TurboToyotas RANT (long read)

[THansenite]

In May, I spent the first half of the month trying to get ahold of Todd from TurboToyotas to get a ZPI intercooler upgrade kit ordered for my tC. He had been talking about this kit and I heard good reviews on it. He wasn't very good at reading the e-mails I sent and it took about 4 PM's on ScionLife and 6 e-mails to finally get a price for what I wanted (black powdercoated pipes, black anodized intercooler, and shipping). I called Todd on May 20th and ordered the intercooler and piping kit. When I ordered the kit, I told Todd that I needed it by the end of May or the first of June since Asylum was the first weekend in June. I made it very clear to him that I wanted the intercooler on for Asylum. He said it would be no problem and I should have it Monday, June 2nd.

I sent a couple of e-mails and texts asking for the status on my order but he would never send replies that answered my question. On May 30th, I texted him asking for the status and he replied saying that one of the boxes had been shipped out and the other would ship out shortly. He said they would be to my place by Wednesday (June 4th) or Thursday (June 5th). Since I play hockey both of those nights, I asked for tracking numbers so I could make sure someone was around the apartment when they were supposed to be delivered. I never got a reply. I kept texting and not getting any replies.

On Wednesday, I talked to him and he told me that neither package had been shipped out because he had just gotten a piece of pipe. He said he would ship it out Thursday and overnight it to me so I could have it Friday, June 6th. That would have been great, except I was leaving for Asylum early that morning and wouldn't be around to get the package. I told him that and to just ship it ground so I would have it when I got back.

So, I get back from Asylum thinking that I should finally have my intercooler sometime that week and be able to install it. I text Todd Monday or Tuesday asking for a tracking number again so I can be sure to be home when it arrives. I got a reply back saying he still hadn't shipped anything out. I was livid. I told him that if I did not have a tracking number by the end of the day, I was going to dispute the charges. I also told him that since I have waited this long, he should overnight it to me so I can have it. Eventually, I did get a tracking number.

I was excited that my intercooler was on its way. Though he still shipped it ground and I had to wait a week for it, at least I knew he had sent it out. I have been watching its progress from Arizona to Iowa and everything is supposed to be delivered this evening (the UPS guy usually comes around 7PM). I was excited and got some of my tools ready so I could put it on tonight.

But of course, it couldn't be that easy. A little bit ago, I get an e-mail from Todd saying that the piping would arrive today, but that his shipper accidentally shipped my black anodized intercooler to someone else. He said he will be anodizing some more intercoolers later this week and will get it shipped out as soon as he gets one done. So I'll have my piping today, but no intercooler. Needless to say, I sent him an e-mail voicing my frustrations.

I wanted to post this to let everyone know about the atrocious business and shipping practices of this company. Yes, I have heard nothing but good about their products. They are of high quality and that is why I spent the extra money to go through him instead of getting it done custom by a local company. However, if I would have known it would have been like this, I would have never ordered through TurboToyotas. Lies, delays, missed deadlines, no tracking numbers, etc. is not how a business should operate. I was going to post up a full review once I got all of the parts and weigh the terrible shipping against the quality of the product, but it might be a while before I actually get everything I ordered.

People considering going through Todd for anything, I hope you aren't in a hurry.

[Krdshrk]

Sounds like ZPI's business practices to me....

[Stu_Gotti]

Sorry to hear that man...

Sometimes from a logistical standpoint, shit happens, but that seems a little bit too much... hopefully the quality kinda balances the frustration, because I cannot stand for poor logistics from a company.

[ROFL Box]

I demand a cliffnotes version, and those 3 minutes of my life back

[Stu_Gotti]

:rofl:

[THansenite]

I demand a cliffnotes version, and those 3 minutes of my life back

3 minutes? I lost 25 hours of my life on the drive from Orlando. :blind:

But for everyone else...


Cliff's Notes:
TurboToyotas doesn't keep promises of ship dates, it takes threats to get a tracking number, and they send the wrong parts to the wrong people.

[justin6969]

I demand a cliffnotes version, and those 3 minutes of my life back
:cavallo:

[fightinsk8ers]

hmmmmm yessssssssss everyone is amazed by the quality of the kits but they take a hell of a long timeeeee to get shipped out....and idk why..also i wonder why none of the turbo companies come on our forums......or try to be a sponsor of scikotics....but they are all over scionlife like white on rice and some people dont even go to sl

[THansenite]

I got the piping kit this afternoon and it looked incomplete. It looks like it is missing a few pieces and there were only 2 couplers (3 if you count the really big 90 degree piece) and only 5 clamps in the box.

I called up Todd and told him to just forget sending me the intercooler and I will send the piping back for a refund. I am sick of dealing with him and having him give me deadlines that he doesn't honor.

[ROFL Box]

i think i heard a thud, did your balls just drop tony?

[Firefightin_tC]

Dude, this one of many posts I've read about Turbo Toyotas and rather poor customer service...I've heard -GREAT- things about the product but it seems you have to do the Hooky-Pokey and jump through a flaming hoop just to get some answers. Boy Superchargering or going N/A sounds better and better, lol

[toyota_scion_tc]

I am having problems to and am praying my kit will be there. I ordered mine the beginning of May and told him how important it would be to get it by June 1st. I told him I am in Iraq and have very limited time home and need this to be there because of the tight schedule I am working with. He contacted me on the 15th saying the kit was done and he was putting the finishing welds on the manifold. I am kind of worried because I think he told me the manifold was done at the begining of the month. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Sorry to hear about your issues and I understand where you are coming from because it is very frustrating to get a hold of some people.

[BoostHerWay]

wow i think i had a flashback, Kenny.. i mean Todd is a really nice guy but when it comes down to you needing something it takes FOREVER to get it.. all we needed for my car was the right manifold coated and sent back to us. well Clay sent out the manifold orginally for his car to trade for the right one that would fit my new turbo setup well guess what? he sent back the orginal manifold coated that did us NO GOOD at all because it wasnt what would fit. missing the boost controller, the new wastegate etc. i blame him for not getting everything we needed for the new setup before Aimes. i know he owns a business and things get rough but damn you know, you cant just leave people hanging out to dry. Im sorry that happen to you by all means. kinda reminds me of how Kenny from ZPI screwed Clay around constantly. couldnt get him to respond to ANY emails or calls and when he did it did him no good to say one thing but do another. a bunch of BS!!

[fightinsk8ers]

what if kenny is (Todd)? lol

[Krdshrk]

Man TT is sounding more and more like ZPI...

[Stu_Gotti]

:dots: Name change ya think? :rofl: Yeah, that's just poor business it sounds like...

[Eros]

Did you read any of the posts on SL about Turbo Toyotas before you purchased the kit? If you spend a little time researching them you will find out they make quality products but expect to wait for a LOOOOOOONG time to get your stuff with very little communication from them. I can understand it can be frustrating but you had to know this would happen from other's experiences. It's a shame too b/c I know they're losing some business from their extreme crappy customer service. I really don't appreciate how they promise shipping dates and don't come through. It's not that hard to take some time to get some stuff out that you promised you would. It seems like they have enough time to post on SL but not respond to emails and voice mails and keep promises. I'm saving up for a kit and I'm telling you right now I'm going with Dezod. I'll pay a little extra to get my products in a timely manner and to have my questions and concerns answered promptly.

[THansenite]

Oh yea, I read about stuff on ScionLife, but it has only gotten really bad the past month or so. Plus, when I ordered, Todd assured me over the phone that I would have it by my deadline. That put me at ease a bit. Too bad it was false assurances and after looking around a bit, I think I will be going with a Dezod piping kit.

[duckmonk]

Dezod FTW. I had a similar thing happen with Wedge Engineering making my seat brackets. I ended up having to pay for overnight shipping b/c they took like 3 weeks longer than they said they would.:fu:
That sucks man let me know when you get the parts and if you want any help. I would just like to come up one weekend and see it and chill with you guys.

[THansenite]

Thanks Derek. You are always welcome over here and we have a couple of couches if you ever need a place to crash. I'll let you know when I get the intercooler and pipes put in.

[THansenite]

UPDATE:

Well, after about 2 weeks of being told "the check is in the mail, it should be there any day", I finally got Todd to just refund the money to my card that I originally paid with. That only took a week and a half.

Here is the kicker though, I got a refund for $572.46. I paid $549.00 for the intercooler and piping and $30 for shipping which would put me at $579.00 so I can understand getting a a few dollars less for transfer fees and such. However, I also paid $60 to get the intercooler anodized black. Where is that money.

I am getting really sick of dealing with Todd and TurboToyotas. Prospective buyers, please beware that you may get quality parts, but it will take forever to get them and if ANYTHING goes wrong down the road, be prepared for a fight. I originally ordered this intercooler kit on May 20th and I am still fighting with him.

[aalbertson3]

Kick them in the NUTS! http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/Scion4Rob/Other%20Rides%20and%20stuff/nutkick.gif

[Krdshrk]

At least you got SOME money back. You should get the whole amount though :( Especially if they've been holding onto it for a few months - they made interest on that :P

[khans]

Wow this is crazy Tony!!!

[NurSpec]

It sucks to hear about your mishap with TT.

Todd is local to me here in AZ. In his defense he still does work a full time job in addition to his Turbo Toyota's project. In my opinion he is making one of the best twin scroll kits for the tC as of today. Yes, it does take some time to get the kit after ordering, but you have to keep in mind that they are hand built.

There is nothing more frustrating than getting the run around. Especially when you don't have your money anymore. From what I have heard he has partnered up with a local shop to help crank out these kits in a timely fashion.

I am sorry to hear about your situation. At least you got the majority of your cash back :)

[THansenite]

UPDATE:

Well, after sending numerous e-mails back and forth with Todd, I haven't really gotten anywhere. He says that the missing money is for "restock fees". However, after looking through all of my invoices, I see nothing about any restocking fees. Also, when I talked with him on the phone about returning the piping, he said I could send it back for a FULL refund. Add to that the fact that I paid shipping for piping and the intercooler, but was only shipped the piping, I should be getting at least half of that back as well.

I can understand that he works a second job and that he has all of his stuff custom made. However, in this situation with deadline promises being broken over and over again, him lying about sending out my parts, sending my intercooler to the wrong person, taking weeks to get money sent out, and only giving a partial refund when I was promised a full refund. I think that ventures wayyyy into the realm of shady business practices.

I have never said he makes a bad product. He makes some of the best parts in the Scion market. However, his business practices are attrocious. It is for that reason that I will continue to alert people to how he conducts his business. I don't want other people scammed like I have been.

[Krdshrk]

Crappy Business practices will kill ANY business.

[tainoxl]

Feel your pain, over two months waiting on my kit for my 08 xb, was told it was going to ship last week, no tracking numbers yet. Just hoping for the best and my kit to arrive soon. This is no good. In june he said all the kits were done and would be shipping them out the following week, Really bad practice. Sucks cuase if I have invested all ready in all the fuel management and guages and injectors so no turning back.

[THansenite]

Small Update:

Todd refuses to return my e-mails. I am trying to text him but he won't tell me what exactly the "restock fees" are. He still owes me shipping for the intercooler (that was never shipped), anodizing for the intercooler, and the rest of my "full refund" that he promised me on the phone.

[stylz_Tc]

yup thats todd alright.. i ordered the turbo toyota kit from him and it took 6 and a half months when i actually got everything. i trying calling him but he never answers the phone instead he will text like 2 hours later and tells me that he is going to call me later but never does.... not only that but when he sent me the turbo kit i had to customize some piping cause the piping was wrong so that was a headache!!!!!! oh yeah and some of the pieces were not there like the flanges and stuff like that so i had to go look for that ummm the oil feed line was a piece of junk so i replace that, but other then that it is a good kit.. Its just the customer survice pretty much sucks!!! impossible to get a hold of him.. but i got pretty good numbers with the kit..

But anyways yeah man i know how you feel i was the exact same way. i told him i wanted it for some car show that i wanted to go to and he said yeah ill have it to you before that show, then he textes me 2 days before saying that UPS mistreated the boxes wrong and bent all the pipings so he had to make new ones.. To him it was always "ill have it to you by next week".

[stylz_Tc]

that is just so funny how everyone is having the same problems.. honestly though if you go with this turbo be expecting to wait a while cause he does all the kits for a side job so its pretty much when he has time. but if you want your kit sooner and being able to get questions asked dezod i think.. IF i didnt get turbotoyotas i was gonna go with dezod.

[toyota_scion_tc]

Any updates on your situation? On mine I have gotten one package and a tracking number showing 1 Aug as delivery date. I am back in Iraq now and won't be boosted until Dec or Jan because I can't go home until then. My mom is suppose to take pictures of everything for me and email me so I can determine if it has everything it is suppose to have in the kit. I am not holding my breath on this. I won’t be satisfied until I know for a fact all of the parts have arrived.

[stylz_Tc]

well I have everything in and let me tell u the power increase was insane, but I thought the whole process of waiting for my kit was stupid. Not only that but I also had to redew my pipings because nothing wasn't right. "yeah I know right i shouldn't of have to redew the pipings he sent"! But now that I have everything on it is great. But if u can I would recommend u getting a stand alone harness because alot of ppl Are having trouble with the aem piggy back harness. Depending on ur tune is wheather or not ur engine is going to last. A good tune is very important! I live in Fresno and I got mine done at Fresno performance by my boy name justin. Real good tuner!! I'll try andpost my dynod sheets when I have time. Good numbers!!!

[toyota_scion_tc]

I already have plans assuming I stay here for another year. It crazy how much cash I am about to spend but everything will be done right and complete.

[stylz_Tc]

I'm telling u man the gains u get after ur done with everything is crazy. I beat the new mustangs gt and I beat a evo on the freeway! Yeah i know its alot of money but its worth it u won't regret it :) need a good tune though. How many pounds of boost are u going to set it to? And is it goi g to be a daily driver?

[toyota_scion_tc]

I wasn't going to say all of this yet, but I will the plan is 10 pounds or more for next trip home and at the end of my trip I am going to drop off the car at Jotech for a complete engine build, transmission rebuild and beef up, and a complete MoTec ECU setup. All this is based on me staying in Iraq for another year. After this setup I want to have an electronic boost controller with two profiles one for the street set at 300-350whp and the other for the track at 550+.

[stylz_Tc]

nice!!! I'm thinking about building the motor too but will see. I'm running the aem tru boost n i set 10 pounds on b but i only run 10 pounds if i put race fuel in my car. I don't want to go to high cause Im running on my stock block. But yeah that's going to be crazy 500 on the track! Haha u better put one of those parachutes in the back of ur car to slow u down.

[toyota_scion_tc]

Big brake kit when I am home will be going on the ride. I like the TRD one but its only for the front. I am trying to find a company with full big brake kits for front and rear (not power slot only big rotors) 4 or 6 piston calipers, rotors, brake lines, and fluid. I already have the Stoptech Stage II upgrade but I need more stoping power. I know the front does most of the braking but I still want upgraded rear. I would like to be able to buy two TRD big brake kits for the front and modify the rear but the problem is the park brake.

How long does it take for the kit to spool up and what do you have done on your car?

[stylz_Tc]

I have
stage 1 turbo kit from turbo toyotas
18' tenzo GF7 rims
exhaust
smoke lights
carbon fiber hood
Painted interrior
HID lights
ST lowering kit
short shifter
hks turbo timer
greedy oil catch can
AEM tru boost controller
AEM air fuel widenand
greedy boost gauge (don't ask) I know 2 boost gauges
AEM FIC harness

[stylz_Tc]

heres some of my pics of TT.


http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/Stylz06/3232.jpg



http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/Stylz06/8.jpg



http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/Stylz06/121.jpg



http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/Stylz06/33333.jpg



http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/Stylz06/333.jpg

[toyota_scion_tc]

After trying to get results on SL I am shocked at peoples statements check it out:

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=231156&start=60

Feel free to post. I always tried to contact him through phone, email, text, and his website first, but when he doesn't reply what choices are you left with to get results? This is just ridiculous! I tried not to get in full results but the people there just trying to stand up for tt.

[toyota_scion_tc]

Did you ever get a different IC kit? I finally got some turbo parts but still missing my IC, IC pipes, fuel pump, and oil pan with fitting welded in (I ask him to include this and I would pay extra and he agreed).

[THansenite]

I ended up getting a Dezod piping kit and was sponsored by S-Max performance with an intercooler. I have Mishimoto fans being shipped now so that I can clock the turbo and finally get everything installed.

Also, I just submitted a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. Hopefully, that will help things out.

[toyota_scion_tc]

I already did that all they did was put a bad note on the companies name once someone looks it up. I also went to the FTC and am waiting to see what is going to happen.

[THansenite]

Things are getting pretty heated: http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=231509&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=280

[THansenite]

I just submitted another complaint to the BBB. I think I am going to start looking at other ways to get the rest of my refund. That money could be used to buy other parts for my car.

[Dezod]

I still can not believe that this is going on.....I feel bad. I am not gonna sit here and bash his company or anything, but it sounds like he does need some customer service revamping. Now I read on SL he is not accepting CC's now too.

[THansenite]

Thanks for the kind words. I went with Todd originally because he had the direct bolt on ZPI upgrade kit. When I got it, I wasn't impressed with it (several 90 degree couplers and small piping). I have had nothing but trouble dealing with him.

However, when I ordered the Dezod piping kit, despite having to trim the pipes to fit right on the ZPI turbo, it looks much better. Dealing with you guys has been exceptional. I ordered the intercooler piping kit and my F/IC through Dezod and they have been extremely helpful and I got my parts EARLIER than expected. Dezod knows how to treat their customers and run a successful business.

I will be buying an upgraded clutch from you guys later on this winter.

[Dezod]

Thanks for the kind words. I went with Todd originally because he had the direct bolt on ZPI upgrade kit. When I got it, I wasn't impressed with it (several 90 degree couplers and small piping). I have had nothing but trouble dealing with him.

However, when I ordered the Dezod piping kit, despite having to trim the pipes to fit right on the ZPI turbo, it looks much better. Dealing with you guys has been exceptional. I ordered the intercooler piping kit and my F/IC through Dezod and they have been extremely helpful and I got my parts EARLIER than expected. Dezod knows how to treat their customers and run a successful business.

I will be buying an upgraded clutch from you guys later on this winter.

Thank you! Wew try hard to be the best at what we do. :Musique48:

[toyota_scion_tc]

I got all of my parts several things didn't match though. The turbo specs he gave me are not those of a GT35R but a GT3076R (doesn't bother me, should be a better match anyway), intercooler was not coated, he mentioned my manifold was at the coaters but it is not coated either, never received the oil pan with the fitting welded. I have the parts I need to be boosted though and nothing will be done about the parts not being the way they were suppose to be.