New Arrivals

Well yes, I am going to talk about the pair of Schnell mufflers that I bought from Chuck, but my wife would probably not appreciate it if I did not mention our two little additions for the 996's backseats (well, not tomorrow , but pretty soon). Nolan George and Reagan Bryn were born on Thursday, and Daddy's two little tax deductions come with these great little soft "polishing cloths". I'm sure I'll have them out detailing Violet soon . They're both extremely healthy, and mommy's doing well too. As for the other additions, I was able to get the Schnells that I bought from Chuck installed, with only a little bit of a problem. I had posted that the clamps for the muffler tips were shot, so I needed to order some first thing on Monday. All three dealers were out of stock, but 3-4 day delivery for $12/ea. I checked w/Fabspeed's website, and they had decent easy-on clamps for a little more ($17). Instead of ordering on-line, I called to ensure delivery. I talked to some gal there who said "yes, they're in stock and yes we can next day them to you". I gave my cr card info (which I hate over the phone-I prefer ssl on the web), and thought I'd get to install next day, and mommy-to-be and I would get to enjoy the car a couple days before the twins arrived (70's and sunny here in Cleveland). Next day, leaving the office, my wife said the FedEx guy had been by, but no clamps. I call Fabspeed, and talk to "Chuck" (who's supposed to be in charge), and he can't find any record of my ordering "next day"! I mean, how hard is it to comprehend that I need them TOMORROW, and had made it clear that I was willing to pay almost the price of the clamps in shipping to get them. He said that they would be delivered on May 9 (the second day), mumbled some kind of apology, and offered me a "deal" on my next order from them. Having worked in hospitality before, the last thing to say to an upset customer is "we'll take care of you next time" (guarranteeing that there won't BE a next time). I wouldn't trust ordering a set of headers from them if they mess up on a simple set of clamps. Not that it matters, but an offer of reduced shipping would have gone a long way in fixing some already botched up goodwill. I would have let it go, if the parts had showed up when promised the SECOND time. No parts. I call up Fabspeed, and ask for Chuck again. He says "gee, I'll have to look into that. I'll call you back." Naturally, I never heard back from him. We go off to hospital, with the car still sitting in the garage. I took a break from daddy duty yesterday, went home, and there's a package on the steps. No message on the answeing machine. I expect more from companies to whom I give my business. I'd think that a company that sells parts to people who drive up-market cars would be even a little more customer focused as well. I know that some folks here swear by the stuff they buy from this company, but I wanted to share my less than satisfying experience. My opinion at this point is that they are the Dunder Mifflin of speed parts. They certainly put a damper on my week, that otherwise (obviously) has been perfect. At some point, I still have to come back and start working on my car, and this experience will be tough to forget. I could have ordered them from the dealer, had them sooner, and saved $22 (the slow boat to China shipping was still $12). Incidently, I got the tips on, and like to sound of the Schnells. Nice growl, but still could be a little louder (what else id new ).

Bill, Congratulations on your two new additions....the kids, not the mufflers. Glad to hear they are healthy and the wife is doing well. Their shirts make great polishing rags too. I heard the mufflers on Chuck's car. They sound great.

Bill - Congrats on the twins. My wife and I had twins 19 years ago. Don't ever take a day with them for granted. I say this because tomorrow is the 8th anniversary of my son's death. He died unexpectidly in his sleep at the age of 11. To this day, we do not know the cause of death. My wife, daughter, and I will share a bitter/sweet Mother's Day tomorrow.

Congrats on the twins, the boys, not the mufflers. Your life will forever be changed for the better! You have one year before forward facing car seats, and 16 years before they ask for the keys. On the mufflers, that sucks. Glad you are happy with the sound, but service is just as important, and this is a disappointment.

Thanks for the kind thoughts. Tim, I'm sorry for your loss-I'm sure that this is a difficult time. Mark-they sure do have a nice growl (the mufflers, not the kids). They were just as Chuck described. My only wish would be a little more burble at idle. My 993 sounded like two Harleys. BTW, Don we're blessed w/ a boy and a girl (Reagan). Maybe she'll be the next Danica Patrick

Congrats Bill.....we are going to have "just" one in July....and than she wants one more...I wish i could have done it your way and be done with it!! Tim....I can't even imagine how hard that must have been (and still is) we also got an 12yr old boy and my biggest fear is something like that to happen.

Bill: I haven't talked to you since I shipped the mufflers....and now I see that you have the new additions to your family...my hearty congratulations to you and your wife on the arrival of Nolan and Ragan. Now you'll be looking for dual child seats and two of just about everything from now on. I hope the mufflers meet your expectations. They did get louder over time, but I don't know if they'll ever be as loud as those on your 993. Chuck

Thanks Chuck. They're as you described. Now I get to run them a little, as I need to go grocery shopping, while grandma is over watching mom and the twins.