Crane's Tech Line is worthless

[Legion21]

I have to tell you, DO NOT TRUST the tech's at Crane Cams for good advice, do your own research. As i've mentioned I'm in the process of purchasing multiple parts for some upgrades. I've been doing some research on different parts, and have called the Crane Cams tech line twice. The first time was about cam selection, after going through a long discussion with the tech about the proper cam for my needs, he recommended me the "PERFECT" cam, and gives me the part number. After getting off the phone and looking the cam up on their web page, it was for a TPI without the Optispark, so his cam recommendation was useless.

Then today I contact them about valve springs, again go over wants and needs give complete discription of engine, year, lift and operating range of cam etc. etc. The tech tells me the valve spring is a direct replacement to factory with no mods required. I get the part number and look it up on their web page, and what do i see, the spring is for big block Fords, with flat tappets, and I verified the part number 2 times with him.

So if I blindly ordered parts off their recommendations, I would have a cam that wound not drive my distributer and valve springs that wouldn't fit in the seats on my heads, Tell me that wouldn't get you mad if you were trying to do a cam swap over a weekend.

Later Greg

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

Well, it DOES depend on who you talk to....

No worries, Greg... I've got you taken care of.

 

[Legion21]

Thanks, I know your really busy so I thought I'd try to help. Some help I am huh?


Greg

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

Thanks, I know your really busy so I thought I'd try to help. Some help I am huh?


Greg

That's part of what you pay for by "supporting your local shop" (one of the intangibles), though some here would disagree.

 

[Edmond]

That's part of what you pay for by "supporting your local shop" (one of the intangibles), though some here would disagree.

I for one don't disagree with that. Honestly, I do most of my research online and shopping online. In my opinion, the Chicago market seems weak for things that I want.:L I could ask my neighbor but all his suggestions are usually the most expensive suggestions.:L

Finding good local shops is hard, and that's for anything, whether it be automotive, musical or gun shops. I find that a lot of the "barely hanging on shops" for those professions seem to hate the internet because it "takes sales away from them." But if they were smart, they would take advantage of the internet to gain sales.

 

[Legion21]

I'm a firm beleiver in the theory of "Support your Local Shops". As Bob said earlier there is a level of service that is not obtainable from internet or mail order sites. I do not have a problem paying a little more, if I have to, to get the right parts for my application the first time. Also, I have not only been in Bob's shop on a weekly basis buying something, but I feel I've started to make a friend as well.


Greg

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

First off, thanks for the kind words Greg

To Edmond: I agree with you (sort of) about "barely hanging on" type shops policy about the Net. Selling things over the Net is fine (I'm getting ready to offer some products myself), but when somebody calls me and tries to beat me up over what they found on the Net (or at Scummit/Dregs), if I can come close I'll try. I'm not sacrificing my livelyhood over it, however. I've got bills to pay like everybody else.

Most "discount" Internet sites are usually somebody selling stuff on the side after their "regular" job (eBay is full of these guys!), and lots of times if they have any trouble, they usually fold their tents and disappear. Let's say you buy a part and it doesn't fit. First you have to call and get a return merchandise authorization (RMA), then ship it back (usually at your expense), wait for it to arrive, hopefully have it taken care of, then wait for it to be shipped back (more freight). This assumes you'll even get an RMA. It's a lot easier to blow somebody off over the phone or email than it is face to face. Hopefully your ride isn't torn apart waiting for this part.:ugh
For me, I'd rather deal with my customers on a face to face basis, and yes..quite a few of them I've made friends with. I'm more apt to take care of them than somebody trying to beat me up over a $20.00 difference in price on something. Plus, there's another benefit.... perhaps they do something in their job that I may need. You can guess who's getting the first phone call when that need arrives. That's yet another intangible.

If you can find a good local guy, once you find him, stick with him... In the long run you'll be a lot happier.

Oh, and Greg... you're not "buying" a friend, dude. Attitude goes a long way (especially with me), and I wish all my customers were like you. I'll probably go out to IRR Friday night just to check up on you (or line up with my Duramax aka Mustang killer)

 

[Edmond]

If you can find a good local guy, once you find him, stick with him... In the long run you'll be a lot happier.

That's the problem around here, can't find anything good that is local. Can't find a good gun shop, auto store or guitar store around here that is good. :L:L:L

 

[Legion21]

Edmond, so what kind of music do you play. I am a rythmn Guitarist in a local Hard Rock/Alternative band. We play for free beer at the clubs. Hot Rods, Rock and Roll, and BEER, just cant do all 3 at once.


Greg

 

[Edmond]

Edmond, so what kind of music do you play. I am a rythmn Guitarist in a local Hard Rock/Alternative band. We play for free beer at the clubs. Hot Rods, Rock and Roll, and BEER, just cant do all 3 at once.


Greg

Greg,

I pretty much play mostly acoustic now. I haven't played much electric these past few years and I've found that my ears have developed a sensitivity against loud guitar music. I still have an electric in the house. It's only 8 months old and the strings are the strings that came with the guitar that are still bright and shiny! :L I've probably put 2 hours of electric in this year. I prefer to play my Martins: D-15, D-28 and D-18GE.

 

[Legion21]

My band lost our drummer (after show drama involving lead singer), so we started playing all acoustic cover gigs. Abby Normal (the electric band) is on temporary break and Litter Box (acoustic band) is just coming into our own. I play a Les Paul Custom Flame Top, Les Paul Classic w/ EMG's, and my acoustic is an Ovation Celebrity. Litter Box plays everything from Crosby Stills and Nash, Hall and Oats to an Acoustic version of Tool Sober (which I might add is very cool) Hell we even do an acoustic Baby Got Back by Sir Mixalot.


Greg

 

[Edmond]

I thought it was a sin to take those buckers out of a Lester?:L I just can't dig those round backs on the Ovations. Plus, I've been spoiled by Martins.