AMP Performance ""Warning"" Do not buy from them
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
AMP Performance ""Warning"" Do not buy from them
Hello fellow corvette buds,
I wanted to warning anyone on doing business with these guys. I purchased a tko 600 trans and ordered their corvette conversion kit which i optioned the McLeod c3 corvette shifter, which does not line up with the center shifter console. I contacted TOM, the owner, which he said I need to pay shipping and another $395.00 and they will fix their screw up. I dont want to see anyone else burned like i was. I am having my attorney contact Tom
Buy from Keisler
I wanted to warning anyone on doing business with these guys. I purchased a tko 600 trans and ordered their corvette conversion kit which i optioned the McLeod c3 corvette shifter, which does not line up with the center shifter console. I contacted TOM, the owner, which he said I need to pay shipping and another $395.00 and they will fix their screw up. I dont want to see anyone else burned like i was. I am having my attorney contact Tom
Buy from Keisler
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
After reading their warranty and return policies on their website I don't believe I would buy a roller skate key from them. Pretty much states if you bother us after the sale it is going to cost you. Also it acts like if you manage to get it to your house you are pretty much stuck with it. In other words I've seen better policys for merchandise on ebay. I'm sorry you are having trouble with your purchase and good luck with dealing with them. Maybe a posting on here will help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Hmmm... I looked at their site and they don't advertise a kit for C3 Vettes 
http://www.ampperformance.com/xcart/home.php?cat=136
http://www.ampperformance.com/xcart/home.php?cat=136
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Hmmm... I looked at their site and they don't advertise a kit for C3 Vettes
http://www.ampperformance.com/xcart/home.php?cat=136
Yep, i brought mine 2 years ago and have just now got my car ready for the install. They have since taken the corvette tko trans off their site, i guess i got stuck hard on this one.
http://www.ampperformance.com/xcart/home.php?cat=136
Yep, i brought mine 2 years ago and have just now got my car ready for the install. They have since taken the corvette tko trans off their site, i guess i got stuck hard on this one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Hmmm... I looked at their site and they don't advertise a kit for C3 Vettes
http://www.ampperformance.com/xcart/home.php?cat=136
Yep, i brought mine 2 years ago and have just now got my car ready for the install. They have since taken the corvette tko trans off their site, i guess i got stuck hard on this one.
http://www.ampperformance.com/xcart/home.php?cat=136
Yep, i brought mine 2 years ago and have just now got my car ready for the install. They have since taken the corvette tko trans off their site, i guess i got stuck hard on this one.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
To the poster: Please take no offense, as none is intended toward you...
In today's business world, the only thing that counts is money. People running/staffing a business are no longer there to service or help anyone; they are there strictly to make a buck. If the customer doesn't know exactly what he/she wants and clearly state that (if not put it in writing), there is very little chance of success. Years ago, one could have very little knowledge of your own car, walk into a parts store, tell someone what you would like to do...and they would take it from there to get you all the right stuff and even advise you on how to do it. Granted, there are some individual employees who still do good work...but I don't think they are valued much by those businesses [or they would be making higher wages than the "doorknob" who just walked in off the street and asked for a job]. Some of the 'old standby' specialty car parts suppliers still do a good job--and that's who I go to whenever I can. Moral: Do all of your research before you buy; know exactly what part(s) you want and what quality of part(s) you want. Otherwise, you will likely be disappointed [or get 'stung'].
In today's business world, the only thing that counts is money. People running/staffing a business are no longer there to service or help anyone; they are there strictly to make a buck. If the customer doesn't know exactly what he/she wants and clearly state that (if not put it in writing), there is very little chance of success. Years ago, one could have very little knowledge of your own car, walk into a parts store, tell someone what you would like to do...and they would take it from there to get you all the right stuff and even advise you on how to do it. Granted, there are some individual employees who still do good work...but I don't think they are valued much by those businesses [or they would be making higher wages than the "doorknob" who just walked in off the street and asked for a job]. Some of the 'old standby' specialty car parts suppliers still do a good job--and that's who I go to whenever I can. Moral: Do all of your research before you buy; know exactly what part(s) you want and what quality of part(s) you want. Otherwise, you will likely be disappointed [or get 'stung'].
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
I had the dilema of who to go with and weighed price vs. time of response vs. willingness to help vs. reputation etc etc etc. Hands down I found that Keisler was from my expereince the most polite , willing and helpful vendor. They are always on this site and always offer advice\suggestions whether you bought from them or not. I just got my TKO-600 and before even asking, Richard and Gene posted on one of my threads to contact them if I need any help.
IMO you can't beat that!
Sorry you had a bad expereince with another company and I hope you get it all worked out.
Wade
IMO you can't beat that!
Sorry you had a bad expereince with another company and I hope you get it all worked out.
Wade
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,102
Likes: 1
From: Forsyth Illinois
Hello fellow corvette buds,
I wanted to warning anyone on doing business with these guys. I purchased a tko 600 trans and ordered their corvette conversion kit which i optioned the McLeod c3 corvette shifter, which does not line up with the center shifter console. I contacted TOM, the owner, which he said I need to pay shipping and another $395.00 and they will fix their screw up. I dont want to see anyone else burned like i was. I am having my attorney contact Tom
Buy from Keisler
I wanted to warning anyone on doing business with these guys. I purchased a tko 600 trans and ordered their corvette conversion kit which i optioned the McLeod c3 corvette shifter, which does not line up with the center shifter console. I contacted TOM, the owner, which he said I need to pay shipping and another $395.00 and they will fix their screw up. I dont want to see anyone else burned like i was. I am having my attorney contact Tom
Buy from Keisler
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Quote: So the real story is that on 6/23/06 you bought a trans, yoke, shifter, and pilot bearing for $2,446.22 delivered. This was stated to you that this was not a direct fit shifter and that some modifications would be required. At the time we did not offer a direct fit kit with shifter. You purchased this kit because you didn't want to spend the extra $1,600 for one of the kits available on the market. Also, 2 years ago when you purchased these parts, we had no shifter like the side mount kits that are available today. If you wish you can send the parts back and we can sell you a complete kit that we have in stock, for additional money. You are more than welcome to call us if you want to discuss this like adults.
When i bought this kit your right it was not a direct fit, thats why i trusted your website and upgraded to the c3 corvette mcleod shifter (another $300.00), according to you guys would be a direct fit. This was not the case and when i talked to your owner Tom about your mistake his solution to the problem was me throwing more money at it. Customer service, i don't think so. The right solution would be to pay for your false advertisement. If you want to contact me my number is 678) 410-6471.
When i bought this kit your right it was not a direct fit, thats why i trusted your website and upgraded to the c3 corvette mcleod shifter (another $300.00), according to you guys would be a direct fit. This was not the case and when i talked to your owner Tom about your mistake his solution to the problem was me throwing more money at it. Customer service, i don't think so. The right solution would be to pay for your false advertisement. If you want to contact me my number is 678) 410-6471.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Quote:
Originally Posted by vettesbydesign View Post
I am NOT AMP.I* am Vettes by Design,and when yopu purchase a kit thru me....I stand behind everything,and make sure that it is right.I have nonthing.but praise for the interactions that I have had from AMP,and specifically....the Chevy guy there....Tom.So....when you generalize..."these guys"...I am not these guys.They don't sale here as a vendor.I do.When you pay....you pay me,and I stand behind the deal.I have the trans drop shipped from AMP,because Tremec is not accepting any more dealers...only authorized resellers,and AMP is my supplier.
I am sorry that you had a bad experience w/AMP,and not saying that it didn't happen,buyt if you have a problem w/AMP,then address AMP who isn't on this forum.I am on this forum by myself...not these guys.So please,don't dirty my name,because you had a bad experience elsewhere.When you have a bad deal w/me....then dirty my name.
Originally Posted by vettesbydesign View Post
I am NOT AMP.I* am Vettes by Design,and when yopu purchase a kit thru me....I stand behind everything,and make sure that it is right.I have nonthing.but praise for the interactions that I have had from AMP,and specifically....the Chevy guy there....Tom.So....when you generalize..."these guys"...I am not these guys.They don't sale here as a vendor.I do.When you pay....you pay me,and I stand behind the deal.I have the trans drop shipped from AMP,because Tremec is not accepting any more dealers...only authorized resellers,and AMP is my supplier.
I am sorry that you had a bad experience w/AMP,and not saying that it didn't happen,buyt if you have a problem w/AMP,then address AMP who isn't on this forum.I am on this forum by myself...not these guys.So please,don't dirty my name,because you had a bad experience elsewhere.When you have a bad deal w/me....then dirty my name.
Well, Vettesbydesign i suggest you switch to another authorized dealer like cc5s or keisler if you dont want to be screwed in the long run. I am looking out for my fellow vette buds and Amp performance is not a dealer i would ever deal with in the future. If i would have read their warranty statement on their website before buying i would have never considered.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,102
Likes: 1
From: Forsyth Illinois
So the real story is that on 6/23/06 you bought a trans, yoke, shifter, and pilot bearing for $2,446.22 delivered. This was stated to you that this was not a direct fit shifter and that some modifications would be required. At the time we did not offer a direct fit kit with shifter. You purchased this kit because you didn't want to spend the extra $1,600 for one of the kits available on the market. Also, 2 years ago when you purchased these parts, we had no shifter like the side mount kits that are available today. If you wish you can send the parts back and we can sell you a complete kit that we have in stock, for additional money. You are more than welcome to call us if you want to discuss this like adults.
I am NOT trying to distance myself from AMP,because I have had VERY good transactions w/them,but 2 years ago....I never heard of AMP,or Tremec.I only asked you to NOT run around this forum,and try to dirty my name up.Starting a thread like this...is your business.It's your right to post good,or bad....as long as it's directed to the right people,as this post is.Just not all my other posts that you felt the need to post in.Thanks for your consideration,and you should try to work this out w/AMP.They have been great to me,and all my customers are extrememly happy,and their trans will fit perfect.I can't speak on who is responsible,but you jumped into this conversion when it was still fresh,and the parts/modifications that are available today....weren't available then.
Mike told me that they were trying to work w/you.They were going to cover shipping one way,and all you had to do was purchase the correct shifter,and they were going to cover the machine work.Here I am being the middle man.....when I have very little knowledge about any of your transaction.I apologize for your situation.Just please stay out of my other posts,Dennis.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Last edited by 63mako; May 15, 2008 at 12:21 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I'm very surprised that people are making such a big deal out of the shifter location. When I bought my TKO, there was no direct fit version available with the correct shifter location, so the guy that installed it welded a bracket onto the shifter mount to space the shifter handle to the correct position. This didn't affect operation in any way and any weld shop should be able to do that for less than $50.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
The side mount McLeod shifter that fits the shifter hole on a C3 requires some machining of the trans case to fit. 2 years ago it wasn't available through anyone. The Amp transmissions 2 years ago were not a bolt in, some modifications were required as stated in their advertising. That is why they were substatially cheaper. Keisler had the first direct bolt in kit, had to work though some quality and fitment issues for the first couple years and now offer a quality product, good service but you pay for that. Classic Chevy 5 speed offers the Mcleod shifter that is correct fit for the shifter hole but came into the game a little after Keisler a couple years ago. The feedback I have heard on their shifter is that it is second to none. Similar pricing. You get what you pay for. Some would rather do some modification on their own and save some bucks. They were the buyer that chose Amp Performance. Some want a direct bolt in and fitment and are willing to pay the extra. Vettes By Design would be my choice for correct shifter location (McLeod) and saving a few bucks. He also is willing to sell individual components which the bigger vendors won't do. That is customer service.
I purchased my kit before side-mount(custom tail shaft modification) was available, so i bought my tko 600 which came with a standard tremec shifter that would require modification on a c3. I then bought the mcleod shifter thought AMP for an extra $300.00 and according to them would be a direct fit, which it wasn't. Im not try to dirty anyones name or ruin anyone im just warning anyone buying in the future that "Tom", the gm guy at amp basically told me he was finished talking with me on the phone and if i didn't pay an extra $395.00 to fix than im screwed. In my opinion making the customer pay extra twice once for the upgrade and another to fix the problem in my book is not customer service. Ive been on this forum for a long time and there are good people on here and i don't want them to go though the situation i had to. That being said i posted a picture of my upgraded mcleod shifter. Looking for suggestion on how to do the weld myself. what do you guys think on the cut and weld?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 4
From: Upland Ca
I can see complaining about a product right after purchase. But opening a box after two years and waving the lawyer card? Seems a little childish. Designs change overtime, two years from now the shifter will probably look different again. IMHO, if you buy something and fail to use it for two years your on your own.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
63 mako,
I purchased my kit before side-mount(custom tail shaft modification) was available, so i bought my tko 600 which came with a standard tremec shifter that would require modification on a c3. I then bought the mcleod shifter thought AMP for an extra $300.00 and according to them would be a direct fit, which it wasn't. Im not try to dirty anyones name or ruin anyone im just warning anyone buying in the future that "Tom", the gm guy at amp basically told me he was finished talking with me on the phone and if i didn't pay an extra $395.00 to fix than im screwed. In my opinion making the customer pay extra twice once for the upgrade and another to fix the problem in my book is not customer service. Ive been on this forum for a long time and there are good people on here and i don't want them to go though the situation i had to.
I purchased my kit before side-mount(custom tail shaft modification) was available, so i bought my tko 600 which came with a standard tremec shifter that would require modification on a c3. I then bought the mcleod shifter thought AMP for an extra $300.00 and according to them would be a direct fit, which it wasn't. Im not try to dirty anyones name or ruin anyone im just warning anyone buying in the future that "Tom", the gm guy at amp basically told me he was finished talking with me on the phone and if i didn't pay an extra $395.00 to fix than im screwed. In my opinion making the customer pay extra twice once for the upgrade and another to fix the problem in my book is not customer service. Ive been on this forum for a long time and there are good people on here and i don't want them to go though the situation i had to.
If you don't want to pay for an upgrade side mount shifter and extra machining to the tailpiece that wasn't available when you bought your trans then welding an extention to move it to the left would be an inexpensive option. Will Tom give you any credit on your old shifter to help offset the cost some? If not sell your original TKO shifter, the McLeod shifter and apply the cash toward the upgrade.The trans unmodified is $1975. The Trans modified is $2500. That is a difference of $525. You bought 2 years ago, before the modification was available. Offering you a $525 upgrade for $395 and paying shipping one way seems to me to be trying to work with you 2 years after the fact. JMHO
Last edited by 63mako; May 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM.