Well, the clutch stared slipping two weeks ago on my '06 GT with less than 68K on it. Okay, I've read the threads here about this being a problem for these cars, the manufacturer skimped on the clutch plates, they did it on the late model Fieros when they finally started to build some power into them. So, I get to thinking this is a good thing, now I get to put that Stage 1 Racing clutch kit with the light weight flywheel into it that I've been looking at. I buy an F1 Racing kit from Grip Force on Ebay, I heard some good things about it, except for the release bearing so I find a good price on an OE (AC Delco) bearing form Dave's Discount Auto Parts who price matches a lower price from Amazon with faster shipping than Amazon.
Big day, the clutch kit arrives! It looks like some goof at the factory dropped another flywheel on this one packaging it up and gouged up the clutch surface with the ringear of the first one. I call Grip Force to let them know. Art was very nice, asks me to sent pix, I do. Art emails me right back with an RMA number asking me to send my flywheel back and when he recives it he'll send a new one out right away. Okay, my car is down and I want to get it back on the road so I can get to and from work. I email him back I need the replacement ASAP let me buy a new one and credit me the price when you get the old one back and, since it's your fault this one is damaged please expedite the shipping. Art sends it ground with ANOTHER 5 day wait. Are you kidding me? You have a DISATISFIED CUSTOMER WITH A CAR IN THE SHOP WAITING ON PARTS and you send it ground? Art comes back saying that Grip Force can't loose money on this one part because it left the factory damaged. I'm thinking "Yes you can, and probablly should". Hey, at least he got it out the same day but, ANOTHER 5 DAYS! Okay, I understand their need to cut costs given their price point, but to force the customer to assume the burden of their lack of quality control is not reasonable. And it's not like I was asking for next day air, 2nd day is all I expected to get.
Well, I'm here to tell you that you Grip Force not only lost any return business I most surely would given Grip Force, they have also earned this stellar write up on the forums to ward off any other unsuspecting customers as to their Quality Assurance and Customer Service issues, as well as negative feedback on Ebay. all for the price of expidited shipping.
Thank you Art at Grip Force for being so helpful!
Grip Force Review
Grip Force Review
Platinum '06 GT: F1 Racing Stage 1 Clutch w/10lb. Flywheel, Magnaflow Cat Back, Typhoon SRI, TRD Strut Bar, TRD Sway Bar Set, Eleminated Moon Roof Soft Stop, Horn Lock Conformation, Color Matched Key Hole Covers, Rear Bumper Protector, Debadged.
Re: Grip Force Review
Art has lost his grip on the idea of customer service.
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
Re: Grip Force Review
Well, the story continues...
I finally got the replacement flywheel and to my surprise, or not, now that I have come to expect it from Grip Force, the replacement was less than pristine! Again, although not as badly the clutch surface of the flywheel was damaged with several light scratches and one small gouge again, by the ring gear of another flywheel during packaging. At least I was able to knock the high point down of the gouge and my mechanic said it would be usable, unlike the first one. If I had all the time in the world I’d have sent this on back just on principle alone. That being said it is my observation that Grip force has no quality assurance policies in place at their facility or, they are selling factory seconds on Ebay of the F1 Racing flywheels. Because of my less than satisfactory experience with their "Customer Service" (Art) as well as the mounting shipping costs I didn't even try to address this issue with Grip Force. This whole ordeal raises some very serious suspicions in my mind as to how many miles I'm going to be able to get off this clutch. My advice to anyone thinking about purchasing parts form Grip Force is that they should spend the extra money and get name brand parts form a more reputable supplier and not get them from these Bozos.
I finally got the replacement flywheel and to my surprise, or not, now that I have come to expect it from Grip Force, the replacement was less than pristine! Again, although not as badly the clutch surface of the flywheel was damaged with several light scratches and one small gouge again, by the ring gear of another flywheel during packaging. At least I was able to knock the high point down of the gouge and my mechanic said it would be usable, unlike the first one. If I had all the time in the world I’d have sent this on back just on principle alone. That being said it is my observation that Grip force has no quality assurance policies in place at their facility or, they are selling factory seconds on Ebay of the F1 Racing flywheels. Because of my less than satisfactory experience with their "Customer Service" (Art) as well as the mounting shipping costs I didn't even try to address this issue with Grip Force. This whole ordeal raises some very serious suspicions in my mind as to how many miles I'm going to be able to get off this clutch. My advice to anyone thinking about purchasing parts form Grip Force is that they should spend the extra money and get name brand parts form a more reputable supplier and not get them from these Bozos.
Platinum '06 GT: F1 Racing Stage 1 Clutch w/10lb. Flywheel, Magnaflow Cat Back, Typhoon SRI, TRD Strut Bar, TRD Sway Bar Set, Eleminated Moon Roof Soft Stop, Horn Lock Conformation, Color Matched Key Hole Covers, Rear Bumper Protector, Debadged.
Re: Grip Force Review
Chapter #3
Remember when Grip Force offered to ship the replacement flywheel out when they got the damaged one back? I told them I need the replacement sooner than that, car is in the shop waiting on that part and that I would buy a new one and they could refund my purchase price when they get damaged one back oh, by the way "since the damage is your fault I'd like the replacement shipped second-day expedited". Art tells me Grip Force can afford that. Well, not only did they charge me an $82 deposit and ship the replacement out that day (ground) they also shipped another one out when they got the damaged one back. I had to refuse delivery yesterday. Those idiots! For the price of shipping two flywheels to me they could have saved money on the second-day and only shipped me one, as well as having a repeat customer and this whole thread would have been a good review about how well the new clutch kit works!
What is worse, the replacement flywheel was damaged as well. Not as badly, the mechanic said it was usable but after all that you'd think they'd have at least have opened the box to make sure the replacement was pristine. Oh, seeing as it takes a week to get to me I should have gotten my deposit back a week ago. Nope, nothing yet!
I'd definitely stay away from Grip Force. I guess this is what I get for trying to be a cheap puppy and save a few bucks. I'd advise all to buy your new clutch kit from your local speed shop.
Remember when Grip Force offered to ship the replacement flywheel out when they got the damaged one back? I told them I need the replacement sooner than that, car is in the shop waiting on that part and that I would buy a new one and they could refund my purchase price when they get damaged one back oh, by the way "since the damage is your fault I'd like the replacement shipped second-day expedited". Art tells me Grip Force can afford that. Well, not only did they charge me an $82 deposit and ship the replacement out that day (ground) they also shipped another one out when they got the damaged one back. I had to refuse delivery yesterday. Those idiots! For the price of shipping two flywheels to me they could have saved money on the second-day and only shipped me one, as well as having a repeat customer and this whole thread would have been a good review about how well the new clutch kit works!
What is worse, the replacement flywheel was damaged as well. Not as badly, the mechanic said it was usable but after all that you'd think they'd have at least have opened the box to make sure the replacement was pristine. Oh, seeing as it takes a week to get to me I should have gotten my deposit back a week ago. Nope, nothing yet!
I'd definitely stay away from Grip Force. I guess this is what I get for trying to be a cheap puppy and save a few bucks. I'd advise all to buy your new clutch kit from your local speed shop.
Platinum '06 GT: F1 Racing Stage 1 Clutch w/10lb. Flywheel, Magnaflow Cat Back, Typhoon SRI, TRD Strut Bar, TRD Sway Bar Set, Eleminated Moon Roof Soft Stop, Horn Lock Conformation, Color Matched Key Hole Covers, Rear Bumper Protector, Debadged.
Re: Grip Force Review
Final chapter
Well, I guess I have to say they finally made me feel better about this whole saga. I just received a $174.03 refund on a $270 kit. Really the only thing I was upset about was not getting second day expediting on the replacement part and being in the shop more than a week longer than I had to be. The price was a very good one so it was never an issue and I was supprized to get a partial refund. Ultimately I guess I will be leaving positive feedback which is why I bought from Grip Force in the first place; they had better feedback than the other company that was selling a stage 1 kit.
The clutch kit itself seems to be pretty nice. I just finished the 500 mile break-in and the peddle feel is much lighter than stock except in the clamp zone, kind of feels like a compound bow for you deer hunters. Although one thing I am not sure about is it is so light at the floor that when I'm really getting it, I lift my foot faster than the peddle can react and right about the clamp zone the peddle slaps the soul of my foot. If that is normal for something like this or if the springs will continue to break in and it will become more responsive, someone will have to inform me. Other than that I guess we will see how well this kit holds up in the long run and just how many miles I will get out if this thing.
I would like to hear from you if anyone else has installed this kit or a similar one...
Well, I guess I have to say they finally made me feel better about this whole saga. I just received a $174.03 refund on a $270 kit. Really the only thing I was upset about was not getting second day expediting on the replacement part and being in the shop more than a week longer than I had to be. The price was a very good one so it was never an issue and I was supprized to get a partial refund. Ultimately I guess I will be leaving positive feedback which is why I bought from Grip Force in the first place; they had better feedback than the other company that was selling a stage 1 kit.
The clutch kit itself seems to be pretty nice. I just finished the 500 mile break-in and the peddle feel is much lighter than stock except in the clamp zone, kind of feels like a compound bow for you deer hunters. Although one thing I am not sure about is it is so light at the floor that when I'm really getting it, I lift my foot faster than the peddle can react and right about the clamp zone the peddle slaps the soul of my foot. If that is normal for something like this or if the springs will continue to break in and it will become more responsive, someone will have to inform me. Other than that I guess we will see how well this kit holds up in the long run and just how many miles I will get out if this thing.
I would like to hear from you if anyone else has installed this kit or a similar one...
Platinum '06 GT: F1 Racing Stage 1 Clutch w/10lb. Flywheel, Magnaflow Cat Back, Typhoon SRI, TRD Strut Bar, TRD Sway Bar Set, Eleminated Moon Roof Soft Stop, Horn Lock Conformation, Color Matched Key Hole Covers, Rear Bumper Protector, Debadged.
Re: Grip Force Review
If its any help, I had a gripforce stage.2 in my 04 XRS back in the day and loved it....but I used the OEM flywheel
