So I just got a call from my install shop, and they're having issues with the 1 3/4 c5 headers hitting the starter. I read that the guys with the 7/8's ones had some issues so I bought a MSD starter which supposedly is slightly better fit but still not enough.

Called pfadt and had to leave a voicemail.
Hopefully, I get a response soon and it's just a simple install error but I'm doubting that.

I got them coated as well, so If I need to send these back I'll be pissed.

 

I did some reading for this issue for this exact situation (1 7/8" in my case) and I just picked up a starter for a 2007 silverado to try. reman from autozone for about $150. It is 5/8" shorter and the starter body is thinner than the stock LS1/LS6 starter. I'll reply a second time with a link to the thread on another forum where I got the direction. That way if a mod wants to remove the post since it isn't within the walls of corvette forum, this one can remain.

I bought it at lunch today, so I haven't had a chance to install it just yet.

In my case the header is hitting the starter, it is close enough to the frame rail that with the AC line flush against the frame rail, it still makes contact with the header primaries, and the alignment for the midpipe is half an inch off. I'm hoping that by removing the starter interference all of those issues fall in line. I'll post back when I get time to try it out. I have some work related obligations, so it may take me a few days to get to it.

dagon138, please let me know what you hear back from them. I have been having some communication challenges and would like additional context for whenever I do get a hold of someone to talk to.

 

4.8/5.3 starter thread

 

Aside from the voicemail to "Rob" x108 (box was full the 2nd time I called) I sent an e-mail to Aaron Pfadt. I was trading e-mails with him before the original pfadt coilovers were even known about on the forum, so maybe that counts for something.

 

Samewave (admin) is collecting names for Pfadt customers with issues: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...post1586259241

I would encourage everyone that has posted in this thread with their own personal experiences to check out that link and get in contact with Samewave.

Pfadt is going out of business.

https://www.facebook.com/PfadtRacing

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Pfadt Race Engineering. Since 2006 we have manufactured the highest quality aftermarket components for Corvette, Camaro, and Cadillac right here in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since the addition of Pfadt power products to our extensive suspension line, sales have increased exponentially, which put us into a perpetual backorder. We have spent the past 4 months meeting with investors and venture capitalists trying to secure financing to push Pfadt to the next level and unfortunately the deals to be made were not in our company’s or employee’s best interest. Without a large investment we do not have the resources to meet the demand, which leaves us with no other option but closing our doors.

We would like to thank all of our employees who put their hearts and minds into this business to make it what it is today. We would like to thank our dealers who expertly installed our parts and helped us build our product line with their professional insight. Finally we would like to thank you, our customers. You helped us build a grassroots performance company in the United States. You pushed us to make bolder and better products year after year. You created the Pfadt Family - and that’s what we will miss the most.

We hope this is a minor speed bump on the long road ahead. Much like GM has experienced in the past, we are also experiencing a setback, but we will reorganize and resurface, faster and more streamlined than ever. We have taken care of all of our customers in this deal - you will receive a tracking number for your product or a full refund - and we are sorry for the delays, time lost and backorders many of you experienced. You were all so patient and understanding as we grew, and once again it’s a tribute to how solid the GM community is. We did everything in our power to take care of you and we appreciate the years you allowed us to be a part of your journey. It’s been an amazing ride.

Sincerely,

Aaron Pfadt

 

Yup, I saw this after I just finished boxing up the headers.
Not surprised actually, I suspected this much last week.

I'm hoping they refund the money for these things, then I'm just out the coating costs, and maybe I can sell/return the MSD starter.

 

Sad for the news. Also sad the headers have issues.
Personally, if I had a misfit set, I'd make them work.
You might not ever get another set.
Ron

 

I'd agree, if all it took was a starter change it's well worth the effort to get the difference in sound and hp/tq curve. Pfadt has been a distributor of highest quality parts focused solely on giving the driver the best possible driving experience for a long time. Coming up with innovative ways to improve current designs in every way possible. My hats off to pfadt and the entire pfadt family.

 

Man, that really sucks.
How is it POSSIBLE that they're going out of business when the are "perpetually back ordered"?!! Unbelievable!
What a %hitty position to be in to have a huge back log, and no financing in place to meet the demand.

Well, hopefully they can get it figured out stay in business.


KoreaJon

 

For the record, his forum name is "Savewave".

 

"We have so much demand we have to close" is not a legitimate story. There's something else going on.

 

Dave?

 

I've been told today I'll be getting a refund for the headers.

 

I couldn't have said it any better!

 

Sounds like the truck starter will be my next purchase... Thanks for that info

 

spending all the profits racing and on personal trinkets?

i swear that seems to be the reason a lot of aftermarket shops close

i freely admit i don't know as pfadt won't tell us the story but it's certainly a common theme in the car community

as for the OP either cut and reweld a tube to fit and tap it in with a ball pein hammer if it's close.

or

does anyone make a mini ls starter?

 

lol...MotoRex... (skyline importer, closed from spending all the money from the company on clubs and parties)

S

 

and worse, they gave uncle sam the finger bringing in more parts than they were approved for. not sure of the exact details but they broke at least one federal import law along with living the rock and roll lifestyle on the customers dime

heneesey is another. 10 years ago there was a big scuff when he was taking in vipers, racing them, adding a few thousand miles, then returning them to the owners after "testing"

some people waited over a year to get their car back while he hot lapped it

 

Sorry I didn't update this sooner, but CCA got refunded by Pfadt, and then they refunding me in-turn. I have the headers still in my garage, they never picked them up.

 

That's not the worst of it. He also was selling parts off of customers' cars that were in his shop, especially from out of town customers. One guy had enough and flew in from Hawaii, collected what was left of his car, and trailered it to another tuner/builder here for completion.

Lying crook.