I would think it wouldnt be a problem as far as the TB goes. You could just buy a clamp adapter to go from the TB to the pipe.

Maybe something like this http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...fier=97888_0_0_

 

Your desired color combo is rare and often will cost more if you can even find it. As far as the first two protypes not getting much of a break at $300 you failed to consider that these two guys are not paying for installation, testing and dyno time. Nor is anyone paying for Corky to fly to El Paso to meet DJ and bring the car back to San Antonio.

Just to be clear everyone. Two prototypes with full dyno results information will be available to you before you have paid anything other than the deposit. Someone also stated Kleemann as a cost. There is no cost from Kleemann. Kleemann is simply there to consult with Corky with helpful information that is specific to the Mercedes engine.

Corky went into this with a goal of trying to produce a kit for around $3500. He has now committed to $3600 so I would say he did came pretty darn close. Someone else might have hit the mark by cutting corners but Corky does not cut corners and is proud of what he produces. I dare anyone to find someone who Corky has cheated after all these years in business. I have not met a smarter or nicer person in the automotive industry. He has been willing to spend more time on the phone with me than I ever expect. Ask him a question and be prepared for the most complete and thorough answer you have ever received from anyone.

Bottom line here is that the only problem I see here is that he came in a $100 dollars over the target price. Should this be the deal killer? Corky said he is flexible and will work with each of you individually if needed to make the timing work for you. I also think that if you want to make sure of a price that won't go up, I would highly encourage everyone to be part of the first 10-12. He has stated that he intends for the kits to be available in the future as orders come in. However, there will be no availability for anyone if we can't get the first batch done.

 

No additional cost of tuning required. Everything needed to run great is included in the kit. tuning is based on the exact same system that comes with a Kleemann s/c kit which by the way was pioneered by Corky. This should help explain the Kleemann connection and Brandon's (Kleemann USA) friendship with Corky.

 

Anyone who is non stock should call Corky and let him know what is different. The only thing that I can think of is non stock tunes that rely on leaning the mixture or advancing timing. Neither of which we want on the turbo set up. Is the outer diameter of the TB different than stock? You might just be able to give Corky that measurement so they can adjust the charge pipe.

 

the 74mm tb is the same od as stock.. my needswings fit both

 

While it's true that the Limited I was in the hunt for was a rare bird, the prices of ALL Limiteds have increased. To wit, insurance gave me $3,000 more for my car (with no additional credit for mods) than I paid for it two years ago, based simply on average market price. That puts it squarely in the SRT range. But I digress.

I don't think anyone has beef with Corky making a profit. If he charged $4K per kit, that's $6K less than the Kleemann kit that is obsolete, so it's still a bargain. I think the bulk of the alarm came from needing so much $$$ so fast, from ALL parties. Not hard to connect the dots on the list of "demands" from BEGi -- All kits must be 60% prepaid. All kits are started at once. No kits are started till all deposits are received.

I feel that BEGi's accountants are speaking through Corky, as the demands don't sound like they came from the guy that I have spent hours on the phone with. I have a great deal of respect for Corky, and I believe in this project. Furthermore, there is no better pool of talent to be wading in than the ones you guys are already in. If anyone can get this off the ground, it's Corky.

That being said, I stand by my initial beliefs that it's not the target MSRP that has everyone up in arms, but rather the timeframe in which it's due and the conditions that must be met prior to the project even starting. My loyalty to the members on this forum caused my rant... Perhaps instead of the pep-rally for mass funding that would put many members in a financial bind, there needs to be a revision in the terms? Just a thought. Again, I'm no salesman, I'm a tech agent in my day job.

I completely removed my post from last night, so as not to color the debate. I sincerely wish you all the best of luck in getting this worked out on terms that satisfy all parties.

Happy boosting,

 

My car and money are still ready for this project.

Lets do it!

 

My needswings CAI fit both but I remembered having a harder time getting the CAI silicone coupling onto the 74mm tb so I assumed it must be larger. I did not realize they had the same outer ring size.

 

I'm good with things.. just knew Kleeman was a part of this, and wanted to make sure it was complete package deal. Looked at their website and the price was scary for a stock tune... Actually think I lost some sleep last night over things..lol But still wondering about the "kit".. has the tuning been addressed on this (just for the ones going that route). And as you stated..being the prototype "and only getting a small discount" wasn't even close to a concern. I may incurr expenses for delivery and recovery but she will be bolted down tight and right..and dyno'd.. and I'm good with that.

 

I can understand where BEGI is coming from, he wants to ensure costs are covered before investing significant time and money. Personally, I have designed and manufactured 5 different systems over the past five years for various new Hemi powered vehicles.

When you figure time, material, and overhead, a new system can easily run $12,000 to $16,000 in costs to develop before the first production system is ready to ship. Of the five systems I designed and put into production, I might have broke even on three of them. With the way the economy is right now, I am surprised somone is even willing to take the chance on such a low production vehicle as the Crossfire.

From what I read, if the system is not produced, then deposits would be refunded. Seems little risk in my book.

 

Just got off the phone with Corky and he wants you guys to know that asked to be on the lower end of the list to allow time to save up to NOT WORRY. I swear you guys won't ever talk to a nicer guy. As soon as he picked up the phone he wanted an update on my back problems which lasted about ten minutes. We then talked over concerns about the kit and spent another 30 minutes talking about our racing experiences back in the '60's for him and '70's for me. If you call him make sure you budget sufficient time!

He said that when they produce kits, they always produce parts in batches of at least 10. As far as time line goes, I got a little more info. Keep in mind that up until they are ready to put your kit together, you have only paid $200. After the two prototyes are done, he wants the first two actual kits to go to do it your selfer's. He will work closely with these two buyers to get feed back on the install and instructions. Anything that needs to be corrected or changed based on that feedback will be incorporated in future kits.

He has also asked for feedback on what finish should be on the visible tubing. He has been using a lot of black wrinkle but he said he is getting tired of it. I told him that all trim on a Crossfire is silver but would poll the group. Once we have a standard color picked, you can also have any color you want which is one of the options. Some of you may want no coating and get it polished. Totally up to you.

He is going to email or call DJ tonight and try nail down a time to meet and get the car. DJ, let us know what you and Corky decide. Once we have that date we will know when our deposits are due.

Again, Corky ended the call with a message to those who are worried he will be ready with a kit before you are: "tell em not to worry. I will be ready when they are", Corky.

 

Awesome Lantana, Im sure I speak on behalf of most of us when I say I appreciate the time you have taken to be the middle man in all of this and relay messages to "comfort the process" if you will.

Respectfully,
Josh

 

Good to hear. look on the bright side you don't have to pay shipping on the kit! We may have to meet up since you have to pass my house to get to Corky. I may have to pick a race with you on the way down and then have a re-match on your way back from his shop. Tuning is addressed and included and will mirror the system on the Kleemann kit. The tuning is based on modifying the fuel system. when not in boost, your car will drive exactly as it does today. when the engine goes into boost additional fuel will be added to ensure proper air fuel ratio at every rpm level. The MAF sensor will also be modified to work correctly under boost and not effected when not under boost.

 

Thanks, I appreciate that, I lost almost half a days work just today. If I didn't love Crossfires so much, I would have bailed and let someone else deal with this. In the end though this is going to be very cool!

 

I Love that this has com together! Great job Bob! Cant wait for the V8 turbo

 

I talked to Corky Today, great guy...
I may not be on the first wave of this (going to try)
But I will be purchasing 1 for sure......
Can't wait...

 

Lantana..I'll probably just sneak down there.. but I'll be the one honking and looking for you on the way back when she's done.. LOL. Played with a Honda civic on the way home tonight..guess he thought he had something..he came running up on me and I let him get to my tail before I punched her..he made it up even with me and then I drove right on off.. thinking how sweet it would have been to have that turbo and make him a small dot in my mirror twice as fast. With you being a long standing member and seeming to be "performance" driven, I've had no doubts in your role here, and knowing BEGi developed the highly desirable Miata kit I've had no doubts in them. Just concerns of everyone holding hands and jumping in the pool in unison... Takes lots of trust factors for all parties involved and in this day and age you get burned more often than not. Personally from what I've read on BEGi and what's been posted about you guys conversations... I think he'd rather cut his wrist than screw over a group of car enthusiast and tarnish his company name.
Just my .02's worth...

 

Messing with a Civic? Once you have the turbo you will be going big game hunting and forget all about Civics! The BEGi kit for the V6 will put out about the same torque and about 30 more HP than I have now and my kill list consists of lots of mustangs, a Hemi Chanllenger, 350 and 370 Z's, Corvettes, and a Bently Continental GT. I will need the turbo just to not get left in your dust, but the same basic kit on my V8 should get me to 55K territory or maybe even a little better than that .

 

He thought he had a hot rod and I just wanted to let him know he didn't.. LOL.. on the charge pipe color.. how about a nice orange?

 

Orange? What do you guys think? I am thinking black or silver as the standard color. Maybe some sort of textured silver? I would also like to maybe see a BEGi or Corky Bell branding on it. Maybe using his name will distinguish these cars from the rest, like other top tuners names have done for other cars such as Henessey, Roush, Saleen, Brabus, Renntech, Kleemann, Lorinser, Shelby. Branding might help resale value. Maybe with a BEGi logo with Corky Bell signature and numbering? For expample DJ would be 001. Thouhgts?