Aftermarket Vendor Review Provide questions and comments about aftermarket part vendors for the Third Gen F-Body.

pro built?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 02:26 PM
  #1  
iroc.86's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Car: 86 iroc
Engine: 383HSR
Transmission: custom 700r
Axle/Gears: moser 9" 3.90
pro built?

has anyone ordered a pi vigilante from dana at pro built? how long was shipping? i ordered 7 days ago and have heard nothing from him!!

i have sent 3 e-mails left 2 voice msgs and have been calling multiple times EVERY DAY! i am starting to get upset as the car is torn apart and this is all thats holding me up!!
________________
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2009 | 11:15 PM
  #2  
92 Formula's Avatar
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Avatar: My 34' 1989 Scarab III w/ twin 454's (502's Started!)
Car: 1989 Wellcraft Scarab III
Engine: Twin 454's
Axle/Gears: Twin Mercruiser Bravo I's
Re: pro built?

I've purchased three Pro-Built 700-R4's and 1 Vigilante converter through Dana. Communication was always quick and the shipping of each was within reason, too. The longest one, according to my file, was custom ordered 3/3/2004, shipped 3/25/2004 (after being built) and I installed it in my Formula by 4/8/2004 (trans and PEI Vigilante Converter). The other times were much quicker. Communication was always excellent in each case and on the one he did custom for me he talked to me for over an hour on what I wanted done.

I'm sorry you may be having a problem. I can only tell you that he has pretty much always had a superb reputation (do a search on here) and I would recommend him in a heart beat.

BTW, I never contacted him by email, so I cannot vouch for that. But, I did have excellent results when I called.

I wish you good luck.

Edit: Also, I do not know if this is still the case as I have not ordered or dealt with him in a couple of years, but I believe he only makes the trans upon receiving the order. I could be wrong, but I think I recall that to be the case.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2009 | 07:15 PM
  #3  
AaronIROCZ's Avatar
Moderator/TGO Supporter
25 Year Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 6
From: Tomball Texas
Re: pro built?

Most torque converters he has are custom made meaning it takes at least 2-4 weeks for the converter to be built and shipped. He does not have any custom stall converters in stock.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2009 | 07:40 PM
  #4  
FireDemonSiC's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 24
From: Dumfries, VA
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 334 Stroker Superram 222/230
Transmission: Full Manual 700R4 / 3k Street Edge
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Eaton, Moser, Richmond & More
Re: pro built?

A sad day for everyone at TGO, but I think Pro-Built might be done. At least for the season.

I got off the phone with Dana a couple hours ago. I called him to price a street/strip transmission and he said due to some personal issues he has going on right now, he is not doing anymore builds. I had sent him an E-Mail and called earlier both of which went unanswered. When I attempted to call for the second time, that's when I got the bad news.

I will say from the conversation I had with him, he seemed like a very straight-forward and honest guy. He said he's not even into building like he used to be, and that's when problems arise and faulty products are sent. Wasn't the answer I was hoping for, but I appreciated the up-front response. I'd rather have someone tell me that than have a tranny implode itself later down the road due to lack of concentration.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2009 | 10:13 PM
  #5  
92 Formula's Avatar
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Avatar: My 34' 1989 Scarab III w/ twin 454's (502's Started!)
Car: 1989 Wellcraft Scarab III
Engine: Twin 454's
Axle/Gears: Twin Mercruiser Bravo I's
Re: pro built?

Originally Posted by FireDemonSiC
A sad day for everyone at TGO, but I think Pro-Built might be done. At least for the season.

I got off the phone with Dana a couple hours ago. I called him to price a street/strip transmission and he said due to some personal issues he has going on right now, he is not doing anymore builds. I had sent him an E-Mail and called earlier both of which went unanswered. When I attempted to call for the second time, that's when I got the bad news.

I will say from the conversation I had with him, he seemed like a very straight-forward and honest guy. He said he's not even into building like he used to be, and that's when problems arise and faulty products are sent. Wasn't the answer I was hoping for, but I appreciated the up-front response. I'd rather have someone tell me that than have a tranny implode itself later down the road due to lack of concentration.
Very sad news. He was definitely my go to guy when I needed a trans. Thanks for the update FireDemonSiC.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2009 | 02:57 AM
  #6  
FireDemonSiC's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 24
From: Dumfries, VA
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 334 Stroker Superram 222/230
Transmission: Full Manual 700R4 / 3k Street Edge
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Eaton, Moser, Richmond & More
Re: pro built?

Originally Posted by 92 Formula
Very sad news. He was definitely my go to guy when I needed a trans. Thanks for the update FireDemonSiC.

I too was a bit shocked when I got that answer. But again, just from the way he conducted himself during our conversation, he would be the first person I'd go to for a build.

Right now I'm leaning towards a level 3 700R4, but BTO is supposed to upping their prices so I think I will this guy Dana referred me to a call tomorrow. The upside is Dana said he is a very good builder and he is based out of NC only one state below me so the shipping should be easy on the wallet.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2009 | 10:53 PM
  #7  
92 Formula's Avatar
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Avatar: My 34' 1989 Scarab III w/ twin 454's (502's Started!)
Car: 1989 Wellcraft Scarab III
Engine: Twin 454's
Axle/Gears: Twin Mercruiser Bravo I's
Re: pro built?

Very good to know FireDemonSiC. So, is he recommending BTO or BTO and someone else, too?

Thanks in advance.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2009 | 02:57 AM
  #8  
FireDemonSiC's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 24
From: Dumfries, VA
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 334 Stroker Superram 222/230
Transmission: Full Manual 700R4 / 3k Street Edge
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Eaton, Moser, Richmond & More
Re: pro built?

I mentioned BTO but he really didn't say anything positive or negative about them. I wanted t go through Dana because of his reputation here but if I have to go through BTO I will do that as well since they have a pretty decent rep here.

He did give this guy based out of NC a very good recommendation today. By the time I remembered to call him it was too late but I will give him a ring tomorrow and see what he has to offer.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2009 | 03:12 AM
  #9  
RevItUpZ28's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 457
Likes: 1
From: NC
Car: '91 Camaro Z28
Engine: 383 Vortec HSR
Transmission: Pro-Built 700-R4;Vig 4000 stall
Axle/Gears: Moser M9 9" / 3.89
Re: pro built?

Very sad to hear that news...
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2009 | 05:05 PM
  #10  
FireDemonSiC's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 24
From: Dumfries, VA
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 334 Stroker Superram 222/230
Transmission: Full Manual 700R4 / 3k Street Edge
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Eaton, Moser, Richmond & More
Re: pro built?

FYI, the company he was referring was CPT or Carolina Performance Transmission.

He said this guy has done orders for him before. I called and spoke with Shane and they seem like like a pretty straightforward company. $1650 for a level 3 700R4 with free shipping is a good bargain. This is the level 3 unit rated up to 600 FWHP. The unit listed on their site is the 4l60e version but Shane said the 700R4 would be less in price. He offered me a 1 year warranty regardless of what converter was used on the condition that it was brand new (contrary to what the site states).

www.cpt4l60-e.com
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2009 | 10:02 PM
  #11  
92 Formula's Avatar
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Avatar: My 34' 1989 Scarab III w/ twin 454's (502's Started!)
Car: 1989 Wellcraft Scarab III
Engine: Twin 454's
Axle/Gears: Twin Mercruiser Bravo I's
Re: pro built?

Originally Posted by FireDemonSiC
FYI, the company he was referring was CPT or Carolina Performance Transmission.

He said this guy has done orders for him before. I called and spoke with Shane and they seem like like a pretty straightforward company. $1650 for a level 3 700R4 with free shipping is a good bargain. This is the level 3 unit rated up to 600 FWHP. The unit listed on their site is the 4l60e version but Shane said the 700R4 would be less in price. He offered me a 1 year warranty regardless of what converter was used on the condition that it was brand new (contrary to what the site states).

www.cpt4l60-e.com
Sorry, I was gone for two days. That's awesome to know and I thank you for sharing it with me/us.

Best wishes.
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 02:35 AM
  #12  
84z350crate's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: pro built?

That'a a shame to hear about Dana. I've talked to him on the phone last year and he said he couldnt do a build for me in the time that I wanted, he did recommend me another good trans shop www.finishlinetrans.com. I got a trans from them and it shifts so nice and firm I love it. They did take about 5 weeks to get it to me but imo it was worth it.
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 01:18 PM
  #13  
fenton06's Avatar
Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Bondurant, IA
Re: pro built?

This is a sad day in the third gen world... he was the person i recommended EVERY time someone asked about a 700 or a 4l60
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 04:15 PM
  #14  
antoine's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 851
Likes: 3
From: vacaville,ca
Car: 1988 camaro z28,1997 camaro lt1
Engine: 355 afr 195 heads,tpis big mouth
Transmission: 700r-4 built by me 3-4 z pack
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: pro built?

dana is not closing
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 10:16 PM
  #15  
FireDemonSiC's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 24
From: Dumfries, VA
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 334 Stroker Superram 222/230
Transmission: Full Manual 700R4 / 3k Street Edge
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Eaton, Moser, Richmond & More
Re: pro built?

Originally Posted by antoine
dana is not closing
I never meant to imply that he was closing. When I talked to him he just said due to things going on right now he would prefer not to take any more orders at the moment.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 02:20 AM
  #16  
92 Formula's Avatar
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Avatar: My 34' 1989 Scarab III w/ twin 454's (502's Started!)
Car: 1989 Wellcraft Scarab III
Engine: Twin 454's
Axle/Gears: Twin Mercruiser Bravo I's
Re: pro built?

Originally Posted by fenton06
This is a sad day in the third gen world... he was the person i recommended EVERY time someone asked about a 700 or a 4l60
Me too. I've recommended him for years and years now.

But private life comes first and everything else is simply superfluous. Like FireDemonSiC has said, hopefully once that is taken care of he will be back with us.

Best wishes to you Dana.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
morrow
Members Camaros
196
Jan 13, 2024 12:21 PM
grngryoutmyway
LTX and LSX
325
Oct 18, 2016 05:48 PM
Pinguiclia
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
4
Oct 12, 2015 04:47 PM
roysatikas
Transmissions and Drivetrain
0
Sep 22, 2015 08:15 PM
89newfun
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Wanted
2
Sep 16, 2015 09:28 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:51 AM.