AO

Seeing that there appears to be some interest in renting a SharkTuner, I am seriously considering going into the SharkTuner "rental business." Not looking to make money, but not looking to loose money either. But before I jump off into the deep end, I wanted to take a moment to gauge demand and pricing levels.

Here's what you would get:
1. SharkTuner for use with 85-95 928s
2. SharkTuner Manual
3. EPROM Burner, Eraser, and 3 EPROMs (2 to keep, and 1 spare)

Here's what you would need to have:
1. A good running car
2. A Windows-based laptop with a serial port or a USB-to-serial adapter
3. A Wideband O2 sensor (you can read John's SharkTuner Manual for specifics)
4. A hefty deposit - I think I would have to have you place a deposit for the entire value of the SharkTuner. Then, when returned and verified to be in good working order, I would refund your deposit less the rental fee – or something very similar to this. Of course if it comes back damaged, I'll need to hold the deposit and deduct any repair costs plus rental fees.
5. You'd need to be in the U.S. (Sorry my Int'l brothers... it's just too hard and too risky.)

So that brings us to the rental fees. I have no idea what would be appropriate, but lets consider that the price of a LH 2.2 compliant SharkTuner is $2,250, plus $150 for the EPROM burner, plus you get to keep a couple of chips. I would think that a it should be rented out on a "weekly" basis.

Basically, I'd ship it out on a Wednesday, for arrival on Thursday or Friday. You’d get to keep it over the weekend and ship it back by Tuesday for arrival to me on Wednesday. We can investigate if you would need it for more than one weekend.

So how much would you be willing to pay for a rental of a SharkTuner on a weekly basis plus shipping? Please only pick one amount, but you can also pick the other options too!

Jadz928

I'm very interested Andrew. Very intrepid of you....

My vote is for $150.

Shane

Nope would need one of my own.

Too many upgrades available for our sharks, plus having two or more sharks makes having your own sharktuner a must have!! IMHO

RyanPerrella

I am looking at one as well. But I was thinking of going in 4 ways with someone. Maybe split the cost between 4-5 people, who would then get the thing for a month at a time. Once that was done they could host tuning sessions and charge to tune other 928 owners cars for $200-$300 a session or something until which point the entire investment made by the 4or 5 is paid back. Then I would want to pay John for future use.

I dont want to see him sell only 10 or something to people with a group idea like myself. I think its too expensive, i would be hopeful that if he sold 100x he could get the price down 50-70%. I dont know though what these units really cost to make. Thats for John to decide. But the point has been made that a) although its an incredible tool and the only thing on the market for any car really, its b) at the price point of a replacement aftermarket ECU.

However, If i could rent it for $200 I would just do that. I may get in the rental business with you. Perhaps we have 4 members who have them with similiar programs. At 200 a week plus shipping you could have the investment back in what 12-13 rentals?

One problem i see is people being able to pay a full deposit for the thing though, that could be trouble.

Perhaps John could start the rental program and then he could decide, as in reality every person that rents one, is now no longer going to be buying one. But as has been said, its a pretty substantial investment for most 928 owners.

Bill Ball

Several of us have talked about getting one locally and sharing/renting/providing a tuning service, although, with just a local/regional focus. We could get one by pooling resources, but we haven't adequately spelled out the mechanics of how we would share it to go ahead with the purchase. Letting it out of your hands to potentially inexperienced people seems like asking for trouble.

Tom. M

Is there some kind of insurance you can take out on a case by case basis that would cover the cost of the unit..should something happen to it?...The cost of course to be borne by the user?..

Just some thoughts...

later,
Tom
89GT

Rick Carter

I think 2 hunnert or 2 hunnert fitty is doable, anything less is better. There's also the cost of dyno time.

dr bob

As easy as using these things appears, there are a large number or us who would need some real hand-holding to make sure eveythings is done right. The idea of renting the hardware without getting direct assistance seems a little dangerous. The real value will come when a few folks gain expertise with them, then offer the service as a package deal. Do the street tuning firts, then a dyno session to get good max-output readings confirmed, all under the direct supervision of someone who's BTDT already.

If I had a non-stock car, I'm sure I'd be able to syndicate ownership among some local-to-me owners. It would be a lot more valuable for the rest of the SoCal group if it was a drive-up, drive-away service though.

the flyin' scotsman

We feel so shunned...........we wouldn't let it freeze

AO

Great responses so far!

Malcolm, the reason why I would want to restrict it the US only is becasue if there were ever an issue with damage, freight, customs, etc. There is very little recourse - or at least expensive.

Maybe I could look at it on a case-by-case basis...

Giovanni

If you can add an LM1 to the list I would say $300 for the first week would be very attractive (and e.g. 2nd week $100 or so). On the high-side $350-400 for the 1st week. Damn, and I am a cheap person.

the flyin' scotsman

Andrew...........my post was in jest.

Brian G has a Shark Tuner............a mere 500kms away; no 'free trade' border to worry about just the frozen tundra.

BrianG

Indeed, and I'm willing to work with anyone that wants a shot at it....


As for the O2 sensor...
I figure that, on a rental basis, it would have to come with the O2 sensor option built in. Having to sort out some kind of interface would be a PITA to a ST-newbie. It was enough of a pain to sort out the LC-1 interface that it could severely frustrate a time-based renter.

Courtshark

Let's get even CHEAPER... group rental! Plan a local event around Sharktuning. How long is a typical Sharktuning session? Could 5 people tune their sharks in one weekend?

Jadz928

I may be able to donate a WBO2 and PLX unit (similar to LM1, but with out all the extra funtionality). The PLX only reads the O2 and has a wide band output.

Plug in the PLX into a lighter socket, plug in the WBO2 sensor. Ready to go...

Do you have to have an extra bung for the WBO2 sensor?