SD, Spotts - KRE - nobody ever answers!!!

[chief455]

I am actively in the market for used ported heads. Many here have offered me sets - thank you!
I am being picky, it''s a lot of money, and I want what I want.
So I decide to discuss KRE D-ports with Dave or Marcel at SD.
No answer, anytime, all week.
No return call.
I tried Jeff at KRE.
He called me back but not when I said I'd be home.
Phone tag - but he's trying.
I called "Ace" at Pacific to see if he had any - he answered and referred me back to SD for their outstanding work.
I called Spotts - 2 days in a row, a few times.
Just to see if he had something ready to go, I'm local.
No return calls.

So - I am going to buy a used set of Butler ported E-heads that are as close to my exact needs and within budget.
I'd have liked to found what a set of SD ported KRE - D-ports would have cost! I'm not placing an internet order without talking tech first.
Might have saved me looking for round port headers as I have 2" racing D-port headers already.
Mark at Maddog Headers called me back in 40 minutes with a header price.

My point : how are you guys raving about customer service with SD when I can't even place an order with anyone? I completely admire the work they do and sure it's just timing - but still.
Frustrated at the season start I guess.

[Jack Ferris]

I am actively in the market for used ported heads. Many here have offered me sets - thank you!
I am being picky, it''s a lot of money, and I want what I want.
So I decide to discuss KRE D-ports with Dave or Marcel at SD.
No answer, anytime, all week.
No return call.
I tried Jeff at KRE.
He called me back but not when I said I'd be home.
Phone tag - but he's trying.
I called "Ace" at Pacific to see if he had any - he answered and referred me back to SD for their outstanding work.
I called Spotts - 2 days in a row, a few times.
Just to see if he had something ready to go, I'm local.
No return calls.

So - I am going to buy a used set of Butler ported E-heads that are as close to my exact needs and within budget.
I'd have liked to found what a set of SD ported KRE - D-ports would have cost! I'm not placing an internet order without talking tech first.
Might have saved me looking for round port headers as I have 2" racing D-port headers already.
Mark at Maddog Headers called me back in 40 minutes with a header price.

My point : how are you guys raving about customer service with SD when I can't even place an order with anyone? I completely admire the work they do and sure it's just timing - but still.
Frustrated at the season start I guess.


Email always worked for me. You have to understand a lot of the calls these people get are from people that have no intention in spending money with them. I get them all day long. I fully understand everybody is a potential customer. Some places just dont have the man power to answer tech questions all day and get work done at the same time. I know Dave very well and I know he will answer emails. I cant speak for Ace and as far as Paul's outfit I order on line from him and the parts come.

[ponjohn]

I get email responses from SD within 24 hours.

[triathlonx13]

It's tough especially this time of year... the season is upon us !!!

[cnc]

I am talking to Marcel from SD from his HOME e-mail he is there sick with the flu as of yesterday...
Chris

[chief455]

I am talking to Marcel from SD from his HOME e-mail he is there sick with the flu as of yesterday...
Chris
Bummer -
I tried email a few weeks back with no reply which prompted my phone calls.
I'll try email again
Anything better to use for emailing than directly from the website?

[440GP69]

Marcel is sick with the FLU he handles all emails i talked to him yesterday and he is sick as a dog! Everyone i know got that flu where i am and it was the sickest ive ever been!, it must have moved north! Dave stays in the shop porting because they are very busy and if dave is answereing phones he can't build heads! Marcel told me that he will be in a couple days either try him friday or most likely monday, sometimes it takes him a few days to return emails, but hang in there. Paul spott's is only open till 2pm try his email, he gets his cnc heads from sd performance. hang in there man i'm in te same boat patience my friend!!

[chief455]

I hear you guys - wait for the best. Trouble is, if I can't swing the best price new, I can't afford to miss a pending deal on E-heads by waiting...I need their suggested heads/price.
oh - this hobby!! :)

[Larry Navarro]

Marcel and Dave are great guys and will talk at great lengths to discuss your needs.
Look at the SD site for suggested heads/price on new CNC ported KRE D-ports. Prices start at $2200.
It was cost-effective for me to go with their D-ports since I already had the headers.
Prep'd E-heads were the same price from Butler.

[Big Injun]

As you said, you are being picky because you know what you want. Then by visiting the SD Performance website you can see all of the head prices and spec's so that you can make an informed decision.

http://sdperformance.com/listProducts.php?categoryID=25

[cutrone]

I am talking to Marcel from SD from his HOME e-mail he is there sick with the flu as of yesterday...
Chris

Me too.

[chief455]

Marcel and Dave are great guys and will talk at great lengths to discuss your needs.
Look at the SD site for suggested heads/price on new CNC ported KRE D-ports. Prices start at $2200.
It was cost-effective for me to go with their D-ports since I already had the headers.
Prep'd E-heads were the same price from Butler.
Same boat for me. I have read all vendors website prices and made a comparison spreadsheet.
I just want details on the chamber finishing cost, roller springs, and 290 or 310cfm for my needs - can't really tell if I'll pass the $2500 mark - plus shipping.
If so, used E-heads and some headers may work out as well for my performance goals.

I sent email to both listed addresses - thanks for the replies - it's been a long winter ;)

[mechanic17]

Marcel explained to me (I ordered my heads in January, got them in three weeks) that February-April is "silly season" over there--they get swamped with cylinder head orders because summer's/tax returns coming. Be patient with them and you won't regret it.

[rod cole]

Having just been on a spending spree. The pontiac people who want to increase there business should invest in people or time to answer questions or provide more info on their sites. Examples S.D. lists cams starting at 80.00 dollars that is it,no specs available sizes nothing. In there defense they did answer the phone and provide a way to get the answer. Second tried Spotts several different times no answer. The people That I could talk too. Butler 200.00 thanks. DCI 20.00 thanks. Ken at PPR 140.00 thanks. Nunzi I understand he is retired does this for fun answered the phone but dosn't take credit cards? Huge leap of faith on my part M.O. 600.00 thanks. Not discounting anyone just my experience. Have built a street rod seems much better communication in that stuffs business people.

[baron_]

I often agree...some kid in the office making $7.00 an hour and promising to return phone calls and ask questions when available would be a nice asset for KRE/SD/Butler/anyone

Even if the kid can't answer tech questions - returning a phone call 30 minutes later after he finds someone that can would be tremendously valuable

[chief455]

I often agree...some kid in the office making $7.00 an hour and promising to return phone calls and ask questions when available would be a nice asset for KRE/SD/Butler/anyone

Even if the kid can't answer tech questions - returning a phone call 30 minutes later after he finds someone that can would be tremendously valuable

to hit my own thread over the head - I don't know bout that helping.
When I get a "secretary" that fields my call, unless very bright or diligent at taking notes - something gets lost in the question to my answer.
If the secretary tells me "Dave said everything you asked for can be ready in 2 weeks and will be $2450 plus shipping" I would be "so, they will have roller springs for .700" lift and flow 315+cfm? He thought the standard shaped chamber would be good for me? I should remind him to make the chambers 85cc?" Then I'll get "ummm- I guess so!"

I have been friends with many in these overwhelmed shops.
I think a tech line hour and/or dedicated email return time is not out of the question.
When Butler first started, he usd to juggle the phone conversations as I talked tech. It made me a loyal customer for years - that devotion.
I sense the same spirit and cutting edge product from SD - that's why I'm frustrated. Not so much they did not call or answer - but I really want to hear their advice and hopefully buy new heads.
I'm torn.
Can't go wrong with a good deal on proven used Butler heads either.
My goal is nothing new - the KRE D-ports to get me there are.
I need convincing by the guys that actually make them into what they are.

On topic - better phone support should be arranged during the busy season by our leading vendors. I'm certain it would be cost effective in the long run.

[02Hawk]

Marcel spends the whole day tied up on the phone. Keep trying its worth it. Send an email with a return phone number, Marcel will call you back eventually. Once you have become a customer Dave and Marcel will always have time for you. Sometimes it takes 4 or 5 days for them to call me back and I have been doing business with Dave for 7 years

[BILTIT]

Yup, i had a hard time getting ahold of them at first but once i talked to them, golden. They will have all my business in the future.

[Larry Navarro]

Be thankfull that we now have vendors and products that cater to the pontiac enthusiast. 10 years ago there was nobody to complain about or to. :D

[chief455]

Like I said - mine is more frustration than a complaint - jonesing for a fix ;)

[fastgto]

You can`t go wrong with SD.

[oldblueponcho]

Marcel is sick with the FLU he handles all emails i talked to him yesterday and he is sick as a dog! Everyone i know got that flu where i am and it was the sickest ive ever been!, it must have moved north! Dave stays in the shop porting because they are very busy and if dave is answereing phones he can't build heads! Marcel told me that he will be in a couple days either try him friday or most likely monday, sometimes it takes him a few days to return emails, but hang in there. Paul spott's is only open till 2pm try his email, he gets his cnc heads from sd performance. hang in there man i'm in te same boat patience my friend!!

I was in touch with Marcel a couple of days ago from his home email myself. The fact that he's willing to do that,as sick as he is says a lot about his dedication! This flu has been going around the Vancouver area and Vancouver Island for months. I had it most of the winter myself, and it is nasty. This will be my first time doing business with them and I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.

[Rugratman]

I think Spotty said he was doing 27 engines...
and the phone keeps ringing for a $20.00 gasket kit's.....

It's that time of year. Next month will probably be worse, delivery wise.

[gto65lvr]

Marcel called me from his death bed today I am being paitent myself with my new IA2 engine. They are top notch and I will be patient or perfection and integrity.

Although I want my motor now I will wait for it done right.

[440GP69]

i just sent my deposit on some race heads! secretary was very helpfull, i can't decide what i want so i'm having dave pick the heads that will work best! great people!, when you deal with sd you know it will be done right!

[BruceWilkie]

All shops worth a darn are busy this time of year. I called SD in December and marcel answered. Dave was out of the building on business. Marcel called me 2 hours later with part of my answer and had the rest of my questions answered the next day. Thats fine, I didnt need to speak to Dave personally.

Butler never returned my call. Butler never followed up on an email that he answered 2 weeks after I sent it and said they were busy and would follow up. I'm still waiting. I suspect I just happened to catch them at a bad time. Someone else will get my money I guess. Unless of course he calls me before I spend it and convince me why I should spend it there.

Spotts has answered me KRE has answered me. MrPeabody, CliffR, the list goes on, all have been good at responding, delivering as promised or better!

As I mentioned at the beginning most shops are mad houses this time of year. My boss used to say poor planning on your part does not make it an emergency for me. It applies in this business as well unfortunately.

[chief455]

Update:
Dave responded to my email next day - then each question answered since.
I understand the "buried with work" issue - just frustrating to make phone calls for days and speaking to no-one.
Thanks to all here that pointed out reasons to wait for SD - they are doing their best to keep up with current and potential customers.

[Paul Spotts]

I'd like to publicly apologize to everyone who has tried to contact me in the past months. Also like to thank those who defended my position. This is the toughest time of the year for me(and everyone else), especially this year. After 4 1/2 years working here, Dorene had to move on (gas prices and 40 minute commute one way wasn't working for her), so its just me and my shop worker, Kevin. I have to get motors completed for the season (still have several to finish) for those who I promised, so I can't answer the phone. I decided not to get another secretary who can't answer 90% of the phone calls, so for now, we are mainly an engine shop and email parts supplier.

[chief455]

Paul - thanks for posting - and for calling me back a couple weeks ago leaving me an honest message. It was professional to turn me another direction rather than try to get my money.
Pontiac builders seem to be booming right now - good sign, or bad sign!
Means we will not be such a minority on the street or at the track anymore!

[02Hawk]

I needed a new SFI flexplate as mine was out of date this year. I called SD on Friday and Lisa answered. She said both the guys were busy. She checked to see if they had one in stock and then told me they didn't. She said she would order one in. Lisa called me back that afternoon and said she would have one (a TCI plate) on Monday and then she would ship. Yesterday at work, my warehouse boys told me there was a car part from SD delivered.

That is service!

[fastgto]

Yep ya can`t go wrong with SD............

[GTOLou]

Paul Spotts has taken damn good care of me - and frequently for 20.00 gaskets. (Well, maybe carb rebuilds, and Scorpion rockers, and a BW clutch, cometics, etc .. lol.). Anyway - I've not had trouble.


The Kaufmann's built some KRE's for me - took damn good care of me... . always returned calls.

The Butlers are big enough that they almost always answer. They built my shortblock. Very happy.



Many of these guys race, etc. help represent Pontiacs at the track. Learn how they work and their hours and they'll take good care of you. I've worked with all three and will continue to do so...

[RR67GTO]

They may be hard to reach, but I have run into this with other kinds of good work or products. If you try to remember that like many people who are very good at what they do, sometimes they are so overwhelmed with orders, calls, locating parts which also might be hard to get their hands on. Then with just so many people working to cover everything it may take a while to get a response. I'd keep trying which is what I do and then act polite and get to the point. Meaning have my questions in order to ask. Their work is like any other kind of art. It takes time and ya can't be making a masterpiece if your answering the phones. Someone answering phones that can't answer questions may be worse than not getting a call back for a while.

Also, when you consider the time spent doing the rest of a car, engine, or project. Returning the wrong parts, or parts that are not what they said they were. Does a set of heads really take all that much longer?? I've waited a long, long time to have a well known glass man replace my rear window in my 67 GTO. He cut and tempered the glass for it. But, because he also needs to replace the molding studs that are missing from the channel and I don't have the engine or steering column installed yet. We need to do the work when it's decent weather in order to make room behind the car so he can work on it. And because he's the best at doing this anywhere close to my location he gets very busy. Not to mention he's over seventy and has been doing this for more forty years now. I apologize for being so long winded, and do understand what frustration is at trying to simply get something you'd like to buy. But, can't get information on it before spending big dollars. My best to everyone. Mike in Oregon