This is the gist of the initial letter... I have obtainted many ,many updates throughout the week and am happy with the responses so far..... I am extreely happy how much effort Superformance and their associates have put into fixing this problem....I will continue to update .............. tom
March 26, 2008
Dynamic Auto West
9728 S. Virginia St. Suite A
Reno, Nevada 89511
Dear Dennis Peck:
I purchased a Superformance Mk 3 in mid October from John Miller at Dynamic Motorsports, Reno. During the waiting process I made frequent visits to talk with John and Steven in the shop next door, (Reno Engine and Drivetrain) where the installation was completed.
During this process I checked with Steven and John regarding any updates that may be made to the newest batch of cars. In approximately December, Steve showed me a new rear “Wilwood” caliper incorporating the emergency brake. Although not looking anything like the front caliper, this was apparently the new “hot setup” for the rear caliper. The unit looked like something from a Chrysler of yesteryear. It was large and had fins running the length of it, but I was advised it worked perfectly.
When my car was delivered, it had an even newer version of the finned caliper that was used for only a few months. This version looked exactly like the front caliper. Same color and shape with “Willwood” engraved on it, and it had the integrated emergency brake. I was told this was the latest version, even newer than the last.
I took possession of the car in early March, and for the most part am very satisfied. There are 3 issues still to be resolved. One, the windshield wipers don’t work because the wires are hanging behind the dash…apparently never hooked up. Two, the speedometer bounces more than 10 MPH at speeds under 50 MPH and bounces more than 20 MPH above 50 MPH. A new cable will remedy this situation. Three, the vehicle has dangerously insufficient brakes. The Speedo and wiper issue were acknowledged by Steven (the installer) and will be repaired as soon as I have time to drive up to Reno. I should state, Steven has bent over backward to accommodate me with any questions or concerns with the car. He will probably be the only person I will let work on the car while I have it, and even if I have to transport the car to Reno.
After I had 450 miles on the car we had a meeting with the Northern States Cobra Club and drove a short 30 miles to breakfast. As we arrived at the location the lead car apparently slowed rather fast causing a chain reaction stop with the other cars. No one came close to a collision, but we all had to brake harder than normal. It was at that time I realized the car did not want to stop and I had to veer to the left of the car in front of me. Again, the car would not stop and that’s with all my 240lbs. behind the pedal.
After the meeting I did a few tests to confirm this was a failure and not a simple adjustment. I did full on stops from 30 mph, 50 mph, and 70 mph with the same results. The brakes will absolutely not lock up (skid) and although the pedal is hard the brakes have a fading feeling. They do not completely go away, but seem to fade to a certain point then will eventually stop the vehicle.
In talking to Steven, he stated he has driven another new (no miles) vehicle and felt a similar sensation. He said he will test the vehicle further and contact me with the results and possibly a solution. He stated he contacted Dynamic Motorsports at their Headquarters and was told they have had no issues with the new caliper or any other braking issues. Steven said he is contacting “Wilwood” attempting to ascertain if they could provide information on the calipers on these cars. He said he would provide the parts numbers to them and see if the front and rear calipers match with the master cylinder and other brake components of the car. Steven did indicate this new caliper is a single puck, down from four, and may have a mis-match with the old front caliper or master calendar. He is guessing at this point.
Let me assure you at Dynamic Motorsports, this is a REAL and dangerous issue. I am writing as I do not feel this is an outside shops (Reno Engine and Drivetrain) responsibility and is the direct Responsibility of Dynamic Motorsports. I will cooperate any way possible to rectify this issue. I do not believe Dynamic Motorsports would intentionally sell a vehicle with this problem.
I should mention that I am a retired Salinas Police Officer of 23 years and conducted hundreds if not thousands of accident investigations during my career. Any fatal or serious injury accident required braking tests on the suspect vehicles. This included technical inspections as well as lock-up skid tests on clean, good grade asphalt with a 70% co-efficient of friction or better. Vehicle weight as well as tire size and tread depth were considered. Although standard braking specifications may not apply to this vehicle, it is sufficiently defective to be considered unsafe and would fail a CHP or PD inspection if tested. Please understand, the above information is only to confirm I am qualified as an expert in safety and am basing my findings on fact, not assumptions.
I will be continuing to attempt to find the source of this issue with the braking system. Please respond as soon as possible.
Tom xxxxxxxxx (xxx)xxx-xxxx /
WANAB5150@COMCAST.NET
cc:
Dynamicmotorsports@sbcglobal.net
Lance @superformance.com
John Miller Reno Dealership
Steven (Reno Engine and Drivetrain)