Racer-X

The name of this Shop of Ill Repute is:

Audio Systems
905 Forestdale Blvd.
Birmingham,AL. 35214

Said Manager that sold items and labor:
Jim Helbing

Owners: Johnny Shuan--- I never got the rest of it because he stopped when
I asked him to spell it when I wrote it down. He even tried to give
the address of the next door place. There is another owner by the name
of Donny, I think there brothers.


Please avoid them at all cost!!

My story:

I have 87' CRX Si that recently blew it's engine. So I figured instead
of getting a rebuilt motor for the same money I can get a ZC engine and
trans and few other items and still have my CRX Si but with some serious
added power. The 87 ZC could be had with 129bhp and the trans had abit
closer gear ratios then my Si's. Plus my Si trans had seen better days
as it sometimes had problems in up shifting back into 3rd and 1st gears
from time to time. They also knew I had and wanted AC as this car was a
daily driver that had commute times of 45mins to and 1 hr long.

Intial price for the following with labor: $3,519.00

Used JDM ZC 1.6litre DOHC engine, trans and axles plus any items I would need like ECU
wiring.

A freshing up with new plugs, plug wires, timing belt, water pump, thermostat,
cap and rotor.

Energy Suspenion mount kit

DC Sport header 4-2-1

Tenzo muffler with twin tips

JDM ITR Style shift ****

Leather shift boot in black

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The order for everything went in on 11-7-00. This whole stressful deal
took over 8 and half weeks thats with 2 weeks out for holidays, even though
they work partial on those weeks. I would put $1800.00 on my credit card
to get the ball rolling and would pay the rest once work was finished.


After one week I called and asked if everything has came in. Jim said
they got some of the items in but he was having problems getting the
engine and trans. So I told him I could try to find them from someone else.
Ok I found a used 87' ZC engine and trans with around 32,000 miles on the set
from Nippon Motors at the cost of $600+shipping which I believe was a hundred
bucks so for $700.00 I could have it at his shop in four days. I called him
to tell him that and he told me he already had one comeing for my car so
"don't worry about it I'll take care of you". He also says my axles won't
work so we will have to get some used integra axles. I guess I wasn't
thinking then about it as they should been included with the price. Then
he said we just trade for them with your axles. I said ok but I just have
bought both axles from reaxle for $379.98 just 6 months ago and I didn't really
like the idea but I was thinking I would have the car before Chirstmas so
I shut it out of my mind.


I had alot of faith in them as they done good work before so I didn't question
many things. I figured they knew best way of doing the install.


Finally after 2 weeks they get the parts in. Ok so they start working on it.
Now Jim said he's got a wiring problem and had to get them redone to fit the engine.
Ok well few days later that doesn't work so he says we need another ECU.
So I said ok but wouldn't it just be better if I got the ECU from Japan or
Germany if were worried about the RHD thing. Which wouldn't be a problem for me
I could also get the harness too if need be. But he said this should work.
He also mentions we have problem with the passenger axle because it's
not fitting correctly. So he said we need a custom axle so I said ok since
I knew the car was use the frame could've been alittl off. That was $159.00


Now few days later Jim calls and says the custom axle fits but the hubs and rotors
don't fit so he can either machine them or get salvage ones. I opted for
the the used items. This cost me $300.00. He also said the ECU is still
not working with the cars harness because of sensors needed for certain items.
I believe one was for the trans and gauge cluster. I told him I could get a gauge cluster
from the UK that would work. He tried to get me to buy the whole dash of an
87' Integra but I didn't want that, plus the cost was too much. He finally
suggests best way to do it was get an custom ECU from Zdyne with better
fuel maps and higher redline. I sort like that since I love high RPM cars.
He also assured me no engine codes. I guess it killed most of them with the
programming. Well it cost me another $450.00. He also tells me they sandblasted
the valve cover because the paint was coming off and now it looked silver and nice.
So I thinking nice to myself.


Well I had just bought some slightly used audio equipment I wanted to be
installed in the car but they said not to because they couldn't do it now
because the car was up in the air so I had to take it back. I would also
take a look at the engine and I notice alot of items missing and he said
thats just the AC we had to take it out to get the engine in. So I was thinking
oh ok I guess they will put it back in later. I wish I would have looked at
the engine alot more now!


I would visit with my cousin couple days later to check in on my car. They looked
like they worked on it some. But I was telling Jim about my cousins
3000GT he just got and wanted an intake. So we talked about that for awhile
my cousin would end up not doing it because he just didn't like him.


Alright now a week before I pick up the car as they tell me it's getting near complete.
During a talk with Jim I asked about everything is going is all the lights,AC and such is
working? He said yes but you don't AC. I'm like shocked! I said What you mean
no AC?? He says I told you from the begining there would be no AC. I said
we where talking about a B16A and FI back then not about the ZC. The ZC
was sold in this car everywhere besides here and it did have AC. I told him
I had to have AC. He said well nothing fits from the old AC and I would need
everything from a 87' model Integra to make it work. So I said how much will
that cost he told me $1500 with labor. I was told him I have to talk with my parents.
They said ok they would pay for it, though they where pissed about it as they where having to
fit the bill. We would also discuss torison bars. He said we can use salvage Integra bars.
I asked how much? He said about $200.00 so I said I look around first.
I would find the Ground Control 24mm Torison bars for my car for $199.00
which is better then used items in my head. He also said he would charge me
another $100.00 to install them. So I tell him go ahead and see if he can get the
AC items together as I plan to just pay off the rest of the car and pick it up, but bring it
back for the AC since he said it just take two days to fit it. Plus he said it be atleast two
weeks before he could get the parts.


Alright well I get a call on 1/23/01 from Jim to come drive the car because it's ready.
I said ok but we may run late because my dad would have to drive me
and it's rush hour. He also said I need to go and payup. So we get to the
shop me and my dad, he pays the rest of the bill off in cash. Jim says
"Oh I didn't think you where going to show up." He then says he needs
to go put the passenger seat in the car I was thinking, I thought they said
this was ready". He would later say he didn't even have to shift **** on.
So it being night already and I'm tired and glad to have my car back I'm ready to go.
He tells me there is alittle vibration. How about a ton of vibration, but he
keeps assuring me its the Energy Suspenion mounts. So I just agree with him and go.
I did like pull of the engine it seemed faster then my old car. Which made
108bhp with JR cam, KN filter, 4-2-1 header, and sport muffler. On the way back
I notice the steering to feel really loose and off. I also notice the **** was
crooked and I couldn't screw it down anymore. I also would notice the shift boot hadn't
been replaced but still had the old one. The new boot was $50.00. I would get
home and notice he sent me an email. He asked me if I was excited about it. I said yea.
I really liked it alot. I was referring to the engine mostly. Jim would tell me
also to bring the pink master copy invoice so he could add all the items too it.
I told him I be back tomorrow with it.


I called Jim the next day to address the boot issue, the shift ****. He
said they sent the wrong shift boot in red not black. So I said when
should it be in? He said anyday now. I was thinking he should have had
this item corrected and already installed when I picked it up but didn't.
And when I asked about the **** he said he has to retread it and we have
it done in a couple weeks. I was thinking a couple weeks. But guess now
I was starting to notice things. Like my muffler was only a single tip instead
of twin tip. But I said I could let that slide nothing major. So I tell
him I'll be back up there in a couple hours. I went to Acura to see a friend
that worked there to show him the car. He thought it was odd of the valve
cover to be sandblasted though. Well on my way to the shop. I would stop at
a stop light and I would hear what I thought was a piece of metal or a just rolled
over something metal sounding. I would then now notice a low pitch squeal and grinding
sound from the passenger side. So when I get there I fix the invoice and then
tell him about vibrations again. But again he said it's because of where they mounted
the engine and mounts doing it. I would tell him about the sound so he got
in the car with me and we drove around until I could make the sound agian which was
under braking. I told him about the metal sound and I thought something may
have fellin off the car. He said well there old rotors and they may need turning and
or new ones and the brake pads where really worn out and need replacing.
I was like OMG now whats this going to cost me. We didn't discuss a price
this time but he said he give me a good deal on it and to drive a couple
hundred miles and maybe the rotor would even out. He also said I need
an alignment and said when I bring it back they could do that too. I figured
I could do it closer to home though. Well I left there and headed for my
friends house to show him the car. Well Jared and I took it for a test drive.
He said the car was really noisy and vibrated like the whole car! I said
yeah I know he said it was because of the mounts. He wanted to look at
the engine so we did. First thing he noticed was the dryier hose. I told
him they said it was just temporary as they didn't have one that would fit it.
But he said man there is alot of slack in there that can't be good for drawing in
air, plus on filter side we notice there was no clamp but on the TB side
there was. So he tugged on the hose and it just fell off! I was like what the
hell that came off too easy. He suggested we trim the hose to make it flow better
and buy another clamp for the other end. I there was no places open at the
time so I did so the next day. It was .98 cents with tax. That kinda pissed me
off they can afford a .98 cent clamp.


Jan 29, 01'

*Everything after this point is from notes I took as I felt
things were not right*

Well I took the car in to A Plus Automotive Service at 11:45am to Van Reid our
families certified mechanic in the city. I told him I need the car
aligned and tyres rotated and check the brakes because there was a noise and if
possible see if there something he could do about the vibrations. He test drove it
down a block and came back and said he wanted to check all the brake components out
and after looking in the engine bad. He said the problem with vibration
is that the mounts are touching each other so the engines vibration is
transfering right to the very chassis. I asked could he do something.
he said he look into it.


After around 2 hours I get a call from Van to pick up the car. So my dad
takes me down there he tells me the problem on the brakes was not the
rotor or pads they where fine. The problem was the passenger brake
caliper was missing a bolt*the sound I heard was it falling out* and the
other bolt was also coming out and would have if I didn't bring it in.
He said if it came off it would have caused the wheels to lock up and probably
cause a bad accident and maybe even death. It rained that day also and
I wanted to see my friend in Birmingham. I may not made it if I didn't
take the car in that day. He also was glad to say he fixed 90% of the vibration
by taken out a mount where it was touching and slightly modify it to give
the mounts space between each other. I also asked about the Energy
Suspenion mounts and he said there was nothing in there just old 13 year
old looking mounts. He said another part of the vibration was they left
the AC condesor in the front of the car with lines just clipped and
dangling down vibrating when the engine was on and bangin on other items.
The cost of all this: $132.85


I went straight home to call Jim 3:30pm which I did raise my voice slightly
but never screamed or started yelling insults at him. We would go back in forth about
the brakes issue and vibration. He said he appoligies about the caliper
and would pay me the money it cost to fix the issue. Though he called in
question of Van when I told him we found no Energy Suspenion inserts as he
called them. He said he knows they put them in. I told him well I don't
want to pay for something that I did not get $50.00 worth. He said but I
had someone else fix the issue. He said you should have let him do it.
I said I asked you but you kept say it was because of the mounts. Now I
said if there was no mounts they could have never caused it.
I even told him if he wanted to talk to Van I could get the phone # and call
him right back. He said ok. Well anyway
I tell him I need the engine ID and chassis ID and I would need the customs
information or the papers from where he bought it so I can send the info
to Honda of UK to get the items so they know it will work or should I get
it from German counterpart. He tells me the codes on the front of the block.
Well then I say I still need the documantation and he says there where no
custom sheets because the engine and trans where USDM!!!!
I said what!?? I didn't pay for that I paid for a JDM ZC. He said a ZC won't
fit I told it would as it fit in other cars everywhere else and that
it's a rare engine and you can't find it. I said I did and I told you so.
So while talking about this MAJOR issue he apparently accidently transfers me
to one of the owners. I told him I guess I must have gotten sent accidently to you
I was talking to Jim so I hung up. I called right back and got Jim and
gave him the phone # and said I would be in touch. After the call the first
thing I did was check the car over with a fine tooth comb. To find
also the muffler was missing one of it rubber mounts that hold it to the chassis.
I also checked the block code. It was D16A1 a 113bhp engine from an 87'
Integra I was pissed and stressed out. I think I stomped the ground to
in frustration at the sight of this.


I would later take the car to Jared and we test drove the car again and he said
it was like night and day comparisons. He said Van did a good job.

Jan. 30, 01'

10:00am

I called Van at A Plus Automotive about if he got a call from a guy about my
car. The girl that answered said yes he did call and she have him call
me right back because he was test driving a car.

10:35am

I got a call from Van and he told me that all Jim asked was about the caliper
and applogied for it and didn't know how it happened. He also asked about
the mount but Van said he sounded like he had no idea where he was talking
about where he made the modification. Van said David would just have to
bring the car there so I could show him. He said he asked about some
polyuthane mounts

11:20pm

I called and asked for the owner. I got the
person name Johnny who said he was the owner. I told him I wanted talk to him about items I
did not get in the engine and so on. He said he doesn't know much about
engine and items like that he just knows it has an engine, transmission
and major items like that. So he keeps trying to direct me to Jim but I keep
telling him I already talked with him to no avail. He only acted concerned
about the brake issue he seemed concerned but when talking about the
the other issues he seemed to not show much concern. Talking with him
about the issue was like telling someone how a car works for the very first
time. He said he knows stereo but not much about cars that Jim dept.
his manager. When I tell him about the AC he says well Jim told him
the day after first payment he said I wouldn't have AC. I said well maybe
he talked with you but he didn't tell me. If I knew about this I wouldn't
have did the deal. I also said I had faith in them when I came here as I
knew he had did good work before and thought he do good work again. He kept
trying to make Jim sound my closet friend in the world. But just because I come
talk car talk with people doesn't mean I'm all buddy buddy with people.
That for me is a slow process and I keep my real friends close.
So he asked me what you want to do give you a refund for the whole deal.
I said a refund for the whole deal would be nice but I would accept a refund for
the items I did not get in the first place. He then told me he does not
give refunds out what so ever no matter what type of item it is they sell.
He said I would have to get together with Jim and work things out. He said
he would also talk with him about the issues and he have him call me back
as soon as possible. I asked him for his last name and to spell it
he started to spell it out and then stopped and asked am I'm I turning
this in to someone I said no I always document items I buy of large value.
He kept saying I think it was just miss communication.
After that I thanked him and hung up.

4 hours and half later and still no call from Jim I make the last call.
*This whole call lasted over 2 hours.*

I say Jim I thought you where suppose to call me he said I got tied up.
I told him I talked to Johnny the owner. He then said yes Johnny told
me something about that. We basically started with the caliper and how
it put my life and body and car in danger. He said I'm sorry about that
I must have not been paying attention. He said he would give me $20.00 to cover
the problem with the brakes. Even though that item cost $42.90 on the bill.
I told him it's not just that it's the whole thing. Why did it take
so long when you install a D16A1 motor and trans? He said it took time to get everything.
I worked 100 hours for you but I only charged you for 40 I did you got a good deal.
I said I don't care about that I paid for a JDM ZC engine, trans and axles.
What I got was USDM motor, trans and axles! I don't believe I should pay for
something that was never put in. He then says the engine in my car is
120bhp! I tell him how is that? He says it a 88 model engine. I tell him
if thats the case it's D16A3 which is 118bhp not 120bhp! So your off.
He then would say because of the ECU it got more power. I said I don't care
about the ECU were talking about BHP that Honda has documented and so has
Sport Compact Maginzine and where did they get the information, from Honda.
Now he says that right but you have the bigger engine in there from 88'
alot better motor and stronger parts. I said I looked at the block code
it says D16A1 a 87' model Integra Motor not a D16A3? So your telling me
I have a D16A3 but it says D16A1 on the block? What you trying to pull?
He didn't ever answer that. He would keep going back saying he couldn't
find the motor. But I kindly reminded him Nippon Motor had engine and trans for sell.
That I told him about in the begining. He also said well what about
the ECU and wiring I told him I could have gotten the wiring harness's and
ECU from Germany if need be. Then he said what about axles and mounts no one
makes mount for it? I said if I had to I order those too and AC.
I would have done it right. I told him all the money I spent with you guys
and you do this to me? I spent $9,100+ with them. He then says everyone
he talked to said he couldn't do the swap even Brian from HASport said this
too. I said if so why are people dropping in the engine and why was it used
all over in other countries. Then he said the ZC engine I'm talking about
isn't even as powerful as this engine. I said it made 129bhp from 85'-87'
CRX Si in Japan and this engine was also used in the Integra from 86'-89'
I said if it was a ZC it would say it on the block but it doesn't.
I also called into question why did you sandblast the cover did you figure if
I saw the valve cover colour I would have said something? He didn't really
say anything except the paint was chipped. I said the valve cover is brown
for that year not even black. It changed to black year after.
Then I tell him what about the AC we didn't even talk about it not being in
there if I knew that I couldn't have it I wouldn't have even done it and
junked the car or for parts. I could have bought a good car for the money I'm
having to put into the car. I also asked more about the mounts and he said I did put
ES inserts. He would then say to tell you the truth me and Matt his assitant modified
some ES mounts to fit the car as ES doesn't make ones for it, so they could
have fellen out. I tell him if he told me I would have just bought new mounts, if thats
what I had to do. He acted surprised. We went over the tail piece not
even being a twin tip muffler but a single and not all the mounts back on it.
We also talked about the issue with the **** and boot again also.
I told him I know Johnny already told me he won't give a refund no matter what
so I won't even ask. I said I just want my car fixed as I wanted it when we
started this in Nov. I told him if I didn't think you could do it I wouldn't
have brought it here. He would also say I told you this was my first time.
But I said I've seen your other hybrid motors which where good. Plus
if you told me you didn't want to do it, you wouldn't have hurt my feelings.
But you didn't. If you did you would have saved me alot of money,effort and stress.
So ask him what can we do about the car. So I tell him again what all I want.
I want it like it says on my invoice and I want AC and I want it done right.
He said well I can meet you half way on the price. I told him why should I have to
pay I've already paid alot of money for which it should been done right the first time around.
If I end up spending another 3 grand on the car hell I should just buy a almost
new Civic or Daewoo. I told him I won't spend anymore money to fix what you
messed up I either want it all fixed or a total refund. We went on and on about samethings
over and over like it would change my mind.
Then I told him I guess I will have to seek legal action. Then he says he
sorry and how he can make it right and how I thought we where friends.
I said I'm not paying anymore money for items I didn't get or wasn't done
correctly. I got feedup and just said I rather just have my money back now
He says again I can meet you half way and wants to talk about everything all over again.
I said it's like I'm hitting a wall hear and all you want is more money.
That I'm not paying anymore. I then say I'm going to have to seek legal
action for the second time. He keeps on with the friend thing and trying to keep
me talking. By this time I was barely holding back anger and stress now.
My hands and lips where just shaking. I told him your just stressing me out now.
He said there nothing to get stressed about. So I quickly recap for him again.
And this time say I'll will have to talk to an Attorney and I then said I can not talk with you
any more sorry and thank you and bye.


I think I screamed a few times after that phone call in frustration and stress.
I had a stress migrain for next two days now. I had just
got of a job that caused way to much stress and alergic reactions that
I had to goto the doctor for. So this didn't help at all.


My parents called a local Attorney in the city and we have meeting Fri.
I plan to also report them to the Better Business Buero also. I don't
want anyone getting messed up with these guys again. My friend at Acura
told me he's having to certify a Integra GSR they also worked on and supposely
only changed the internals for stronger parts. But now the car won't even run right.
So he is also sueing them There is another Integra GSR that bought a
JR SC with 8psi pulleys and whole motor redone by someone in CA. Though he
keeps blowing the head gasket no matter how many times they replace it at his cost
and labor. He is also thinking about sueing too.

If you any of you guys frequent other boards spread the message of the Ill
repute company in question!! Also please email all that have hybrid
boards to keep away from this place. I don't want anyone have to go through
what I had to go through.

My total cost:$4,479.00 for them.

Thanks for all the read this long message but spread the word.

neek

Man, that is a long post!

I feel for you man, I had the same types of problems when I had the ZC put into my 87 CRX. If you need any advice with anything, please feel free to e-mail me.

neek@aracnet.com

Mullet_SyTy

the best thing you could tell somebody from this story is take the time and learn how to do this stuff yourself. Its not hard to do and most of the time with small mom and pop garages you will get taken to the cleaners. For as much as you spent through those guys you could have bought the engine, rented an engine stand and lift and done the whole thing yourself out of your garage and probably done it right the first time.

I hate seeing stuff like this happen to people.

yoshi234

that sux0rx david. I'll be sure to stay away from that shop.

Yyz

Yeah Audio Systems SUCKS!!!, they are a bunch of jackasses up there. I went down there one time b\c I knew they had Enkie rims. I struck up a conversation and got on the subject of Racing Hart rims. He started into this long speech about how those rims are a piece of Sh*t and that I was stupid for even considering Racing Hart. Now to each his own, and the guy might not like Racing Harts, but to insult me right there in the store is just uncalled for. He tried to rip my Brother off too. The guy is just an incompetent jackass!!

Pete

What have we learned today?

Never, never, NEVER lose your cool with these people.

Always, always, ALWAYS hire a lawyer to handle it BEFORE the other guy gets a chance to screw you. It's best to make a pre-emptive strike as a warning.

If anything, consult a lawyer the minute you suspect something might go wrong so that you know what your recourse is. It might cost you $200.

Finally, do not use the text of your post here in any legal procedings. Use it as your notes when you're telling all of this to your lawyer. The lawyer will get everything in proper chronological order, make it concise and to the point, and perhaps most importantly will eliminate anything that might make you look unreasonable.

I'm really sorry you got screwed here, I hope you get your CRX back in good shape eventually. But I gotta tell you, reading that thing was like watching 4 hours of Judge Judy on acid.

Fuminsho

Racer x,
Very sorry to hear how much of a problem this is all causing you! I hope you get in there first and make them pay for it. Question: Did you tape the conversation by any chance? That would been sweet!

Very Red and Angry!

Fuminsho

Muad'Dib

Man reading that post made my eyes water and I had to get some Vizene tears for my eyes. **** my eyes are dried up from readin that short story novel! heheheh!

Well I have dealt with Jim H. and he's done NOTHING but help me out in the past. I don't know what happened here but I am sorry to hear about your debacle with your car.

Racer-X

The only reason I didn't do anything because I've done alot business with them and they did it right before.
So they establish good faith in me. By the time I felt something was up it was already too late.
I followed every rule of thumb developed by the BBB.
I never lost my cool just elevated my voice some but not loud. Most people that heard me on the phone I'm soft spoken person. I never cursed them or anything made any demands that didn't sound reasonable. It wasn't until he's tring to get more money out of me when I said I just rather have my money back instead. Because it became too much of an hassal.

Fuminsho
I would have taped it but I would have to ask him first. Which he probably wouldn't talk to me then. Though he kept trying to keep me on the phone so they may have taped me without knowing. If they did it's not permissable in court
without my prior knowledge. But it may work against them.
They can also get in trouble for taping without prior knoweledge with the Privacy Act. I can't remember the yr it went into effect. I do know something about this as I did take business law in college.

Albino Dragon

Racer-X, I feel bad for you.. I have talked with Jim through emails and the forced induction forum and he seems like a great guy who is very knowledgable. I hope that you guys get it worked out and neither one of you gets screwed. Best of luck.

Rboosted717

iTrader: (1)

Ceed19, I think I can match yours and about anyone else's story. I am too a huge stereo guy. I'm part of team RF, db drag, iasca, usac, etc... and I'm ranked 5th in CA for the 1-2 street class before it was stolen. Anyway so here's a sample of my stories:
-Elsworth Automotive
Did the install on my charger. After taking over 3-4weeks my car was done, yet the told me it was running lead top end! Um, ok...
Update: I later dyno'd my car and hit lower then stock! They wired the charger wrong and did some really bad install stuff. The install costed me $900. The owner of that shop left therefor making me pay for the fixes. The tuning and fixed ended up costing me around $1500!!!!!
-Exact Motorsports
Did the install on my gauges. After having the gauges installed, I decided to dyno tune. Well, the fuel gauge was reading low, so we decide to raise the pressure. Wee suddenly the fuel lines start to balloon and expand! We look under the car to find out the gauge was hooked up to the wrong lines! We find out that 45psi is actually 130+psi! Yeah I could have blown my car up and DynoSpot!!!
-Elsworth Automotive
I later find out my car was running lean because when they installed my pump they broke the seal for the fuel tank causing a pressure leak! So add a nice $600 for a new fuel tank, pump, etc... Oh yeah they also scratched my car and dented some panels because their fat asses put too much weight on it!
-AMS car stereo
Where to start? First they broke two of my amps for not mounting them right on the back of my seats. Every time I braked the amps would fall and bust the RCA inputs!
Next they tried ripping me off countless times, but what's new in the stereo shop field!
The did an installed a cap I needed added to my other caps. They screwed up and shot the discharge fluid on my box! They replaced it and re carpeted my box.
Two other friends had alarms done their. One I'm sure will being more then willing to post his story! Basically they almost killed his whole electrical system on his brand new 00 stang. The other friend has a R on this list. They also screwed up on his alarm. Almost a year after its still not working right. He might post his story.
-Car stereo Warehouse
First they wired my amp wrong. They bridged it to .5ohm! and also wired the DVC's in reverse polarity which almost caused a voicecoil failure
Next during a competition, all my fuses blow and the circuit breakers snap. I find out last time I went their, they replaced the fuses with 50 fuses instead of my normal 120!
Next they
Auto Sound and Security-
Well they broke my windshield when I was having the alarm done! They replaced it for free, but put the wrong one in! They then refused to replace it again! Nuff said! Ended up with a battle in small claims court. I won!
Wheel Works-
Did a tire mounting on my aftermarket rims. They used a metal head on my white rims! Yeah they gave my car back to me with a huge 1ft gash in them! They ended up fixing it.

And the list goes on.... I would type more but this is giving me a fat headache! So I'll stop.

Mrspeed

Racer-X I'm sorry to hear your story. For the money you spent you could have bought a nice Gen 2 Integra.
Regarding the taping of conversations I thought it's OK to tape if only one of the parties knows about it (it's illegal to tape other people's conversations without their knowledge). If you're talking why would it be illegal to tape your own conversation? Makes sense?

sgT

All this just for a silly JDM motor?
This is a perfect example of why you should do a lot more
research, especially when you want to dump a lot of money
in one place. I have yet to see a shop that is worthy
of doing a lot of work, they ALL have problems. Problems
that I refuse to deal with.

Btw, brown top ZC motors didnt have that much power, they were
almost identical to their US counterparts. The Black top
ZC motors had 129bhp.

Fuminsho

Mrspeed,

It varies from state to state. Here in TX as long as one person is aware that the conversation is being taped then it can be used as evidence in a court of law. Been there done that. Not pretty......

It's a wonder why this guys business is still up and running. They should have been shut down awhile ago.

Fuminsho

0Mike95lude

Damn I read everyword in that post!

That is terrible man, they have put you through so much stress! You deserve to get all your money back, I would stop at nothing to get that if I were you..

newspeedR

i have a question for you Alabama Folk. i live in New York and somehow i came across from the the b'ham area, actually fultondale who says he has a car audio shop. he also says he has a 96R??, 97 hatch and 94 hatch. He promised me all sorts of stuff and i did my part of the deal and he hasnt help up to his. First, i am lookin to see if he is legit. Does anyone know of shops in that area, fultondale. i have his name, but i dont really want to say it till i have too. I need some help. Can anyone get some shop names and phone numbers cause i only have his home num and he has caller ID.

I guess if he doesnt hold to his end, i am going to contact the BBB and the attourney general and some places which he told me he does business with

Thanks for the Help

Yyz

Hey newspeedR, I will try and find out what the name of the shop is. I can honestly say, if it is a shop in Fultondale, you probably got ripped off. Fultondale is not exactly a part of Alabama that you would expect a reputable shop would be. Do you remember what the name of the shop is? It might actually be audio systems, as Racer-X cited before. They have 2 shops, one in Forestdale, and in Fultondale. And they are both equally crappy!
But I will try to find out what the shop name is.
There are very few reputable shops here in Alabama, well actually there are very few shops here to begin with.

89hatchdx

First, I'm sorry to hear that and I felt for u , too , Racer-X.
2nd , That shop lucky are not in TX...Because they're gonna close the ..*&^8..shop after that. Believe me ! Man...your story made me really **** the hell out of me...man.

StanBo

I would like to wish you all the luck you deserve Racer-X. It is a shame that you were mistreated.

Reading stories like this and not being satisfied myself has led me to doing all of my work myself. If there is something I can't do I will find a friend that will know the job. I have not done anything major on my car. I had one job done and it was done half ***. I gave the shop detailed instructions and did half the job myself. The only job that was to be handled by them was the wiring. They screwed that up. I had to research the install to find the mistake so that I could tell them how to fix it.

I have done some DIY jobs. You can check my site for the **** I did. It was on my old Volvo 240DL. There is no feeling like DIY! And **** you will not even mind messing it up yourself because you learn how to do it right the next time!

<a href=http://www.geocities.com/stanbo_rsg/stanbo_s_volvo_240dl.html
target=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stanbo_rsg/...lvo_240dl.html
</a>
I haven't added the civic yet but it will be there soon. The site is still under major construction.

Again give em hell and I hope everything ends on a better note.

autorex

I was once told that if I don't have anything good to say about someone then don't say anything...

So as far as Jim goes, I will say

Catch 22

Hmmmmm...

Two things pop instantly to my mind.

1. You can build one hell of a bad assed '87 CRX for $4500. I hate that this happened to you David, but honestly, you went in unprepared and got taken. Not an atypical story.

2. Never get an engine swap done at a place called "AUDIO Systems." Let me guess just how many ASE or Honda trained mechanics they have walking around there.

Sorry man.

Marc

That's surprising. I've spoken with Jim on the phone and over e-mail numerous times. He has helped me out quite a bit. I'm not going to take sides because I'm only hearing one side. I'm not doubting you, but you have to hear both sides to make an adequate judgement of the situation.

I seriously doubt Jim intended to rip you or anyone else off. He has always been honest, helpful, and upfront with me. I think there is a miscommunication between both parties that contributed to this mess.

It's terrible that such a mess happened over a ZC motor.

4dGSR at work

i hate to hear that jim would have something to do with it

this sucks!!!
jim is a good guy damn this sucks, hate to hear about people pulling a fast on!

you man i am sorry to here you got screwed

Trey

That really sucks dude! Like the other guys said, do your home work first. I don't trust ANYONE when it come to engine work. I've corrected quite a few mechanics that "know everything there is to know" about swaps. DO the homework, print it off, give it to whoever to cover your a$$. Most of them are stupid rednecks who's motto is "fvck it, duct it". That's why I do all my own swaps.

Sorry bro

nutsack

i think they saw $$$ when you walked in their shop. is AC that crucial that if you don't have it in a car, then the car isn't worth driving? must be nice to have parents with money out the wazoo.