78 Miles

[Vossperf.com]

Okay, my turn - First off, I am Erick of Voss Performance, been in business for 11 years, one of the oldest installers of Superformance cars, with over 200 Mark III installations, known Lance Stander for the past 11 years, authorized Roush installer and warranty facility. This is not my first Rodeo. I do sympathize with John regarding his situation. I was in San Francisco delivering another car when this happened. I told John to put it on a tow truck and we would cover it. That is what happened. Due to the fact that there was no registration or insurance on the vehicle it was tricky to test drive. Breaking a car in on a dyno is not optimal. However, it could have been test driven for 100 miles and had a failure at a 101. These things happen. That is why you deal with reputable companies, like Voss Performance, Roush Performance, Superformance, and Bowler, because they step up not out. This is a complex mechanical and electrical Cobra, not your every day components. John wanted a unique cobra, with power steering, a big 511 IR motor, electronic automatic transmission. Any costs incurred in repairing the vehicle according to the failure, Roush and Bowler will step up and cover it. We are a 4,000 sqft climate controlled facility, if you would like to know more about us visit our website Voss Performance - US.

[madmaxx]

Repairing an item which did not perform to expectations is not stepping up it is meeting expectations. As far as a complex electrical car, if the ability to build was not present the order should not have been accepted. John did not know what was or was not doable but at minimuim he should have been informed in the end this could be similiar to back surgery and asked if he wanted to continue. Temp tags are always available, I have driven 1100 miles in one day.

Originally Posted by Vossperf.com

Okay, my turn - First off, I am Erick of Voss Performance, been in business for 11 years, one of the oldest installers of Superformance cars, with over 200 Mark III installations, known Lance Stander for the past 11 years, authorized Roush installer and warranty facility. This is not my first Rodeo. I do sympathize with John regarding his situation. I was in San Francisco delivering another car when this happened. I told John to put it on a tow truck and we would cover it. That is what happened. Due to the fact that there was no registration or insurance on the vehicle it was tricky to test drive. Breaking a car in on a dyno is not optimal. However, it could have been test driven for 100 miles and had a failure at a 101. These things happen. That is why you deal with reputable companies, like Voss Performance, Roush Performance, Superformance, and Bowler, because they step up not out. This is a complex mechanical and electrical Cobra, not your every day components. John wanted a unique cobra, with power steering, a big 511 IR motor, electronic automatic transmission. Any costs incurred in repairing the vehicle according to the failure, Roush and Bowler will step up and cover it. We are a 4,000 sqft climate controlled facility, if you would like to know more about us visit our website Voss Performance - US.

[patrickt]

I think Erick's going to make it right, and I bet it turns out to be less of a deal than it appeared. And I'm sure TinMan is glad he didn't line up five partners from CravathSwaine and start the stone throwing. Granted, that would have been fun to watch as well.

[kayakjack]

Originally Posted by Vossperf.com

Okay, my turn - First off, I am Erick of Voss Performance, been in business for 11 years, one of the oldest installers of Superformance cars, with over 200 Mark III installations, known Lance Stander for the past 11 years, authorized Roush installer and warranty facility. This is not my first Rodeo. I do sympathize with John regarding his situation. I was in San Francisco delivering another car when this happened. I told John to put it on a tow truck and we would cover it. That is what happened. Due to the fact that there was no registration or insurance on the vehicle it was tricky to test drive. Breaking a car in on a dyno is not optimal. However, it could have been test driven for 100 miles and had a failure at a 101. These things happen. That is why you deal with reputable companies, like Voss Performance, Roush Performance, Superformance, and Bowler, because they step up not out. This is a complex mechanical and electrical Cobra, not your every day components. John wanted a unique cobra, with power steering, a big 511 IR motor, electronic automatic transmission. Any costs incurred in repairing the vehicle according to the failure, Roush and Bowler will step up and cover it. We are a 4,000 sqft climate controlled facility, if you would like to know more about us visit our website Voss Performance - US.

Erick,

Thank you for STEPPING UP!!! Stuff happens. It is how you respond that makes all the difference. People on this board have seen all levels and manner of responses to "Issues". Yours is the best.

Thank you,

Jack

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Vossperf.com

However, it could have been test driven for 100 miles and had a failure at a 101.

Speaking from the peanut gallery, I would offer the suggestion that the car, since it will be six months before Tinman picks it up, be driven more than 100 miles. My car, being far more simple, had a couple minor gremlins pop up well after that first 100 miles. Since the car will be there anyway. Maybe Lance can drive it around SoCal when he's not too busy.

I would at least give Voss and the rest of the companies behind this car, a break. Good reputations are hard to build, but quick and easy to tear down.

Of course, in Patrick's case, they start bad and remain bad.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Vossperf.com

Okay, my turn - First off, I am Erick of Voss Performance, been in business for 11 years, one of the oldest installers of Superformance cars, with over 200 Mark III installations, known Lance Stander for the past 11 years, authorized Roush installer and warranty facility. This is not my first Rodeo. I do sympathize with John regarding his situation. I was in San Francisco delivering another car when this happened. I told John to put it on a tow truck and we would cover it. That is what happened. Due to the fact that there was no registration or insurance on the vehicle it was tricky to test drive. Breaking a car in on a dyno is not optimal. However, it could have been test driven for 100 miles and had a failure at a 101. These things happen. That is why you deal with reputable companies, like Voss Performance, Roush Performance, Superformance, and Bowler, because they step up not out. This is a complex mechanical and electrical Cobra, not your every day components. John wanted a unique cobra, with power steering, a big 511 IR motor, electronic automatic transmission. Any costs incurred in repairing the vehicle according to the failure, Roush and Bowler will step up and cover it. We are a 4,000 sqft climate controlled facility, if you would like to know more about us visit our website Voss Performance - US.

Good post Eric.

Just ignore the armchair quarterbacks that seem to know it all.

These guys can just consider themselves lucky they have not had to deal with John Hennessey. Now that guy is a real slimeball, and that's being considerate.

[madmaxx]

You guys are commical. I hope I read it wrong over $70K in drivetrain alone??????

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

You guys are commical. I hope I read it wrong over $70K in drivetrain alone??????

You read it right. TM spared no expense. We tried to no avail to steer him in to a plain ol' Tremec TKO, but he wouldn't hear of it.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You read it right. TM spared no expense. We tried to no avail to steer him in to a plain ol' Tremec TKO, but he wouldn't hear of it.

Well, technically, it was $70,000+ for the engine, trans and installation alone.

But who's counting dollars and cents when it comes to fulfilling your dreams.

Tinman, sometimes it's 6 months before I can see my Cobra too, and my car is parked in the garage.

[hinoonaz]

Sorry for your dilema Tin-Man. There sure have been alot of problems with the 511. I still don't get it!!! Sorting out is one thing. A year and a half and still not right? I am sure all concerned will eventually fix the problem. I still go back to an old saying," How long did it take you to do it wrong".
Gary

[madmaxx]

Lance Stadler is a class act and Superformance would not be who they are without him. Mustang Ranch and KC also provide exceptional customer service. None of the aforementioned are OEM's, but they fill the gap usually at their own expense.

Avanti

I have met 5 people at work who had fusions and there are only about 300 employed. One had 22 years ago, the others anywhere from 8-15 years. All are thrilled and completly pain free, most agree after the first 6 months it all but over, after the first year they forgot it was ever done. One guy regretted he fought it surgery for 10 miserable years, said it was the biggest mistake of his life, he is now 63 and water ski's every weekend.

[csx4910]

Spooky I agree Todd is a standup guy and he was the one that kept me from suing Roush through my issues. The csx is an inferior product in terms of build quality to the SPF (I have owned both and can honestly say I wish I would of kept my SPF or bought a Kirkham but now I cant afford to sell it). Unfortunately, even if they take care of it at least 5 out of the first 7 511's spent 7-10 months EACH (your included) with the motor out of car and shipped back to Roush. When we spend $40K+ on a motor, you would think that you wouldnt need to rebuild the engine top to bottom with under a 1000 miles on it.

I love my 511 when it runs correctly but I would love it more it the car ran correctly when I drive it.

[STL Mark]

Originally Posted by csx4910

When we spend $40K+ on a motor, you would think that you wouldnt need to rebuild the engine top to bottom with under a 1000 miles on it.

Happened to me - three times with the same engine!

It has taken 3 years to finally sort out all of the problems from the initial build. Finally, just this past week I corrected the last "missed" detail from the original install. The beast runs like a scalded dog now - finally.

I feel for ya Tin-Man. I really, really do. I'd like to think that these vendors you are using are the best. Maybe they are. That would be great. But, the reality is that as I have learned - this is hot rodding. Be it crate engine or 70K drivetrain - brace yourself. This will not be the last time this funny looking little car will break your heart.

[csx4910]

Amen to that!!

[Car Nut]

Wow.

Based upon your description(s) when we talked, I am very surprised at the simplicity of the problem, a loose screw in the distributor. And if that is all that it really is, I wouldn't be concerned with pump/thrust bearing issues. A good tune on the transmission controller should resolve the problems we talked about specific to the transmission before and after.

Anyway, it sounds as everyone is stepping up big time to make it right. That in itself should be very comforting. My hat is off to Voss and others.

You do realize I will have to test drive it when you get it back to Phoenix.

[tin-man]

Hi guys, I am happy to report that all the players involved in my original ordeal have stepped up and are making a lot of fine progress in the resolutions and corrective actions that were required to sort out what happened to my car after 78 miles.

Erick Voss of Voss performance correctly diagnosed the no start issue being derivative of a loose screw on the rotor, made the corrections and drove the car, this I have reported previously.

Mark Bowler Of Bowler Transmissions has done one outstanding job of forensic diagnostics along with his team at Compushift. The cause for the surging was attributed to a pinched wire that occurred during the installation process, the transmission surging effect has been eliminated completely.

Mark Yagelo of Roush Industries has identified a Cobra in Michigan that has the same set up as mine and will be using that car to determine what electronic and hardware changes will be required to resolve the high idle issues that are associated with my car. As was stated by Mark:

What we learn on that vehicle may or may not transfer 100% to your car which is why we'll need access to it at some point, either on site or back here in Michigan so we can sort out all the details once and for all. The plan is to have a robust solution implemented before you're ready to start using and enjoying your car again. We're working towards that end.

So all things considered, while what happened should not have happened, the very people who stand behind the products they offer stepped up to the plate in an admirable fashion, resolved what issues that could be resolved at the time and are working towards finding and making whatever corrective actions that are necessary and will apply these changes directly to my car as indicated.

Final comment, Lance Stander of Hillbank Motors in Costa Mesa California has graciously agreed to store my car in his showroom until Roush has come up with the fix.

Given these events I can say my previous angst has dissipated and I look forward with anticipation to Christmas when I can drive my life long dream once more.

Cheers, John AKA tin-man

[mikiec]

Hey, Tinny...

Any new update?

Mike

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by mikiec

Hey, Tinny...

Any new update?

Mike

Mike, sent you a pm.

[Karl Bebout]

I should be selected to do the test driving since I have the automatic transmissioned car. Everyone else would be trying to push in the non existant clutch pedal and would probably be hitting the brake, in stead.

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by Karl Bebout

I should be selected to do the test driving since I have the automatic transmissioned car. Everyone else would be trying to push in the non existant clutch pedal and would probably be hitting the brake, in stead.

Karl, nobody told me about breaks, does Arizona require them as standard equipment and installed? When I ordered power breaks they sold me on a TRD parawind airborne braking system that works on wind power, when I want to stop I press a button and out shoots this TRD, sorta like an umberella. Trouble is I have not had a chance to test it yet, never really had a need to stop.

Does everyone agree with Karl? Somehow I am inclined to support Karl, but didn't Karl drive his car into a tree, or is that another story for another time? tin-man