Crying Spilled Milk over LC Engineering's customer "appreciation"

Hey guys,
Just wanted to share my experiences with LC Engineering. I drive a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 2tr 4x4 5 speed truck that has a mild lift, stock drivetrain, 255 85 17's, etc. I have an LC Engineering header on the vehicle that has approx. 60+k miles on it, and it recently cracked at the collector, where the 4 pipes merge. I was happy when this header worked properly, but not too pleased I got the mileage I did out of it. Being as this product has the equal length headers, and reading the Doug Thorley vs. LCE thread for the 5th time, I reached out to LCE to purchase another header. I used to be able to use a coupon on LC Engineering's website, (USA for 10% off), but that no longer works. I called LCE to ask if they would be willing to apply this 10% off coupon or perhaps they had a TacomaWorld members coupon I could make use of. The salesman repeatedly told me that they wont even let customers know if there is a sale occurring in the next month, let alone give us any discount. Anyone remember LCE's response when approached for a Group Buy on these headers'? Less then helpful is putting it mildly....So please take all this into account when choosing parts for your vehicle. It is not always about price...sometimes we just want to feel appreciated. End Rant!

 

Doug Thorley here I come!!!!

 

You're the second person that I've seen post about this, at that location.

 

I just want to share my experiences....I was expecting at least a little discount, between coming back to them after having to replace an LC Engineering part that failed unexpectedly, or perhaps to share a positive story about a vendor with the TacomaWorld community. Instead, my perception of the interaction was that they couldn't be bothered to earn my business or keep me as a loyal customer. So there is no reason to hand them my money!!

The piece of the puzzle that bothers me is that I am going to be in the market for a new clutch/flywheel setup, and LC Engineering was going to earn more of my business. I wanted a High Torque 2tr Flywheel and an upgraded clutch/pressure plate. Guess I'll stick with OEM now, and resurface the stock flywheel. The power of the consumer is in the choice we have on who we hand our money too...Know before you Go!

 

As 05Taco mentioned, this appears to be a trend with LCE. I did just finally install mine and am hoping it lasts a good long while. I suspect it's their exclusion of the support bracket that the OEM manifold has, without that there is more movement transferred to the collector. Below is my recent thread.
I may have a local exhaust shop, fab up a support to replace what (IMO) should be there.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lce-header-quality-control.552827/

 

If you don't want to use an LCE clutch, you can always get the URD Comp Clutch, Stage II setup. I went with the LCE Dual Comp clutch for my truck, since the stock clutch couldn't hold the power after I went turbo. I'm extremely happy with the clutch, and it got great reviews on here. But URD is also a very well-known/respected vendor. Reach out to @Gadget@URD and they'll get you squared away with what you need.

 

I second that. Great clutch.

 

LCE has never impressed me either for customer service... I ended up taking my money to paradise racing because a sales rep said I asked to many questions anout a purchase that was gonna be 6k in parts

 

why not have the header repaired ?

 

Where the header cracked, it is almost impossible to repair without cutting the collector apart and basically starting with new metal. Bad bad crack....another member had a great point about the bracket that would have attached to the OEM header at the junction of the cat and exhaust manifold collector. It appears my damage could very well be due to added vibration from not finding a way to incorporate that bracket.
The Doug Thorley header also uses thicker metal then LCE. 16 gauge vs 14 gauge. The fit and finish was better on the DT header, in my opinion. DT header is installed and I notice no difference between the LCE vs DT headers.