Kenne Bell Supercharger (Think twice!)

dhof303 · 01-04-2005

Let me tell you a little about Kenne Bell. Located somewhere in Rancho Cucamoga CA. I am from Missouri, traveled to CA for Christmas with wife's family and made arrangements to visit Kenne Bell Mfg, spoke with two associates and was assured I would be able to see the project 05 Mustang and construction of the supercharger as well as ask questions about application and performance. I was given directions to their facility with hesitation, upon arrival to Rancho I was unable to locate the shop as well as their phone had suddenly been put on hold for about 2 hours. I stopped at several buisiness near the area and they had heard of people also looking for this location and heard poor customer service stories as well. Upon return to San Diego I stopped by JBA to look at a set of long tube headers and was strongly cautioned to stay away from Kenne Bell due to severe nightmares with customer service issues they have had with Kenne Bell. Frustrated I feel I must reconsider my choice of superchargers and am compelled to let you all know of my experience. For those of you with Kenne Bell superchargers already installed I hope that it is working fine and I hope that it continues to for your sake!

loudog · 01-04-2005

Back in the mid to late '80s, I worked at an all-Ford speed shop, and we had numerous complaints regarding Kenne-Bell products...in fact, we discontinued their "unbreakable" roller rockers and rocker shafts for the big block FEs (they had a lifetime warranty) because they were breaking all the time.

I'm staying away...

odingalt · 01-04-2005

Thanks for the heads up guys. We appreciate you taking the time to share you story.

wilit · 01-04-2005

I can sympathise with you, I know it can be frustrating to travel as many miles as you did, and have the experience turn out the way it did. But you can't base a company's product value on one bad customer service experience. I've got tons of friends who would not buy a Ford because of a few bad service experiences they've had with them, but does that mean that all Fords are not worth buying? If we as a society based our purchases on only horror stories (which are typically the only stories people post to help vent their frustration), I'm sure a lot of companies would be in bigger financial bindes. I know 2 people personally running KB blowers on 99+ GT's and have nothing but good experiences with the product and dealing with Kenne Bell.

I'm sorry you're not going to consider buying a KB, because it's a great blower, and as far as effeciency goes, a Lysholm style blower is the best you can get.

MM49 · 01-05-2005

Well, I live in Delaware and have had 2 KB blowers on 2003 Cobras. A 2.2 for 18 months and a new 2.4.
I have had nothing but super cutomer service from Kenne Bell and several times got return calls from Jim Bell himself. I am sorry you had issues with finding their shop but I have had several good friends make trips to there facility and had no issues.

Jon L

odingalt · 01-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilit

I can sympathise with you, I know it can be frustrating to travel as many miles as you did, and have the experience turn out the way it did. But you can't base a company's product value on one bad customer service experience. I've got tons of friends who would not buy a Ford because of a few bad service experiences they've had with them, but does that mean that all Fords are not worth buying? If we as a society based our purchases on only horror stories (which are typically the only stories people post to help vent their frustration), I'm sure a lot of companies would be in bigger financial bindes. I know 2 people personally running KB blowers on 99+ GT's and have nothing but good experiences with the product and dealing with Kenne Bell.

I'm sorry you're not going to consider buying a KB, because it's a great blower, and as far as effeciency goes, a Lysholm style blower is the best you can get.

Any time a company tries to juke me, I move on to the next company. I don't feel guilty basing it on one bad customer server experience -- especially when another user had a similar experience!!! It's the same reason you can tell your burger at McDonald's is going to be wrong when the person at the drive-thru takes 15 minutes to take your order. Just pull on through buddy! lol

mp23 · 08-19-2006

I just finished installing one on my 01 gt. I must say I was not that impressed with the customer service. I love the kit but I could never get through to them on the phone it was always busy. But, If you were going to get a supercharger I would recommend them. Their kit is really top quality and the instructions are really pretty good. Just take your time and be carefull when installing it.

5twenty · 08-20-2006

You show at up Kenne Bell during Christmas and are miffed because you don't get a personal tour of the facility and their project car? Would you like to drive it, too?

It's not Disneyland, it's a business.

MadFlava · 08-21-2006

Ive known Jim Bell for almost 20 years. He's caught a lot of flack over the years but he's always done right by me and everyone else I know.

I had a Whipplecharger on my 90 LX convertible that I put about 75K miles on and it was still going strong when I sold the car. I have no complaints about the blowers.

Ever heard of Mapquest?

jcovercash · 08-21-2006

I have nothing to sing but high praises for KB. They have been there when I needed help. No complaints at all!

tw0scoops123 · 08-21-2006

I think with ANY product on the market you will find some horror stories and bad experiences.

BlueStreak03 · 08-21-2006

Go KB and never look back. I've not had a single problem with the parts or service. I just noticed that this is a rather old thread. Looks to me that any customer service issues they had in 2005 have been rectified which is a very good sign of good business practices.

kj_cinci · 08-21-2006

I have never used their blowers but KNOW that they are GREAT products! Just look at the 03-04 Cobras using them, awesome performers. Heck just go on their wesite and look at their research...

Last x-mas it was only a prototype and it may have been in peases or they did not want to show it.... be mad at whoever invited you but KB as a company is so far clean in my book!!

Foolinjected · 08-23-2006

I hate company!

kj_cinci · 08-23-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foolinjected

I hate company!

Very, VERY, insight and helplfull! I hope you're joiking other wise please keep in mind this is a forum / messege board, to exchange information and experiences... please try...