John D II

Recently, I have favored RUF products due to their mix of reputation, performance, customer service and attitude. What took place over the last few days is remarkable.

As many of you know, a few RUF PSS-9 kits were shipped with improper installation instructions, which instructed the tech to omit a required washer. This causes the top strut mount to fail prematurely. I was affected by this problem and had the strut mount replaced when it failed. At the time, it was not clear to RUF why the failure occurred, so Asgar requested the strut mounts be sent to RUF for examination. Before they recieved the torn rubber strut mounts, they discovered the problem with the instructions and alerted me that the missing washer must be installed. At this same time Asgar indicated that Weissach / RUF would pay all costs associated with the repair. Additionally, now the missing washer would have to be inserted, so that the tearing would not happen again. Here comes the good part - Weissach sent a German RUF technician to my house today to correct the problem. Joe, who has been with RUF for 28 years, arrived this afternoon from NY where he just completed a 540 RUF conversion. In about 2 hours we replaced the washers and the car is back together. Since I drove the car 1,000 miles or so on the second set of strut mounts without washers, Joe felt he should install new mounts which he had with him, just to be safe. IMHO, this is remarkable customer service. I am leaning toward a full RUF conversion on my next Porsche.

Some other interesting things I learned today include:

- RUF has approximately 75 employees in Germany (more than I thought)
- RUF has never raced and their whole philosophy is to provide exceptional Porsche road cars.
- RUF tests and retests/redesigns their Porsche products until they are happy wih them. Stephan of "yellowbird" fame is their test driver. As a result RUF is not always 1st to introduce a product for a new model.
- soon to be released 997 design changes

Needless to say, I had a most enjoyable Sunday, hanging out with Joe in the garage and lending an occasional hand. It doesn't get much better than this for an enthusiast like myself. Here are some pictures of Joe in action.........more in the photo gallery. Thanks, Asgar - I'm impressed!

John H. in DC Area

That's a great story, John, and I applaud Ruf for recognizing the importance of after-the-sale customer service. Far too many turners, and dealers for that matter, let you down once they've already received your money.

I'm contemplating a Ruf or Autothority engine conversion for my 993TT and this certainly increases the likelihood that I'll choose Ruf.

John D II

John,

My advice, go with RUF - it's a great company to be involved with...I am starting to feel like I am part of the family. This is my second experience where RUF was there after the sale. I purchased the RUF exhaust and it was louder than I wanted. I contacted Asgar and guess what - they made me a custom quiet version with equal performance and shipped it at no charge, then trusted me to return the original. It was exactly what I had in mind - perfect. I am serious when I say that I am leaning toward a full RUF conversion on my next car.

Also, talk to Rick Thacker in Portland about Autothority - he is knowledgeable regarding their conversions.

CJV - Yes, I remember..... you knew long ago what I have recently discovered. You have probably dealt with a lot of aftermarket tuners over the years (as have I) and this is just unbelievable! I have never seen anything like it.

Bill S.

Great story! I had the same experience. Here's a younger Ruf tech doing my Turbo R conversion. I just love that green Ruf look! It always seems so comforting!

John D II

Bill,

I agree....I have now developed such a feeling of confidence associated with the purchase of "green" RUF parts

It was worth having the problem, just to have lived and experienced today - what a great car bonding experience and Joe was such a nice guy. This is one of those days that I will never forget.

BTW - I swear the car drives better now that RUF has touched it

Here's one more pic from this afternoon:

jro996turbo

This is absolutely awesome customer service! Others should take notes and learn.

I have the Ruf suspension and exhaust and think the world of the products and service. Asgar was able to get the ruf suspension to S-Car-Go in a matter of days. The installation went very smooth, and I now have my car back.

Everytime I get in my car and drive I get this big smile from ear-to-ear now.

IMHO Evo Motorsport is also a top rate company to work with. Their Stage 4 is wonderful, and it works well with S-Car-Go's equal length headers. The car really screams now... However, I am sure I will be back for more Hp in the near future! Happy motoring everyone...

x-50speeder

John,

It was good to see ol' Joe's face again. He was the one who did my rTurbo conversion here in Texas. Can't help but love the guy! Green overalls and all. What you say about the Joe and Asgar extends to the entire company. I have spoken to or Emailed Estonia, Claudia, Natalia, and Anna. Professionalism and customer service abound!

Glad to hear you suspension is now off of the disabled list. Joe left mine at a Ruf recommended setting of "4." I have subsequently adjusted the setting to "2" and the car feels great. Not harsh at all, just more planted.

Let me know if you have any questions about the conversion or if you are ever near Houston you can experience one first hand.

Steve

Sun Ra

guys with Ruf T R's, would you please tell me about their performance and reliability? thanks watt

x-50speeder

Watt,

Almost 2000 miles. No problems at all. In fact my gas mileage has gone up! No huge deviation in oil consumption.

Performance? I have no dyno sheets or track times, but coming from an X50, it's a whole different world! Boost is instant. I think that is where the magic is. Whatever they do to the Turbos is the key. I would love to have the car 250lbs lighter. Your car will be out of control with 550 hp.

I know none of us condone momentary lapses of judgment on the street, but Watt, nothing has given me a run for my money. Not even a crotch rocket or two! Not even a 993 Ruf Turbo I ran into the other day!

Steve

asgar

Joe is a great guy and now he is a celebrity again.....

thanks for your confidence and trust, I will be sure to pass on the KUDO'S
to the rest of the RUF family

regards

Sun Ra

steve,
thanks...
have you run your car above 160 sustained? how does it track at highspeed? quite stable?

x-50speeder

Watt,

Have not run at 160mph for long periods of time. You can hit 160 at the end of the straight at Texas World Speedway, but that is not sustained.

I do know of a gentleman here in Texas that ran the Gumball 3000 in his rTurbo. He often drove over an hour at speeds above 160mph! Said the car was flawless and that nothing could touch him!

I will note that this guy has the full Ruf aerokit and I do not. Although my car feels just fine at high speeds, his comment to me was that the aerokit was a must for high speed stability. Obviously this is probably not an issue for the GT2.

If you want, I will look him up. He will be your best source for that type of information as he must be one of very few to have driven a modified Turbo 3000 miles in 5 days! Not to mention the sustained speeds

Steve

Hamann7

X-50 Speeder, you must be talking about Kyle Bass' car.

And his car is "only" the 520hp version!!! There are videos of him hitting the 200mph and beyond... It really is an amazing car.

Hey X-50, have you guys run against SW and his famous Z07 out at TWS? I hear he is the one to beat. Is his car set up for full road racing or drag?

AdamT

That is Christian, he mainly specialises in the engines,

If you think that is good customer service, get a car built there, its pretty unbelievable

R Turbo delivery

http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/showt...threadid=30489

all the best
adam

Sun Ra

steve,
i'd love to hear about his car from him thanks