My FLI (Fine Line Imports) Experience (posted 02-23-2006)
02-23-2006, 10:10 PM
#91
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 461
Car Info: 2002 wrx
Wow, that's a pretty hairy situation you got yourself into. Sorry for the troubles, and I'm not laying blame on anybody.
However, if FLI won't honor Gruppe-S's compression/leakdown test, why was Miles on the phone with them asking for their advice? That strikes me as odd.
Anyways, I hope the situation resolves, and even though you had a miserable experience at FLI, I still don't know enough about them to pass judgement.
But I do know, +1 for Gruppe-S, Lic and EQ
However, if FLI won't honor Gruppe-S's compression/leakdown test, why was Miles on the phone with them asking for their advice? That strikes me as odd.
Anyways, I hope the situation resolves, and even though you had a miserable experience at FLI, I still don't know enough about them to pass judgement.
But I do know, +1 for Gruppe-S, Lic and EQ
02-23-2006, 10:14 PM
#92
Forester Specialist
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sonoma County
Posts: 3,985
Car Info: '98/'04 Foresters (S & XT)
Originally Posted by bigworm
I still have a ? Why were gruppe s' leakdown results different from fli's and then crawford said the motor was all good???
I'll just relate an example of something that happened to me with my SVX (not from any shop mentioned here):
I took the vehicle in to have the rear main seal and oil separator plate replaced. The technician did the job in a day, and the vehicle was returned to me. That night, the check engine light came on while driving home. I brought it in to them, and they found that they forgot to plug in the oxygen sensor. They cleared the CEL, and return the vehicle to me.
The next day, I was driving home, and the vehicle starts smoking and smelling like burning transmission fluid. I wound up in Petaluma with no transmission fluid in the vehicle, and had to have it towed back to the shop which worked on it. I'm not able to make it back to that shop early enough, and when I do finally get there, the explanation was given:
"Your transmission coolant line burst". Then they proceed to show me an almost brand new line (which had recently been installed) with a PERFECTLY STRAIGHT razor blade cut through the rubber FROM THE OUTSIDE. How do I know it didn't burst? The webbing threaded throughout the hose was still intact.
Within the next week, I returned the car for: cruise control issues (not re-connected properly), A/C issues (they disconnected the lines, but wouldn't admit it, charged me for recharging the A/C system), and since then haven't used their services.
What does all of this have in common? THE SHOP WOULDN'T ADMIT THEIR MISTAKES. If I made a mistake, and wanted to cover my a** (and not be responsible for paying to make it right), I'd be in a great position to do so if I were the one the customer were to rely on for all the answers.
What would have been right is if the vehicle were taken to a shop agreed upon by both parties, and the inspection done by a third party. Nothing wrong with the motor or damage done to the motor? The customer pays. Motor damaged? Shop pays.
Trusting someone whose reputation is in question right now (Crawford), and asking them to inspect their own work is like trusting Dick Cheney to inspect a shotgun anywhere near you.
02-23-2006, 10:21 PM
#93
Originally Posted by blkbetty02
I've had nothing but good experiences at FLI myself. Miles, Steve and Ryan are all fantastic! They all give me good sound advice on how to mod my '02 2.5RS (I ask all three of them what they think and they all say almost the same things). They have excellent customer service. I beleive they really go above and beyond, and not just for specific customers, everyone I've run into has had good service from them(yes that's right face to face encounters not just internet posts). They went above and beyond for me when I got into a car accident and they came and picked me up, helped get the tow truck, and even helped me with insurance bull****. That is my review for FLI, and I will continue taking my car there with full confidence in their work. I'm 100% confident in all three of them. THANKS FLI!
And yes this right here ^ is a reiveiw Jeff, all the bull**** you and your little cronies have been posting is not reveiw it is here-say slander mother ****er! You need to get out from behind your computer and get severly owned, I am happy to do it too. You are a dishonest ****! a pathalogical liar really
And yes this right here ^ is a reiveiw Jeff, all the bull**** you and your little cronies have been posting is not reveiw it is here-say slander mother ****er! You need to get out from behind your computer and get severly owned, I am happy to do it too. You are a dishonest ****! a pathalogical liar really
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
02-23-2006, 10:21 PM
#94
Originally Posted by blkbetty02
I've had nothing but good experiences at FLI myself. Miles, Steve and Ryan are all fantastic! They all give me good sound advice on how to mod my '02 2.5RS (I ask all three of them what they think and they all say almost the same things). They have excellent customer service. I beleive they really go above and beyond, and not just for specific customers, everyone I've run into has had good service from them(yes that's right face to face encounters not just internet posts). They went above and beyond for me when I got into a car accident and they came and picked me up, helped get the tow truck, and even helped me with insurance bull****. That is my review for FLI, and I will continue taking my car there with full confidence in their work. I'm 100% confident in all three of them. THANKS FLI!
And yes this right here ^ is a reiveiw Jeff, all the bull**** you and your little cronies have been posting is not reveiw it is here-say slander mother ****er! You need to get out from behind your computer and get severly owned, I am happy to do it too. You are a dishonest ****! a pathalogical liar really
And yes this right here ^ is a reiveiw Jeff, all the bull**** you and your little cronies have been posting is not reveiw it is here-say slander mother ****er! You need to get out from behind your computer and get severly owned, I am happy to do it too. You are a dishonest ****! a pathalogical liar really
who else thinks this guy works for FLI?
02-23-2006, 10:23 PM
#96
Originally Posted by OneManArmy
Are you f'ing kidding me child? seriously.
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
02-23-2006, 10:25 PM
#97
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iTrader: (18)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Subabrew Crew
Posts: 7,570
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^Roo thanks for chiming in. Until I have a bad experience with someone... They are off the hook. Quirt was more than helpful. I ordered my block just before the holidays. Something delayed shippment and they had it there by the day promissed. Next Day ship.
02-23-2006, 10:30 PM
#98
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Originally Posted by OneManArmy
Are you f'ing kidding me child? seriously.
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
02-23-2006, 10:32 PM
#99
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 549
Car Info: 2002 M3
Originally Posted by rau
what the ****? who else thinks this guy works for FLI?
who else thinks this guy works for FLI?
02-23-2006, 10:35 PM
#100
Registered User
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,139
Car Info: '06 RBP Impreza 2.5i
Originally Posted by OneManArmy
Are you f'ing kidding me child? seriously.
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
Just because your experience and a few others has been fine doesn't mean that jeff's is any less valid. i've followed him along on this whole journey. Cronies? Jeff doesn't know half the people in this thread and those that he does know haven't posted yet. Here-say...rather HEAR-SAY is more like what you are doing. You are basing your thoughts on jeff's experience on the one's you had...you were not there for any of the conversations and have no knowledge of jeff's car or jeff himself. Pathalogical liar? Jeff is probably the most honest upfront guy I know. Seriously.
And as for your step from behind the computer/slander/bull**** call out ***** antics....don't make me laugh. I'll let you put my pink slip in your back pocket. Guarantee after your face hits the ground I'll have it back in my hands again. **** jeff doesn't have to do anything. I'll do it for him. Stupid internet call out bull****. Go back to junior high school.
You are entitled to your opinions as jeff is entitled to his. Calling him a mother ****er and going after him makes no sense at all. just shows what kind of person you are.
f'in guy served our country. Minds his own business. Pays a shop good hard earned money and expects a running car...go figure.
Can't wait to see blkbetty's reply!
02-23-2006, 10:40 PM
#104
Now back on topic.
I've been talking with Jeff all along this entire process. Personally I think he's handled himself really well. We've talked about when and if he should make posts like this several times and a lot of patience and thought went in to it. It would have been a warranted post a couple weeks ago.
My thought on the issue are these.
—2 hours for a baseline map is rediculous.
—7 hours of smashing on a brand new motor to tune it is rediculous. When your curves are all over the place like that and you're getting no where maybe you should check the ego and call someone that has delt with the injectors that you admitted not wanting to deal with. I personally don't understand how a hacked tip injector is better than one by a company that has had a solid reputation for some 40 years.
—why would you tear out, tear down and ship off a motor that you tested and were confident was fine? Maybe there is other damage to the motor that wasn't the block. The heads. Maybe the injectors were installed incorrectly, etc.
there were several ways to deal with this. If they were truly confident that they didn't toast the block then they should have said so. If they were truly confident that their work was right then they should have stood by it. Not said..yeah jeff we'll do what we have to do to make this right.
Jeff isn't asking for all of his money back. He is asking for the cost of labor to install and tune the motor since basically for him...that labor has not been done.
In any industry it works like that. Shoot, I used to do flooring. You go in...lay someone's hardwood flooring and it's not right...the toilet you moved isn't working or a board pops up or something like that you go back and fix it. No questions asked. Not go...hey umm...we want another $75 an hour for having to come back and fix our ****ed up work. It doesn't work like that.
You are selling a product. Your labor is a way to give that product. If you aren't good at what you do or have issues or what not and it takes longer to get done...you don't make as much money. Period.
If I paint someone's car and it peals up I don't charge them to sand down and repaint. Or say...oh I think that paint is fine it's your car that's the problem so we'll sand it down and prove it to you..then you can pay us to repaint it again. Not gonna happen.
My opinion.
FLI needs to refund jeff the labor. Part ways and be happy they got money for the products.
They're lucky it's not me they're dealing with because I would have had a lawyer involved long ago. At this point I'd give them back all their parts. Demand ALL my money back and tell them to **** off.
Personally I wouldn't have delt with them in the first place but hindsight is 20/20. Nobody is gonna come out of this for the better. FLI will be out their time...that's it...their time. Jeff is gonna be stuck with parts that he isn't sure that FLI didn't screw up and he's gonna have to start over from scratch.
FLI has gone back and forth. We'll help you. **** off. We'll help you. **** off. For the last month.
Their business practice is a joke. Their tuning abilities scare me. Their communication as a team..the partners of the business....a joke.
This again is my opinion and what I have seen on the outside looking in. Take it as you will. it's not my car. Not my shop. not my money. i've just been there watching and listening the whole time. Talking things over.
If anyone says that jeff didn't put a crap load of thought and effort into this they're crazy. He's lost about as much money in work hours as they have in all of this. Not to mention stress and not having his car for 6 weeks...plus whatever it's gonna take to fix this mess. He's been patient and very clear in communication.
Like I said. Jeff lost work hours. They lost work hours. Give jeff his car his parts his labor money. Walk away. all of this could have been stopped by just doing that.
Or by miles making a couple phone calls to figure out why he couldn't get solid AF ratios. That's it.
I've been talking with Jeff all along this entire process. Personally I think he's handled himself really well. We've talked about when and if he should make posts like this several times and a lot of patience and thought went in to it. It would have been a warranted post a couple weeks ago.
My thought on the issue are these.
—2 hours for a baseline map is rediculous.
—7 hours of smashing on a brand new motor to tune it is rediculous. When your curves are all over the place like that and you're getting no where maybe you should check the ego and call someone that has delt with the injectors that you admitted not wanting to deal with. I personally don't understand how a hacked tip injector is better than one by a company that has had a solid reputation for some 40 years.
—why would you tear out, tear down and ship off a motor that you tested and were confident was fine? Maybe there is other damage to the motor that wasn't the block. The heads. Maybe the injectors were installed incorrectly, etc.
there were several ways to deal with this. If they were truly confident that they didn't toast the block then they should have said so. If they were truly confident that their work was right then they should have stood by it. Not said..yeah jeff we'll do what we have to do to make this right.
Jeff isn't asking for all of his money back. He is asking for the cost of labor to install and tune the motor since basically for him...that labor has not been done.
In any industry it works like that. Shoot, I used to do flooring. You go in...lay someone's hardwood flooring and it's not right...the toilet you moved isn't working or a board pops up or something like that you go back and fix it. No questions asked. Not go...hey umm...we want another $75 an hour for having to come back and fix our ****ed up work. It doesn't work like that.
You are selling a product. Your labor is a way to give that product. If you aren't good at what you do or have issues or what not and it takes longer to get done...you don't make as much money. Period.
If I paint someone's car and it peals up I don't charge them to sand down and repaint. Or say...oh I think that paint is fine it's your car that's the problem so we'll sand it down and prove it to you..then you can pay us to repaint it again. Not gonna happen.
My opinion.
FLI needs to refund jeff the labor. Part ways and be happy they got money for the products.
They're lucky it's not me they're dealing with because I would have had a lawyer involved long ago. At this point I'd give them back all their parts. Demand ALL my money back and tell them to **** off.
Personally I wouldn't have delt with them in the first place but hindsight is 20/20. Nobody is gonna come out of this for the better. FLI will be out their time...that's it...their time. Jeff is gonna be stuck with parts that he isn't sure that FLI didn't screw up and he's gonna have to start over from scratch.
FLI has gone back and forth. We'll help you. **** off. We'll help you. **** off. For the last month.
Their business practice is a joke. Their tuning abilities scare me. Their communication as a team..the partners of the business....a joke.
This again is my opinion and what I have seen on the outside looking in. Take it as you will. it's not my car. Not my shop. not my money. i've just been there watching and listening the whole time. Talking things over.
If anyone says that jeff didn't put a crap load of thought and effort into this they're crazy. He's lost about as much money in work hours as they have in all of this. Not to mention stress and not having his car for 6 weeks...plus whatever it's gonna take to fix this mess. He's been patient and very clear in communication.
Like I said. Jeff lost work hours. They lost work hours. Give jeff his car his parts his labor money. Walk away. all of this could have been stopped by just doing that.
Or by miles making a couple phone calls to figure out why he couldn't get solid AF ratios. That's it.