For over 5 years, Top Dead Center has serviced the southeast with high quality upgrades, custom fabrication, and engine builds.  We’ve led the way in dyno tuning, including our extensive work with E85.  We’ve stood the test of time, and seen many shops pop up, and fizzle away.  We’ve concreted ourselves as a mainstay in the areas performance scene, and our name has become synonymous with horsepower.

Over a year ago, we partnered with another local business, Heads Up Motorsports.  This partnership was formed to offer our clients, as well as theirs, a more complete line of services.  Our plan was to become a “one stop” auto repair and upgrade center, allowing both businesses to compliment each other.  The response from our customers has been great, and the result of this merger has been nothing short of staggering.

Through 2011, the business has grown leaps and bounds.  We’ve added our own line of products, built a new fabrication shop with a dedicated fabricator, and acquired 2 tow trucks, adding a new dimension to the level of service that we offer.  We’ve added several new technicians to our already impressive line up, and partnered with multiple suppliers and manufacturers in the aftermarket segment to better suite our growing customer base.  Our LSX powered S14 will be running the Formula D Pro-AM series, and our new turbo LSX S13 drag car will be debuting later this season.

2012 is upon us, and as any successful business, we’ve allowed ourselves to evolve as we’ve grown.  As the final step into our merger with Head Up Motorsports, we will be dissolving the TDC nameplate, and operating under the Heads Up logo.  Rest assured that we will offer the same great service that we’ve always offered, and the same people will be in place to help make your projects come together.

As a result of this merger, we will no longer be maintaining an online presence as 2 separate entities.  As of now, all updates of current projects, events and specials will be made to the Heads Up online blog, and can be found at www.headsupmotors.com.  The TDC site will remain online, only as an archive to previous work.  We look forward to the coming year, and all of the opportunities it may bring.

- The Heads Up Motorsports Team

The engineers at FAST™ have taken the XIM™ to a whole new level. The coil-on plug ignition controller, originally developed for use with FAST™ XFI™ systems, is now available in a standalone kit for GM LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS3/LS7, Ford Modular, and 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi engines.

These kits enable programmable control of the popular late model coil-on plug ignition systems, independent of the fuel delivery method or any factory computer. The Standalone XIM™ features easy-to-use on-board dials to create a customizable timing curve (instead of using a collection of pre-set curves) and to adjust a vacuum advance feature and rev limiter.

This bolt-on solution to coil-on plug ignition is the easiest and most reliable way to run a carburetor or the FAST™ EZ-EFI®. This is a complete kit, it does not require an XFI™ unit or OE computer. These kits are ready to run out of the box, but do allow some optional tuning features if desired.

Call TDC for more information on FAST products!

The year is almost gone, and Christmas is around the corner.  We’re pulling together the last few projects for the year, and hoping to give a few customers some big horsepower for the holidays.

Mike brought us his 2004 Mustang Cobra.  His engine had just been rebuilt at another shop, and he brought it to us for some advise on upgrades, and a dyno tune.  When we checked the engine oil, this is what we found:

+

The oil is filled with metallic flakes.  Further inspection shows low compression on 6 out of 8 cylinders.  Looks like Mike’s rebuild is not up to par, and we’ll be taking care of the issues.

Need a turbo?  We stock Comp Turbos, and can order virtually any combination and size that you desire!

Sara’s Scion TC is back in the shop.  After her Turbonetics turbo failed, we’re replacing it with a Comp Turbo CT3 6062.  She’s also had us replace the blow off valve with a Greddy unit while the car is in the shop.

Barry brought in this 2011 BMW M3.  He had just bought the car, and although he enjoys the car, he felt it lacked the growl of a sports car.

We installed an Innotech Valvetronic Exhaust.  The Innotech provides a remote controlled valve, installed inside the rear muffler, that controls exhaust flow.  Now, Barry has the growl of a sports car, and at the touch of a button, his car sounds nearly stock.

Roman brought us his 1994 Toyota Supra in for a tune.  After all was said and done, Roman’s Supra was spinning the roller to the tune of 615 WHP!

Ari has been hard at work developing our new line of catch can/coolant over flow tanks.  Here is a prototype model, made to fit an S13 240sx chassis.  Look for a complete line of cans on the market by the new year!

Ron brought us his 1999 Ford Mustang.  He’s had another shop build the 3.8L engine and install a Procharger, but after they could never get the car to run right, he’s brought the car to us.  We’re sorting out the issues, and plan to get his car on the dyno for a retune this week.  Check back for the dyno numbers!

Here is the setup:

• 2JZGE Non- Turbo Engine
• Eagle Connecting Rods
• 2JZGTE Pistons

• 1000cc Fuel Injectors
• Borg Warner 88-75 Turbo
• AfterMarket NA-T Intake Manifold
• Infiniti Q45 Throttle Body
• OEM Distributor Ignition

• Tuned on AEM EMS by Jimmy Cambell

Here are the results, at 21 PSI:

TDC is proud to announce our partnership with local tuner and racer Jimmy Campbell.  Jimmy brings a wealth of tuning knowledge and experience to the team, and we look forward to working with him.

Jimmy will be available for select builds and tunes at TDC.

• Dyno Tuning
• Chassis Setup and Suspension Tuning
• Engine Builds
• Track-side support and tuning
• Specialty Wiring Services

Please call the shop to inquire about tuning rates or to schedule an appointment with Jimmy.

Here is Jimmy’s personal Toyota Supra at Shady Side Dragway:

Amanda called us a few weeks ago.  Her Civic had been stolen, and recovered by the local police.  Though she had gotten her car back, it was completely disassembled, and the engine was in need of some serious attention.

We’ve completely rebuilt the B18c5 engine to OEM specs, and now we’re starting to piece the car back together.

Need welding?  TDC offers TIG and MIG welding, on steel and aluminum.  Give us a call for pricing.

Lloyd brought us his Honda Civic for a dyno tune shortly after he had built the engine and installed the turbo kit.  After just a few pulls on the dyno, the oil pump failed, and caused damage to the engine’s bearings.  We’ve removed the engine from the car, and we’ll be rebuilding the engine.  Be on the lookout for the dyno numbers on this car.  Lloyd is looking for around 400 whp.

Gabe brought us his Honda Civic for a set of custom intercooler pipes.

Hayes brought us his 2004 BMW M3 Coupe.  He new that his OEM brakes were failing, and wanted an upgrade that was better suited for spirited driving.  We installed a set of slotted and cross drilled rotors, along with EBC brake pads and Earls stainless brake hoses.

Jarrod brought in his Honda Del Sol for a tune on Crome Gold.  The Garrett 60-1 powered B16 is tuned on E85, and produces 411whp.

Marvin’s Audi A6 Quattro is in the shop for several repairs.  After his timing belt broke, leaving him stranded, he called us to tow him in.  We’ll be removing the cylinder heads to care for the bent valves, and we’ll have him on the road in no time.  TDC offers service and maintenance on all makes and models, including European models.

Amanda’s Procharged 6.0L Trans AM is complete, and ready for the dyno.  After a few pulls, and a tune via HP Tuners, Jimmy had Amanda’s T/A singing to the tune of 470 WHP.

Remember, TDC has an Eastwood Fender Roller.  It can be rented for $50/Day, with a refundable security deposit.

Here is the setup:

• All Stock B18b
• T3/T4 50 trim Turbo
• Tial 38mm Wastegate
• HKS BOV
• FMIC
• Walbro 255lph
• RC 450cc Injectors
• Tuned via Crome Gold

Here is the result at 8 PSI:

Adam’s S14 240sx Roll Cage is nearing completion.  Complete with NASCAR style door bars, this cage will meet and exceed all SCCA and Formula D specifications.

Amanda’s 1999 Pontiac Trans-am is nearing completion!  Amanda brought her car in a few weeks ago with a broken connecting rod.  We’ve installed a built 6.0L truck block, and reinstalled her Procharger.  We should have her car ready for the dyno by the first of next week!  Look out for some numbers!

Brian’s Honda Civic is in the shop.  He’s having multiple wiring issues with the car, and he’s brought it to us to sort out. We’ll take care of the issues at hand, and then get his car back onto the rollers for a dyno tune!

Doug brought us his 1963 Chevy Vette.  He’s just installed his 383ci stroker engine and 700R4 transmission, and brought the car to have us dial in the carb, and recalibrate his TCI Tranny.

Need welding?  Keep us in mind!  We can provide fabrication for your most complex projects, or just TIG and MIG welding valve covers, BOV Flanges, etc.  Swing by today for a quote!

After seeing the amazing results from a TDC Dyno tune on his brother Vette, Scott brought us his pristine 1971 Chevy Camaro for a carb adjustment on the dyno.  His car was running really rich and would frequently stall at idle.  After a few hours on the dyno, Scott’s back to burning rubber, not gas!

Mike brought us his CB7 Honda Accord for several upgrades, including an JDM H22 swap and a custom TDC turbo kit.  We started pulling the F22 engine right away.

Mikes H22 engine arrived, and although the engine will retain OEM internals, we’re prepping the engine for boost.  The JDM H22 is getting several parts, including:

• ARP Head Studs
• Cometic Head Gasket
• New OEM Timing Belt and Balance Shaft Belt
• New OEM Water Pump
• Competition Stage 4 Clutch
• Skunk 2 Intake Manifold

Jeremy’s S13 240sx is nearly back together.  The engine received an OEM spec rebuild, a Garrett GT2876r turbo, and will be tuned on Nistune once it’s running.

John brought his 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse to the shop to have us install his Tein Lowering springs.  Most simple jobs are turned around same day.  Give us a call to schedule your appointment!!

The TDC S13 Drag Car is getting a roll cage.  The main hoop and halo is complete, and we plan to finish the cage over the next few days.