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Just a dude who likes to build cars.
Gated Manual R8 🏎
And some other cars. 🚗
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Making this post public so hopefully someone else can learn from my mistake.

I’m always hunting for the next best deal. I tell my friends all the time that I’m the cheapest mf I know 😂. Well, this time it bit me in the ass.

For my current turbo setup, I needed a set of Bosch EV14 550cc injectors, P/N 0280158117. I started searching around and found a ton of eBay listings selling a full set of four, including adapters, for around $75. There were multiple sellers, plenty of good reviews, and nothing immediately screamed “scam,” so I figured I’d take a chance.

Big mistake.

Apparently, we’re making replica fuel injectors now.

I ordered the set and when the package arrived, I didn’t even bother reading the sticker on the outside of the shipping box. Had I looked, I would’ve immediately noticed it said “Made in China.”

Instead, I opened it and saw four individual boxes labeled “Bosch – Made in Germany.”

Score, right?

I installed them, and my tuner and I proceeded to spend WEEKS chasing a no-start issue. Eventually I had this gut feeling: What if it’s the injectors?

I asked him to send me a known-good set so I could swap them in and test it.

And there it was.

Here are the differences I found between the authentic Bosch injectors and the counterfeits:

• O-rings: Authentic are green; fakes are brown.
• Bosch marking: Authentic injectors have the Bosch logo laser-etched into the body; the fakes do not.
• Scroll through the album for all the differences that I found.

Lesson learned: If a set of genuine Bosch EV14 injectors seems way too cheap, there’s probably a reason.

I tried saving a few bucks and instead spent weeks troubleshoo

#audi #b5a4 #a4avant #quattro #b5s4

These guys go as far as to replicate "authentic" packaging.

Can't believe I missed this sticker when it arrived. Made in China, what?

Packaging: The genuine Bosch boxes are larger and have holographic authenticity/security labels. The fake boxes do not.

The counterfeiters went far enough to package these in boxes claiming “Bosch” and “Made in Germany,” which is why I didn’t think twice about them at first.

Spray holes: This is probably the biggest giveaway. Look closely at the number, size by @buildwithjohn
6
17 days ago
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After seven intense months, today is my last day as General Manager at APP Apollo.

When I joined APP Apollo, I certainly didn't expect this chapter to be so brief. I wasn't looking to make a quick transition, but sometimes opportunities and timing take you in directions you didn't anticipate.

In a relatively short amount of time, we accomplished a lot. I'm incredibly proud of what we built together, supporting programs for Stellantis, Toyota, Lexus, and GM, while continuing to grow the business and pursue new opportunities on the horizon.

More than anything, though, I'm proud of the team. Manufacturing isn't always easy. There are long days, difficult problems, changing priorities, and plenty of moments where you simply have to figure it out and keep moving. I had the privilege of working alongside a group of people who consistently brought grit, creativity, and commitment to doing exactly that.

Some of my staff and leads signed this carbon piece we made for me. It's a small gesture, but one that means a great deal to me and something I'll cherish forever.

To everyone at APP Apollo, thank you. I'm grateful for the trust, the challenges, the lessons, and everything we were able to accomplish together. I'm proud of what I'm leaving behind, and I genuinely look forward to seeing where the team takes it from here.

Now, I'm excited for the next chapter.

More soon.

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#grateful #opportunities #carbonfiber #manufacturing taken in Bellingham, Washington by @buildwithjohn
3
a month ago
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Keep it moving 🤘🏻

📷 @_suntzu__
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#audi #audir8 #r8 #supercars #exoticcars taken in Seattle, Washington by @buildwithjohn
7
2 months ago
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I promise, I'm not going to buy a daily for my daily.

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#audi #trending #netflix #netflixdocumentary #fyp by @buildwithjohn
26
3 months ago
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Who needs windshield wipers when you have a redline of 8250 RPM and a gated shifter?

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#audi #r8 #audir8 #manual #supercars by @buildwithjohn
5
3 months ago
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I really need to enjoy this thing more as the days get longer.

Thanks for the photos @ltmcmedia 

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#trispoke #audi #r8 #gated #exoticcars taken in Seattle, Washington by @buildwithjohn
10
4 months ago
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I'm pretty sure I've got the most boring car in my neighborhood.

#r8 #audir8 #quattro #trispoke taken in Seattle, Washington by @buildwithjohn
3
5 months ago
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Two of my favorite things in the world. Trispoke wheels and our Corgi, Louie.

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#audi #r8 #sa3r #corgi #corginatioj taken in Seattle, Washington by @buildwithjohn
1
6 months ago
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When I tell people I drive an 18 year old Audi, I doubt that this is what they think.

#audir8 #gatedmanual #r8 #supercar #quattro by @buildwithjohn
21
7 months ago
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R8 goes ridiculously hard on trispokes

📷: Sony A6500 + Sigma 30mm

#audir8 #audir8v8 #gatedmanual #trispokes #ltmcdriversclub taken in Cordata Park by @buildwithjohn
2
7 months ago
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#audi #r8 #audir8v10plus #audir8v10 #audir8 by @buildwithjohn
2
7 months ago
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Finally putting my buckets into the R8 🤫🤙🏼😂😂😂

#audi #audir8 #gatedmanual #savethemanuals #racecar taken in Seattle, Washington by @buildwithjohn
6
8 months ago
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