buckshot racefab side pipes

[Godzila]

Good Grief Charlie Brown!
Lucy

[PJS50]

Well,
Since this topic is about the quality of Buckshot's pipes and welding, should we bring up the number of pipes that Dean welded for Firefly/Ron that had to be fixed?
I think there was at least two or three sets of Dean-welded pipes that Ron had to have fixed. When Ron asked Dean to help him fix the failing pipes, I believe Dean refused, so Ron had all of them fixed out of his own pocket... The repairs were done by Ron's new welder (the one that assembles the current/original design Firefly sidepipes)...

THAT is a statement about Firefly's excellent customer service though, so I guess that doesn't belong in this thread either...?

[RedBarchetta]

[gary osborne]

4RE KLR....

Why does this stuff always have to get ugly? Someone asks a perfectly good question. Then a few people try to respond with some information that "might" be helpful. And then the conversation turns to something altogether different and typically unpleasent.

Now, talk about a pot stirrer????? No one from Firefly hi-jacked this thread. The owner of Firefly had no contribution to the thread AT ALL nor anything negitive to say about Buckshot or his ex-partner Dean. Ron simply responded to two issues / questions that he has some personal knowledge about. One was the origin of my and Carmine's pipes because there could be some confusion there. I suppose that was because I said I bought my pipes from Ron Roberts (who at the time was a partner in Buckshot and the designer of the pipes) and I did not know who Dean was. Ron WAS Buckshot for all that I knew. The second response had to do with someone's question regarding if Ron could or would build some pipes for a Hurricane. Ron answered "no" and that he specialized in SPF aftermarket products only (which might be another way of saying Buckshot might be a good source for that since they can customize for any car). How is THAT hi-jacking?

Now you saying that you would never do business with Firefly because of Ron's "hi-jacking" a thread. THAT is laughable assuming you are truthful and actually sold your car six years ago and therefore would have no use for SS Pipes other than making a giant windchime big enough to match your pot stirring capabilities.

No one has said anything negative (that I have read) about Buckshot. Some of us have known Ron a LONG time and were involved in brainstorming with him years ago about creating pipes that would allow the cars to breathe better.....particularly the Bib Blocks. This was long (as in years) before Buckshot was in the picture. (That is not meant to be a slam on Buckshot BTW....just a fact). Ron designed some pipes that would solve a lot of different issues for various driving styles. The design allowing the ability to change mufflers for variable sounds and amount of flow for various performance demands was brillint....and beautiful. The design was years in the making and Craig and Ron had the first two sets of pipes (I believe). However, they were more than some might want to spend so Ron developed a one piece pipe that would allow you to put any one of the three muffler choices in permanently. This eliminated the ability to change back and forth among the mufflers but if driving demands did not change often (I am stricktly a street driver for example), then the one piece pipes provided the performance and sound you were looking for at a considerable savings over the three piece pipes. I had one of the first sets of these one piece pipes (just call me cheap). So when someone asked about Buckshot pipes, I felt I could give some feedback about the quality of the pipes but felt that I should identify specifically what pipes I had on my car...thus the mention of Ron.

As for measuring the value or quality of a company or its products based upon if they build their own stuff or contract it out....that may matter to some but not to me. Most companies today farm out some of their work. Not all parts on a GM car are made by GM. Virtually NONE of the parts on any Cobra are built by the Cobra manufacturer. Shelby and SPF farm the building of their cars out entirely and in part respectively to Hi-Tech in South Africa. What I want in a supplier is someone who understands my need, has a good product that fits it and then will stand behind it. Perhaps both Buckshot and Firefly meet those standards.

The ONE thing I am 100% clear on is that Ron is a first class guy and builds a first class set of pipes at a reasonable cost..... and I won't stand back and allow someone who does not know him OR his products OR his history and has absolutely no vested interest in this issue since he has no car, attack Ron's integrity...THAT is just wrong.

Shame on you, you used to be a 4REKLR 6 years ago

[Jim Vander Wal]

I bought SS sidepipes from Ron Roberts in January of 2005, these were some of the very first produced. I had been discussing these since the fall of 2004. During the discussion I knew that Ron was using Buckshot to do the welding and some of the fab work. I do not know the exact percentages of who did what. What I do know was that all of my dealings were with Ron and I didn't meet Dean @ Buckshot until just before my purchase.

Ron has always produced as promised and I will continue to work with him.

How all of this will work out is none of my business. What I do know is that Ron @ Firefly will continue building pipes and headers (I have the first set of these) and Dean @ Buckshot can do the same. The customer is free to choose which vendor they will purchase from.

Jim

[sumyred1]

Something is fishy here....People come on these forums for help and then people chime in with stuff that is not factual per se in defending someone. Why do you need to defend someone? I can get 10 of my friends post on here to and say how great I am but what's the sense. Does it prove anything? It proves something is not right and there must be more to this story then what is being told.
PJ, you say " I think" and "I believe". You must be a friend and that is why you are saying that stuff. Well, that is not fact unless it can be proved so you add nothing to this conversation.
Gary, you must be a friend too. You said you never heard of Dean yesterday, then today you know all about him. Wow, that's odd.
As far as farming out product, your implying that everybody does it so it's ok. Maybe, but when you only have one product it's different. A job shop makes it and you just put your name on it. That's ok to you? That is an operation that is set up like an ebay store. You should let people know that you do this. Anybody can drop ship and call it a business. The real reason people outsource is because it is cheaper plain and simple. The price charged on those pipes are debateable as reasonable. I can build those same pipes at my shop with all my fees for half of what they are going for. If you relate the price of the pipes to the price of an overpriced reproduction spf kit car that people relive their fantasies in, the yes it is reasonable.
So you too add no value to this conversation also.
Jim, how did you get a set of headers made for your car when Ron said he only specializes in parts for his car? His motor is a FE motor while yours is a 427 RDI motor. Wow, that's odd too. You live across the state from each other too I see, so how did you get the headers made when the job shop is another state?
Can somebody answer my questions please? I may call Buckshot just to find out their version of the story. This is interesting and sending up red flags right and left.

[macloft]

Why are these pipes (Buckshot and Firefly which are both the same anyway just made by different people, whats the big deal you just have more choice) better than the SPF supplied pipes. I am looking for a set of pipes for a road car, and this is the first I have heard of Buckshot or Firefly both of which look good.
What is the difference between a split and a one piece side pipe.
Bruce

[sumyred1]

Thats what I don't understand either...There is a group of people trying to discredit Buckshot on here. Now I have to call Buckshot and find out.

[emberglo66]

LOL time for this to disappear.

[barnwidow]

Dear Macloft

In answer to your question. The two piece pipes that Ron and my husband designed together as partners were originally designed to aid the enthusiast who wants to drive his car to and from events with a reasonable sound level, so as not to make any new friends with the local law enforcement. However, once track side the mufflers can be unbolted/removed and a more agressive/louder muffler can be bolted on for the days events. The one piece is just that, one piece. It has the same internals as the two piece design.

It is cheaper to fabricate/purchase and that's it in a nut shell. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at buckshotracefab.net

Sincerely
Buckshot Racefab.............Mary

[craigayl]

Sumyred1 posts “Something is fishy here....”

You mean like a 32 year old Mustang owner from Dayton Ohio who after only 4 posts on Club Cobra, claims to know so much about this subject that she should be the voice to advise all Cobra owners? Or claim she can match these exhaust pipes at half the price?… Does “missed your calling” have any meaning? At $1300 a set, the Cobra world could be beating down your door.

I particularly liked your apparent slam on Superformance “overpriced reproduction spf kit car that people relive their fantasies in”.. Nice touch

Oh yes, and like Gary, I too am a “friend” of Ron Roberts/www.fireflyperformance.com I am proud to call all Cobra owners friend.

RedBarchetta?? Pass the popcorn please

Craig

[Jim Vander Wal]

Sumyred1,

Just to reply to your question about my headers.

Ron @ Firefly makes sidepipes and other products for Superformance cars which is what I have.

I have the first set of these and my car was used for the fit testing.

Again the information that I and other Superformance owners have provided is our view of the situation, there will be other views.

Ron is a friend of mine and I know and like Dean but I choose to work with Ron.

Choose which vendor you wish to work with and move on.

Jim

[mr. oz]

Originally Posted by carmine

Need sidepipes. Please respond if you have buckshot side pipes.
-how is the manufacturing quality
-any rattling sounds or crackling on off throttle deceleration
-do you have 3inch core or 2.5inch

Wow did this thread get sidetracked!

I have the 3inch core, I would go smaller to reduce the noise a bit if I did it over. One of my muffler sections cracked and it was replaced under warranty.
No rattling sounds.

[RonNichols]

Originally Posted by mr. oz

Wow did this thread get sidetracked!

I have the 3inch core, I would go smaller to reduce the noise a bit if I did it over. One of my muffler sections cracked and it was replaced under warranty.
No rattling sounds.

Mr. Oz,

What noise? I pulled my ear plugs out when you gave me a ride. Where's your clock weights dude?

Although I don't own fancy side pipes, I would base your decision on the fact that you should wear ear plugs regardless of muffler bore size. Although too big may actually not be optimum.

R

[sumyred1]

Before you attack me you need to get your facts straight. I orginally posted options and how to check out a shop. The facts that you are posting are misleading to people reading them. I do not have experience with either shop so I cannot comment on each shop. I hope they both are great. Now for you, show me where I said I am the voice of cobra owners. I hope everybody that buys these pipes check out both vendors as well as other vendors. This is why this is a forum so people can ask questions. As for the price,they can be marked up about 1/3 to 50%. That is a general rule in business. I know what the materials and labor cost so if you want me to post raw data I will. With any product you have to make a profit, but to suggest that there is little profit on these things is absurd. The reason for a deposit is to cover the cost of building them so no money is spent out of pocket. Another general rule in business. Want to know more about business? These cars are no different that chevy kit cars, lambo kits, and on down the line. The only thing different on these cars is the engine thats it. These cars are overpriced for what you get and that is why I chose not to buy one. I am more impressed by a one of a kind car, classic or restored car that has a functional motor with a nice paint job. The issue I have with your posts are that they are not factual per se and cause someone reading them to speculate. Next time you post give me facts thats all I ask for. Have a nice day!

[mr. oz]

Originally Posted by RonNichols

Mr. Oz,

What noise? I pulled my ear plugs out when you gave me a ride. Where's your clock weights dude?

Although I don't own fancy side pipes, I would base your decision on the fact that you should wear ear plugs regardless of muffler bore size. Although too big may actually not be optimum.

R

Good idea on the ear plugs. I noticed yours were gray. What are they? Do they fit your ear canal comfortably?

I have extremely large clock weights.

[Godzila]

Sumyred
GOOD GRIEF......
Just Let it Go!

[MEATMASTER]

Good Grief is right. Good meat is even righter.

I'm glad we now know who first designed what, who created what, who made what and who was the welder.


MEATMASTER

[RonNichols]

Originally Posted by mr. oz

Good idea on the ear plugs. I noticed yours were gray. What are they? Do they fit your ear canal comfortably?

I have extremely large clock weights.

Mr. Oz,

They are finely crafted earmuffs made from the winter pelt of the Grey Beaver. I'm surprised my wife allowed me to use them without accompanying me, as they are usually clipped to her pant suit because grey beaver pelts are quite costly. The Grey Beaver is a boisterous, antagonizing creature known for its loud verbal exchanges and commanding personalities. It is one of those creatures where the female is the dominant alpha personality too, much like the black widow spiders. As you have seen, the grey pelt is very comfortable, very stylish, and has great noise cancelling capabilities. It fits my inner ear canal quite nicely for long periods......

BTW, I'm glad you asked, as they made your 3" bore interchangable stainless side pipes sound quite comfortable. They look good too.

R

[emberglo66]

"These cars are overpriced for what you get and that is why I chose not to buy one."

Then why after 5 years are you back on this COBRA site posting about a car you will never own...were you ask to?

Like I said this thread needs to end..... I think I am going to take a ride in my overpriced (what u say "KIT") car! Or my restore mustang! you know what *@#)!~)&@U