https://www.theshoreautomotive.com/

The Shore Automotive, North Vancouver, BC (2026)

03/31/2026

2019 Porsche 911 GTS

This tastefully modified 991.2 GTS came in for major service consisting of an oil service and replacement of the engine air filter, accessory drive belt, intercooler inlet clean out, and spark plugs. On 991.2 vehicles, the rear body work (taillights, bumper, rear spoiler) needs to be removed for access.

Instead of the factory fill 0W40 oil, we opted for Mobil 1 FS X2 5W50 which is a better fit for spirited driving. The 5W50 oil we use is a big step up over the 0W40 product: 22% improved HTHS, 15% reduction in NOACK volatility, and 28% increased viscosity at 100°C. What does this mean for the engine? Increased protection against friction & wear, reduced carbon buildup on the intake valves, and more stable oil pressure when the engine is pushed hard. Small quirk about setting oil level on the 991.2 3.0TT engine: it’s best to avoid topping up the oil to max on the e-dipstick so that the turbos can easily drain their oil back to the sump - 1/3 to 2/3 on the dipstick is optimal.

At 50,000km, the factory spark plug gaps had eroded to a little over 0.029”. We opted for a slightly reduced gap of 0.025” on the new OEM Bosch Double Platinum plugs. This helps reduce stress on the ignition coils and prevent spark blowout during high boost operation.

A note about working with centre lock wheels: very important to relubricate the centre lock mating surfaces, threads, follow the torque spec to the letter (600Nm, loosen by 60°, and retorque to 600Nm), and finally ensure that the locking splines have fully extended through the centre lock nut.

Finished it off with a full scan, visual inspection, and road test. This GTS is ready to hit the road 🏎️💨

#911

03/18/2026

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Owner reported that he could hear the Airmatic compressor running constantly (even with the ignition switched off) and there was smoke coming from the engine bay. An Airmatic fault warning also appeared on the dash.

After getting the car over to us, we scanned it and saw a 5508 “Pressure Line Leaks” fault code. Testing the Airmatic relay revealed that it was intermittently sticking closed, resulting in a runaway compressor situation. Additionally, the front struts were bleeding off gradually while parked.

Diagnosing Airmatic faults can be a little tricky since the Airmatic controller can wake-up and perform level corrections even while the car is parked.

We started off with a simple soapy water spray test on all the air fittings including the valve block and front air struts. This showed no leaks. Then we disconnected the battery and did a drop-test: no loss in height. With the air struts ruled out, this left only the valve block and the outflow valve on the air compressor.

During self-levelling operations, the Airmatic controller was activating the single solenoid on the valve block, this allows pressure from the struts to escape through the faulty compressor outflow valve.

Since the air compressor was already compromised from being overheated, we replaced the compressor, mounts, & filter. A new electrical connector was also required since it melted down during the compressor runaway.

With the new compressor and outflow valve fitted, we performed another drop test: no loss in height! No further fault codes, and no diagnostic guesswork by replacing needless parts.

-benz theshoreautomotive

11/21/2023

2017 Audi SQ5 Engine Service

Audi improved the venerable 3.0T supercharged engine for use in the SQ5. Producing 354hp, it’s the highest output version used across Audi’s model lineup. Despite this, the same old common problems plague this version of the 3.0T, including: leaking water pumps, thermostats, & PCV valves, as well as carbon buildup caused by the DI fuel system. We performed a major service on this vehicle, which arrived with active coolant leaks from multiple parts.

1)Water Pump: The leaking water pump installed on the vehicle was missing a key design feature of the original Audi pump. The impeller sleeve that blocks coolant flow during cold start was absent from the pump. This results in increased fuel consumption and engine wear due to a longer than normal warm up phase. In addition, the quality of the gasket on the pump was very poor. It was replaced with a Genuine Audi pump.

2)Thermostat: From thousands of thermal cycles, the original thermostat had developed cracks and was seeping coolant. It was replaced with a Genuine Audi thermostat of latest revision.

3)PCV Valve: Similar to the thermostat, the PCV was seeping coolant. It was replaced with an updated Genuine Audi part that is designed to reduce oil consumption and carbon buildup in the intake tract.

4)Preventative Maintenance: To ensure long term reliability, we replaced multiple parts that are located under the supercharger. These included: Both oil pressure switches, the oil filter housing gasket, the plastic water pipes, the supercharger drive unit oil, and performed a walnut blasting on the intake ports.

The vehicle also received a fresh oil change with 5W40 meeting VW502/505 spec, as well as a coolant flush with VW G13 and it’s now ready to hit the road!

09/26/2023

2001 Volkswagen Jetta VR6

After 268,000km, this VR6 had low compression on cylinder 4 - a result of gradually loosening head bolts. Combustion byproducts began entering the cooling system, turning the coolant into a nasty looking sludge.

The cylinder head was removed and cracks were spotted at the bases of multiple spark plug threads. The head was sent out for pressure testing and a 0.003” skim to prep it for a new head gasket. The worn and plasticized valve guides and stem seals were replaced with new Techtonics Tuning silicon-bronze guides and Genuine VW stem seals. New lightweight MK4 lifters from the 8v 2.0L engines were installed, pairing well with my existing DRC 268 Camshafts and Techtonics HD Valve Springs. At 48 grams each, these lifters are 25% lighter than the originals - no high RPM valve float here!

The engine block was plugged up and given a light resurfacing with 80 and 120 grit sandpaper. The deck was checked for flatness and wiped clean of any oil or debris before installing the cylinder head.

After the refreshed cylinder head was installed, it was time for the timing chain assembly. Suspiciously it was not possible to set both the crank & camshafts to their TDC positions. It was clear that either the chain had stretched, or the timing jumped a tooth and was now incorrect. One of the two mounting bolts for the lower chain tensioner had lost its head, allowing pressurized oil to bleed out and not extend the tensioner. Multiple rollers on the lower timing chain were destroyed/missing.

To locate the debris it was necessary to remove the oil pan. The timing chain shrapnel was found lodged in the oil pump pickup tube. The front main seal carrier had been sweating so it was the perfect time to reseal the carrier and install a new FMS.

During reassembly every relevant seal, gasket, and TTY bolt was replaced.

After reassembly was complete and fluids were filled, a compression test was done and showed that all cylinders were back to spec at 155-165psi. The oiling & fuel systems were primed, and the engine fired up on the first crank with no fault codes. Next stop for this VR6: 500,000km!

07/19/2023

As some of you may already know, The Shore Automotive is now the exclusive distributor for Zunsport Stainless Steel Grilles in Canada!

After dealing with the loss of the Cayman GTS 4.0’s AC due to a rogue stone (SWIPE!), we replaced both AC Condensers and installed a set of Zunsport Front Grilles. We are very impressed with both the build quality and the fit/finish of the parts. As a bonus we feel they elevate the appearance of the front end, helping it look more complete.

Please contact us for information, ordering, and installation of all Zunsport products!

#718 #992 #991

04/17/2023

2009 BMW M3

1)Cylinder 7 Upper Bearing showing a patch of excessive wear. It was also spun approx 4mm in its journal, catching the edge of the bearing and exposing the copper below.

Solution: At 0.0015”, BMW 702/703 Bearings have a nominal clearance well below the industry standard of 0.001” per inch of journal diameter. The BE Bearings & ARP hardware are an improvement in a few ways: They use a standard rod-side bearing with an oversized cap-side bearing, achieving a final nominal clearance of 0.0024” - this is exactly within the industry accepted standard. These bearings are also coated with Silver Oxide - providing the bearings with 30% more load carrying ability, especially in low oil conditions like cold starts. The ARP Rod Bolts are a custom design for BE Bearings, offering stable clamping loads even when reused. This reduces big end bore distortion to keep the bearing clearance uniform. As a final check before reassembly, we used Plastigauge to verify that the rod clearances were within the specified range.

2)Both OE Motor Mounts had collapsed, allowing the engine to sag by 20mm. It was severe enough that the oil pan was contacting the reinforcement plate below.

Solution: We replaced the factory motor mounts with upgraded units from Turner Motorsport. 70A durometer polyurethane encased in a billet 6061-T6 aluminum housing - drivetrain slop is no longer a concern. The throttle response is sharper, and the engine now sits exactly where it was designed to. Following this theme, the transmission mounts were also original so we replaced them with polyurethane versions from REVSHIFT.

3)During disassembly we spotted damage to the Cyl 8 coil, allowing the possibility of moisture to enter and cause a short.

Solution: High underhood temperatures can make the plastic become brittle over time. We replaced the coil with a revised Genuine BMW unit.

On top of the rod bearings & drivetrain mounts, this E92 M3 also received a DCT Service with Getrag components.

🏎:

04/05/2023

This N54 powered 335i came in for an intake port cleaning and BMS Dual Cone Intake servicing. Using walnut blasting we were able to get the ports looking like new, improving fuel economy, power, & smoothness along the way. The BMS DCIs were cleaned with filter detergent, dried, and then oiled to restore their filtering capabilities without compromising flow.

02/20/2023

2012 Mercedes-Benz G550 came in for a flashing check engine light, stumbling, and loss of power. Traced the problem back to worn spark plugs and a defective ignition coil. Installed a set of OE plugs and a new coil, and this G Wagon is back to 100%

-benz

11/29/2022

Volkswagen Group left a ton of performance on the table when they released the EA888.3 Gen 3 Engine. We unlocked this car’s potential, bringing it up to a claimed 431hp & 466lbft (gains of 139hp & 165lbft)! These numbers are achieved via an upgraded downpipe and intake, as well as an ECU reflash. To ensure transmission reliability, we flashed the TCU with IE’s Software to increase line pressure and eliminate potential clutch slip.

🏎:

The Goods:
-CTS Turbo 3.5” Catless Downpipe
-CTS Turbo Intake
-CTS Turbo High Flow Inlet Pipe
-Integrated Engineering Stage 2 Low Torque Map
-Integrated Engineering TCU DSG Tune

11/05/2022

This MK6 GTI came in for an exhaust upgrade as well as replacement of defective clutch and intake parts!

We started off with a CTS Turboback Exhaust. This unit features 3” Stainless Steel, mandrel bent piping & a high flow cat for decreased backpressure over the stock exhaust while keeping rasp and drone to a minimum. To prevent a check engine light due to the HFC we installed a Vibrant O2 Sensor Spacer. This system helps reduce turbo lag by minimizing restrictions in exhaust flow, and gives the car a slightly more aggressive exhaust note without being obnoxious.

Next up was the replacement of the extremely worn clutch and leaky release bearing. We installed a Genuine VW clutch kit consisting of a new clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing. Sticking with factory clutch components ensures smooth & quiet engagement. Upgraded clutches are available for those who intend on increasing engine power beyond stock levels.

Lastly, we replaced the intake manifold with a revised factory unit. Faulty intake manifolds have been a continual issue with VAG 2.0 TSI engines, with the most common failure being the intake flap stops. When these plastic stops fail they allow the flap to rotate beyond its design range which triggers a check engine light. The revised manifold includes reinforced stops to ensure this problem does not reoccur.

09/19/2022

2019 Volkswagen GTI Performance Pack came in for a brake upgrade consisting of the following:

1. Zimmerman Z-Coat Cross Drilled Rotors - Drilled rotors help reduce rotor and pad temperature by offering increased surface area for better cooling
2. EBC Bluestuff NDX - A new formulation from EBC, this brake pad is an excellent aggressive street/entry level track pad, and it benefits from a more user friendly break-in procedure compared to the Yellowstuff compound. Friction holds strong at 0.75µ on initial brake application and 0.42µ at 800°C
3. Genuine Audi RS3 Brake Cooling Ducts - These ducts are found on the 8V RS3 and TTRS models. As they are also built on the MQB platform, these ducts are bolt-on with no modifications required. Working in conjunction with the existing ducts in the fender liners, these cooling ducts help redirect air directly onto the pad/rotor interface behind the caliper. Testing has shown a 25% reduction in rotor temperatures when using these cooling ducts. Keeping brake temperatures in check is key to increasing the longevity of your pads and rotors.

The Shore Automotive

03/31/2026

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11/21/2023

09/26/2023

07/19/2023

04/17/2023

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02/20/2023

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