My Corksport Nightmare

[Solarsurge]

The Corksport products I received have been excellent products, aside from a defective item that was swapped out for a good one. I don't want to come off like I'm bashing the product here in this thread. However, my overall experience with the company from the perspective of ANY customer of ANY business has been downright awful given the cumulative sum of my experience. I will try my best to refrain from opinion and stick to the facts so that future buyers can shop with caution and Corksport can make future experiences better for their customers.

Corksport... PLEASE, get it together. This is unacceptable.

(2015) Order 1:
Interior/Exterior LED lighting kit
Test order. Product arrived as stated. Nothing really could go wrong here, but I was pleased with product beyond expectations and decided to do business with Corksport in future.

(5/3/16) Order 2:
Corksport Max Flow FP Internals
Corksport Shifter Bushing Set
Corksport 3" Power Series Intake

(5/7/16) Order 3:
Corksport Oil Catch Can *Not Installed -- Awaiting Parts -- To be continued?*

(5/14/16) Order 4:
Corksport Large Core FMIC *CANCELED*
Corksport MZR Bypass Valve *Not Installed -- Awaiting New FMIC -- TBC?*
Corksport Mid-Chassis Brace
Corksport Rear Sway Bar *CANCELED*

(5/15/16) Intake fitment issue. Although it states explicitly on their website that the stock ECU/Battery box does not need modifications on the Gen2, it does. I had to reinstall stock intake because I didn't have time to make the modifications.

(5/16/16) Called Corksport to notify them of my fitment issues. They proceeded to tell me I must be installing it wrong, then tried to sell me their battery box. I declined. (Also, as of today, 6/06/16, it still says on their website modifications are not required.)

(5/16/16): Received communication from Brandon at CS that the rear sway bar was out of stock and was only available in blue. I canceled that order and got a black one from JBR. Also was informed that the Large Core FMIC black silicone couplers were out of stock. I was offered blue. I responded the same day to ask if they had red. No reply.

(5/17/16) Once I finally made my battery box modifications, and installed the TIP, it was discovered that the MAF housing was not drilled properly and the MAF Sensor didn't line up with the holes drilled into the MAF housing. I called again for support. Again, I was told that I must be installing it wrong. This time, I escalated the issue and Vincent took care of it. He agreed to ship another MAF Housing and I had to ship the other back. On a side note, I had to pay the return shipping at my expense and didn't know that at the time. First bad sign.

(5/18/16): I called in the following day because I didn't get a response. I asked how long it would take to get black silicone. I was told they weren't sure and had to check with their purchaser. I asked for a call back. No reply.

(5/20/16): Called again, was told maybe a week or two for the couplers.

(5/31/16): Received a message from Luke at CS saying they had blue silicone couplers and could ship my order if I would take blue, despite me already having said no to that previously.

(6/01/16): Called in and spoke with Luke and said that I had already turned down the blue and wanted black. I asked again how long it would take. He told me he'd have to check with the purchaser and the purchaser had gone for the day.

(6/03/16): Called back in because I hadn't heard back and spoke with Brandon. I said I was tired of waiting for the silicone and that I would take the blue. He said he would arrange it and I would get a call back. He called me back to tell me that he realized they were now out of stock on the Intercooler Core, Crash Bar, and Piping Kit. He said his manager had left for the day and he get with his manager and try to work something out and would call me back first thing Monday morning.

(6/06/16): Waited patiently until 4:34PM EST (1:34PM in Washington) to give them time to get their Starbucks in and start making phone calls. Was told by Brandon that he was "just about to call me" and that he spoke with his manager and they didn't have anything to send me. I told Brandon that I had already cut my front bumper and modified the front end of the car specifically to the dimensions of their intercooler. He said there was nothing he could do and simply asked me if I wanted to cancel the order, which I obviously did.

To conclude, out of 4 orders, 3 had issues, one completely inexcusable. If a buyer pays for an item, it should be set aside for that customer. I modified my car already and the stock crash bar doesn't fit anymore. I now have to find an alternate FMIC and likely have a crash bar custom fabricated. Corksport had my money for 3 weeks, kept me waiting over a set of $2 silicone couplers, and then shipped my items to someone else. Did they offer to resolve the issue? No. I still have yet to be offered so much as an apology. While I'm on a rant, I should mention that in those 4 orders I paid $215+ just in shipping alone, but I still had to eat the return shipping cost for the defective MAF housing! What's the deal??

I spend THOUSANDS of dollars on crap that's not even necessary. I've dumped a truckload of cash into this car already and I plan on doing it again with the next MS3, if it ever comes out. Why? Because I'm stupid. (Yes, I said that in a Joe Pesci voice in my head.) Rest assured, my money will likely go to everyone BUT Corksport in the future. Despite having "rewards points" accumulated on other orders, I'm considering just letting them go to waste. I don't even think I want anything else by Corksport in my car. It takes years to get a customer. Minutes to lose one. Remember that.

Images attached for the sake of verification of the info above. Buyer beware.

**In a ironic turn of events, Corksport recently received a review on their website from their latest FMIC purchaser TODAY for the same unit (probably the one I paid for that was never shipped to me) stating that he had fitment issues and faulty hardware. Go figure.**

[Don]

Dang... That sucks. They been good with me but I haven't gone crazy with buying a bunch of stuff

[Djohns]

Wow. I had issues with my corksport battery box not lining up properly with the mounting holes. I called, got sent to voicemail, left a message, never got a call back. Called again, voicemail again never a call back. I just stopped trying after that and deal with a box missing a bolt

[Thepedigree13]

Sounds unfortunate. Sorry to hear all the issues, I know how anxious I get to install new shit. Must be pretty disappointing.

I have had good experiences with Corksport, in the few times I have bought their stuff. My only complaint is they are the only vendor that doesn't offer free shipping. So having to pay for it to get to you, then pay to send it back would upset me.

Good luck with your build. Every company has issues from time to time, I wouldn't completely write Corksport off, if you are still considering their products.

With that said, I have never had an issue with Edge Auto. I have paid more to order through them, just because I like the customer service.

[SofaKingAwesome]

@CorkSport; @Kim@CorkSport;

[mize13]

I see corksport is still outsourcing hole drilling duty to Helen Keller.

Not convinced they have, or have ever had, an engineer on staff.

[Djohns]

Originally Posted by mize13 I see corksport is still outsourcing hole drilling duty to Helen Keller. Not convinced they have, or have ever had, an engineer on staff.

I swear they are. Took me forever to figure out that their drill holes weren't lined up on the battery box. I just kept thinking I did something wrong until I put the boxes side by side. I was pissed at first that no one was getting back to me but it's whatever now. I just always keep that in mind when thinking of products I need.

[ItsNox]

Only thing I've ever purchased from CS is my CS Catback Exhaust. The fitment is not good. FYI I am using new exhaust hangers.

1. The mid-pipe is two sections and where those two sections meet its being forced up into the driveshaft support.
2. The Y pipe on the muffler side is forced up into the body of the car. The drone this causes on decel is insane.
3. The muffler tips are being forced up into the exhaust shrouds. I cant even get a finger nail in there.

I recognize that the new exhaust hangers are adding to this tight fitment, but it shouldn't be this bad. All of this hard contact will inevitably lead to rattles and has already led to terrible drone. Lets not forget the 8 week back order they didn't advertise.

However, I love the sound of the exhaust and am thankful someone is still making parts for my car. Albeit the fitment sucking.

[Jeremy M]

Originally Posted by ItsNox Only thing I've ever purchased from CS is my CS Catback Exhaust. The fitment is not good. FYI I am using new exhaust hangers. 1. The mid-pipe is two sections and where those two sections meet its being forced up into the driveshaft support. 2. The Y pipe on the muffler side is forced up into the body of the car. The drone this causes on decel is insane. 3. The muffler tips are being forced up into the exhaust shrouds. I cant even get a finger nail in there. I recognize that the new exhaust hangers are adding to this tight fitment, but it shouldn't be this bad. All of this hard contact will inevitably lead to rattles and has already led to terrible drone. Lets not forget the 8 week back order they didn't advertise. However, I love the sound of the exhaust and am thankful someone is still making parts for my car. Albeit the fitment sucking.

And here I thought all along, I was just being a pussy about the drone. The drone is soo bad I have been thinking about going back to stock exhaust.

[MD1032]

I don't have a direct beef with Corksport as I've only bought two minor things from them and haven't had a problem with either one yet, but I do have a beef with a company that keeps selling a product with an obvious fault (CS Turbo - boost creep issue) and continues to gloss over it. Investing that much time and money into something that is ultimately not appropriate for the stock engine would be a nightmare for me.

90% of the people I talk to in the Mazdaspeed community like the idea of Corksport, but have issues with the company themselves and their lack of quality and attention to detail.

[WetzMS3]

I'm fairly certain that intake will fit with the OEM battery and battery tray. Some guys run a 3.5" intake and only relocate the ECU. I know my 3.5" intake fit with the CS battery box before I went to a smaller battery.

Sucks to hear service has been perceived as poor.

[Solarsurge]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 I'm fairly certain that intake will fit with the OEM battery and battery tray. Some guys run a 3.5" intake and only relocate the ECU. I know my 3.5" intake fit with the CS battery box before I went to a smaller battery. Sucks to hear service has been perceived as poor.

I never intended this to be a product bashing thread. The quality of the products isn't what I have an issue with. EVERY company has defects that slip through and there will inevitably be issues. I get that. Product issues aside, there is absolutely no perception involved when a company collects money for parts that they don't have in stock, makes customers wait for weeks on end, fails to communicate effectively about the order, then fails to deliver the product entirely. There is no excuse for that. That is a failure on a business level.

[Brandon@corksport]

Originally Posted by Solarsurge I never intended this to be a product bashing thread. The quality of the products isn't what I have an issue with. EVERY company has defects that slip through and there will inevitably be issues. I get that. Product issues aside, there is absolutely no perception involved when a company collects money for parts that they don't have in stock, makes customers wait for weeks on end, fails to communicate effectively about the order, then fails to deliver the product entirely. There is no excuse for that. That is a failure on a business level.

We apologize for not providing the top tier customer service that we strive for. The time table we had for your order was not ideal and we looked for creative solutions to get your parts built before your event.

It looks like Vincent got you taken care of with the MAF housing. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you out before your event or in the future.

[CorkSport]

Originally Posted by Solarsurge I never intended this to be a product bashing thread. The quality of the products isn't what I have an issue with. EVERY company has defects that slip through and there will inevitably be issues. I get that. Product issues aside, there is absolutely no perception involved when a company collects money for parts that they don't have in stock, makes customers wait for weeks on end, fails to communicate effectively about the order, then fails to deliver the product entirely. There is no excuse for that. That is a failure on a business level.

I agree with you. I personally have moved out of the sale team to work on engineering and have less awareness of what goes on in order processing and I ran across this thread this morning. Kim has filled my spot as the sales manager and we will be discussing this when she gets here later this morning.

-Derrick

[Neverlift]

Originally Posted by CorkSport Kim has filled my spot as the sales manager and we will be discussing this when she gets here later this morning. -Derrick

*crickets* from the Kim-gallery.

[CorkSport]

Originally Posted by Neverlift *crickets* from the Kim-gallery.

Looks like I am back on forum duty. I am not as pleasant to look at as Kim, sorry guys.

Originally Posted by Easter Bunny Ugh you guys used to have great customer service. Get it together man.

I was not a happy business owner when I came across this thread.

-Derrick

[ToyCop]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 I'm fairly certain that intake will fit with the OEM battery and battery tray. Some guys run a 3.5" intake and only relocate the ECU. I know my 3.5" intake fit with the CS battery box before I went to a smaller battery. Sucks to hear service has been perceived as poor.

My CS 3" Power Series SRI fit just fine with the factory battery box. I have since purchased the CS box though.

[aackthpt]

Yeah my CS battery box (first gen box for 2nd gen ms3) holes didn't really line up worth a shit either. But it turned out they were close. After puzzling for a while I realized the trick was to not even close to tighten any of them until they were all started. It's a PITA but at least it works. The wiring is a major PITA too but I won't buy the new box because of the molded in branding. I don't want no steenkin' branding in my engine bay.

I had a PITA with their bypass hose, too, both too tight and too long. But at least it was too long rather than too short.

JBR was accused of all intakes not fitting, and said if it doesn't fit you need to loosen the motor mounts and move the engine over toward the passenger side. Probably a viable solution, but I'd say it's a toss-up whether it was good customer service that that was determined during a holiday, or if it's shit customer service to advertise that something fits and then it doesn't unless you are willing to scoot your engine. In my case, the JBR intake that should fit great had the giant clamp holding it to the stud right against my battery box and would have scratched the shit out of it, and possibly the ECU wiring harness. That's why my intake now held up with a couple of zip ties strung together. Small, not going to scratch/wreck anything. Why didn't you just have us do that in the first place, JBR?

I'm not super happy with the CS TMIC stock shroud fasteners, they do fit and "work" but the whole bolted joint is not designed to good engineering practices. Plus now my shroud requires an allen key rather than the 2 sockets I can use for everything else in the engine bay.

The fasteners that attach my OCC to its mounting bracket are rusting. Great, the nice corrosion-free aluminum catch can with some easily-corroding fasteners on top. Much like the fasteners on the BPV which you're either going to have to switch for stainless or spray the shit out of with LPS or regular WD40 spraydown or something, if you're in the lust belt.

Overall, IMO CS is about par for aftermarket. IME everything I buy in the aftermarket has little fit niggles, comes with easily corroding fasteners, has hose clamps that are too big, doesn't quite line up, has horrible or incomplete instructions, or has similar niggles. The aftermarket just doesn't have as much information as OEMs do, they don't do the level of testing an OEM would do, and they don't have the supplier networks and quality systems in place that OEMs do. Their engineers do their jobs with a lot less resources at their disposal than OEM engineers do. They don't have a worldwide parts distribution network or sell remotely as many - ultimately their parts cost more and they charge you less for them. Their stuff is naturally not ever going to be as plug-and-play as OEM stuff. To some degree, if you want to play with the aftermarket parts you just have to get used to it and deal with it as best you can.

I do strongly agree that the aftermarket should get more serious about customer service. But for people that bitch about anything else, for the most part I say start your own aftermarket parts company and see if you can do it better. If you can, great, we've gained a new supplier with higher standards. If you can't, then you found out how [not] easy it is.

[Thepedigree13]

I have figured the same. I just assume anything after market I buy is going to use a little modification, finesse, and/or ingenuity during install.

I just hope for quality material and craftmanship. As long as the part doesn't fail, and is 98% direct bolt on, I am good.

[aackthpt]

Can the whinging stop now??

[JakeMS3]

Originally Posted by aackthpt Can the whinging stop now??

Dafuk does "whinging" mean?

[aackthpt]

Originally Posted by JakeMS3 Dafuk does "whinging" mean?

Dafuk is with fucking morons who can't find word meanings for themselves anymore? Even worse, those who add on stupid text-speak like "dafuk".

What the fuck is wrong with society?

[JakeMS3]

Originally Posted by aackthpt Dafuk is with fucking morons who can't find word meanings for themselves anymore? Even worse, those who add on stupid text-speak like "dafuk". What the fuck is wrong with society?

I thought you meant to say whining. That word you used is the British equivalent of it. Don't get your panties in a knot bro, I should have looked it up. I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong.

[aackthpt]

Originally Posted by JakeMS3 I thought you meant to say whining. That word you used is the British equivalent of it. Don't get your panties in a knot bro, I should have looked it up. I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong.

Well, perhaps I have been spending too much time in the "Rant" thread on the "other" forum.

With that said, get off my lawn.

[ericrapp0507@gmail.com]

My first purchase into the modding pool, was CS. The Second ETS the third CS.
The third was the TBE. This was back in 08.
Mani flange was warped from too much heat. Flange should have been machined again after the weldment.
ETS TMIC cracked a weld at 22 lbs. They added new end tanks and used the correct wire ! But they did it under warranty.
Both companies have had good customer service.
But it is very frustrating when something fails or is not a direct fit up.
When you have to add extra labor to mod or pull it all back out again it honestly makes the part more expensive.

When i buy a part it should work as advertised.
But customer service can be worth some

[Easter Bunny]

Ugh you guys used to have great customer service. Get it together man.

[g00s3y]

CS has been good to me. Spring broke in the BPV, still held boost decently, but had a weird sound to it. Contacted CS with pictures, they sent out a new spring the next day.

Purchased the injector seals recently, had some questions about them relating to the install because I was being utterly paranoid, and turned out I didn't need to be.

No bad stories from over here. Plus little goodies with any purchase is always cool.

[faeker]

Looks like Daddy is about to bring the belt out. I'm sorry you're having some issues OP. I typically talked to Derek whenever I had issues in the past and everything was always taken care of in a timely, friendly fashion.

[ericrapp0507@gmail.com]

I have had issues, but each have been resolved to my satisfaction if not above and beyond
My personal customer service exp is why i return to them.

Continuous improvement should be every suppliers mantra.
Derrick has shown that IMO.