Aftermarket Vendor ReviewProvide questions and comments about aftermarket part vendors for the Third Gen F-Body.
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I ordered my mini ram two weeks ago... and i just now got it... thier excuse, "oh, we ran out of 1204 intake gaskets".. well how in the hell does it take 7 days to get the gasket in stock???
so i open up the box, first off it is a poor casting..it just looks like crap...then i look at the port matching, my sister can port match better then this.....then i see that i am missing a bolt that holds down the fuel rail.... and finally this is the kicker, THERE IS A HOLE IN ONE OF MY PORTS, i know that its not an extra vaccum port....
Don't get me started on TPIS. I complained to the Better Business Bureau and they are currently investigating them. They sell me a Gale Banks exhaust for my 85 Z and when I get it the intermediate pipe is for the duel cat setup. So they make me return it at my own expense, then send me another wrong pipe with no 4 bolt flange.(Funny how their original ad on their garage sale page said "4 bolt cat back,fits any 83-85")I had two different employees even say before I bought it "Sure it will fit your 85." When I bitched to them all I got was a big fat "TOO BAD". They are the worst, avoid them at all costs.
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85 IROC,5.0 TPI,T-Tops,fully loaded,black with red Lear-Siegler "Camaro" interior,Decal Delete,91 Bose stereo,Stage 2 Fastchip,AFPR,TB Airfoil,K&Ns,March pulleys,Alum. Driveshaft,92 police version 700r4
same here, I orded a pair of alluminum roller rocker arms for my TPI and they sent me just one set. As soon as i got it i complained they didnt believe me it took almost an hour and they finally sent me the other pair.. what a joke
We should do a 3rd gen TPIS boycott and watch them go down. Too bad they have a lot of 4th gen and Vette market. But if they are treating 3rd genners this way then I'm sure they are treating everybody else like dirt too.
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85 IROC,5.0 TPI,T-Tops,fully loaded,black with red Lear-Siegler "Camaro" interior,Decal Delete,91 Bose stereo,Stage 2 Fastchip,AFPR,TB Airfoil,K&Ns,March pulleys,Alum. Driveshaft,92 police version 700r4
I dont want to be a party crasher here but I have had good service with TPIS.They arent rude on the phone,and the products I got anyway were very good.(Miniram+rails)When I got my Miniram the plate that holds the throttle body cables were damaged,called them up,no problem sent me out a new one.I was going to get their TB,but it was out of stock at the time,they took my name and called me back as they promised when they got more in stock,I was surprised.Some of their stuff may be overpriced like their chips and injectors,but the Miniram is a really good looking manifold.Just my .02 cents
The first 4 transactions I had with them were perfect. The 5th went STRAIGHT to hell. I reminded them of this and they could have cared less. I spend my performance $$ elsewhere now.
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85 IROC,5.0 TPI,T-Tops,fully loaded,black with red Lear-Siegler "Camaro" interior,Decal Delete,91 Bose stereo,Stage 2 Fastchip,AFPR,TB Airfoil,K&Ns,March pulleys,Alum. Driveshaft,92 police version 700r4
Another chrasher here . My friend has delt with them over the last few months on the build up of his 92 . The motor/intake / computer ect. was built by them . They have been a pleasure to deal with and were very supportive . I have also bought alot of stuff from them over the years and have been very happy with them .
I do hear alot of people compain though , but they've never done me or anyone I know wrong so I'm not one of them
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Derek 90 IROC 5.7 Mods: All the usual bolt ons , 2500 stall , 373's , SS hood , lotta reduced weight. Best Et: 13.16@101
18" wheels , heads , cam and intake are on the way.
I have to agree with them being cool also. I ordered my mini from the garage sale and if I had a problem they were great to deal with sent me whatever i needed no charge. Im not being a **** but phone attitude goes a long way.
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87z 383,afr 190's, comp hyd roller(242/248-.540/.562,114 sep),Ported and polished mini ram, 30lb inj, 3.42 gears, tremec 5spd, , 1,3/4" slp headers, speed pro bank to bank-wb02.
"Just remember children, no man can beat you once youv'e found the cliterous." 'chef'
Seems like it's 50/50 with them. At first I thought they were great, but the last transaction did it for me. They flat out lied! I couldn't believe it. Then when I tried to NICELY explain my side of things (Hi, I was sent the wrong part) "Terry" said "It's a garage sale item and you will have to just make it work." Sorry, my money goes to Summit now.
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85 IROC,5.0 TPI,T-Tops,fully loaded,black with red Lear-Siegler "Camaro" interior,Decal Delete,91 Bose stereo,Stage 2 Fastchip,AFPR,TB Airfoil,K&Ns,March pulleys,Alum. Driveshaft,92 police version 700r4
They suck. Every part is someone elses except it's 25% more price wise!!! Forget TPIS. If anyone actually believes they design any of their products than YOU have your head up your a$$ my friend. I think the only thing they really make is the airfoil. What a genious invention. Hmm..
Look through their catalog and you'll see...Bosch injectors, msd ignition, bosch plugs...and yet they still say "you have to try our tpis ignition setup"
Their TPIS insiders hints is just a list of their products and HOW BAD we need them. Worst $25 I've ever spent.
They are so full of shlt. Everyone I talk to hates them too. I don't think they are that knowledgable with their products either. Call them up oneday. "yes sir, a zz9 will work in your car". 2 days later, "sorry, that is for LT1s"
The sad thing is, there are people out there that regiously buy their products and think they are getting a good deal and good hp for their money.
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91 Formula
305 TPI 5speed
1LE/G92/WS6
Paxton SN92 polished kit, SLP airfoil, ported/polished plenum, March pulleys, Crane AFPR(43psi),Crane Gold 1.6rrs,MSD coil,MSD6AL (5200rpm limit),Holley 9mm wires,Ac delco R43ts plugs,stock chip,Ford SVO 24# injectors,Bosch O2sensor,SLP 1 5/8" headers,SLP catback,shortened shifter,3:73s w/Auburn posi,170* t-stat,JET 195* fan switch, Macewen white face gauges, Autometer gauges, Zoom hi-performance clutch.
[This message has been edited by theformula (edited March 11, 2001).]
I have bought a few things from them. I am satifisfied ,also. I have called them up and asked them tech questions and they answered them quickly and correctly.
Their stuff is overpriced, but they stand behind their products.
I've been pretty happy with TPIS as well. Bottom line.. they sell quality parts tailored to the EFI SBC enthusiast. I've never had any problems with their service. Guess it depends on how you carry yourself on the phone, if you sound like a dumbass, you may very well be treated like one. Sad, but think about it, usually true, regardless to the supplier you may be calling.
If they are such a damn good company then why havn't they responded to this thread with their side of things? It was sent to them a while back (see the earlier post) and we are still waiting.
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85 IROC,LB9,t-tops,hard loaded,black with red Lear-Siegler "Camaro" interior,MacEwen white guages,145 speedo,decal delete,91 Bose stereo,stage 2 Fastchip,AFPR,airfoil,K&Ns,March pulleys,alum. driveshaft&spare,92 police version 700r4.
On the list: BW 3.27 posi,89 PBR rear discs,140a police alt,coated TES,glass hood,aluminum front bumper brace
yeah i know tpis can be a pain. I live in MN i'm about thirty minutes from them. I've bought a few cams and a mini ram and they burn my proms every year. When my mass air went out they even said come down, i have a box of used ones you can go threw and find one that works. My brother had his short block done there this year. He's running a turbo. They even offered to help him tune it for free. They may be a little pricey, just remember it's a bussiness and nobodys perfect.
I'm another satisfied customer of TPIS's. I ordered several times in the last few years and never had a problem with sales or custoemr service.
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1997 30th Anniversary SS LT4 #74 with all SLP options and K&N, white gage faces, and Hotchkis shock tower brace - In process: Kenny Brown SFC's
1996 Corvette Grand Sport LT4 #509 with K&N, Flowmaster exhaust, Hypertech power programmer, and Baer slotted/cross-drilled brakes, MSD Digital 6 ignition - In process: SLP throttle body and 1-3/4" headers, AFR heads, 4.10 gears, custom Panasonic/Alpine/Audio Control/ADS audio system
I have just recently received and installed my airfoil from TPIS. I know this is a simple piece, but they were very polite and knowledgeable. I plan on continuing to do business with them. Yes, some of their products may be high but they have to make money to.
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1989 Trans Am LB9,700R-4, T-Tops, 2.73, K&N , Fastchip & Thermostat from Fastchip.com, Dynomax Exhaust
I have dealt with TPIS and have had no problems with them. They have been fast and responsive, especially with their PROMS. I had them reprogram it a few times to get it right, no charge at all, even for shipping.
Well, I have mixed feelings about TPIS. I ordered a mini ram, and it came match to gaskets that didn't match my heads. The invoice even said the correct gaskets. I had them do a level 5 PROM for another car, it was a piece of crap. The car ran smoothly, but never performed. They absolutely refuse to even try and reburn it. Their answer was always try this, try that, they never said "send it back and we'll make it right." That's all I wanted them to do was try and make it right. Also on the Mini Ram, they were out of stock on the MAT sensor relocator kits. So when they got one in, they sent it to me. But, they charged me for it! I had already paid for the stupid thing when I originally purchased the Mini Ram. They never did anything about that either. Their plug wires have been about the best thing that I have got from them. They fit and performed as promised. Also, whenever I called for tech help, I usually got a different answer every time I called about the same question. One guy usd to say, "well my Supra.........." Who cares about his overpriced s**tbox? I don't, I was calling to get assistance with my TPI car. Know what? This proves that there isn't a better tech resource around than your fellow thirdgenners. Fact and point. Well, now that is off my chest I am going to relax now.
I did buy the air foil and a couple quarts of Amsoil gear lube, but, after reading the above posts, I'm probably not going to buy anything else from them. Sounds like they can be trouble to me, especially on the serious high $$$ stuff....Hmmmm
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1986 IROC-Z28 L98 TPI BW WC T-5
K & N
Custom Ram Air
Koni Gas Shocks
Spohn LCAs and PHrod
Art Houser/Moser 3.73:1 Torsen Diff
Amsoil lubes and oil filter
Flash to Pass feature & 100w Euro lighting
Recaro Driving seat
Hurst Comp + shifter and Momo knob
Random Tech SHF cat
What a drag. I just ordered their insider hints book. I thought it might be worth a look but sounds like they got to me.
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Red '85 MPFI V-6 T-5 Sport Coupe (bought new),now an IROC in sheeps clothing.
Rebuilt and installed '88 IROC L-98 TPI,700-R4,3.27 posi/disk rear,instrumentation, steering gear, and all suspension parts (even the wonder bar)
Mods:
IROC wheels, Hi-perf. rebuild on 700-R4,TCI sizzler torque conv.,B&M megashifter, L-98 .030 over,balanced,decked,blueprinted, SR Torquers, KB pistons,9.1:1 CR, port matched stock TPI, comp cams .450/480 206/210 cam, all free mods, subframe connectors, Edelbrock TES/jet hot coated, CATCO cat, Hooker catback, MSD 6A, airfoil, AFPR, K&Ns, polygraphite bushings all around, 1989 IROC memcal in summer, ARAP memcal in winter.
Unfortunately this is the tradgedy. The fact that we have the best damn manifold known to the thirdgen world(The Miniram II) and all these mixed customer critiques.
Now this is the type of thing that makes me wonder as a -POTENTIAL- customer of their product.
I -KNOW- that I want TPIS's miniram II and their fuel rail kit.
But let's face it, $1,250.00 is not chump change.
I serve long days, go to remote countries that oftentime I cannot tell my family where I am going to and cannot call them from for Uncle Sam's Air Force for that money.
So when I think about my investments I think of what my schoolteacher said to me when I was a Senior in High School (funny how they become geniuses after we graduate):
"Brian, You should always get out of life what you put into it."
Well guys I got them to reply to my message:
Here's what they wrote
"thanks Brian,
Thanks for the e-mail.
The Internet is a two sided sword it give people a forum to complain and yet
when we solve a problem the same folks don't post that we helped them. it
was nice to see that we also have happy folks that responded.
Myron Cottrell"
Well the man does have a point, however, not responding on the board to your complaints is also his right.
I just hope that if I ever do really decide to get their Miniram II this summer that my experience will be much more pleasurable than some's. Thanks for the tips guys,
well i have ordered my entire TPI system *lg tube runners, big mouth intake, 58MM T/B, wireing harness, misc relays/sensors and a carbon fiber drive shaft from TPIS and each have order has been fine.
well here is a copy of an email I sent to them. I will also post the reply(s)... and something deffinatly does need to be said to there Corvette side of the sales. I will start to go to Corvette sites and see what their opinion is of these people.
Well I am deffinatly NOT considering a purchase from you. I am in the on-line Camaro club Thirdgen.org. You people have a herendously BAD reputation there. You should seriously consider defending yourself not matter the cost, you can't hurt your rep there any more(trust me on this) so it can only help. I realize that the majority of your bussines comes from the Corvette side but there are many a rumour that the experiances by the 3rd genners are going to be spread to the other boards. The Corvette Boards to be specific. I realize that not all transactions will go smoothly but you really need to do something about this. You may already be past the point of no reconciliation with the Camaro Club but do something. At least try to defend yourself. Things can go either way at this point, if you do nothing they can only get worse and the posts from the Camaro people will get copied and posted elsewhere where it will most deffinately hurt your bussiness.
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Current 3rds...92 3.1 coupe and a 91 T top 305 Past camaro's 74Z28, 2 75 camaro's bretilina and a 76 z28. Past rides HA HA too many to count, at least 20..LOL Kills to date a new one today a 98-up Grand prix..I know They usually eat us alive but I hit third hard and chirped he flashed his lights and backed off!!! a 3.1 firebird 2 stop lights in a row.
95 Grand Am
Serveral Honda's
a friends 91 Rustang LX(I know its a 4 but he keeps trin')
Planned mods:
Soon coming 3 inch exhaust, 1.6 rockers, High flow 'Verter, and Ignition system. Along with a complete turbo 4.3 swap planned later this year(hoping to get into the 10's..)
Current mods:
Set of Iroc sway bars front and rear..amazing differance, Air box bottom completely removed allowing my K&N to act like an open element filter.
Lower profile tires, 195/55/15 front 205/55/15 rear handles better.
And a 160 deg thermo for a V8(and yes it works just fine)
Sterio Sony CD head unit and 9 band EQ, Boston acutics 4x6 dash, Alpine 3 way 6x9 sail, California sounds active crossover, Kroiiler 600 watt amp powering the 'pines and Bostons, 600 watt Jensen powering 2 Rockord Fosgate RFZ1812 subs. And all this cost less then $575...
And I liked their price for roller rockers too...124 or so for 8?...WTF who buys 8 rockers?...and especially sense you can get them from summit for $189 for 16...
I ordered most of my stuff from them back in 1997, and have had no problems with their parts or service.
Recently, I needed to return the LT1 AFPR that originally came with my Miniram. When I spoke with Jim at TPIS, he was very friendly. He told me to ship the AFPR back, and he would ship me out a new one. I received the new regulator for FREE...and this was after having the other one for over THREE YEARS!!
That's good custmer service if you ask me.
Kindness on the phone goes a looong way....for both parties involved.
------------------ 86 Trans Am WS6 Black with tinted windows, ZZ4, Mini-ram, true duals, LT4 HotCam, AFR 195 heads. ***Too many other mods to mention***
"In the future, cities will become deserts,
roads will become battlefields, and the hope of mankind
will appear as a stranger"The Road Warrior
[This message has been edited by Steves ZZ5 (edited June 23, 2001).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Camaro_hunter_d: well here is a copy of an email I sent to them. I will also post the reply(s)... and something deffinatly does need to be said to there Corvette side of the sales. I will start to go to Corvette sites and see what their opinion is of these people.
Well I am deffinatly NOT considering a purchase from you. I am in the on-line Camaro club Thirdgen.org. You people have a herendously BAD reputation there. You should seriously consider defending yourself not matter the cost, you can't hurt your rep there any more(trust me on this) so it can only help. I realize that the majority of your bussines comes from the Corvette side but there are many a rumour that the experiances by the 3rd genners are going to be spread to the other boards. The Corvette Boards to be specific. I realize that not all transactions will go smoothly but you really need to do something about this. You may already be past the point of no reconciliation with the Camaro Club but do something. At least try to defend yourself. Things can go either way at this point, if you do nothing they can only get worse and the posts from the Camaro people will get copied and posted elsewhere where it will most deffinately hurt your bussiness.
</font>
I hope you didnt send that letter like that?They definatly won't take you seriously.Ever heard of spell check?I am not defending anyone,but Iv had nothing but good service and products from TPIS.Bought a Miniram,2 sets of rails.Friend bought a ZZ9 cam.If you guys don't like their prices or products go elsewhere.But,by some of the responses here,it seems there are 9 year olds trying to stir up trouble for nothing.How old are some of you guys anyway?No comprehension of the english language.
PROCHARGED89Z, i have to totally agree with you. if u dont like them, go elsewhere. If that 1 guy actually sent the letter like that i can all ready see them just deleting it. come on people. get some brains here. and specially people telling a company to post on this board. yea right. like a company is going to post on this board just so some of you can flame the **** out them.
As i see TPIS, they are 1 of the greatest companies out there for out 3rd gen cars. yea, there is ACCEL or Edelbrock, but when it comes down to getting power in out cars, who sells the best stuff?!?!?! thats like going to a chevy dealership and complaining about your impala SS and why it doesnt have the same power of camaro SS. I guess my biggest bitch is that if u dont like the company, great, just dont go there. but dont be a ******** and start flaming them and then write letters that are just stupid and expect them to respond.
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by aziroc: PROCHARGED89Z, i have to totally agree with you. if u dont like them, go elsewhere. If that 1 guy actually sent the letter like that i can all ready see them just deleting it. come on people. get some brains here. and specially people telling a company to post on this board. yea right. like a company is going to post on this board just so some of you can flame the **** out them.
As i see TPIS, they are 1 of the greatest companies out there for out 3rd gen cars. yea, there is ACCEL or Edelbrock, but when it comes down to getting power in out cars, who sells the best stuff?!?!?! thats like going to a chevy dealership and complaining about your impala SS and why it doesnt have the same power of camaro SS. I guess my biggest bitch is that if u dont like the company, great, just dont go there. but dont be a ******** and start flaming them and then write letters that are just stupid and expect them to respond. </font>
I'll jump on the bandwagon and agree with Procharged.
I think some people have issues to resolve with TPIS, but I really don't think those issues warrant public slander and attempted boycotting of their company.
Some people should grow up and learn to deal with things on a professional level, and in return I'm sure you'll be treated the same way.
TPIS has always been curtious to me. I suspect it has a lot to do with the way many of you approach them and your tactics. Be polite, patient, calm, and reasonable and most people will treat you well.
Also, I don't see a problem with a part taking 2 weeks to be delivered. I've waited 6 months for some things I've ordered. If they don't have it in stock it's not really in their control. They are at the mercy of their distributors. I will say that the quality of your MiniRam is disappointing. I'd be upset about that too.
I would never get something from them just because of their prices , but personaly life can be a crap shute. You dont know what is going to happen each day . I have had bad experiences here and there but there is not much you can do. If you dont like some place than dont go there. As for service , remember one thing we all have bad days ,who knows what is going on there when you call. Stuff happens , deal or go else where.
I can understand TPIS not wanting to respond on the board. As a manager at a local ISP, we have public bulletin boards up, and have responded to customer (and some non-customer) complaints, and all we got for our trouble was more flames. It seems that some people are just going to be unhappy, no matter what you say. As we had no desire to participate in a flame war, we stopped responding to them, and put in place a policy the we do NOT EVER respond to flames. If folks are asking for help, we will be happy to respond, but, for general complaints, we just let it go.
I ordered the Random Tech catalytic converter from the TPIS website on Friday evening. We'll see what happens. ...never dealt with them before and I'm keeping an open mind.
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by KeithO: I ordered the Random Tech catalytic converter from the TPIS website on Friday evening. We'll see what happens. ...never dealt with them before and I'm keeping an open mind.
I'll let you all know.</font>
hope you did not spend more then 125 for it!.. And the speeling is very little to do with an email... it's the content. they have a VERY BAD rep here... and if they do continue like this then they do need to be boycotted.
I don't know what kind of crappy service you guys are used to, but yes any company that truly gives a rat's a$$ about their rep. and their service would come on here and defend themselves. I am also on sportbikes.net and they have companies regularly come on there when someone has a problem to defend themselves because they CARE.
My biggest complaint is their prices. Common, $1500 for ported L98 Vette heads? I've seen those go for $400 complete. I'll buy the AFR's on the next page for the extra few bucks! $350 for an oil cooler kit? Christ! That and the insiders hints was disapointing. *hint*hint* 'Buy our products!' That's was basically it. Sounded like they were gonna sell me more info on TPI modding and free mods in the ad. Don't see how that'll save me money. The only flow specs in that book were for their parts. That helps alot! I've never really had a problem customer service wise. I like their products, but the price is too damn much. I bought a new ZZ9 for $150. That's $225 less than what they wanted! If I want something TPIs I'll probbly buy used...at least the prices are then somewhat reasonable...
Okay, my turn...a year or so back I called an ordered an unmodified MAF from them, took my order, and two days later the CC receipt came in the mail, following day TPIS called me to tell me the the unmodded MAF wasn't in stock and they weren't sure when they'd have more in.
The guy offered to send to me a modded one (lists about 20 or 30 bucks more, IIRC) and waive the shipping cost. I decided no, and two days later a credit on my CC account was issued.
Btw...random tech cats usually go for 180 thats what i paid for mine..3"
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1989 Firebird. Modded.
My car is currently listed on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=594662251
"I'd rather run last in a full out race, than to NOT have run at all"
#3 Forever
Tpis has the worst customer service i've ever delt with in my life. They are liars, i think that it's amazing their not in court every other week. The people who have delt with them and say they like them have never run into a problem that needed to be corrected. Sure if you get your part and it works fine you'll be happy. But let there be something wrong or need a refund and you'll quickly change your mind about tpis. i promise you this. don't buy from this company.
Originally posted by dantheihatemustangsguy79 Tpis has the worst customer service i've ever delt with in my life. They are liars, i think that it's amazing their not in court every other week. The people who have delt with them and say they like them have never run into a problem that needed to be corrected. Sure if you get your part and it works fine you'll be happy. But let there be something wrong or need a refund and you'll quickly change your mind about tpis. i promise you this. don't buy from this company.
The fact is this...if you do a search on the proper boards here before you buy parts or use a sponsor or other company, you can get info on just about any of them both good and bad. You have to decide whether to buy from that particular company or not. Its like when I needed a new fuel pump. Did a search and found that a lot of poeple buy the Walbro. However, many of those who did said they crapped out on them. So, I bought a GM AC Delco pump from a Typhoon because I didnt want to have to keep dropping my tank for bad pumps nor did I want to cut a hole in the back for easier access. It just takes a little homework is all. I have yet to be disappointed about any purchase I have made for my car yet. This site is simply awesome to use and extremely beneficial.
__________________ Picard out!
1985 Z28 w/408cid 525 HP
Raptor 700R4 Tranny w/2500 stall
(Back in the saddle Baby!)
Other family members:
Me: 2002 Camaro SS, 3.73 posi SS pkg