My mechanic says Lindsey is best for exhaust systems. Don't know about bypass valves or wastegates, because he believes in using the stock parts (shimmed wastegate etc.). He suggests different vendors for different stuff. Like others have so far.

 

I was not trying to assert that either of the mentioned vendors has or ever had anything to do with HR, just making a goof.

I didn't feel like posting another "Have done business with both and both are great" posts, The fact that both are in business tells allot... Just trying to direct any flaming at a party who deserved it (HR).

In all seriousness, Tim makes works of art, Dave sells upgrades and from what I can gather does some nice machine work.. Both are great guys who probably would buy each other beers if they found themselves in the same bar at the same time. That is what I love about the community, even those of us on separate sides of the fence, come together and have a good time at the end of the day. I have yet to come across actual resentment from anyone here...

 

Dave and myself.....just dont get along and dont see eye to eye.It is what it is.

As far as shipping stuff and that seems to be the biggest problem that has been mentioned on this thread. Sometimes......it takes a little bit to build something and ship it. Sometimes, it is on the shelf. One of the guys just ordered a wastegate and adaptors and it was shipped 10 minutes later.A stage 2 header is going to take a minimum of two weeks.It just dpeends on what you are looking for.We are trying to stock more of the "big selling items" but that the same time we sell alot of other parts for other cars and need to keep some of that stuff on the shelf too.

It would be nice to invest 50-100K in inventory but their is a problem with that....I get taxed on it!!!! It is sort of BS. And for the guy who is supposed to get the $10 refund on his O2 bung.Pm me because I forgot who that is and I will take care of it .That was actually sort of embarrassing but I do forget things now and then.Sorry about that.

On another note,we are upgrading our website right now and will have a full on shopping cart and alot more product for our beloved Porsches very soon. However, we will still not sell gizmos and gadgets for the pure purpose of making quick cash.We will only sell parts that actually increase performance in one way or another.

Finally,John at Vitesse and I have been talking and we wil be carrying his products in the the very near future. We will also be doing installs and truning of his products for those that need it

 

Sounds like a great idea!

 

Sounds good. no harm no foul.

 

THAT is one Hell of a partnership!

 

Lindsey better for exhaust? Hmm...I'll have to shoot that down. Lindseys stuff from what I've seen isnt compatible with stock exhaust systems pieces (unlike SFR, where EVERY piece is compatible and bolts up to OEM parts whether you buy just a 2 piece crossover or a new wastegate).

Tim's exhausts are works of art compared to the lindsey systems I've seen personally. Then again...the SFR stuff is a pretty penny. So your budget will make the difference...but holding off and saving for a SFR exhaust really is worth it!

As far as stock shimmed wastegates being better...lol. Who is your mechanic? I'd try to find a new one, or do some searching around here. Stock wastegates shimmed may be good with a FPR, LBE, chip and cat-back...but as far as anything other then a 26/6...no. Don believe everything your mechanic tells you. JUST because he can turn a wrench, doeant mean he knows what he is talking about.

And wow! SFR and VR teaming up! Hell effing yes! That is simply awesome. I think thats going to work out awesomely!

Tim- No hard feelings on the shipping. I'm well aware of the circumstances your under, just wanted to let others know...don't expect a header 3 days from order date! Lol The main thing is that people realize there's going to be a wait...but WELL worth it!

 

Maybe I'll reconsider relocating to one of my company's San Diego properties then.

 

I personally think LART is the best vendor EVER. He has the best prices, the quickest service and if you don't like it he'll refund your money. Plus, if you wait ling enough, you can buy any vendors products through him.

 

Unfortunately Lart has gotten too old for us and has moved onto the local 928/AARP club.

 

Okay... Let me qualify. I'm not dumping oogles of cash into my car. My mechanic, who is a renown 944 specialist, recommended certain parts for my car that would work. If I wanted art, I would invest in Van Gogh. But I don't want art. I'm not going to spend time looking at the underside of my car unless something is wrong with it. That being the case, the LR exhaust is what he recommended. He's run it for a LONG time and has had no issues. And his car has seen a lot of track days. Plus he and I are both a few hours from OKC where LR is located... So if I want something from them, then I can just go down and get it. Save on shipping. Win win.

The shimmed wastegate reference was from a conversation I had with him. Its cheaper to shim the wastegate and it will work. I may want an aftermarket one later, but for now? Shims... And for the power I'm making, its just not needed- though an aftermarket wg will perform better. He just doesn't see the reason at the moment.

There are parts I will get from all companies. However, I'm not buying something based on how shiny or pretty it is. I need something that works. The factory header works just fine, and its not the most attractive piece of equipment is it? Point made.

Maybe I need to explain myself more next time. Too many people with smoking guns 'round here.

 

Wow Van, you have too much time on your hand...lol.

 

The factory header works fine my ***!

The factory header SUCKS! That is one of the worst parts on these cars. If there is any part on these cars that warrants an expensive replacement it's the leaky pre turbo exhaust system. At least 4/5 cars have cracks in the headers/xover by the time they are this age, I have personally gone through three sets of them in about 1 year

 

It works until it cracks.

Basically, what I'm getting at is I do not intend on paying a lot of money for something unless I really need it. I would LOVE to have the budget that would allow me to afford all the shiny stuff. That'd be great. Unfortunately I'm in college and I'm paying a loan on this car. So it gets what's left over.

I don't mean to sound too frugal. I've just never been able to justify spending tons of money on something unless the consequences for not doing so were detrimental to my car's performance. Not meaning, "Could perform better." More like, "Will not run right."

On Topic... I personally have heard nothing bad about either company. I like both. I don't have much experience with either, personally, but I plan on purchasing from both eventually. I couldn't compare one against the other though.

 

Well on a serious note. In most cases you can't go to wrong with either vendor for most items. As far as shipping goes, I bought a stage 2 header and 3" downpipe from Tim some time ago. I didn't have it over night and when I thought it was taking a bit longer then I expected I simply gave him a call. He told me what was going on and when it would arrive and it did. I believe I bought it on a group buy so it took a bit longer then usual because he had to make quite a few of them.

Lindsey on the other hand has a ton of parts on the shelf and they ship very fast and after 8 years of ordering stuff from them I've never had an issue. My experience with them is Dave and Mike are good people. Other people may have a different opinion but I can only offer my experience. I don't believe that all of the products they carry are the best for me which is why I use more then one vendor for things.

If you plan on swapping out headers or adding an intake THIS weekend, then SFR may not be the best option for you and you may want to order those items from Lindsey. If you want the best headers available, plan your projects, and can wait a few weeks then Tim is the way to go.

As a point of reference, my entire suspension, brakes, turbo back exhaust, engine seals/bearings, and any other misc items I need are purchased from lindsey (3 motor builds ordering from them). My FM intercooler, stage 2 headers, 46mm Tial, downpipe ect came from SFR. My turbo, electronics, & fuel related products come from Vitesse. In these cases I believe each vendor offered the best and most complete products with regards to compatibility, installation, and delivery time. Price usually isn't a consideration. There are things that I don't buy from SFR, Lindsey, or Vitesse.

I also use JME, EBS racing, and e-bay for some stuff. 4 different machine shops see routine business because I believe each one excels in a certain area. On place does my boring, another does my cleaning and welding, another does my balancing and "custom stuff", and another does my head machining.....And I still do most of the work on my own.

It's not so much about who's the best because both have good reputations and make an honest effort to serve customers. It's really about determining what you want, how much you want to pay, and when you need it by and go from there. I could pick up a vanilla mail order turbo at rock bottom prices from half a dozen tourist vendor shops this afternoon, but I know that none of them can guarantee that I will get EXACTLY what I want which is why I buy from Vitesse.....even though it cost a bit more.