keisler nightmare
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 1
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by 300ZXTwinTurbo
I can't help much with your issues, but I will weigh in on this discussion:
I would not purchase another Keisler product simply because of the 'affair of it all'. I purchased the 5 speed, was told it was 4 weeks out till I would receive the product. It actually took 8 weeks for a partial kit to arrive, I was charged full price, and at the same time I received a note telliing me the transmission mount would ship in two weeks. Of course the mount actually got to me 6 weeks after that. On top of that, after thoroughly eating up the customer service guy (it's not our fault...what do you want me to do...etc), I was told I would be $100 credited back to my account. Of course, there was no follow through on tho
I would not purchase another Keisler product simply because of the 'affair of it all'. I purchased the 5 speed, was told it was 4 weeks out till I would receive the product. It actually took 8 weeks for a partial kit to arrive, I was charged full price, and at the same time I received a note telliing me the transmission mount would ship in two weeks. Of course the mount actually got to me 6 weeks after that. On top of that, after thoroughly eating up the customer service guy (it's not our fault...what do you want me to do...etc), I was told I would be $100 credited back to my account. Of course, there was no follow through on tho
KEISLER has done a lot of people wrong, not just the the CF, but other forum site members!!!!
Last edited by MEGALADON; Aug 29, 2005 at 09:29 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
I would hope that Keisler would take this thread and the others(3-4 this week alone) as constructive input to improve. The issues that people are reporting seem to be repeating over and over..(eg wrong parts shipped, customer service). Some of the problems such as alignment might be a result of differences between our vettes and not Kiesler's fault...BUT that also means that we need to have good customer support. We need companies like Keisler to help us improve our vettes with modern equipment. I just hope that they listen and act on the feedback so that everyone will benefit (including Keisler).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by carguy4sure
I would hope that Keisler would take this thread and the others(3-4 this week alone) as constructive input to improve. The issues that people are reporting seem to be repeating over and over..(eg wrong parts shipped, customer service). Some of the problems such as alignment might be a result of differences between our vettes and not Kiesler's fault...BUT that also means that we need to have good customer support. We need companies like Keisler to help us improve our vettes with modern equipment. I just hope that they listen and act on the feedback so that everyone will benefit (including Keisler).
why no chiming in when there are real issues with their kits? Just curious
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
yeah it's interesting that their is no Kiesler response to this thread.....probably much like their customer service from what it sounds like!!!!! I am going to be in the market for a 6-speed swap pretty soon and I think I will be avoiding keisler.. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 10
From: Scottsboro Alabama
Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
about the only time I see Keisler "chime in" to a thread is when they want to promote their tranny's over production tranny's and to say why theirs is better.
You mean like this..........total
IMHOhttp://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...388&forum_id=3
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Cookeville TN
Customer Service
Hello All -
I just read through this thread.
We really are working to beef up customer service. It was not too long ago that we only had one tech guy, but this year we hired 2 more. Unfortunately one fellow just spent several weeks on sick leave and another had to step down to part time for his own reasons.
Even before I came to work in sales with Keisler, I was a personal friend of the owner, and I know that he is very concerned with customer satisfaction and service. He and I spent several hours on the long drive home form Carlisle yesterday discussing ways to improve customer support. In addition to improving systems, we are currently looking for more tech / customer support staff, so let us hear from you if would like a position with the company.
MNCUSS11 has some real customer service issues, and no one can deny that. The kit fit issues, as has been suggested by other forum members, may have explanations that have nothing to do with Keisler Engineering though. We will work through this and take care of you MNCUSS11.
If any of you have trouble getting through to the tech line or customer service, please feel free to call me directly at 423-773-9789. I'm in sales, but I can answer some tech questions or at least get an answer for you.
Robert Hall - The Driven Man
I just read through this thread.
We really are working to beef up customer service. It was not too long ago that we only had one tech guy, but this year we hired 2 more. Unfortunately one fellow just spent several weeks on sick leave and another had to step down to part time for his own reasons.
Even before I came to work in sales with Keisler, I was a personal friend of the owner, and I know that he is very concerned with customer satisfaction and service. He and I spent several hours on the long drive home form Carlisle yesterday discussing ways to improve customer support. In addition to improving systems, we are currently looking for more tech / customer support staff, so let us hear from you if would like a position with the company.
MNCUSS11 has some real customer service issues, and no one can deny that. The kit fit issues, as has been suggested by other forum members, may have explanations that have nothing to do with Keisler Engineering though. We will work through this and take care of you MNCUSS11.
If any of you have trouble getting through to the tech line or customer service, please feel free to call me directly at 423-773-9789. I'm in sales, but I can answer some tech questions or at least get an answer for you.
Robert Hall - The Driven Man
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Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Just a thought for the Keisler folks:
I think some of the problems with installations are on old cars that have been wrecked and had their frames bent. While they may look OK, they cause problems because they are not in the same configuration as stock anymore. Perhaps there are some critical measurements that Keisler could make and publish that would predict the relative difficulty of an installation? ie - engine mount to transmission x-member, or x-member to corners of the frame somewhere. Published measurements would indicate which cars didn't have problems - if your car is out of this range, you might have problems, etc.
I think some of the problems with installations are on old cars that have been wrecked and had their frames bent. While they may look OK, they cause problems because they are not in the same configuration as stock anymore. Perhaps there are some critical measurements that Keisler could make and publish that would predict the relative difficulty of an installation? ie - engine mount to transmission x-member, or x-member to corners of the frame somewhere. Published measurements would indicate which cars didn't have problems - if your car is out of this range, you might have problems, etc.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
From: No matter where you go, there you are. No VA
Originally Posted by Z-man
Just a thought for the Keisler folks:
I think some of the problems with installations are on old cars that have been wrecked and had their frames bent. While they may look OK, they cause problems because they are not in the same configuration as stock anymore. Perhaps there are some critical measurements that Keisler could make and publish that would predict the relative difficulty of an installation? ie - engine mount to transmission x-member, or x-member to corners of the frame somewhere. Published measurements would indicate which cars didn't have problems - if your car is out of this range, you might have problems, etc.
I think some of the problems with installations are on old cars that have been wrecked and had their frames bent. While they may look OK, they cause problems because they are not in the same configuration as stock anymore. Perhaps there are some critical measurements that Keisler could make and publish that would predict the relative difficulty of an installation? ie - engine mount to transmission x-member, or x-member to corners of the frame somewhere. Published measurements would indicate which cars didn't have problems - if your car is out of this range, you might have problems, etc.
Fantastic idea.
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Classic Chevy 5-Speed
Classic Chevy 5-Speed was at Corvettes of Carlisle and they rolled out their new kits for Corvettes. They now have a bolt in (no-cut) kit for C1, C2, and C3.
Competition is good, now guys have another company they can look at if they want to put a Tremec 5-speed in their Corvette
Check them out at:
www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com
Clubber
Competition is good, now guys have another company they can look at if they want to put a Tremec 5-speed in their Corvette
Check them out at:
www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com
Clubber
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by clubber15
Classic Chevy 5-Speed was at Corvettes of Carlisle and they rolled out their new kits for Corvettes. They now have a bolt in (no-cut) kit for C1, C2, and C3.
Competition is good, now guys have another company they can look at if they want to put a Tremec 5-speed in their Corvette
Check them out at:
www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com
Clubber
Competition is good, now guys have another company they can look at if they want to put a Tremec 5-speed in their Corvette
Check them out at:
www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com
Clubber
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Palm Bay FL
I really dont understand what your problem is, it says right there in the Thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sho...5388&forum_id=3
bolts right in, no mods required, complete kit and delivered on time. You must have read something wrong somewhere!
The Keisler 5 Speed would be your best bet because:
1. It bolts right in with NO modifications or fabrication
2. It really is a complete kit, so you don't have to waste your time chasing down parts, waiting for stuff to be delivered, finding out you have the wrong part, putting your project on hold while trying to the right part ...etc
It comes with a brand new customized TKO, new driveshaft, speedo cable and gear, reverse light wiring, X member bracket, mount, pilot bearing and all the nuts and bolts to install it! Keisler also has everything to convert from an auto to a manual including BRAND SPANK'N NEW ALLOY 621 STYLE BELLHOUSINGS and an optional hydraulic clutch setup so you don't have to fool with linkage.
3. You know it will all fit, and it comes with a warranty
4. The tranny is very strong and has a real overdrive.
5. You'd be hard pressed to buy a ROD and then buy or build all of the other parts needed to install it for less $, and even then you still wouldn't have as nice a tranny, the overdrive would not be as good and you'd have spent alot of your own time.
Robert Hall - Keisler Engineering sales
Direct Line 423-773-9789
Main number 865-609-8187 ext 280
1966 327/300 Factory A/C
Keisler 5 Speed Vette #001 !
bolts right in, no mods required, complete kit and delivered on time. You must have read something wrong somewhere!
The Keisler 5 Speed would be your best bet because:
1. It bolts right in with NO modifications or fabrication
2. It really is a complete kit, so you don't have to waste your time chasing down parts, waiting for stuff to be delivered, finding out you have the wrong part, putting your project on hold while trying to the right part ...etc
It comes with a brand new customized TKO, new driveshaft, speedo cable and gear, reverse light wiring, X member bracket, mount, pilot bearing and all the nuts and bolts to install it! Keisler also has everything to convert from an auto to a manual including BRAND SPANK'N NEW ALLOY 621 STYLE BELLHOUSINGS and an optional hydraulic clutch setup so you don't have to fool with linkage.
3. You know it will all fit, and it comes with a warranty
4. The tranny is very strong and has a real overdrive.
5. You'd be hard pressed to buy a ROD and then buy or build all of the other parts needed to install it for less $, and even then you still wouldn't have as nice a tranny, the overdrive would not be as good and you'd have spent alot of your own time.
Robert Hall - Keisler Engineering sales
Direct Line 423-773-9789
Main number 865-609-8187 ext 280
1966 327/300 Factory A/C
Keisler 5 Speed Vette #001 !
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Salina Kansas
I put a Tremec TKO 5 speed in my '76 vette this summer and it was really tough. Many times, I wished I had gone with a Richmond or a Keisler kit, but after hearing about the imperfection of the Keisler kits, maybe I went the correct route.
I bought a Tremec TKO for about $1,600 on Ebay (new).
I bought an aftermarket crossmember for $300 or so.
I made an "L" shaped adapter out of 1/4" steel for a Mr. Gasket shifter handle I stole out of one of my brother's Challenger RT's.
I cut my console plate and mounted a Mr. Gasket rubber boot and chrome gasket around it. This took a lot of time to get right as I didn't want to screw up the heater control unit, which I had just rebuilt. I cut out the ashtray and made a flat plate out of the ashtray top cover and put a cigarrette lighter and my led light for my alarm in it. It really looks pretty good as I painted the whole thing black and then got a new ID plate for it. I also had to move my console up about an inch which messed up the angle for my Ebrake console. I am still messing with this, but I think I have a solution to lower it down a bit.
I bought a new 2 1/2" BBlock driveshaft off Ebay for $70 and then had it cut down to my measurements and balanced by a local shop. The press in tranny yoke was a bit of a pain, but it came with the tranny and I didn't want to spend another $250 on a cap style yoke.
I had to cut a section of the floor pan on the passenger side to account for the 2-3" longer transmission and the resulting, further rearward position of the driveshaft yoke. this was very easy actually and didn't take much time, but did result in my spending a lot more money on the interior than I was planning at this point (carpet and went ahead and redid doorpanels, dash, seats too. I have read this floor pan mod is typical and expected with the TKO installs.
The crossmember was the biggest pain, as I had to cut out the old welded in crossmember, weld in ears and make plates for the crossmember to screw into the bottom of the frame as I didn't trust cap screws and wanted big bolts holding it in.
I also went ahead and bought a lakewood scattershield and had it planed parallel. This was a total of $250.
So I have about $250 for the bellhousing (this wasn't required), $250 for the driveshaft, $300 for the crossmember and $1700 for the tranny. Total=$2,400 + lots of time and frustration.
It drives perfectly. It shifts miraculously. I will never go back to a linkage style shifter set up again after using this top loader design. it is the shortest throw and smoothest shifting transmission I have ever driven!
Dave W.
I bought a Tremec TKO for about $1,600 on Ebay (new).
I bought an aftermarket crossmember for $300 or so.
I made an "L" shaped adapter out of 1/4" steel for a Mr. Gasket shifter handle I stole out of one of my brother's Challenger RT's.
I cut my console plate and mounted a Mr. Gasket rubber boot and chrome gasket around it. This took a lot of time to get right as I didn't want to screw up the heater control unit, which I had just rebuilt. I cut out the ashtray and made a flat plate out of the ashtray top cover and put a cigarrette lighter and my led light for my alarm in it. It really looks pretty good as I painted the whole thing black and then got a new ID plate for it. I also had to move my console up about an inch which messed up the angle for my Ebrake console. I am still messing with this, but I think I have a solution to lower it down a bit.
I bought a new 2 1/2" BBlock driveshaft off Ebay for $70 and then had it cut down to my measurements and balanced by a local shop. The press in tranny yoke was a bit of a pain, but it came with the tranny and I didn't want to spend another $250 on a cap style yoke.
I had to cut a section of the floor pan on the passenger side to account for the 2-3" longer transmission and the resulting, further rearward position of the driveshaft yoke. this was very easy actually and didn't take much time, but did result in my spending a lot more money on the interior than I was planning at this point (carpet and went ahead and redid doorpanels, dash, seats too. I have read this floor pan mod is typical and expected with the TKO installs.
The crossmember was the biggest pain, as I had to cut out the old welded in crossmember, weld in ears and make plates for the crossmember to screw into the bottom of the frame as I didn't trust cap screws and wanted big bolts holding it in.
I also went ahead and bought a lakewood scattershield and had it planed parallel. This was a total of $250.
So I have about $250 for the bellhousing (this wasn't required), $250 for the driveshaft, $300 for the crossmember and $1700 for the tranny. Total=$2,400 + lots of time and frustration.
It drives perfectly. It shifts miraculously. I will never go back to a linkage style shifter set up again after using this top loader design. it is the shortest throw and smoothest shifting transmission I have ever driven!
Dave W.
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Maybe lost sales for Keisler or new sales for Classic Chevy 5-Speed.
www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com
Could be one of those old sayings: "made thier bed, now they have to sleep in it". God bless good customer service and 1 week delivery time. Go Classic Chevy 5-Speed !!
Clubber
www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com
Could be one of those old sayings: "made thier bed, now they have to sleep in it". God bless good customer service and 1 week delivery time. Go Classic Chevy 5-Speed !!
Clubber
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I have done 2 tremec installation, not kits, just installed them from scratch and found both a very simple job. Pushed I could have done it in a long day but i took my time and spend a few hours each night. Car came in on Saturday and rolled out the following Saturday.
I really don't see a problem for anyone handy to do it with a normal Tremec and no kit.
As for the transmission mount on the crossmember a little fabricating and welding is all that is required.
I really don't see a problem for anyone handy to do it with a normal Tremec and no kit.
As for the transmission mount on the crossmember a little fabricating and welding is all that is required.
&amp;quot;Rodstoration &am p;quot; In Progres
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Originally Posted by Z-man
Just a thought for the Keisler folks:
I think some of the problems with installations are on old cars that have been wrecked and had their frames bent. While they may look OK, they cause problems because they are not in the same configuration as stock anymore. Perhaps there are some critical measurements that Keisler could make and publish that would predict the relative difficulty of an installation? ie - engine mount to transmission x-member, or x-member to corners of the frame somewhere. Published measurements would indicate which cars didn't have problems - if your car is out of this range, you might have problems, etc.
I think some of the problems with installations are on old cars that have been wrecked and had their frames bent. While they may look OK, they cause problems because they are not in the same configuration as stock anymore. Perhaps there are some critical measurements that Keisler could make and publish that would predict the relative difficulty of an installation? ie - engine mount to transmission x-member, or x-member to corners of the frame somewhere. Published measurements would indicate which cars didn't have problems - if your car is out of this range, you might have problems, etc.