Prospero

Well, FWIW...

I've been dealing with BEGi for a few months now on an automatic 99 turboed Miata. They have been great to deal with and have always been quick to respond to my questions and issues. (And this includes a downpipe that fit an automatic car the first time around!)

So far I've got what's got to be one of the few turboed automatic Miatas out there and it all fit right the first time and works great despite some tuning issues. The addition of a good engine management system will be the kicker when the time comes. (But I’m still waiting on a solution right now.)

No doubt that there were some little missing pieces here and there, but Bell is working hard on correcting things. I know firsthand that they now have 3 sets of eyes going over each kit as it goes out the door. Absolutely a good step forward! Really, to have that many pieces in one kit and to have only a few small issues, it’s pretty good IMHO. In all I was missing a few brass fittings that were supposed to be 1/8” NPT but got something else instead. A trip to the hardware store and $10.00 later and I was all set.
What’s more is their willingness to make changes based on customer suggestion. I personally spent 3-days writing and editing the installation manual and producing videos on how to do the install. Bell is taking some of the material and making use of it... and some they are not. It’s taking them time and effort to adopt the changes, and it’s all to benefit the customer…not really to solely benefit them. Sure it will make our life easier… but only if we really take the time to read it all the way through. (and take inventory before the installation begins.)

Anyhow, I just wanted to chime in here a little bit and share my story too. From the way I see it, Bell is starting to see an increase in demand but not enough to add more employees and therefore some QC issues are springing up. They’re willing to take on a lot of non-profitable business by doing custom pieces without too much regard for bottom-line. (Likely in the hopes of repeat business and word of mouth advertising.) I personally know of a great many shops that would have told me to take it somewhere else… and Bell has yet to do that to me. So, there is absolutely a value added service when you are talking with these guys that is easy to go un-noticed.

Despite some of the little issues with Bell that I’ve had in the past, I still keep going back for more and will likely continue to do-so. There really aren’t too many other companies that can do what Bell does…so kudos to them for not pushing this into our face by charging out the *** for services. Hell, they even take calls on the weekend without asking for a dime in return… who else is really willing to get that personal?

Just my 2-cents worth… I’ll get off the soapbox now.

Cheers,
Prospero

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

I wasn't provided instructions nor was I told there was a specific pattern that it needed to be done in a the time of purchase or in any of the 3 shipments I received. If this was known issue they should make it known when selling a product. It's been packaged and shipped back already otherwise I would try it. I don't see why something should be so difficult to assemble though.

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

I will add a thought as well,

+1 for being friendly, and willign to accomodate

And I will say that although I didnt order a full kit (dp/mani only) I received instructions, egr stuff, all hardware needed for the install, and so on...

CJ, ur def right the install method should be disclosed, and it is very clear/specific in the instructions..I didnt have any fitment/clearance issue once the final assembly was taking place..
However, you didnt have those instructions, and I dont see anyway to figure it out the method elsewise...

Arkmage

iTrader: (3)

http://bellengineering.net/Pages/products_manuals.html

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

I like the first line of this, my favorite for sure.

My downpipe should not be considered a custom piece except the fact that you made it terminate at 3". I sent you my T3 turbine housing unknowing that all S5s were built to be used with a Garrett T3. My turbine housing is nothing special and was not modified by any means to be custom.

oconnor

I would like to add that the people at Bell are unbelievably friendly on the phone and are willing to talk your ear off and are never in a hurry. I also liked how when I ask a question and if the person on the phone didn't know the answer, instead of making one up, it was "Hold on, let me get someone who knows"...usually Mr. Bell.

I also liked it when I start making an order list and Mr. Bell starts crossing things off the list because I don't need it for my goal. Saves me some money (or rather redirects it) from buying bling and putting it toward real stuff.

So I have my fingers crossed that my S2 for my 1.6 comes with no hiccups so I can feel free to give them a full 100 out of 100 on everything...

Corky Bell

CJ, As I start a response here, the light blinks and I recall we replaced your manifold due to the crack in the weld. Your dnpipe was built on the first manifold. These are custom made and the change of manifolds midstream could well be the deal. We use a fixture that holds the manifold, turbo, and dnpipe. You can see the versatility that offers..... problems too. Estimate the position change with a 1 degree change in flange position.

One of the fun problems with all this dnpipe stuff is the bolt up full circle deal. If one cuts a loop into five segments, welds flanges on each segment's ends, then attempts to bolt it back into a loop, he will rapidly find that bolt to hole tolerance will require a slightly different assembly approach or the thing will look like a classic lock washer when snugged up.

Corky

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

So Corky, whens the second edition of max boost going to be published?

Corky Bell

Ben, Give me a weekend to check out the turbo, please.
Corky

TurboTim

iTrader: (9)

PM sent.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Verocious also sells 304SS 02 bungs for like $3.50, they're not nuts, actual round bungs.

Saml01

iTrader: (9)

My Begi S downpipe had a weird problem where one of the bolts was difficult to get on the stud because it was to close to the pipe.

I called Begi, Stepanie was on a call, so I left a message. No one got back to me for 30 min, I call back and the women says Stephanie left for the day. GREAT, what about telling her I called. DURRRRRR

So then I spoke to Corky, after some very convoluted explaining on my part(I think I woulda had an easier time explaining in Russian), some pictures and 10 min on the phone I had two solutions from him. I was very satisfied, first solution worked, other solution was to send it back for a new piece.

The problem as I see it from my few calls, and reading these posts is just a failure in the work breakdown structure.

I dont mean to preach but it seems to me that some of the people working with Corky dont really have the same passion for the work they once had, and this leads to a decline in attention to detail which leads to the decline in quality. Its almost as though Corky doesnt know that, at the very least, these trivial problems with shipping mistakes and lost orders even happen.

Good way to solve the problems, standardized working procedure for every step of the product delivery process, some knowledge transfer, and maybe a lecture on Six Sigma throw into the mix.

Arkmage

iTrader: (3)

Sam, I like you, I really do...but don't suggest something like Six Sigma for their application. The nature of their products does not allow mass production quality guidelines like six sigma. That's like a woman with hereditary curves trying to maintain 20 lbs under ideal weight. She might be able to do it, but it's not healthy.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

six sigma would require a statistically significant sample size. custom products dont fit that model very well.

I still think any problems begi has are DIRECTLY related to blended margaritas. on the rocks or nothin.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

I don't want to add onto the pile, but I had a few problems with my order as well. My off-the-shelf 1.8 DP has had a couple of problems that are now fixed, but for the money I paid (SSSG w/ 3" outlet) I expected a little more The wastegate flapper door had a tendency to catch on the wall on the DP flange that's meant to complete the gases separation, and the downpipe used to rub the 5-speed, since the bellhousing has a little piece that juts out that's absent in the 6-speed. In addition, it's the little annoying **** like the loops for the bolt that hold the two pieces being on the INSIDE of the tube, not the OUTSIDE where they would be 10x more accessible. The wideband bung is at the 7 o'clock position, which is nearly useless. I also spent nearly $100 shipping the DP back to BEGi after I measured the ID at 2.70", after paying for the 3" upgrade, only to have Corky tell me that their 3" DPs are 3" OD, not 3" ID. This is partially my fault for not being experienced with pipe, but in my defense my Enthuza 3" is a "true" 3", with a 3" ID. In addition, I shelled out $30 for them to tap my manifold for an EGT bung, which never happened. The compression nut on the EGR used to rub on the DP too, but I think it's self-clearanced itself by this point. The EGR tube does have a pretty nasty little bend in it to help that out, though.

Having said all that, if I had time to sort through those little issues, I would order an S5 setup from them, and I probably will at some point. Now that everything is on the car and bolted together, it looks phenomenal (even uncoated, since I drive it enough to keep everything dry), the DP is a work of art that everyone can ooh and aah at when I pop my hood, and I know the manifold will NEVER let me down, no matter how hard I beat on the car. In addition, Stephanie even sent me a CARB sticker after I showed her that my setup was identical to their S-2 kits, at no charge.

So it's a tough call. BEGi's component quality is the best in the business, but their fitment seems to be slipping. Would you rather have parts made in Taiwan, though?

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

Pipe is measured in ID. Tubing is measured in OD. You have a 3" downtube if it measures 3" OD. Did you pay for a 3" downpipe?

Savington

iTrader: (31)

Well that's amusing.

Fireindc

iTrader: (13)

Kind of off topic, but not really... Has anyone bought their new Greddy upgrade downpipe? Curious if the fitment is perfected yet or not before i order one.. heh

TonyV

iTrader: (17)

Dude, dont read all these stories and decide not to order from Begi. The products are pretty damn sweet, and quality is pretty damn sweet too.
Just know that it should be fine, and if for some reason its not be prepared for a little more downtime, but as long as your on top if it, you should end up in good shape...
Perhaps you'll be the first to start reaping the benefits of our suggestions

MX5-4me

+1

Use this as a heads up. Have a digital cam sitting by incase you need to take some pictures so can e-mail them to BEGi for assistance.

Anytime you are doing modification at this level you are likely to hit a snafu or two. whether it's related to the new hardware or not, be prepared for extra downtime.