My experience at Stillen

OMG37

I made plans a few weeks ago to head out to GTM to see my car and meet Sam and see the shop. This past weekend I did just that. On my way out to GTM though...I made a pitstop...this is how it happened.

On my flight from Dallas to Santa Ana, about ¾ of the way through the flight, I realized I was sharing a seat next to Chad Light of John Force Racing, Inc. While talking with Chad, he mentioned to me that the Stillen company shop was right next to the Santa Ana airport, so because of a change in plans with one of the companies I was coming out to meet with…I decided to stop by Stillen, unannounced, and see if I could meet Josh and Kyle! Ha!

I showed up entirely unexpected and when I walked in to the main entrance there was a receptionist who greeted me. She asked how she could help me and I told her I just wanted to see if Josh or Kyle were in and that I just wanted to meet them. She seemed a little puzzled and questioned what my reason was for coming by, which I thought was pretty funny. I didn't really have a "good reason" so I just told her I was a member of the forums and wanted to see if they had a moment to spare. She called Kyle and after one more round of questioning and a few minutes later...I was introducing myself to the man himself...Mr. Kyle Stillen.

I didn't introduce myself as OMG37, just my real name and how I managed to make my way to their front door. But once Kyle asked who I was on the forums, he knew who I was. I think we both got a laugh out of the circumstances.

He asked me if I wanted a tour of the facility and as he took me back, he introduced me to Josh. Kyle mentioned to Josh my ID on the forums and Josh knew who I was as well. We all got a laugh out of the whole thing. Just in case anyone is interested, Josh is the taller of the two. We talked a little at their desks about recent events and some of the recent discussions on the forums and then Kyle and I headed in for the tour. As we walked back in to the shop, the first thing I noticed was the supercharger room we've all seen in videos. They had a few 350Z supercharger kits being put together and one other who's model escapes my mind presently. Right after the supercharger room, something interesting happened, Kyle walked me back to Josh's desk and asked if Josh could handle the rest of the tour. I thought in the back of my mind that was a little odd, but figured he was busy and I did show up unannounced, so I really didn't think anything of it...you'll find out later what really happened.

Josh took me through the rest of the shop, I got the chance to see all the shelves of product waiting for distribution, he showed me the freakin' HUGE AP Racing big brake kit for the new camaro. Words can't begin to explain how huge this thing is.

There were several stops along the tour, some of the highlights were:

• I got to see one of Steve Millen's old race cars
• the G37 supercharger project car (was kinda taken apart at the moment)
• I saw some more prototypes of the new 370Z Stillen front bumper (they were working on the fangs)
• I saw the CNC machines they use to fabricate the drilled and slotted rotors
• I saw all the moldings they use and the shop area where they make the other body kit pieces
• outside the back of the shop I saw Steve Millen's 300ZX
• one of the coolest cars that stuck out to me though was the Stillen Rally R35 GTR, the car looks amazing in person

The tour lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Not only was I impressed with their shop, but also with their generosity and being so accomodating considering I stopped in without notice. True class acts.

Oh...about Kyle...when Josh and I finished the tour and headed back to the offices, we ran into Kyle again. Apparently he ate something for lunch that didn't agree with his intestines...so he had to make an emergency tour guide switch/run to the bathroom.

Thanks to Kyle and Josh for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with me and give me a really nice tour. It was a pleasure talking with the both of you. Good luck with your 25th anniversary celebration, it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun and excitement.

Sorry about there being no pictures, this was a total last minute visit, I didn't think to grab my camera. I'm sure most of what I saw has been seen in past videos anyway.

Josh@STILLEN

I'm glad you took the time to stop by, and had a chance to see the STILLEN facility.. thanks for the kind words, and definitely consider finding a way back out for May 8th.. a 1,000+ Nissan's and Infiniti's is a site to see!

Xan

Nice report!

Seems like a stop worth making, if I ever get the chance... the word is out now..

Reps!

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2theextreme

Awesome! Sounds like it was an amazing experience.

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MMD Quarter Panel Louvers, Cervini's Ram Air Type IV Hood, Carbon Fiber Radiator Cover, GT500 Rear Valance, Quad Exhaust Tips

my370nismo

Nice...I would love to stop by when i am in SoCal

DEpointfive0

Can I get a tour too?

nepali

Man, I feel bad for not knowing that Stillen is right next to Santa Ana airport. I was there for three days about three months ago.

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'11 SR/6MT/T/S

NickShoelace

I sure do love Stillen. Definitely need to get some Stillen parts on my Z! I have Nismo exhaust but really feel I want to trade it out for a Stillen.