pdexta

iTrader: (17)

I've got an S3 kit. I had a horrible experience with BEGI. From payment date to delivery of the last part was right around 8 months (I was told it would be 1 month before it shipped out). The bulk of the kit was shipped out 2-3 months after payment, I can't remember exactly. I was missing a bunch of little parts and the Megasquirt. Then they sent the wrong megasquirt and I had a horrible time getting them to swap it for the correct one. Aside from a couple issues they were nice about it and did send the parts out. I probably made 20 calls to BEGI to harass them into sending stuff though.

On top of that I had a lot of the same problems Hustler did: Air scooper has absolutely nothing to mount to (I guess this could possibly be my fault for removing whatever it was supposed to mount to? But there was nothing about the scooper in the instructions so I can't tell), cold air box didn't fit very well, I spent forever trying to figure out why the intercooler wasn't centered (apparently that's how it's supposed to be), manifold heat shield didn't fit and I had to drill it out.

I'm not really all that familiar with turbo setups but even with the wastegate actuator adjusted all the way out the lowest boost I can run is 10psi. Which isn't really a problem for me, but I could see it being a big problem for some people.

Overall, the car is finally running and I'm happy about that, but I definitely will not ever be buying from them again.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I had no problems getting the correct parts, and they made good on the two fitment issues with no resistance at all. I'd do it all over again with them, with a smile.

pdexta

iTrader: (17)

Good to hear, and they did ultimately make good on the sale. I certainly don't feel like they cheated me or anything. It was just a long, slow process and if I was going to do it again I'd look into going another route.

levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

Diy ftmfw!!
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oconnor

Welcome to BEGI... sounds like the standard. I had the same experience with my S2.
Still have the air scooper and about 4 other parts that were un-mountable without instructions and are sitting in the garage...

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I have a hard time believing that BEGi sent you the wrong parts and refused to make good on the problem.

Wardsweb

I have the BEGi-SSM with the addition of Megasquirt, braided lines, cold air box, stainless dual downpipe and boost gauge. I had BEGi do the install. I have the advantage of being close to BEGi, so I spent two days there watching the install. Mine was the first install of this particular system on a 1.6 NA.

The issues they ran into included:

- the power steering unit being in the way of getting a regular drill in to drill the oil pan. They ended up using a right angle drill and shorter bit.
- the downpipe wasn't quite centered between the engine and the frame, so they made a new one on the spot. They wanted it perfect so they could build a jig for future builds.
- one of the oil lines in the kit was longer than needed, so they replaced it with a shorter one.

I have never seen a turbo install before, so I don't know if it is normally done, but they did clock the turbo so the lines ran smoother.

All in all, I am more than pleased with the whole experience. BEGi is made up of some very talented and just plain nice people.

Stephanie Turner

On the flip side, my paperwork indicated ALL back orders were shipped within 4 weeks. And you neglect to mention the reason for the MS hold up. He refused to ship back the original MS, basically holding it hostage. So, yes, it took him an additional 5 months to get the correct MS because that is how long it took for him to return the incorrect part. Could there have been another way of approaching the MS return, sure. And for that, I am willing to take the blame. But don't make false accusations of "the bulk of the kit was shipped 2- 3 months after payment". That is just flat out untrue.

Stephanie

hustler

iTrader: (6)

owned, lol.

pdexta

iTrader: (17)

I shared my experience and apparently you've got a much different story to tell. All we can do at this point are try to prove the facts that are available to us. I'm sure you guys maintain shipping documents right? I tried to look up my credit card statements but unfortunately I can't go back that far. If you would like to post up the dates my kit was shipped that's fine with me. If my kit was shipped within 4 weeks you have my word that I will humbly apologize and forever cease my incessant badmouthing.

I was able to look up the date my debit card was originally billed for half the price of the kit at the date of purchase. The kit was then delivered while I was on a business trip so I can get those exact dates at work on Monday.

Eunos Aerodyne

To OP - Running a BEGi "S2" kit (mostly) with the old Link engine management (MAP sensor, intake air temp, knock sensor) that was left over from very early BEGi experiment (the Aerodyne turbo).

Installation wasn't bad, but I had done a few engine installs and turbo-reinstallations before. Most of the parts and fittings were there, a few got lost in shipping/etc - I laid everything out and matched it up before I started, which made for less of a headache.

Really didn't have any issues with major components (Manifold, Downpipe, IC or tubing). The coolant re-route seemed to be the least well thought-out portion, and had the worst initial fitment. A year later, I finally got the brass hose barb machined down to minimize the coolant weepage at the upper front connection.

Timing was okay - not exactly above my expectations, but not really "late" either.

Aluminum parts weld quality is top notch, steel and stainless is okay - (I used to TIG weld bicycle frames.)

pdexta

iTrader: (17)

My purchase was made 6/3/08, package was delivered 7/23/08 and was missing ecu, airbox, filter, heatshield, and a couple other little things.

51 days / 7 days in a week = 7.2857 weeks.

My apologies for the 2-3 month accusation, but I did aknowledge that I wasn't sure on that statement and the delivery was only about a week short of 2 months.

boardboy330

iTrader: (5)

Stephanie is a hot tamale

I spoke with Stephanie a few months ago about a turbo kit...and I am just now ready to pull the trigger...I was very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge base. I personally find it hard to believe there is a disregard for customer service in ANY aspect of BEGi's operation.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

She and I conversed about monthly for a couple years now...I think that's a record. No woman and I can maintain an amicable relationship that long, lol.

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

Keep searching old threads about begi then. Begi in general seems to have a hard time:

Packaging all the correct parts to ship that were ordered
Building a down pipe that fits
Shipping things in a timely manner

There are several threads here where people ordered a kit and got parts that didn't fit as advertised, had to mail parts back, etc. I ordered a book a long time ago and never got it. So I called them up a week later and they have no record that I ordered anything. Then I'm put on hold, they come back, and they "found" my order. Then they billed me and shipped it. After two weeks, I finally got my book.

JayL

iTrader: (12)

I don't have a kit from them, but I have ordered several things. Each time there has been issues. Whether it's having to call back because the person answering the phone can't take the order, the order not getting processed correctly, or just plain and simple the parts I receive aren't able to be installed without making changes to them. Needless to say, they lost my business a long time ago.

Stephanie Turner

I agree with some of the things Patmx5 said, some of those things we are notorious for. Especially the shipping in a timely manner. I will never refute that. However, it someone is grossly in error and saying so publicly, I will correct it or provide the other side to the story. Not everything is our fault.

In our defense, the downpipes were an issue at the beginning. However, in the last year, there have been fewer reported issues. There are downpipe issues if you take our downpipe and add it to an older BEGI or current FM turbo setup. That is usually explained when someone purchases it and those circumstances are known. I cannot help those that know about a potential issue up front then choose to gripe about it later when it happened.

As far as packing all the correct parts, you have to remember that every kit shipped out these doors is different. Very few kits are alike, due to custom pieces needed, ECU's, custom powder coating, etc... Most of the time we do a good job of matching the correct part to the correct turbo, but , yes, there are occasional slip ups. At Least we offer that custom option, no one else does. We allow people to customize a BEGI-S kit, think Greddy will let you do that?

It was discussed, over a year ago, about a downpipe that we just could not get right for a somewhat custom application. In the end is was concluded that we should not stop making custom parts just so that everyone could have a cookie cutter, perfect install.
Stephanie

JayL

iTrader: (12)

Some of us don't want to hear an explanation. Begi had an opportunity to take care of customers from the first time we call all the way through making sure a properly fitting part is shipped. It either happens or it doesn't, no explanation needed or wanted.

Stephanie Turner

I cannot help a national back order on a turbo, but yet I am supposed to take the blame for it not being delivered on time? Not fair by any one's standards.

If we have made a mistake with a part, we will get it corrected as soon as possible. I am sure it will never be on the customers time table (since they wanted it done yesterday!), but I will do the best I can.
Stephanie

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I disagree. Good luck finding someone to make weird, custom parts off the car. Good luck finding a shop to guarantee a kit to fit a 99 motor in a 1991 car. BEGi was roughly 1" off on one custom part. Not bad if you ask me.

I'm sorry to nut-swing them, but its dumb to berate one of the only companies making whatever we want through email. This is my 3rd turbo car. I paid for "the best of the best" for my VW, and not only delt with more fitment problems, but dumbfuck ******* crooks who wouldn't fix their own bullshit. Thanks EIP, kiss my starfish!!!