Hmm... I remember seeing a section cut out.

-Brian

 

I am having similiar problems on an incomplete order. I cannot seem to get any response no matter how hard I try to communicate with WMS. My order started on Jan 3rd .
Steve

 

and the wheels on the bus go round and round....

 

But this always happens! What initially looked like a promising thread on a new CAI with a cool air duct option has become another rant on Randy Webb's poor business practices, which are legion. As a designer and user of a fresh air diverter for the CAI this topic is of great interest to me, but I seem to be just talking to myself.

I have many "thoughts" about the RAF, given the description and photos posted here that I would like to share, but without a conversation, they will come across as simply criticisms or slams at worse. Of course, the cynic in me thinks this is all for naught since very few people may end up with one of these installed, let alone have the capacity to make measurements concerning its efficacy.

 

Efficacy? Nice. Webster FTW.

 

nicely done.....

 

Please let me know you received this part Scott. I did overnight it.

As to the slams - I expect some of that. I have a gazillion customers, and most are very happy with our service as of the last year or so. You hear from the problems I have, because that is who seems to talk. I am OK with that, because it helps me resolve issues that have slipped through the cracks.

I know most of you have no idea what happens here. I will tell you. If you have a job that has projects or deadlines, you know how stressful that can be. Big expectations under important time constraints. You also know how great it feels to finish those projects and have the burden lifted. Imagine never having the burden lifted! I go from one big issue to the next.

I am SOOOO dedicated to this community and the parts I build. It sometimes takes longer than I would like, but I want the product to be the best. These units have started shipping, and I am sure you will see the results soon. I made 25 boxes, and have the metal to do another 25.

THE ITCH orderd an Extreme Bar which was sent immediately, and requested some additional parts that I had to get from the manufacturer as well as a stock bar I have to send from here - both of which I did not charge for. I am having some issues because of time contraints and communication, but I fully intend on finishing the order, and have PM'ed him as well.

I appreciate every order, and can count on one hand the issues I currently have with backorderd items or delayed shipments.

The lacking communication comes in when I have multiple big shop projects and United starts flying me A LOT. Recently, that has been the case, and it is usually a short term deal. I have been out for the last 5 days flying, and I still have one more. Once I return, I will make sure the few outstanding issues I have are taken care of - THE ITCH, SteveS, and Scott, as well as one backordered weird offset Team Dynamics wheel for another customer are the ones I can think of right now.

I hope that satisfies the guys who have issues and prevents this from turning into a rant that is at this point unwarranted.

Phil - I would be glad to use your help. Please contact me and we can work together.

On the box itself, yes, the stock foam is trimmed to seal the RAF. There is no header heated air coming into the box. I will be compiling all of the data into an article after I clear out the project cars (a new Elise turbo, another clutch/flywheel, a custom dyno tune on two cars Monday, and a TurboKompressor kit), by the end of next week.

Thanks again for the support of all of the great customers I have in the community, and I sincerely apologize for any outstanding problems that still exist - it isn't because I have stopped working on it!

Randy

 

Randy-Since I'm still not getting a response from you on WMS forum or a response from my e-mails could you perhaps answer me the following: I put my name on the earlybird order list in mid December. I mailed you a cashiers check for $270on January 28th which you have confirmed receiving. My question was would you please let me know when my sportbox has shipped. Paul Grant-Santa Fe,NM-Thanks

 

Paul,

I emailed you today .

Randy

 

Phil,

It was a blast chatting with you, as it always is. Thanks for the beverages!



Randy

 

Yes, Randy, it was great to have a chance to talk with you about an amazingly wide range of MINI topics! I think this is what NAM is fundamentally about--people with a common interest talking, sharing, comparing notes, and even arguing, about those things we care about. As is often the case after reading posts on NAM, I left you yesterday thinking about things I could do with my car to make it just a little more shiny (in the polishing sense...) I will be fabricating an airbox cover that seals against the FAD in the hope I can find those other -3F degrees!
And I left quite convinced that you had dealt with a lot of my concerns with the RAF. So I guess we both gained (AGS- all gains shared!)

cheers,

 

Hey Randy
Have you gotten a GP yet to fit the RAF yet?
Thanks Larry

 

Not yet - I have a GP to use for fitting here in town, but I am using th sam customer's other MINI for the data collection on the SportBox RAF. Once I return this one, I will get access to the GP for fitment.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

Thanks Randy
Please let me know when it's done. Thanks Larry

 

Here is the how-to I just finished writing for the new SportBox. There are a few pics of the unit installed at the end as well. I will post the data on the unit as soon as I have it all finished up. Once I do, I will add it to the catalog on our site.

WMS SportBox How-to

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

Testing numbers - some of them...

I have compiled some of the testing data, though there is more with regard to temps and dyno numbers. These are the easiest to compare, and I think one of the most accurate ways to measure power differences.

The test consists of a 2nd gear timed run from 2000 RPM to 6500RPM. The same strip was used, and the same ambient temps were recorded on both days. The car's coolant temps were the same as well between the two tests. Six runs were done back to back, same fuel, same weight for both starts. The stock box used a brand new OEM filter. Times were taken with the same person on the stop watch for both tests, and the same driver.

Here are the times:

Stock Airbox
8.93 seconds
8.97
8.89
8.92
8.95
8.98

Webb Motorsports SportBox RAF
8.01 seconds
8.06
7.89
8.08
7.97
8.00

While I expected to see a measurable gain in the results, I was honestly surprised at how well we actually did! We have been seeing consistent double digit gains on the dyno (DynoJet, which is optimistic), and colder than ambient box temps, so I suppose these jive with our other results. I am very happy!

More to come...

Randy

 

Very nice job, indeed....

Your SWO (Stop Watch Operator) is quite consistent, but wouldn't it be more "scientific" to show data logging over the tested RPM range (e.g., elapsed time, throttle position, IAT, and actual speed)?

See ya' in Vegas

 

Bob,

I actually was datalogging too, which is why I stated that I haven't finished compiling all of the data! Suffice it to say that the runs were very controlled .

See ya soon!
Randy

 

Randy-I sent you an e-mail with CC info for the RAF. If possible please include in the order for the sport box. By the way how much is the silcon hose? Paul Grant

 

Got your email - I am sourcing the hose now, pricing to follow.

Thanks!
Randy

 

I am getting a RAF and Pulley installed by Randy tomorrow! Can't wait! Yappy!

 

Randy check your email at home, I am still looking for the RAF in replacement for the TB return.
any idea when that might happen between your installs and flight plan...

 

Have there been any other reviews of the product or anybody receiving the RAF? I'm really looking at replacing my HAI and I just need something to replace it with...

 

Well, we have started shipping, and I installed 9 in Vegas, one without the RAF, the rest with. We should start hearing from folks soon!

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

I had mine installed in Vegas! That and the Pulley are the best Mods I have done yet. The sound is awesome the the quality is too!