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Old 12-18-2008, 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by zoom44
if you purchased a 2nd hand kit from another manufacturer you would expect them to honor a warranty that is no longer valid?
If I came into possession of a product and had the skillset necessary to determine it had an manufacturing defect then I would fully expect the supposed manufacturer to address it. In some states there are consumer protection laws that ensure this to be the case.

I'm an RX-8 second owner and bought it "second hand" from a Honda lot. That's not going to stop Mazda from replacing my engine if it craps out over the next 4 years.

You look at the money people have to invest into a turbo kit and you're just shy of being able to pick up a 2004-2005 model soup to nuts.
Old 12-18-2008, 06:45 PM
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ShellDude, you've got the right idea there.
Old 12-18-2008, 06:56 PM
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I'm just saying it like I see. Had Esmeril (they still have a chance to step in and do the right thing) taken possession of the turbo, honestly reviewed its condition, reached the same conclusion, had the ***** to admit there was a defect, and then corrected it, it would go a very long way in demonstrating to the community that they stand behind their products, chinese knock-offs or w/e...

Hell, I don't even care about the whole chinese knock-off / clone thing. Just so long as they stand behind what the sell.... like hello?!?!?!??

And then not returning phone calls or responding to emails? WTF?!?!?! GAME OVER man.
Old 12-18-2008, 06:59 PM
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Well, Mazda offered that warranty. They weren't obliged and we don't have any right to expect one.
Its a good-faith gesture.

However, this isn't the point here.

I don't think this is a matter of financial responsibility as much as it is a pointer to a much bigger systemic problem with the kit itself.

Originally Posted by ShellDude
And then not returning phone calls or responding to emails? WTF?!?!?! GAME OVER man.
lol. I do that all the time.
Doesn't have any bearing one way or another on my claims, though.
Old 12-18-2008, 07:05 PM
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Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
Well, Mazda offered that warranty. They weren't obliged and we don't have any right to expect one.
Its a good-faith gesture.

However, this isn't the point here.
I understand what you're saying, Jeff. You're focusing on where these crapshoot kits are coming from, identifying root cause.

I'm all for **** happening... I mean, it happens everyday. What I look for is how people handle things after the **** hits the fan and, unfortunately, I'm not impressed with how this is being handled by mazdaparts and esmeril.

And yeah, you slacker.... There are definitely times where it's like beating a dead horse trying to get in touch with you, but in my own experience, that doesn't make you any less accountable. Over the past half year we've worked through a number of items in the AP space, and even though it took some time, especially during all the stupid firmware changes, you always delivered. That's what separates you from this rift-raft.

Last edited by ShellDude; 12-18-2008 at 07:08 PM.
Old 12-18-2008, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ShellDude
And then not returning phone calls or responding to emails? WTF?!?!?! GAME OVER man.

And therein lies the problem. We did respond to his phone calls. In fact I spoke to him for well over 30 minutes during one call.

AIredcar simply won't take responsibility for the situation. He bought a used kit, not from us and then had problems with it. We offered to inspect the turbo for free and if it could not be repaired we would give him a discounted rate on a replacement turbo. He would not accept our offer, case closed.
Old 12-18-2008, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by truemagellen

We offered to inspect the turbo for free and if it could not be repaired we would give him a discounted rate on a replacement turbo. He would not accept our offer, case closed.
Anyone disputing this?
Old 12-18-2008, 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by zoom44
am i the only person on here that thinks buying a turbo 2nd hand and then trying to get the retailer to warranty a problem with it is asking too much?
Old 12-18-2008, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by ShellDude
If I came into possession of a product and had the skillset necessary to determine it had an manufacturing defect then I would fully expect the supposed manufacturer to address it. In some states there are consumer protection laws that ensure this to be the case.

I'm an RX-8 second owner and bought it "second hand" from a Honda lot. That's not going to stop Mazda from replacing my engine if it craps out over the next 4 years.

You look at the money people have to invest into a turbo kit and you're just shy of being able to pick up a 2004-2005 model soup to nuts.
automotive warranties are transferable. this is not. most turbo kits are sold as is with no protection what so ever.

check around at other companies warranty info like greddy

No warranty whatsoever will be valid if the defect was caused by abuse, negligence, and/or mishandling. GReddy® reserves the rights to make this determination. GReddy Performance Products, Inc. reserves all rights for determination and execution for all warranty claims. All merchandise sold by GReddy Performance Products, Inc. is subject to the GReddy manufacturer's warranty, if any, and is subject to submission to the manufacturer for approval for repair or replacement of merchandise. The warranty period varris from product line to product line.

For warranty informatino on a specific product line, contact Alamo Motorsports or GReddy. GReddy is not responsible for any incidental or consequential damages. Customer will be resopnsible fo all shipping and handling fees. No labor or inconvenience may be included in any claims. For warranty requirement, if applicable, please contact Alamo Motorsports for details. If shipping damage has occurred, itis the customer's responsibility to handle the claims through the carrier.
if your greddy turbo fails they you have to pay to end it to them for them to check it out and then they will determine how the issue was caused. All shipping damage is the customers/shipping company's responsibility.

send a second hand greddy turbo back to them months after the original warranty (which isnt even applicable to you) is invalid and see if they "step up". they wont and its ridiculous to say they should.
Old 12-18-2008, 07:20 PM
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zoom44, I'm coming around. I would've given mazdaparts a chance by returning the turbo to them. If what they claim is true, they were willing to make things right if it was clear that the problem was a result of poor craftsmanship.
Old 12-18-2008, 07:42 PM
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Sorry but I'm w/zoom on this one, didn't even notice he had bought it second hand

Either way no company has a perfect track record, there will always be mishaps.
Old 12-18-2008, 08:06 PM
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Well, now I'd kinda like to see some answers.

One side says it was shipped directly from the builder, the other says it was shipped to the first owner and then on to the second.
Not that either matters - the fabricator (literally and figuratively) took the time out to indicate that they were vouching for the kit's "newness".
Once that step is made, its like they sold it new, anyway.
Old 12-18-2008, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by truemagellen

And therein lies the problem. We did respond to his phone calls. In fact I spoke to him for well over 30 minutes during one call.

AIredcar simply won't take responsibility for the situation. He bought a used kit, not from us and then had problems with it. We offered to inspect the turbo for free and if it could not be repaired we would give him a discounted rate on a replacement turbo. He would not accept our offer, case closed.
You responded to one phone call. ONE of many, and the 30 minute run-around consisted of me telling you that it's impossible to damage only the compressor to CHRA interface without destroying the turbo. Then there was a shift of blame from the know-it-alls at XS Power to Mike, whom I bought the kit from. You never said anything of a free inspection, you only told me that I had the privilege of buying another knock off turbo for $550. A fantastic offer, seeing as how I can find the same garbage on eBay for about $350.

Also, it's ALRedCar, Al, like the first two letters of my name, not artificial intelligence, something that seems to be the foundation of these Chinese knock-off companies...
Old 12-18-2008, 08:30 PM
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The kit was bought second hand, but in a completely unused state. I had the pleasure of opening the APC air filter myself, as well as pulling the covers off the "SUPER T-70". Now, I would be completely in the wrong if the kit was used, even if for a quick spin around the block, but the fact of the matter is, the kit was, by every conceivable stretch of anyone's imagination, UNUSED. This is where things go from black and white to a tinge of gray...

I brought this to everyone's attention because of:
A) The discovery that a turbocharger kit needs some severe re-working so that others don't go through the same headaches I've had
B) The producer's unwillingness to handle the situation in a professional manner

I continue to push the subject so that others can see how this has been handled by the producers of the kit - I've been truthful in every claim I've made, every image I've posted showing the damage from the kit, every account of the buyer (myself) to Esmeril contact. I'm just putting the facts out there so that others can see what $5000+ dollars worth of $1500 of eBay parts and some pipe will get you. A whole lot of nothing.
Old 12-18-2008, 09:12 PM
  #165  
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Originally Posted by AlTitaniumCar
The kit was bought second hand, but in a completely unused state. I had the pleasure of opening the APC air filter myself, as well as pulling the covers off the "SUPER T-70". Now, I would be completely in the wrong if the kit was used, even if for a quick spin around the block, but the fact of the matter is, the kit was, by every conceivable stretch of anyone's imagination, UNUSED. This is where things go from black and white to a tinge of gray...

I brought this to everyone's attention because of:
A) The discovery that a turbocharger kit needs some severe re-working so that others don't go through the same headaches I've had
B) The producer's unwillingness to handle the situation in a professional manner

I continue to push the subject so that others can see how this has been handled by the producers of the kit - I've been truthful in every claim I've made, every image I've posted showing the damage from the kit, every account of the buyer (myself) to Esmeril contact. I'm just putting the facts out there so that others can see what $5000+ dollars worth of $1500 of eBay parts and some pipe will get you. A whole lot of nothing.
PWNT.... Wow. Good game. Hey Al, can you post up a pic and specs of the turbo that is supposedly supposed to be in this kit? Or it's equivalent?
Old 12-18-2008, 09:19 PM
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A friend found this for me... http://www.xs-power.co.uk/index.php?...roducts_id=155




Here's what the compressor wheel and backplate look like on my fine example... It's also worth noting that the orange colored O-Ring is merely resting partially on the backplate. It clearly isn't up to the task of sealing anything.



Here's a shot of the assembled turbocharger - I want everyone to notice two things: first, the oil in the compressor housing and on the compressor outlet. Secondly, the white residue in the turbine housing, evidence of oil being burned during combustion.
Old 12-18-2008, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Zelse
PWNT.... Wow. Good game. Hey Al, can you post up a pic and specs of the turbo that is supposedly supposed to be in this kit? Or it's equivalent?
We went 1600 + posts deep in another thread that is now gone trying to get that very information, so it is not likely to be forthcoming any time soon.
Old 12-18-2008, 09:38 PM
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Just read the entire thread, that's gotta suck Al. I can understand selling shitty parts, but can't believe customer service is that bad. Even if your not under warranty they should still try to help you out when you call. You should have bought the $30 electric turbo from ebay, lifetime warranty
Old 12-18-2008, 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Elara
Vendors should not be arguing or denigrating other vendor's products on here. This isn't even something we should have to say.
Elara, i agree and understand the moderators positions on all aspects of acting unprofesionally. And i have no issues with keeping competitors out of each others respective forums. But please dont let it go as far as preventing an adult discussion and review of products. Image if that were to happen, we'd be chock full of vendors selling ****, and a LOT of members buying it not knowing any better because a lot of the folks who have been around the block and know better wouldnt be able to question and force crappy vendors to .... eh you know where i'm gong with this.

Originally Posted by zoom44
am i the only person on here that thinks buying a turbo 2nd hand and then trying to get the retailer to warranty a problem with it is asking too much?
no, i agree with you there. although considering the situation it would have been a big positive step for Esmiril to be a bit more malleable in this case. I mean anyone who has ever actually held a turbo in their hands can comfortably say that that damage cant be done by shipping or other means w/o destroying it or tearing it down. Hell 30 minutes reading on the inner workings of a turbo and then looking at those pics would tell anyone that something is definately wrong there, and if you have half an imagination you can visualize in your head exactly why things happened the way they did.

Originally Posted by truemagellen

And therein lies the problem. We did respond to his phone calls. In fact I spoke to him for well over 30 minutes during one call.

AIredcar simply won't take responsibility for the situation. He bought a used kit, not from us and then had problems with it. We offered to inspect the turbo for free and if it could not be repaired we would give him a discounted rate on a replacement turbo. He would not accept our offer, case closed.
1) No that isnt the problem, poor customer service is something the community has almost come to expect considering a lot of the vendor history here. The problem is A- you apparently accused a member of disassembling the turbo causing the damages, thats one of the most unprofessional things i've ever seen on here.
B- that you/Chris actually tried to say the oil was coming from the motor. there are probably a lot of people around who would buy that junk, but as was aleady pointed out, oil leaving in the exhaust stream can not end up on the compressor side of the turbo unless the thing is TOTALLY fubar'd already.... again, simply the fact that esmiril tried to pawn that excuse off on the ignorant and unsuspecting is unbelievably unprofessional.

Utterly unacceptable. This is starting to mirror a previous vendors attitude and actions on here....

Oh and dont DARE try to start throwing around the "trolling/hater/uninvolved person bullshit" i had it up to here with that crap in the past. You might be able to get away with that with some other ppl on here, but not me. As long as you are a vendor here selling products it IS my business, and everyone elses. Your customer service is my business, the quality of the products you sell is my business, and the way you potray your company and ethics is my business. As long as we are a part of your customer base, its our business. All the same applies to Esmiril as well.

Last note: its one thing for Esmiril to fudge this up. But Mazdaparts supports them and retails their products. What does this say about your quality control and how much you care about what your selling your customers?? Are you selling other products that you havent properly scrutinized? Products that are potentially plain junk?

Last edited by paulmasoner; 12-18-2008 at 09:48 PM.
Old 12-18-2008, 10:22 PM
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^-- Nicely said Paul. I've honestly had a few comments after reading this thread a few times, but either Al, Jeff, or Paul here has voiced the same feelings I have, so no need for an echo. It's true though in the sense of..this is sad that this vendor is beginning to look like the shadow of another one that "once was".... Hopefully not again, eh?

Coincidence that it's over a turbo kit too, no?
Old 12-18-2008, 10:43 PM
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Thanks for all of the support guys, it's honestly giving me piece of mind knowing that (hopefully) people won't get themselves into a situation similar to mine after reading this thread.
Old 12-18-2008, 10:46 PM
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Heh well after hearing about the Esmeril turbo kit giving the "claimed" HP..Even I almost debated going FI. But was going to compare to the upcoming BHR turbo kit which is and still is going to be superior it seems...Not just in custom support/service neither it seems. :D
Old 12-18-2008, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by AlTitaniumCar
...
Here's what the compressor wheel and backplate look like on my fine example... It's also worth noting that the orange colored O-Ring is merely resting partially on the backplate. It clearly isn't up to the task of sealing anything.
that orange o-ring is only a dust seal. the seal that is leaking must be on the shaft behind the impeller.
Old 12-18-2008, 10:52 PM
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Right you are - but still, it will still offer an amount of sealing so that the compressed air finds its way out to the compressor outlet. The real culprit in this oily mess, as you mentioned, is at the backplate and center housing interface. I just thought the ill-fitting gasket was a fun side note.
Old 12-19-2008, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by paulmasoner
But please dont let it go as far as preventing an adult discussion and review of products. Image if that were to happen, we'd be chock full of vendors selling ****, and a LOT of members buying it not knowing any better because a lot of the folks who have been around the block and know better wouldnt be able to question and force crappy vendors to .... eh you know where i'm gong with this.
Too late. Already done.
Registered vendors are no longer allowed to talk about other vendors products.
New Forum Rules as of yesterday.


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