[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by cnc

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]

Originally Posted by cnc

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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 ;)