If you have gone on E-bay and looked for performance parts.
I am sure you have seen the ads from SSAutoChrom selling their uppipe and header for the 02+ WRX. Please, DO NOT buy from them. I don't want anyone to be going through what I am going through. First, the kit has leaks everywhere. Nothing connects, nor do they fit on the engine. I have exhaust leak right at the engine exhaust port, I am praying I do not have perminate engine damage (if anyone can tell me for sure if I do or not please let me know). The gasket provided are like paper wrapped in tin fold, it bruns right through. Finally their support sux, granted that they did provide a replacement uppipe but when they saw the neg feedback I left on E-bay, they send an private response giving me "FU". Now I am down 350+ dollars, mounting frustation, unwanted attention to the car when driving and possible damage to the car. So buyers beware :

DO NOT buy from SSAutoChrome.

 

i dont know if i can leave more feedback as i dont use ebay but i would leave more feedback telling how you gave them negative feedback and the response they sent you. it might not mean too much to some people but i know it would make me change my mind about buying from a place like that.

 

That is a good idea, I think this would carry a better effect

Hello SSAuto,

I have received the up-pipe replacement from the previous purchase. However, when install the uppipe, I have notice the the header itself is not fitting correctly on to the engine. Specifically the passenger side connection. Yes I installed the header with the included gasket, however either because of the uneven fit or gasket unable to hold the temperature, it simple burns though. I have replaced it with the extra header gasket you've send along with the replacement up pipe and the same thing happens. The torque of the bolting nut are to factor spec. In addition, at approx 30 miles of freeway driving at 60-70mph, the engine light comes on. I am very concerned that, your product might have caused irreversible damage to the engine itself. In terms of the burn damage on the matting surfaces of the header. I have been patient and polite up to this point, however you can understand my growing frustration with this header and uppipe of your.
Please send an replacement header and better gasket (just incase the flaw exists in the gasket itself). Please respond ASAP, or call me at 626-818-5322. I need resolution quickly, because this is my everyday driving car and the loud noise is driving me crazy and attracting unwanted attention. Not to mention, the possible damages it is causing every time I start the car.

Mark Lin
-----Original Message-----
From: SSAUTOCHROME [mailto:customerservice@ssautochrome.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 1:27 PM
To: Mark Lin
Subject: Re: WRX header brought from ebay auction from you.


Mark,

We can send you gaskets

We have had NO Issues at all
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Lin
To: SSAUTOCHROME
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 4:07 PM
Subject: RE: WRX header brought from ebay auction from you.


No they were not welded, does this mean there are two different versions of the uppipe? What of the gasket between the header and uppipe?

Mark Lin
-----Original Message-----
From: SSAUTOCHROME [mailto:customerservice@ssautochrome.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 8:11 AM
To: Mark Lin
Subject: Re: WRX header brought from ebay auction from you.


Hello

Were the BOLTS to the Upipe welded in the Upippe?

Is that the problem area?

Can we send you a new Up-Pipe?
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Lin
To: customersupport@ssautochrome.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:01 AM
Subject: WRX header brought from ebay auction from you.


To SSAutochrome,

Recently I have purchase the WRX header from you guys # 2428594891 - Subaru
WRX Racing Headers -Super Power 02-03.
I have complaints to this product. None of the bolt pattern matches the
car, it was a nightmare installing it, when FORCED on to the car, there
were air leaks everywhere. Espeicallly where the uppipe meets the header
itself. I believe there should have been a gasket there, however none was
included. In addition the bend angle of the passenger side header portion
was too great which prevents the proper mating of the uppipe and the header.
Please comment on the suitation that I am experienceing with your WRX
header. What is SSAutochrome policy regarding unsatisfied customers.
Please resond.

Mark Lin

Sounds good so far right, then right after they read the neg feedback :

THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK

KEEP YOUR HEADERS THE WAY THEY ARE


WE WERE GOING TO HELP YOU, NOW YOU CAN TAKE A " LONG " WALK OFF A " SHORT PIER "

FU

So there you have it

 

That suck man thanks for the heads up

 

i hope youre posting this on other forums that you visit. another thing i would do is let them know that youre warning everybody about purchasing from them. make sure they realize it was a stupid move for them to not take care of the problem.

 

As if, my problems are not over. Driving the car lastnight after 5 hours of rework under the car. The O2 plug blow right out, then to day I spend 4 hours driving around looking for a 20mm x 2 cover bolt that NO ONE carries. Then it another 2 hours shaving down an oversized bolt to force fit.

Did I research this seller? Well it seem that they have a lot of positive feedback, but now I releaized that looking further down the list. The neg feedbacks speak for themselves. So to answer the question, I guess I didnot research enough.

So I had it, forget them. I order another set from Gruppe-S, which was recommended to my by a friend. Hell at least they have a contact phone number and address.

Haven77

 

Mark,

Since you're in the 626 area code, you should go see James and Ansun at Speed Factory when you need help, if you're not going to them already. They're great people to work with. You obviously know by now that it's never safe to buy no name brand products off ebay, especially something that is so crucial to a car's engine.

I got a Helix uppipe from Gruppe-S, and had Speed Factory worked on it (and just about everything else on my car). Great services and very experienced mechanics.

Henry
http://otakkism.com

 

what he said, Why would you buy a part like that off of E-bay. \
I would have a hard time buying STI floormats off e-bay.


Heres a few places I have ordered from that have been great

http://www.oakos.com/wrx/

http://www.titanmotorsports.com/

http://www.mvpmotorsports.com/merchant/index.shtml

http://www.optauto.com/webstore/

http://www.spimotorsports.com/

http://www.worldoneperformance.com/

 

Thanx Henry, I appricate the info on speed factory. I will check them out for further work on my car. Why did I buy this header on internet? To save a few bucks, but where did that get me? Wasted time and money, lesson learned.

Oh sorry about the spelling guy, I am not that much of a speller. But I'm glade I was able to provide some amusment for you.

Haven77.

 

lol.....glade....lol (bumping, and laughing at the same time)