Dark Tuning??

I have seen some signatures on here with it and have heard others talk about it. So I am curious to find out more....who, what, when, where, how? I have gathered that the sti/wrx crowd is the target market? Do you have a shop location? I also noticed in the intro thread that Scoobyblack says he designs parts and works at Dark performance... what kind of parts for who? etc. etc.

Just wanted a heads up and might also help spread the word to others who are not familiar with you guys.

Scooby black is the owner

It's mainly Subaru-based, I'm sure Steve will fill in the rest......

Hey there Jake! DARK Customs and Tuning, LLC. (ie DARK Performance) was originally an Subaru ECU tuning-based company that I started to substantiate the casual OST tuning that I was doing for locals. As it stands today I've moved away from vehicle tuning since more and more local casual tuners are turning up, and I'm beginning to focus on the actual design of rally-inspired parts for Subarus and Mitsubishis (namely the Evolution and Lancer), though I would very much like to expand my product line to other makes and models in the future.

Currently DARK does not have a physical shop location as sales are primarily internet-based, though I would like to see what I can do in the future regarding leased space. Unfortunately, while the import scene is growing rapidly in Montana, it's still too light to be able to start a real successful locally-based tuner shop as of right now.

As of right now, my website is incomplete and does not represent the products which I carry. However, DARK 2.0 should be opening either later this month or early into November with the release of publicly available parts. I am in the process right now of working with several larger national tuner-shops to carry my products.

Basically, I'm really hoping to bring some national attention to the import scene here in Montana/Idaho/Wyoming area by getting a viral and media focus.

I very much appreciate the support of the local community, and if any of you have further questions feel free to ask; I'd be happy to explain as best I can.

Rest assured, all of you will be the first ones to know when I release the new site; locals with have first crack at all alpha products.

Thanks once again!

-Steve

Interesting.... like I mentioned I had only herd a little here and there so I was curious. Are you looking to supply software type products (ecu, electronics) or hardware (intake, cams, exhaust??). There are several of us that have shared your vision of supplying a true tuning shop to Montana, however we have all felt your concern with the lack of demand. I know that will change over time.

I have been involved in various product design (most experience was with unmanned aerial vehicles for the milatary) in several aspects of my career so if I can ever lend a hand let me know (wether it be on a friendly (free) type basis or a buisness relationship).

I have a lot of hook ups on the enginering side if you ever have a need for 3-d design, Finite element analysis, Flow analysis etc.

Edit: after looking over your site I see that you are going in the direction of mechanical components, sounds fun! It appears you are motivated and heading in the right direction, best of luck on your journey... and again if I could ever be of any help, just let me know.


- Jake

Thanks for the offer Jake! I agree, it'll be nice when Montana someday has the tuner population to support a shop. We can only hope!

Sounds like you answered your own question, but yes; I'll be focusing on the mechanical aspect of things, though I am certainly not limiting myself to these parts alone. I have CAD experience, and some very good contacts, and so far things are going ahead very well, albeit slowly.

Hopefully we'll talk in person sometime regarding all of this!

Thanks once again for the interest! Again, the support of the community goes a LONG way!

-Steve

Curious, do we get a hint as to what products you will be launching?

I am also interested Steven.

I still want a tow hook!!

heeb101 wrote:

I still want a tow hook!!

With some minimal tools and a chunk of mild steel you could make one pretty easily. Hopefully that doesn't mean your car breaks down and you have to tow it a lot :-)

Ha. Wait. In response to my own comment, Maybe I should be the one making a tow hook:-)

But seriously. It would be really easy to make.

b1r - TS wrote:

Curious, do we get a hint as to what products you will be launching?

I'll be focusing mostly on suspension, and parts inspired by the WRC circuit. Of course, I'll be adapting them to more 'streetable' standards. I'll look forward to showing you all the finished products!

SprockCapn wrote:

But seriously. It would be really easy to make.

That depends on the vehicle, of course. The Subaru Imprezas have a stock 'screw-in" style front towhook which would be pretty tough to make without a CNC mill. There are 'flat-style' once out there, but I personally like to utilize stock locations.

Thanks for the enthusiasm, guys! It means a lot!

-Steve

What program are you using for CAD? I might be able to get you a veeeeeerrry good program called ProEngineer through the school.

04 Wagon Boy wrote:

What program are you using for CAD? I might be able to get you a veeeeeerrry good program called ProEngineer through the school.

I am also curious what cad program you have used in the past. I started out on ProE (ProEngineer) about 7 years ago while in school. After that I jumped into Solidworks and have been using that ever since. I have a biased opinion obviously since I use only one program. But for about 95% of the cad work out there ProE is way overkill and way more time consuming. Solidworks has spent a lot of time making there program really user friendly and I think they have done a good job at it. If you can get a copy (of any drafting software) somehow then I would use it.... becasue it ain't cheap to buy! The only cheap readily available program that I have found to work good also is Alibra design. It is a cad/cam program that can be donwloaded as a free trial and it works unlimited for 30-days and then several of the features drop out. Something to play around with if you are new to the stuff.

Curious are you taking a course on ProE or do you just have access to it. (I know when I was in college I could get my hands on all sorts of pirated software)

AutoCAD 2002, though I have access to SolidWorks 2009 with COSMOS as well. For what I'm doing , AutoCAD works best as files are more compatible with most CNC mill shops.

Curious since you have FEA tools at your finger tips are you using that for strength calculations on your designs or how are you handling those issues? Do you have someone helping out with the engineering side or are you covering that?

I've actually been working on conjunction with my machine shop to optimize the strength of my parts, while preserving the look that I want, as well as a competitive price. My shop specializes in military contracts, and as a result they're well versed in such things; the engineer I've been talking to is very helpful. However, depending on their future availability, I may be looking elsewhere do assistance with future products.

Obviously, strength is a priority since I'd like to see my products used in professional circuits.

I assumed that is the direction you had been going. There is a ton of good knowledge to be learned from old machinests.

Is this happening locally? Just curious, I have never dealt with any machine shops locally so I am not even sure what they have to offer. I know they are out there, I just haven't ever had the need to use them.

Certain parts will be built locally since I'd really like to support local business, however, my primary shop is actually located in New Hampshire. The equipment and services that they offer is currently unparalleled in this area; it'll help me on cost and I'll be able to stock inventory far more quickly. This obviously helps not only me, but the customer as well.

I want to see some prototype pics!!!

Hopefully I'll have something to show you guys soon! Parts will have to be re-machined and powdercoated before I release pictures (sorry Mike!). I do have my initial prototypes, but they don't really give the best representation of what the final products will look like.

No problemo, I can wait. Very excited to see some goodies.

I would also be interested in some tow hooks. Probably pink.

Are the parts that you are going to have made going to be Subaru specific?

Pretty sure there are going to be universal pieces.

Many parts will be specific, as building specifics allows better quality control. However, there will certainly be some parts that are universal in application.

That is what I figured.