great or mediocre that mod becomes. It's a great, shared learning experience. Case in point, I thank GEAUX for sharing the snorkel opening mod for the FX45 airbox. In review, everyone who participated helped determine whether it was an improvement, detriment or inane performance mod. I wouldn't have taken the time to complete any of the mods in my signature without the forum's cumulative, positive input. Then I learn a few things not mentioned here and I try to share it in return.

Before you read further, just know I'm making my responses below in the most loving way possible. It's not my intent to piss anyone off or make enemies. I appreciate all of your contributions here. There's nothing wrong with having a disagreement on occasion, however, and strongly voicing your opinions (as you guys have done, so please allow me the same courtesy).

Boy, this is going to take a while... First, let me just say this has been some of the most entertaining reading around here in a while and if nothing else, I'm glad I could stir the pot a bit. Second, and correct me if I'm wrong, the current count here is 3 against and 4 in favor of what I did. However in the spirit of keeping the peace and taking into consideration some valid points which I will address below, I have decided to take the seal down in all threads except here (just so people know what the **** we're talking about). Somehow, my original upload to the rear sway bar thread vanished (not sure what's up with that) and all the others were hotlinked to it, yet they still appeared, but if the one here vanishes, you'll know what happened.

brnjugfx45 said:

While I am truly tempted to take those 4 parafraphs apart,I will not.As I understand organizations like this we are only as strong as our members allow us to be.We share knowledge,test parts and share our enthusiam for these cars.

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I wish you WOULD have "taken the paragraphs apart"; perhaps I could have gained some more insight. However, I DO understand that I am THE most prominent member of the forum (not an ego thing, just stating a fact; check my profile, contributing threads and # of posts), and as such am looked upon as a kind of figurehead (I guess, I hate even typing this) and that a lot of people look to me for advice. With great power comes great responsibility (cheesy reference to the whole Superman/super moderator thing. I know, wrong character reference). I realize full well that I am only as strong here as the ever growing population of this great forum allows me to be; you guys can be my energizing sunlight or my deadly Kryptonite (how's that for character reference?) and I appreciate the faith a lot of you have placed in me over the past year, though it was not asked for. I simply like to hang out and chat about cars and share ideas and info. on mods and help people out when I can.

There should be no ego trips,or we become like FA and that truly would be a shame.The issues should not be some definition of majority(a wonderful way to escape a descion on merit),but a clear sense that we are all here for the good of the whole.And our actions should reflect that.

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This is in no way an ego trip. Again, I simply made a cute little pic (I'll get to that as well, Piniti) to say that I liked the mods I have personally done; nothing more, nothing less.

You do not have an avatar of superman without some need for a statement of authority or attention.

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My avatar is not in any way an expression of some need or desire to make some statement of authority. I like Superman, I like the avatar, that's it. Any reference I make regarding it or my moderator "superpowers" is done purely out of wit. Ask any of the HFXA guys; I am not one who prefers to be the center of attention or bask in the glory of my knowledge and achievements. I am in fact uncomfortable with praise and recognition in general; I just hide it better here where I can hide behind the keyboard and take plenty of time to think of what to say.

To be perfectly frank, knowing that you know Piniti personally, it does not surprise me that you share his views. I refer to both of you making references to things like giveing credit where it's due, the subliminal meaning of avatars, ego trips, etc. I would infer from that kind of talk that there are self esteem issues underlying. My saying this is likely very offensive (not trying to offend, just make a point, so bear with me) and I may very well be wrong. This just goes to show how simple things can lead to drawing inacurate conclusions about someone.

I would hope that anyone who could afford a $40000-55000 car can read and digest what may be good for that car or ask appropriate questions

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Me too. What's the point?

I fail to understand any need for that statement,unless all products that work well are listed some where...and who decides that?

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Again, Just simply stating that I like the mods I have done in a clever way. Would you (or anyone) have made a stink if I simply posted "I love this mod!" instead of the picture? No. The picture has exactly the same meaning and I'm sorry if anyone interpreted it any differently. Given that out of the people that commented here, nearly 50% DID interpret it differently, I have removed it, as stated above. I ceratinly don't want to cause any confusion or do anything that may be considered stepping outside my bounds as an equal, contributing member of the forum. Good enough?

GeoFX said:

Ok first of all I've never realized the caricature of "the Fonz" was so cheesy until many years later.... ****, it's bringing back bad memories of "Joanie Loves Chachi" now (anyone think Joanie was hot?)...

In regards to whether the "seal" is appropriate or not is really up to each person to decide. I thought it was cute at first and having it go across multiple topics was not a big deal to me. The qeustion of whether doing so is a reflection of MGFR's character is entirely another matter. I've met Steve personally a few times now as part of the HFXA and in no way should these posts be representative of his character. I've found him to be an friendly, engaging source of information on this forum (as I have many others here) as well as in person. In no way did I think he was taking credit for mods and no offense was taken.. IMO, it was just his way of saying he liked a certain mod.

Obviously, others would disagree and that's their perogitive to do so (that's why we have a forum). However, I would only ask you speak to him personally to see that this was in no way a reflection of his character. It's a shame that in todays internet world that it's so easy to judge a person by how and what he writes.

Now do I want to see the Fonz anymore? Probably not. Ever. Personally, I don't think any "seal of approval" on any mod is necessary. It looks and sounds too much like an advertisement. There is a great wealth of knowledge and information here in infinitifx.org and it's each reader's responsibility to decide what they want to do. I totally agree with the Piniti-FX and brnjugfx45 (as I shared a lot of info with them both publicly on the forum as well as PM and hope to do so in the future) on this subject. In the end, it's up to each individual to make a decision on mods and such IMO. It's our mutual enthusiasm that drives the site and I hope that this will be the only thing that matters in the future.

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As for the judgement of character thing, thanks for the back-up. The only way anyone would make some kind of negative character judement toward me from the silly seal of approval posts is to incorrectly assume some of the issues I addressed above. We all know what happens when you assume things... I completely agree with the rest of what you siad.

PINITI-FX said:

It looks like the "I" 's have it. Did YOU make up the pic. or did Your wife? According to Your own words, 1st it was You (then brief credit to your wife), then just as you've done with various mods., You took back the credit upon Yourself in the final sentence.

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Looks like you counted your chickens too early, my friend. As for the pic, who made it, who gets credit for it, etc. (see my response to being overly concerned about such things above), if I really have to spell it out to make you happy, I thought of it, I found the pic of the Fonz, I came up with the slogans and my wife helped put it all together for me, so WE BOTH made it, as if anybody really cares. And PLEASE show me where I have taken any kind of credit away from anyone else for a mod.

You know, over all, your coments on this topic at all are akin to the pot calling the kettle black. You can be very abrasive to others here yourself, but the majority accept you for who you are in spite of the fact and don't jump down your throat for it. If I was somehow seen as doing something out of character and getting a big head, then I guess I understand, but you grossly misinterpreted my intentions. HTF could you possibly have deduced that my stating that I like a mod I have performed on my car is in any way taking personal credit for it's discovery?

shong43826 said:

I liked it when I first saw this.... except it was too big the first time.
I'm on a limited budget and this was another way for me to tell what were the better mods for me to do next....
From what I've seen so far, I think MGFR has great knowledge on mods...and feels more confident on the mods with the logo.

Thanx!

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Thanks for the compliment. Your statement regarding your confidence level on mods with the seal, however, was probably the biggest factor in my deciding to take them down. I don't want the presence or absence of it to influence people who might otherwise do further research on their own. To be fair, every mod should be given a seal of approval by those that have done it and like it. It is up to the individual to do his research, decide who to take advice of and choose what is best for them.

GEAUX said:

Man,

What did I miss. I was making a joke about the Fonz picture and I think it went waaaaaay out into left field on this one.

Not sure but I think we need to lighten up a little bit.

Although I appreciate everyone's input I dont think the spirit of this thread is still where it needs to be.

If I come across like an AZZ, I apologize and did not mean to offend anyone as I can come across pretty direct. Tell me. Better yet email or PM me please.

I will give the same courtesy. If there is ill will between other members then take it off line.

Opinions are good. I dont think anyone tried to take credit for anything. Just a simple "hey this is cool" aaaaaayyyyyyyyyy

Now, can we group hug and move on or do we need to knock some heads?

Why am I still typing about this crap. Let it go.

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Tod, your sentiments are appreciated and shared. I have a pretty tough skin and havent taken offense to anything said here. I certainly don't mind people stating their opinions and in fact asked them to via PM. Nothing wrong with butting heads once in a while.

ShadyJC said:

:big4:
why can't we all just get along????

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Oh, I think we get along ok and will come out of this just fine. 8)

RU_MATRX said:

I thought the Fonz logo was amusing and creative. It was MFGR's time, enthusiasm and effort to lighten things on a thread and I don't think anyone needs to read more into the logo than for what it states: His manner of saying that the advance timing is a great mod in his own opinion and experience. He highly recommends it!

Seriously, guys/gals it's all cool. Shared knowledge is just that. Someone takes the initiative to bring up a topic or insight and everyone enhances the knowledge of that topic. Yes we're very appreciative that someone initiated a mod though we all take credit for confirming how great or mediocre that mod becomes. It's a great, shared learning experience. Case in point, I thank GEAUX for sharing the snorkel opening mod for the FX45 airbox. In review, everyone who participated helped determine whether it was an improvement, detriment or inane performance mod. I wouldn't have taken the time to complete any of the mods in my signature without the forum's cumulative, positive input. Then I learn a few things not mentioned here and I try to share it in return.

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infx35 said:

First of all, I'll like to thank Must for his opinions regarding the mods posted in the forum. He was the first to actually have mods with the FX...as far as I know. He slowly educated us with his knowledge and he still is, we now we can make our own decisions regarding what mods we want.
If he didn't first install the Stillen intake from his G35, I probably wouldn't have ordered mine until it was actually official for the FX. He also first mentioned the Crawford plenum...I had no idea what it was until I went to my350z.com...which he advised to check out for info.

As for the logo...
I don't really see any difference if he decided to just post a thumbs up emoticon instead of the Fonz...they both mean the same.

Must, you go right ahead and keep posting your approval...you have "my" thumbs up! :wink: :thumbup:

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Now here's a couple of guys that took it the way I intended. Thanks!

Well, if anyone would like to say anything further, feel free. I'm a very big proponent of live and let live, so it's all good. 8)

Two basic points and a comment or 2:
Piniti and I now know each other and have become friends(similiar to some of you in Houston).We share some NE experience and an earlier life of street racing.We both like these cars BUT we also disagree on stuff.You have made an assumption without fact ,but what purpose ..even if we lived next door to each other?

We are not equipped for true evaluation or comparison of information(as the INJEN experience confirmed).Difficult to say truly strong things about any product withut multiple positive feedback which we get on occassion,but only on occassion.

If we allow our readers to see all comments,I believe they will make good decisions.Maybe not the decisions that you or I might agree with...but,their car,their money(even with red 24")!

I wrote a newsletter for approx 1000 Buick Turbo racers(a healthy share of that total population) for 5 years.I never endorsed a product.What I and others saw were folks buying a lot of parts that would not work or yield results. I profiled 2 racers/newsletter and their mods for 12,11,10 and 9 second cars.They talked about what parts they used and why and what lessions they learned.Writing was easy for me(not for most) and they talked and I took notes.I accepted no advertising and the only parts I accepted came from my personal sponsors(Kenne-Bell,Fel-Pro,Buick,Limit Engineering-turbos).While others wanted in,I kept with my original group.It was exhausting and I stopped after 5.I understand the need to share info and to provide assitance when you can.
ps.I do not get post info or pm info to my e-mail for a week now???

brnjugfx45 said:

Piniti and I now know each other and have become friends(similiar to some of you in Houston).We share some NE experience and an earlier life of street racing.We both like these cars BUT we also disagree on stuff.You have made an assumption without fact ,but what purpose ..even if we lived next door to each other?

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Now that I'm fully awake... sort of... All I was trying to imply was that it seemed you guys were taking what I had done and interpreting it similarly, hence the comparison, and that given the relatively limited insight into one's psyche from the posts they make here, it's easy to make incorrect assumptions about people if you interpret something they say or do in a way other than is intended.

We are not equipped for true evaluation or comparison of information(as the INJEN experience confirmed).Difficult to say truly strong things about any product withut multiple positive feedback which we get on occassion,but only on occassion.

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For the most part, I agree with this in the sense that I certainly wouldn't qualify anything I or the HFXA does to be publishable info., however, I thnk we were successful in the Injen case. We did a lot of comparison testing that consistently showed the intake made our cars slower. The result? They're re-designing the intake, so I don't really see how that's a good example of how we are not equipped to do do at least adequate evaluation testing. I absolutely agree, however that for a product to get any kind of OFFICIAL seal of approvel, it takes multiple positive feedback, otherwise it is perfectly allowable (and often done) to voice your own individual strong feelings, which is exactly what I was doing. Without explanation, however, I can see how it could be misinterpreted by some, which was a factor in my decision to take it down.

If we allow our readers to see all comments,I believe they will make good decisions.Maybe not the decisions that you or I might agree with...but,their car,their money(even with red 24")!

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I absolutely agree 100%

I wrote a newsletter for approx 1000 Buick Turbo racers(a healthy share of that total population) for 5 years.I never endorsed a product.What I and others saw were folks buying a lot of parts that would not work or yield results. I profiled 2 racers/newsletter and their mods for 12,11,10 and 9 second cars.They talked about what parts they used and why and what lessions they learned.Writing was easy for me(not for most) and they talked and I took notes.I accepted no advertising and the only parts I accepted came from my personal sponsors(Kenne-Bell,Fel-Pro,Buick,Limit Engineering-turbos).While others wanted in,I kept with my original group.It was exhausting and I stopped after 5.I understand the need to share info and to provide assitance when you can.

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I can see the need for objectivity in a case like this, however I don't feel as if I'm in the same situation here. I'm just another guy, like the rest of you (ok, that hangs here WAY too much and posts a WHOLE LOT), so I don't see a problem with voicing my enthusiasm for a particular product or even plugging it, however I would never actively seek to discredit a product (without supporting evidence) or encourage anyone to blindly take my word on something over doing their own research and getting input form the rest of the forum.

ps.I do not get post info or pm info to my e-mail for a week now???

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Not sure what's up with that. I don't have mine set to send e-mail alerts about posts (I'm here all the time, anyway), but DO have it set to e-mail me when I have PM. That feature had not worked for me for a couple of months and just started working again last week without my changing anything. Ghost in the machine.


Thanks for your further input.

Dude, you're just not going to give it up and play nice are you? Well, I'll call you on every count.

Yes, the pic was bigger than I had anticipated originally. Dallace DID NOT make me reduce it (that was my call) and he said it wasn't a big deal to him; only that SOMEONE had complained and I may want to address it. The very fact that you're dragging him into it is pathetic (you'll note I never made mention of you whining to him about this whole thing instead of addressing me with your concerns in the first place before now.) If all you're trying to do is discredit me or damage my reputation around here, I can tell you you'll fail miserably, my friend.

The Quote from GEAUX is taken out of context. He was joking and said as much. He has no problem with the pic and will tell you so himself.

WTF do you think I edited out that I didn't want anybody to see? I did nothing of the sort. Yes, Dawn initially locked the thread with her post on the previous page and as this was prior to my addressing everyone's comments, I PM'd her letting her know I thought it was uneccessary. She gave me permission to unlock it and said to delete the comment that she had locked it from her post. If there was anything I didn't want the world to see, I would have locked the thread myself and ignored the entire situation or dealt with it over PM. I chose to publicly address everything here, so what kind of impression does that make? It seems it is YOU that can't accept the simple fact that you grossly misinterpreted my initial actions and can't even accept the truth when it is spoon fed to you. What kind of impression does THAT make?

Anything else, genius? I'm sorry if I'm being abrasive at the moment, but I'm downright pissed; I really don't see what you're trying to get at or imply with these rediculous accusations. Just another example of inacurate conclusions that can be drawn from assinine assumptions. Do you really have such little faith in people that you take everything that anyone does as malicious?