Earlier this week Evolution Motorsports launched the “Bump Stick”. Todd Zuccone, founder and president of Evolution Motorsports, was on a TV shoot with the EVOMS 997.2TT when he realized that the OEM PDK shifter just didn’t look or fell like it belonged in such an amazing Porsche.”

In fact, Zuccone went on to explain what many others have felt, that the non paddle shifter design of the OEM PDK shifter just “doesn’t motivate you to want to use it.” I couldn’t agree more. As much as I love PDK and know that it is faster than manual shifting, you do lose some of that “connection” to the road; that’s why I think this is such a great idea for a product. While we haven’t yet tried it ourselves, the design looks spot on and I love the mix of carbon fiber and billet aluminum.

EVMS Bump Stick is Race Inspired Design and Street Car Refined

• Ergonomically positioned shifter with a more natural height
• Improved driver feedback with a precise connection while shifting
• Enhanced driver interaction for more driving excitement
• Retains all OEM functionality – does not impede Navigation or Audio operation
• Quality, race engineered components; designed for the driving enthusiast
• CNC Machined Aluminum and Carbon Fiber replaces the OEM plastic shifter
• Direct replacement for the OEM 987, 997, 997TT PDK shifters
• One Hour Installation – with included easy to follow installation instructions
• Available in clear anodized aluminum (as pictured) or black anodized aluminum
• “Pre Sale” special pricing through May 31st is $599.00
• Launching in June 2011 at $699.00

Check out the the Evolution Motorsports website for more information about the company and their other tuning products.

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[Source: Evolution Motorsports]

In this instance, size does not matter. Big or small, Cayenne or 911 Coupe, your Porsche can benefit from a bra. No, I’m not talking about the old school, Don Johnson era, leather/vinyl cover-ups. I’m talking about the new, clear, “invisible” bra products.

We’ve always been aware of the “invisible” bras. In fact, John’s 993 C4S has it applied on the rear fender wells (as stone guards) and a few other strategic locations to protect against rock chips. However, we weren’t really familiar with the ins and out of the product, or how it is installed, until we bought my new Cayenne and decided with all of our road trips (Florida to Maine and back every year and then some) that we best do what we can to protect the paint on my “Pepper” to keep it looking new (not to mention those costly Xenon headlight assemblies).

After some research on the web we found out that there are a few different products available for Porsche owners. We decide on the 3M Super Shield (please note, this is not a paid post for 3M, it just happens to be the product we choose) for four major reasons:

1. It is our understanding that the 3M template for our Cayenne has the fewest pieces (meaning fewer possible chances at any lines being visible).

2. 3M’s newer film allows for UV light to pass through (meaning paint under the bra will have the same sun exposure as areas that are not covered).

3. We like 3M’s warranty and what the research shows about lack of yellowing from the 3M films. Some other films are known to yellow over time (some shorter than others). That’s not to say the 3M won’t ever yellow, but it seems like it is less likely given what we’ve read.

4. Perhaps, most importantly, the installer – Pepe Feliu (the co-owner of Auto Super Shield in Boca Raton) comes as highly recommended as anyone could. Over the span of three days we speak with as many as 20 Porsche owners in Southern Florida who had their invisible bras installed by Pepe (including the local PCA club) and they all have nothing but good things to say (here’s but one of the many threads on Rennlist about Pepe). To top it off, most of the major hi-end sport and luxury brand dealers in the area outsource their installations to Pepe and his crew.

After watching our installation, and it’s complexity, it becomes pretty clear that the key to a good experience is the right installer. If you live in Southern Florida call Pepe’s wife Wendy (she runs the front of the shop) and they will treat you right!! (We are so impressed with their work, that we end up working out a deal for PorschePurist.com’s readers. Simply let Wendy know you heard about their work on our site and they’ll give you a 20% discount off the cost of the kit – depending on your Porsche this can be a significant savings; They offer the same discount for local PCA clubs as well. More on this later).

Introductions and Installation Time

We arrive at Auto Super Shield not knowing quite what to expect, only that our installation will take at least four hours (we go way over that, but that’s because I didn’t stop asking questions and ended up getting much more work done than originally planned) and Wendy and Pepe agree to let me stay and document the whole process for PorschePurist’s readers (thanks Wendy!!).

Immediately upon arrival, it’s pretty clear that the recommendations for Pepe and his work are spot on. Not only is the shop clean and well lit, but almost every square inch of wall space in the waiting room is covered with pictures of Porsches, Ferraris, Bugatis, Lambos and any other exotic car manufacture you could think of. These are all photos of cars that Pepe has installed clear bras, window tinting or some other form of paint protection. It kind of gives you that same feeling you get when walking into a new doctor’s office and see all the degrees from well known Ivy league schools. You know in some ways they are just props, but it gives you the warm fuzzy feeling that you came to the right place and what you need done will be done right.

Clear Bra Installation Process

After completing introductions, Pepe pulls my Cayenne out back to give it a thorough wash in order to make sure it is clean and, more importantly, to strip any wax from the areas where he is going to install the 3M film (like most things, prep is key to a good finished product). After finishing the wash down my Cayenne is pulled into the shop from the rear bay.

As I enter the work-shop my eyes are immediately drawn to a Ferrari 599 delivered by a local dealer for a rush job. Apparently, the Ferrari was just sold yesterday and the new owner wants the car covered from stem to stern with the Supershield product (including all the glass) and wants the tinting replaced with something a bit darker. At this point, any remaining doubts, that there might be a better installer in the area, abruptly leave me. I know I’m in the right place.

With my Cayenne in the installation bay and raised up for easy access, Pepe moves to the shop computer where he calls up the proper pattern for my Cayenne. A few minutes later, the large commercial printer is cutting the film to order and placing it all on a roll that Pepe will use for installation. My first thought is that the clear film is adhesive and will stick to the paint like tape. Fortunately, I’m completely wrong.

How the invisible bra is applied

The 3M Paint Protection film has a paper backing that is first removed to expose the adhesive under the backing. It is then sprayed with a solvent composed of 25% alcohol, and 75% water (this explains the spray bottle on Pepe’s tool belt).

The 3M Paint Protection film is then moistened, positioned in place, and squeegeed to the surface of the vehicle in order to remove any air pockets. If there is any excess moisture remaining after installation, a few days in the sun will remove it and allow the film to cure properly.

Initially, I choose to have the front bumper (including 1/3 of the hood) and side view mirrors covered. However, after talking with Pepe for a few minutes we decide to add the film to the headlights too. Even though the additional work adds a slight bump to the cost, the extra expense is more than worth it considering the 3M film can withstand a direct hit from a small pebble up to 120 mph. What this means is that my very, very expensive headlamp assemblies are well protected from stray stones and rocks while commuting (imagine the benefits on the track).

Proper Installation is the Most Important Ingredient

As Pepe continues his installation, I’m amazed by the attention to detail. Proper installation requires good lighting, good tools, a clean work environment and a very steady hand. The placement of the film on the body of the Cayenne is as important as taking the time to ensure all trapped air is completely squeegeed out from under.

Have Clear Bra. Will Travel!

Pepe talks with me while he works and it’s clear he enjoys what he does. Not only does he work in his shop, he will frequently set up road trips at the request of local car clubs. In fact, he recently did a weekend with one of the local Florida PCA regions. In this instance, the region’s members got together to form a type of “group buy”. Here’s how it works:

1. Someone from the region acts as a liaison for their group.
2. Group members express interest and supply information about their particular model Porsche.
3. A quote is provided (including a 20% discount on materials) and a final commitment is given by the group.
4. A clean garage with good lighting is located (the space is usually donated by a local member or possibly even a local sponsor of the PCA).
5. Pepe and his crew cut all the templates (along with spares) at their shop in Boca and then travel to do the installs.

While Pepe didn’t give a minimum number of cars he likes to have lined up before he travels, it seems pretty clear he likes to stay busy. My guess, depending on distance, is that he wants at least six to eight cars so that he can work straight through the weekend.

As Pepe is finishing my hood, I look back to see window tinting being applied to the Ferrari. My Cayenne came stock from the factory with tint on the rear windows but nothing on front. As John and I are now spending almost five months a year in Florida I decide to have Pepe match the factory tinting for my front windows. That Florida sun can get pretty hot in the afternoon. Pepe immediately notices my MA plates and quickly looks up the maximum percentage of tint allowed in Massachusetts (he doesn’t want me getting any tickets for having my windows too dark).

The window tint is applied in a similar manner as the invisible bra. The biggest difference being that the template is created right there on the window of the car and then trimmed as applied. As Pepe’s brother (part of his crew) works on the window tinting I talk with him about the 3M film. It turns out the film works so good at stopping stone chips and scratches that both he and his brother have applied it to their iPhones. Even after hard drops, the evidence of which is clearly seen by bashed corners and gouges in the plastic, the glass on their iPhones is still intact. If only I had come a week earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have to stare through a spiderweb to see my own email. Anyway, back to the work in progress.

You may remember that shortly after purchasing the Cayenne I installed a Thule roof rack and cargo box. It suddenly occurs to me that maybe I should install a strip of the invisible bra product above my doors, right under the cargo box. This way, when I pull things down from the rack, they won’t scratch the hell out of my paint (this was a big problem on my last truck). Pepe say, no problem! He simply measures the distance and the computer cuts a new piece to fit.

At this point, I’ve covered the bumper, almost 1/2 the hood, the headlights and fog lights, had the windows tinted and added extra paint protection above the doors to avoid scratches from cargo going in and out of my roof top box. I think I’m done. I take one last walk around the Cayenne and notice there is a strip of paint between the rear cargo area and the plastic trim on the edge of the bumper. This painted area is exactly where my 125 lb Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Scout, (that’s him up above testing the strength of the tailgate on our Jeep) likes to step as he enters and exits his Cayenne. Hmmm, maybe I should cover that too? I know he’s going to scratch it within days.

I begin to realize that maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for me to have stuck around for the install. I’ve almost doubled the size of the original job. Protecting your paint is addictive.

The funny thing is, throughout the entire process, no-one tried to sell me on anything. All the additional work was requested by me as I thought of how many things could get scratched. I now understand why some people “wrap” their entire car. Think about it. Depending on your car, for a few thousand dollars, you can have the entire car cocooned in a protective coating that will keep your car looking like new now matter what kind of hell you put it through. Not a bad choice for a super expensive Porsche (Carrera GT, Turbo S, GT3s, etc.) and other hi-end sports and luxury cars. Heck, if you’re even thinking of tracking your car you should, at the very least, get the headlights and front bumper done.

At the end of the day, your Porsche may not need a bra, but for a very limited expense (call it $700 and up) you can really protect your Porsche and its paint. Remember Mike from the PCA Parade? That’s his 911 above (he drove it to the Parade from Alaska). While I commend him on his ingenuity and creativeness a clear bra is a much easier application and it lasts a lot longer!!!

If you are thinking about getting a clear bra installed on your Porsche and you are anywhere in southern Florida (or even within a 3 to 5 hour driving range) you should consider using Pepe at Auto Super Shield to have your work done. Not only will they do a perfect job, but as I mentioned earlier, they will give PorschePurist reader’s and PCA members a 20% discount on material costs. Don’t forget, if you live far away, but have a group of other Porsche owners that want installations, you just might be able to get Pepe and his crew to travel to you!!

Related Porsche Posts
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PorschePurist picks a “Pepper”

Economic Stimulus Plan for Porsche Owners

Last year Porsche was named the Top Prestigious Luxury Automobile Brand amongst a sampling of 1600 average very wealthy Americans. These well healed Porsche fans have an “average income of $349,000 per year and average net worth or $3.7 million.” Average? There’s nothing average about those numbers. If you were part of the sampling conducted by the Luxury Institute (you lucky bastard) then this post may not be for you. If however, you’re like me and simply want to save a buck when you can, then by all means read on, as I’m here to help.

Used Porsche Parts vs. New Porsche Parts

I know a lot of you like to turn wrenches and do some of the basic maintenance on your cars for both enjoyment and for cost savings. Changing your own oil or spark plugs can give you a great sense of accomplishment (so I’m told) not to mention save a few bucks over the cost of having the work done at a dealer on independent Porsche specialists. What about when it’s a bigger job and you need more than just oil, filters or plugs? There is an alternative to purchasing brand new Porsche parts.

Used Porsche Parts

Ever wonder where Porsches go when they die? What happens to those Porsches we see on wreckedexotics.com and other news stories? They end up at places like LA Dismantler, one of the largest Porsche only salvage yards with acres and acres of neatly cataloged and arranged Porsche parts (parts you might not even be able to get from a dealer). What’s even better is that because these parts are coming out of a car that was damaged cosmetically, they are in “as new” condition, mechanically sound and can be purchased up to 75% less than buying from the local dealer.

5% Discount on Used Porsche Parts

I’m sure by now you’ve noticed the LA Dismantler advertisement over to the right. Full disclosure coming (as if you couldn’t already tell) LA Dismantler is a paid sponsor of PorschePurist.com. But, and this is a big but, that’s not the reason for this post. As part of their sponsorship (and part of my economic stimulus plan for Porsche owners) LA Dismantler is offering a 5% discount on all part purchases (up to $1000) by simply mentioning that you saw this post and saw their advertisement here on PorschePurist.com. So for your next planned project or unplanned maintenance needs, simply call Sara at LA Dismantler for a quote and get an extra 5% off by mentioning this site. If, like me, you would prefer to write a check to have your work done, then feel free to pass this along to anyone else you know that does their own maintenance and repairs. Someone should benefit from their generosity!!

Race Ramps Discount Code

Do your own maintenance, but don’t have a lift? If so, take a look at this review I wrote about Brute Industries Race Ramps. I won’t re-post it all here (you can read the original review) but I did want to point out the Rich Heinz, owner of Brute Industries, is still offering a 10% discount to all subscriber and readers of my site. If you’ve done your own research and/or like my review and decide you want to purchase any of Brute Industries products be sure to use the following Coupon Code “993c4s8” when entering your order. This coupon code entitles you to a 10% discount off your entire order of any Brute Industry product (not just the Race Ramps) and you can use it and share it as many times as you like.

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Are Porsche Accidents on the Rise?

When it comes to the maintenance on your Porsche are you a Do It Yourself (DIY) type of owner? If so, and maybe even if you’re not, then this post is for you.

As a kid, I used to relish taking the time to fix a problem on my then current ride of choice. My family didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so my cars were usually whatever I could purchase with the money scraped together from a couple of part-time jobs. The fact that the car I was buying may not be running at the time of purchase never really deterred me (just ask my friends) as I knew with the right parts and perseverance I could get it running. Part of this process usually involved a trip through the labyrinth of junked and abandoned car shells littered across the grounds of the local junkyard. With a box full of wrenches and the resolve to spend the time to find whatever I might need I knew I would/could get the car running again.

Well, let me tell you, times have changed, and drastically. No more searching and hunting for a car with the right part. No more getting lost in the maze of dusty cars and trucks wondering if the dog you hear barking is that proverbial “junk-yard” dog or just a neighborhood stray. Read on and you’ll understand.

Finding Used Porsche Parts

Sara Darkamen is the VP and Co-owner of Los Angeles Dismantler. Sara and I first met through Linkedin and the Porsche network there. Ever since then, we have corresponded through email and a number of various social networking sites including facebook and Rennlist. What I’ve come to know about Sara is that she is passionate about networking and even more passionate about Porsche; two of my favorite things. As a result, I asked her to write up a brief overview of her company so that for those of you who are the DIY type, and need quality parts, have another venue (if you weren’t already aware of them).

Here’s what Sara had to say:

Walking into Los Angeles Dismantler for Porsche arouses mixed feelings. On one hand, there is a bit of sadness in seeing so many wrecked Porsches. On the other hand, wheels immediately start turning in the head.

What would it take to swap a 996 Turbo engine into something a little older, or a little lighter? It doesn’t stop there though. The interchangeability of parts through various generations of Porsches leaves the possibilities nearly endless. Brakes, transmissions, interior pieces, even front end conversions are possible with a bit of ingenuity and work.

The sight of 100’s of Porsches in conditions ranging from completely destroyed, to nearly perfect is impressive to say the least. Every car has a story, and for most of them, it comes to an end at this lot. When a car comes in, it is photographed and documented. Usually two or three guys stand around and try to piece back together the cars last moments. Some cars fates appear obvious, others remain total mysteries. Either way, questions of how and why are rarely answered.

Demand for Used Porsche Parts is Growing

Most cars come in with salvage titles, so even if the car could be brought back to life, it simply wouldn’t be worth it. The few cars that arrive in running, drivable condition rarely last long that way. The unfortunate reality is that almost all the cars that come in, are worth more in pieces. New Porsche parts can be extremely expensive, and some parts are nearly impossible to find for older models. The demand for used parts grows with every mile Porsches are driven.

No matter how destroyed a car is, there are still valuable parts that can be salvaged. These parts are bought up by various mechanics, body shops, and enthusiasts. Little of the car is wasted, components that can be resold are shelved or shipped, and any scrap metal is recycled. The average Porsche owner is not one to neglect their car. Fortunately, this is reflected in the parts that come off the cars.

LA Dismantler is the end of the road for many of the cars that come in, but it is far from a junk yard. Junk yards are dirty, unorganized, and overcrowded with all different kinds of cars. LA Dismantler’s facility has only Porsches, and they are organized in custom built racks. The facility is kept clean, all work is performed indoors in a shop that most mechanics would be jealous of. Every Porsche that gets dismantled helps keep many more Porsches on the road.

I’m looking forward to visiting the yard for myself on my next trip out to LA. I’m not sure how I’ll feel standing amongst all those broken and busted Porsche shells. It is safe to say, I hope my Pcars are with me for a long, long time before getting up close and personal with the likes of this place.