I tried a search and didn't really see much. Maybe I'm just really bad at the search feature though...

So, I'm wanting to swap over to the mini-ram. Haven't got any bites on my WTB post and actually have seen a lot of scams here recently so I thought I would just buy a new one and cancel the risks of buying used on a board.

I just got off the phone with them and maybe it was because it's a holiday or just the person that answered the phone was really busy but I just didn't feel as though he really cared if I bought something or not. The person that answered said he was the founder so I figured he would have been a little happier to have someone calling. Maybe I'm just not buying enough (mini ram, fuel line kit, upgraded tune) but $1400 ish is a lot to me :-( Seriously contemplating not buying the parts now and putting that money in my other car. With the buying part not being pleasant it concerns me on how any issues would be handeled if one pops up.

Going to give it another try tommorrow to see if it goes any smoother but was curious if this was just a random thing as I've always heard good things about their parts but haven't really seen much on their customer service skills.


If I'm just being moody just tell me... I'm just starting to get a bit frustrated these days as in the past 1.5 years I've dropped nearly 10K on the corvette and about $5K on my mustang (I know I know :-) ) and it seems the corvette venders feel as though they are doing you a favor by answering the phone and the mustang shops all want to BS with you while getting an order put together...

 

This thread is fairly representative of opinions. You'll see pros/cons mentioned.

I've seen both sides of the feedback first hand. I've had some helpful conversations. I've had some answers more geared at getting sales. I've had some questions completely ignored. If you keep after them, I think they can be a good resource. I know several people who are really happy with the TPIS motors.

I agree that many Corvette parts/service providers have the attitude you describe. I've quit dealing with one/two retailers. And, a local shop hung up on me after I asked what made their pricing higher than a standard mechanics shop. I was seriously interested if/what else might be involved that I didn't know about. (Specifically, I was getting bids for a cam swap.)

With expertise comes attitude. Combine that with a ton of mindless questions...over and over. I can see reasons for impatience and I can see people exploiting the Corvette brand to make extra money. Just do your research, be smart, and ask a lot of questions. To accomplish your goal, don't get bogged down by people having bad days or trying to make a buck. It's all part of the "game".

Gregg

 

lots of feedback here...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...with-tpis.html

 

Thanks for the links. That is what I was looking for when trying to search. Helped make my mind up for sure. Not even going to bother calling them tomm. If I find a used one for a decent price I'll revisit but it sounds like cams and headers for my new 2010 stang.

Stinks not having any vette vendors that care about the people that support their business.

 

I think you guys are jumping on TPIS to hard. Imagine what they are probably going through in this recession as business falls to an all time low. I did business with them on behalf of a friend and they were nothing like what you have all described and shipped my friends stuff very fast. Keeping there business afloat right now has probably affected them in many ways from chit chatting on the phone and afraid to lose there jobs to who knows what. I say cut them some slack at least there parts are always first rate.

 

Seems a bit backwards to me, if they were concerned about recession/business falling, you would think they would be trying to increase Customer Service/Satisfaction not reduce it.

 

 

they are not reducing customer service...
It s just that they dont have time for phone calls and are tired about customers that does not knowing what they want.

I often order parts from their website and have always been delivered within a week.
More you assle them and more they will take there time.

 

85 White

Regarding TPIS. I have spent a lot of money with them and AFR on my build(see profile). I have had great service from both of the companies.
My car is at a dyno shop to get the tune right with the computer, and the tech has been in contact with Jim at TPIS almost on a daily basis. The tech gives Jim data and Jim burns a chip and sends it to the tech. The car is running very lean an d they are working it out. I have dealt with Jim since the begining with no problems at all. My initial call was to Jim and he asked me what I was looking for as power. He then layed out what he felt would work for me.
The Miniram is a beauty and everything works well together. My thoughts are if you are not going to change the cam and go heads and headers, I would look at other intakes than the Mini!

Good luck

 

Yeah, you are right....
we should all kiss their azz to take our money.

 

Gonna need to change the REAR GEAR for the full advantage, IMO

 

"tired about customers that does not knowing what they want." That's funny. I always thought that is why they staff a phone line for orders.

If asking a performance shop to recommend which of their two products is best for my car (1204 or 1205) with a non-stock setup then I don't have time for them to count my cash. He really lost me when I wanted to know if my stage 4 tune was sufficient with the mini-ram and if not how much they were going to charge me to update. That question was diverted to (my sales people will be in tommorrow). I expect more than that from the "founder" of a company :-(

To answer the question from another post. The car already has TPIS full length headers, catback exhaust, 52mm TB, 2K stall, gutted maf, cut air lid with K&N, MSD ignition, 24# injectors.

I'll think about it more but based off all the feedback I have seen this company doesn't seem to deserve our money.

 

I had to wait 3 weeks to get my headers. Got fast delivery on my Miniram. Got the Mini off their ebay store. They sort of have to treat you good there or risk bad feedback. The Mini is overpriced but its also the best thing Ive done to my C4. If you ever install one you will never want to install a base/runner/plenum system again. The Mini is just too easy.

 

If it was me, I'd go with a converted single plane intake, but that's just me.

 

When looking at it through TPIS eyes, I can only imagine how many people they get calling a day to chat about stuff they are not going to purchase. Lots of kids get an F-body or old C4 and learn about TPIS and the miniram..... if I had to guess, maybe 1-10 phone calls turn into orders.... so they're probably just a little wore down. But, this is not excusing TPIS, they seem to have a few members posting dissatisifaction with them lately, and that must mean its true.

If the guy who picked up the phone is the founder, it was then probably Myron Cottrell.... he's been in the business for decades, and I would imagine he is probably burnt out a little from chit-chatting about the stuff.... if thats the case, he should probably let somebody else pick-up the phone, but I don't know. I will say, I have been happy with my service from them on items purchased..... and they are members here and come here every now and then. Somebody might want to make them aware of this thread and the others linked here..... if for no other reason they would at least be aware of the growing resentment of their company.

 

Im not in TPIS's shoes so I have no idea what kind of calls they get that might possibly waste their time and annoy them.

That being said,They had an advertisement on their website and I emailed them a few times and heard no reply.I was able to check the email status since they used AOL as I did,each email was read by them,but they refused to answer.After a few emails to them and no replies,they pulled their ad from their website.

I guess they were no longer offering the old ad on there,but a simple email back,in a few words,would have been typical,expected customer service.

Heck,maybe they got 5000 emails a day,but if they have the time to read my emails,I dont see why they cant at least reply back or post on their web page they no longer are doing the promotion they had.
That would have explained alot

They just ignored me and pulled the ad after I asked them a few times.

I got the message alright.Not ever gonna bother them nor try business with them again.If you want to know why I didnt call,that should not make a difference if they have email contact.Thats why they have email.

That being said,I cant hear on telephones too well,so I have to rely on emails.Got nothing but silence there.

 

I ordered the roller rockers from their websites last week, 1 set of 8 1.6s and 1 set of the 1.5s. Nothing on them yet, I'm hoping they arrive by the end of this week or they'll be getting a call.

Their tech department, atleast to me, seemed knowledgable and courteous. Answered all questions straightforward and not trying to sell me extra garbage I don't need, like a few other stores that come to mind. If they give me any grief about the rockers, however, this will be my last dealing with them as I see others with negative feedback.

 

well, like I said I'de recommend them to anyone. But hey feel compelled to buy your parts from vette salvage places and wind up with broken stuff that that you cant even put on your car and to top it off then not even get a refund.

choice is simple to me buy new!

 

I really don't understand why there is this continuous TPiS bashing by a few forum members. I'm sure that everyone has their stories. I've ordered parts from them and received them in four days and sometimes it taken a couple of weeks if it's a low volume piece and is not "in stock". They are an extremely knowledgeable company if you don't abuse it. By some of the rants I've read, I'm sure there are Forum members that have ordered a left handed widget and call back 30 minutes later to see if it's shipped and complain if it's not on their doorstep in two days. Have you ordered from the "big guys" like Corvette Central or ZIP lately? Half the common items are backordered, what's in stock takes two weeks to get here, and try to ask a technical question!
In most transactions that don't go smoothly, I'm sure there's enough fault to go around. When I order parts from specialty vendors I always explain when I need them by and ask questions to confirm availablity and shipping requirements. In my forty plus years of building competitive cars, I've never gotten into a heated situation with a vendor. I've had my share of mess ups but I've remained civil and been taken care of when there's been a problem. I'm working with a new Forum vendor that makes some nice suspension parts but there's been a mess up and he's taking care of the issue as fast as I believe he can. Sure, It's put my build schedule behind, but STUFF happens. When the car's done, I believe I'll have the best parts on it, though.
What's the end game that everyone wants? Do you all want the specialty vendors out of business? Good luck on finding parts made out of unobtainium. My only suggestion is to talk to your vendor of choice, explain what you need and when you need it by, and ASK if it can be done. Just remember, these are small shops with a handful of guys, wearing multiple hats, and trying to make you parts that improve the performance of your 15-25 year old car.
Save the Wave...or rant on...your choice

 

Probably because they are dissatisfied, and normally because someone asks.

The beauty of the internet. Someone asks for an opinion, and they get it.