In the past, there has been some negative feedback about the service level at Advance-Design (Ground Control) - some of which I may have contributed to. I just received my shocks back from them and wanted to summarize the situation for those who might have some interest in the company.

Background: I bought my shocks second-hand so I did not know how they were valved, but my feeling was that I was approaching max rebound dampening in the rear of my car with 550lb springs. I decided to see about getting a rebuild as there was a slight bit of oil collecting dirt at the top of the shocks.

I called up Ground Control and was given the direct number for Jeremy, the person in charge of handling the shocks. I got through on the second call and he was very helpful. All of their shocks are numbered, and as I had hoped, he was able to look up the original build specs of my set using these numbers. I inquired about rebuild pricing and was told the cost was $50 a corner. That didn't sound too bad -- so I held my breath and asked about revalving. I was thrilled to hear that he would do that at no additional charge. I was quoted 2 weeks to get the work done so I sent them in along with a sheet detailing my car, it's cornerweights and an anticipated spring rate range I'd like to use.

In roughly two weeks I received a call saying they were done. I requested 3-day shipping and they indeed arrived on the third day in MUCH better packaging than I'd sent them off in. Smooth transactions are few and far between for me, but this one has been just that.

 

So miracles do happen, it usually takes three weeks just to get them to pick up the phone. Hope there still in a good mood when I need to get mine done.


[Modified by DB1-R81, 8:39 AM 2/15/2003]

 

good to know...im considering these

 

Good to hear you had a good experience. I have been dealing with Ground-Control for over four years now. I opened an account with them at the shop I used to work at. We never really had a problem with their service. I think the only time I had a problem was early last season when their ERS springs were on backorder. Whenever we have had a problem they are always willing to help, even if there was an install error. Ground-Control gets from me.

 

I have ben shopping coilovers,advance d was at the top of my list this kind of post keeps me convinced they are the best set up .

 

you're also looking at $400 per corner, and that does not include springs. Koni + GC sleeves will be fine for me.

 

i like the advance designs...cuz they are dual adjustable...konis are only single...if they were dual adjustable they would be awesome.

 

its not as good as you might think. For a novice driver (like me, with a few years autocross and 1 year track experience) it ads a level of complexity that is just not needed, and can often screw things up.

Koni's can be converted to DA at a later date as well.