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RadioRental
Samba Member
Joined: June 30, 2009
Posts: 555
Location: stow, ma
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 Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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I was over at Bostig a couple of weeks back and took their syncro for a spin.
HOLY FREEKIN JEEBUS.
It went like shit off well oiled shovel. I'm not sure my 3L v6 could have kept up with it.
I'd like to hijack this thread in to a suggested list of excuses for the significant other on where all the savings went.
Btw. I consider myself a fairly perceptive judge of character (if not much else) and in talking to the Bostig lads, it didnt take much to tell they're a solid lot who will do what it takes to make things right.
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'87 2.1. 125K 4spd Not rebuilt "Red Dwarf" |
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bosruten
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2011
Posts: 550
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| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 8:05 pm Post subject: |
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| BoneMachine wrote: |
Jim and Brady installed their conversion on my '83 camper. In fact they filmed it for their DIY video. We've never had a minutes trouble with that conversion. It's been incredibly reliable and a joy to drive.
I'll probably be contacting them soon, because we need to transfer the engine to a, very clean, '85 weekender that we just purchased. |
Supercharged?...anyway, I noticed they have set a "public" release date for the turbo addition. Seven + yrs of R&D  Should be interesting to hear reviews if anyone is bold enough to post here.
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'87 Syncro Weekender |
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BoneMachine
Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2012
Posts: 202
Location: MA, Boston Strong
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| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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Jim and Brady installed their conversion on my '83 camper. In fact they filmed it for their DIY video. We've never had a minutes trouble with that conversion. It's been incredibly reliable and a joy to drive.
I'll probably be contacting them soon, because we need to transfer the engine to a, very clean, '85 weekender that we just purchased. |
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Steelhead
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007
Posts: 1791
Location: Kentfield, CA
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| Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:03 am Post subject: Re: engine |
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| joseph928 wrote: |
| VintageWorldTools wrote: |
| kelly knew nothing about my actions. i take full responsibility. but when my daughter and granddaughter ride in the westy the safety and reliability of it becomes my business. sorry you don't care about the safety of your family members. as said before, i've made my case and thanks for listening |
 Sounds like their up and up about this that said I care about my kids and the safety of all. And I don't think you should every say to anyone that they don't care about there family. Also I would talk to a business for my son, but only if he asked me to. Never without him knowing about it. I will pray for you.  |
Dude...unnecessary thread resurrection! Hang around a bit and you might get the drift. And keep the religiosity specific to load ratings, conversions, and engine lube.
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'77 Bay Window / '89 Caratsburg (aka. the Stormtrooper) |
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joseph928
Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011
Posts: 2114
Location: flagstaff az.
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| Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 3:49 pm Post subject: engine |
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| VintageWorldTools wrote: |
| kelly knew nothing about my actions. i take full responsibility. but when my daughter and granddaughter ride in the westy the safety and reliability of it becomes my business. sorry you don't care about the safety of your family members. as said before, i've made my case and thanks for listening |
Sounds like their up and up about this that said I care about my kids and the safety of all. And I don't think you should every say to anyone that they don't care about there family. Also I would talk to a business for my son, but only if he asked me to. Never without him knowing about it. I will pray for you.
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1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
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vanagonjr
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3431
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:09 pm Post subject: |
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| trihartsfield wrote: |
| ... I do not think you have to worry about your reputation. It has been proven. |
Well said Chris! I'll add that this has only enhanced their excellent reputation - in my eyes, at the very least.
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
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trihartsfield
Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2010
Posts: 311
Location: Sheridan, MT
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 2:28 pm Post subject: |
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To the Bostig Guys:
From everything posted on this and multiple post about your product, I do not think you have to worry about your reputation. It has been proven.
Keep up the good work.
Chris
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1971 Transporter-SOLD
1982 Westy Will grow up into a TDI |
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VintageWorldTools
Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2008
Posts: 34
Location: Rogue River, Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 2:11 pm Post subject: |
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| kelly knew nothing about my actions. i take full responsibility. but when my daughter and granddaughter ride in the westy the safety and reliability of it becomes my business. sorry you don't care about the safety of your family members. as said before, i've made my case and thanks for listening |
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 17114
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:58 pm Post subject: |
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Any engine conversion is going to require some "ownership". There are so many variables that can't be totally accounted for. Even Hendricks racing engines that cost $75K blow up. It is the nature of trying to get more out of an engine than it was originally designed for. It is always better to try and get a resolution privately. Even though this came public, it sounds like the company wants to help.
I would be embarrased if my father in-law had to fight my battles for me. Time for someone to grow a set.
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gl98115
Samba Member
Joined: April 22, 2011
Posts: 263
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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| VintageWorldTools wrote: |
| That's what surprises me. Seems like an upfront co. but i have been on the speaker phone when he's talking to them and they don't seem to have a clue. not that i do either, but i didn't sell the engine/kit. |
Sounds to me like they have a clue.
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'87 faux-Syncro Westy w/ 2.3l GoWesty WBX |
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VintageWorldTools
Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2008
Posts: 34
Location: Rogue River, Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:16 pm Post subject: |
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| Just remember, this has been going on for over two years. How would you feel if it was your Vanagon? I've had my say, thanks for listening. |
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mtnwater
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 215
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:33 am Post subject: |
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For those considering going Bostig - do it. If you're looking to re-power your van, why not support a great company run by honest, passionate folks? |
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VintageWorldTools
Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2008
Posts: 34
Location: Rogue River, Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:15 am Post subject: |
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| just finished talking with Jim at Bostig, seems like a honest upfront guy. Hope they can finally get all the issues with Kelly's van resolved. Just been frustrating that this has been going on so long. |
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Brungeman
Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2010
Posts: 187
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:37 am Post subject: |
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THAT /\ /\ /\ right there, is why I will have a Bostig in my vehicle.
as a teacher of high school level students, it is paramount for me to instill a sense of ownership no matter what the situation. The Bostig crew is a stellar example of that. They know they have a great product, but just like any, there can be issues. They own up to it and feel a sense of ownership. They want every customer to be as happy as possible.
I also try to emphasize with my students that we often learn more from failures than we do successes. The Bostig crew again learns from issues and passes on what they have learned with the community.
I feel they have the customer in their best interest as they develop products. And as was shown by the post, they don't run from issues, they would rather fix them!
_________________
87 multivan
84 transporter for sale
86 scirocco RIP
71 Baywindow RIP
1972 Super RIP
1969 Bug RIP
1974 Super RIP |
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:32 am Post subject: |
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| Jake de Villiers wrote: |
That, folks, is what distinguishes Bostig from most of the other conversion companies!  |
A'yup...
_________________
Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5911
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:17 am Post subject: |
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| bostig wrote: |
| VintageWorldTools wrote: |
| Thanks to williamtaylor33. Read the supercharger story on the link. Sounds like they are willing to work with the supercharged kit owners to make things right. Guess we'll see. I'll keep you posted on the progress. |
Hi Vintage World Tools,
I think things may have changed since you last spoke with Kelly? I called him middle of October to tell him about the latest update and arrange to send him the logging kit (a couple thousand dollar combination setup to allow him easy logging for verification of the latest version of our tune file) which he now has in hand. He's also had a no-start that we haven't yet been able to help him fix at which obviously precludes the logging kit, but my sense is that he is very busy at the moment.
To keep the ball rolling we also made an offer to pay for part of the transport cost to bring the van either to Boston, or to Seattle so we can sort it out ourselves, I believe there have been a number of trips to his mechanic without feedback to us, which has both increased his frustration while not providing a good pathway for correction.
Ultimately we take full responsibility, so his problems are our problems. But also keep in mind from a practical standpoint, what could be addressed in a day or two here could literally take months of back and forth, and even worse cause harm to the situation if we aren't able to directly control the progress and work.
From a customer standpoint, this reality is infuriating, and rightly so. It's a massive flaw in the whole turnkey delivery model. From our standpoint we are somewhat impotent and have to take what we can get and hope for the best unless we can reclaim direct control.
It used to be the case that we were still uncovering *how* we had to correct the SC installs, now it's simply a matter of actually doing it, and verifying it. That itself is huge progress, but it can't guarantee that someone already frustrated with their setup will overnight even want to try anymore as we have lost trust and confidence. That itself can completely kill a project regardless of context or condition. Luckily I don't think Kelly is quite there yet, and sounds upbeat about giving us a chance to get our hands on it in Seattle or Boston.
As far as being on a speakerphone and someone not having a clue, that's entirely possible. There are 3 of us here, and none of us are perfect. I would be interested in the specifics (please call me, I don't bite, and even if I did the phone will protect you), as negative feedback is the most important type we can get since we can then correct it.
What we're not saying is that we're gods and can overcome every single thing that has/will ever come at us as gracefully as we would like. What we are saying though is that we're better prepared and more capable than anyone else in our business right now to do so and have minimized the risks to customers further than anyone with a combination of design work and care. It is not the case that delivering a DIY engine swap system for vanagons to customers is risk-free, easy, or profitable. It is the case though that if we had misjudged the risks of the current product and configuration as we had the supercharged, we would have been out of business before we hit 50 installs from customer complaints alone, we are well on our way to 300.
Please allow us to prove ourselves to you,
Jim Akiba |
That, folks, is what distinguishes Bostig from most of the other conversion companies!
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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bostig
Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2006
Posts: 235
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:05 am Post subject: |
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| VintageWorldTools wrote: |
| Thanks to williamtaylor33. Read the supercharger story on the link. Sounds like they are willing to work with the supercharged kit owners to make things right. Guess we'll see. I'll keep you posted on the progress. |
Edit: Forgot to answer the thread start question. There are currently 5 supercharged conversions. Rich, Kelly, Brian (just bought Dave's), Rob's(for sale), and Charlie's. Rob and Kelly's are the only ones that still need updates to the current state of things. Rob isn't having issues, but could without the updates. Kelly's is the only one with current problems, and is the only one we haven't been able to work on ourselves for the updates/verification.
Hi Vintage World Tools,
I think things may have changed since you last spoke with Kelly? I called him middle of October to tell him about the latest update and arrange to send him the logging kit (a couple thousand dollar combination setup to allow him easy logging for verification of the latest version of our tune file) which he now has in hand. He's also had a no-start that we haven't yet been able to help him fix at which obviously precludes the logging kit, but my sense is that he is very busy at the moment.
To keep the ball rolling we also made an offer to pay for part of the transport cost to bring the van either to Boston, or to Seattle so we can sort it out ourselves, I believe there have been a number of trips to his mechanic without feedback to us, which has both increased his frustration while not providing a good pathway for correction.
Ultimately we take full responsibility, so his problems are our problems. But also keep in mind from a practical standpoint, what could be addressed in a day or two here could literally take months of back and forth, and even worse cause harm to the situation if we aren't able to directly control the progress and work.
From a customer standpoint, this reality is infuriating, and rightly so. It's a massive flaw in the whole turnkey delivery model. From our standpoint we are somewhat impotent and have to take what we can get and hope for the best unless we can reclaim direct control.
It used to be the case that we were still uncovering *how* we had to correct the SC installs, now it's simply a matter of actually doing it, and verifying it. That itself is huge progress, but it can't guarantee that someone already frustrated with their setup will overnight even want to try anymore as we have lost trust and confidence. That itself can completely kill a project regardless of context or condition. Luckily I don't think Kelly is quite there yet, and sounds upbeat about giving us a chance to get our hands on it in Seattle or Boston.
As far as being on a speakerphone and someone not having a clue, that's entirely possible. There are 3 of us here, and none of us are perfect. I would be interested in the specifics (please call me, I don't bite, and even if I did the phone will protect you), as negative feedback is the most important type we can get since we can then correct it.
What we're not saying is that we're gods and can overcome every single thing that has/will ever come at us as gracefully as we would like. What we are saying though is that we're better prepared and more capable than anyone else in our business right now to do so and have minimized the risks to customers further than anyone with a combination of design work and care. It is not the case that delivering a DIY engine swap system for vanagons to customers is risk-free, easy, or profitable. It is the case though that if we had misjudged the risks of the current product and configuration as we had the supercharged, we would have been out of business before we hit 50 installs from customer complaints alone, we are well on our way to 300.
Please allow us to prove ourselves to you,
Jim Akiba
Last edited by bostig on Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 6:46 am Post subject: |
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| Brungeman wrote: |
| I think the issue I have with your posts is you are bashing a company that puts their reputation behind the products they sell, when issues arise they do everything in their power to correct it and stand behind it, and all of this without specifics of the actual issue your son-in-law is having. |
X2
Bostig as a company and all of the individuals involved are assets to the Vanagon committee PERIOD |
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Brungeman
Samba Member
Joined: July 25, 2010
Posts: 187
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 6:33 am Post subject: |
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| VintageWorldTools wrote: |
| Thanks to williamtaylor33. Read the supercharger story on the link. Sounds like they are willing to work with the supercharged kit owners to make things right. Guess we'll see. I'll keep you posted on the progress. |
I think that has been the point in everyones posts directed back at you... the guys at Bostig offer great technical support. They understand the engines they are promoting, and have one of the best feedback systems.
You have restated an issue that has been dealt with in the public and addressed by Bostig and all of their concerns with the suppliers and lack of support that the supercharger producers were giving them.
I think the issue I have with your posts is you are bashing a company that puts their reputation behind the products they sell, when issues arise they do everything in their power to correct it and stand behind it, and all of this without specifics of the actual issue your son-in-law is having.
_________________
87 multivan
84 transporter for sale
86 scirocco RIP
71 Baywindow RIP
1972 Super RIP
1969 Bug RIP
1974 Super RIP |
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VintageWorldTools
Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2008
Posts: 34
Location: Rogue River, Oregon
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| Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks to williamtaylor33. Read the supercharger story on the link. Sounds like they are willing to work with the supercharged kit owners to make things right. Guess we'll see. I'll keep you posted on the progress. |
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