m2cupcar

iTrader: (5)

I've often read the threads where there are issues with pre-fabbed kit parts and thought that even though the all-DIY is a lot of work, it's probably a lot easier when you're fabbing the stuff on the car it will be used on.

I know one thing for sure - this isn't an easy business. I've seen a few friends get into to it and leave it. Being good at something is totally different than being good at running a business doing that thing.

Rishi

Wow, sorry to see and hear about your experience Chad. I ordered my stuff from them on February 21st and should be getting it in sometime this week. I am crossing my fingers that my experience goes a little bettter than yours, but I will be sure to let you all know about the results.

Ben

iTrader: (33)

That's my FMIII. In fairness I got it used, and don't know how it fit originally.

Like Brian, I also have a S5 manifold with SS downpipe on order.
Will be using the Tial gate you saw. Same as yours...

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Well hopefully you guys don't have any issues with yours. We all know BEGI can turn out some nice products that fit right the first time. This is just my confession of problems with their products and business.
They make all kinds of great things and I still like certain aspects of their kits such as the heatshield and cold air box but not when buying things from them comes with problems like this.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

If it makes you feel better chad, the one exhaust component I didn't build myself--the manifold--I got from ETD and this is what they sold me:

The wastegate is resting against the cylinder head/valve cover...




I didn't send it back. I cut the @#)$(*& flange off and welded it back on further down the runner.

Ben

iTrader: (33)

how did you resolve that matt?

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

Now that you've hacked the system and shown them their vulnerabilities....expect the job offer very soon to help correct future issues.

MX5-4me

I had some similar issues..

I asked for a coolant By-pass so I could clock the Turbo down.. I also already bought and received their IC and piping (shouldn't they have known I needed the by-pass with their IC setup?) .. While I was on the phone talking with Corky about getting the By-Pass we decided to add the Coolant re-route. I waited about 2-3 weeks and what I got was only the re-route.. So I had to wait another week or so for a by-pass.

Coolant Re-Route did not fit with 99 EGR system.. Main metal tube on the Re-route only mounted on one spot (has two but could only get one to fit.)

Intercooler did not fit with A/C system.. They quickly sent out a new intercooler which was very nice but now the Hot Side IC pipes didn't fit. Instead of sending the whole thing back I paid for some new pipes to be fabbed up locally. In fairness I didn't tell them about this because I didn't want to wait any longer.. (it had been 3 months at this point mostly my fault) ..

IC kit didn’t come with the right size T-Bolt Clamps for the piping bought locally instead of telling them..

I think a lot of my problems were due to the time of year I was ordering things and some health issues that the staff was having at the time.

I plan on doing business with them again I think a lot of the issues I had except the IC issues would have been avoided had I been more knowledgeable about this sort of thing..

FHS

iTrader: (2)

I'd call my experience to be positive overall, but not perfect.

I received my kit a couple of weeks later than told. They did ship pieces as they were completed, but nothing I could really install until everything else arrived. I posted on this board about the installation instructions and there was general consensus that the instructions are there just for comic relief. Instead of not getting certain parts, I ended up with bags full of nuts, bolts, and doo dads that I had no idea what to do with (see comments about the instructions).

Anyway, sounds like they handle issues with their own products better than they handle issues about custom work.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

and

Corky Bell

Gentlemen... and you too Chad, (?!)
Every part discussed here was a custom one-off over the telephone and email. Too many specialties and variations. Too many screw up possibilities. Sometimes I'm just not as good as I once was, or once I was not as good as I thought, and not........ whatever.

Very sorry for the inconveniences caused. If custom pieces cause so much trouble, we can discontinue doing that.

A few items need some feeble comment:
No excuse for missing the crack in the weld. Welding iron is one of life's kicks.

The S5 assembly of Chad's was all welded together on one fixture with that manifold.
The assembly requires a specific sequence and all bolts left completely loose until everything engaged. Then tightened in a specific sequence. Photos suggest a different procedure.

The re-machine of the wg flange probably didn't affect the fit, but I checked that myself and judged it within tolerance of use with the gaskets Tial provides. Perfect.... nope.

We have yet to find either completely stainless flex joints or 18mm cres nuts. Could make the nuts ourselves, no excuse for not doing so, except $15 for a nut.(?)

The thermo spacer is cut to clamp the thermostat.

I've not encountered anyone other than aerospace/high pressure welder guys that back purge stainless welds. Nice to do, agreed, but...... No excuse for not cleaning up the interior a bit, however.

I sure thought the Suby adapter was a nice piece. It fit, was accurate, well anchored, tidy..... crap? Right on the dnpipe, it was another ill-advised custom.

Clocking the turbo is largely coordinating the int. wastegate with the comp. housing. I sort of felt that the oil drain could be positioned where you preferrred it within 5 minutes.

One fun character in NY put one downpipe on his mantle and ordered a second to install... production, it was.

There absolutely has to be a first time someone (me) sees a Garrett turbo with a cast in baffle on the wg port. It just had to happen sometime.

Same for the weird combo of fitttings on a turbo. Glad we had adequate machines to cut threads as required.

My apology for not returning some calls or emails, although I can't think of a single one I missed.

I think to best serve the DIY group, this thread ought to continue, but offer directions to groups that can do the custom non-standard jobs well via telephone. Surely, most of you fellows have sent stuff somewhere and had custom work done that was satisfactory. This would then be the time and place to present their contact info.

I could find such a list useful also.

Best wishes to all,
Corky

MX5-4me

I'd like to add that my car is an absolute hoot to drive now and all my frustrations were quickly diminished once I felt boost ..

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Like I said Corky, this was not a hate thread but more of a discussion of problems so if anything you could see the kinds of issues customers have with service and products. So I guess this could be seen as a quality discussion with customer feedback.

I'd love to be informed of correct bolt tightening for my downpipe. I was never provided instructions for it so I assumed there would be no issues though I did find issues in trying to assemble the parts in three different ways. That includes leaving nuts on the downpipe loose as well as the wastegate then inserting the tubes into the 3rd section slip joints and tightening things down. I was unable to find a method of assembly that worked no matter which order I assembled things in.

MX5-4me

Agreed I’m not bashing anyone and I plan on getting more parts down the road. I do think people should know that the custom work done at BEGI isn't always bolt on and go. I think it will only help your customers to know what to possibly expect and it might be worth mentioning during the purchasing process.

Saying something like:

"Our work should be considered one off and fitment issues are a possibility but we will do our best to give you exactly what you paid for."

I think anyone getting custom fab work would respond well to a reasonable statement like that.

Markp

Corky,

RE: the sugaring of the stainless weld, which is a rare from the pipes I see in your shop from time to time, they make a flux specifically for this called Solar Flux B, you might try that, it would prevent the contamination of the weld in the first place.

Mark

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

I would not advise doing that. It's something your company is known for.

Generally speaking quality control seems to be slipping. I've read and heard several people that ordered X, Y, and Z but only received X and Y. Surely a quick check to confirm all the parts that are on your work order are boxed would have prevented this.

In this thread a lot of people had problems with fitment. In Chad's case, he had a multitude of problems. Things that should have been avoided and things that should have never left the shop. Perhaps poor communication is part of the problem. I dunno, but in general QC and communications seem to be the root of several problems that could easily have been avoided.

Patrick

y8s

iTrader: (8)

pat I think he was being facetious... i doubt corky's ready to put down his tig and just push papers around.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

my experience:



=

Trent

iTrader: (11)

I LOL'd.

Arkmage

iTrader: (3)

I've had a few minor glitches with them, mostly communication. My last shipment included a checklist, so it's obvious they are trying harder to make sure everything is in the box before they ship.

Stephanie has also been wonderful to work with on the mistakes, and they are taking care of me. No notable "complaints" really, just minor stuff.

Corky: http://www.mcmaster.com/ has 18mm hex nuts in 1.5 and 2.5 thread pitch and stainless steel. The most expensive of which is $7 each. I don't know what thread pitch you need, but have a look. I can also help you source them in Houston with one of my vendors if you'd like.