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Author
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Topic: Strange Engineering. What a great place!
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 27499
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-23-2002 12:39 PM
   
You all know that my endorsments are far and few between. I unfortunatly encounter far more poor vendors/suppliers than good these days.  But Strange Engineering over the years has not only managed to maintain the same high quality standards they are famous for, but continues to improve them.
We made a trip up to their new facility in Morton Grove IL last Friday to pick up some new 8.8 parts for Tony's Capri. Not that there was or is anything wrong with the spool and axles that are in it now, just that they offered us some improved lighter product that was not available in 1998 when we originally upgraded.
We now have some fly weight axles, spool, and ring gear. The Strange C-clip eliminator kit is the best in the industry. NO BRAG, JUST FACT! Having just installed some Moser stuff for a customer recently, the difference is painfully appearent in the quality and workmanship. You get what you pay for!
We arrived at the new facility and were escorted to the offices where we were greeted by our rep JC. All the time we were there the phones rang like crazy and customers were in and out. The place is a virtual bee hive of activity. Their new facility allows them to keep manufacturing, heat treating, assembly, and shipping all under one roof. The quality control department is second to none as is the product development which is headed up by CEO Jeff Stange.
I also dropped off my chebbie 12 bolt "fast" third member for inspection as it does not sound right and the pattern was not what it should have been. The CEO, Jeff Stange came out of his office to greet us and made us feel like a million bucks! While some would have given my third member a quick "look see" and sent us on our way, Jeff insisted on a complete microscopic examination. Sure enough, some cracks were detected and Jeff demanded we leave it for repair. This is a $2000 piece and I am grateful for the attention that was given to it. How many suppliers make you feel like their BEST customer when you walk in anymmore? What a place! 
The new parts are going into the Capri today and the old stuff, including the 4.88 gear is going into the P/SA convert. It really needs the 4.88 gear with those tall 30 inch radials on it so it should pick up a bit of ET now.
We'll take pics for you guys as these parts are BRAND NEW on the market, and you really need to check them out.
In closing I just want to say how proud MMR is to be associated with a company like Strange Engineering for all these years and thank them for the continued support and quality service. NOw all three MMR race cars have complete Strange Engineering differentials. MM has three all aluminum third memebers by itself.  By the way, they DO NOT give us parts. They just give us THE BEST service and THE BEST products. Thanks Strange, JC, Jeff, and Jim.  Alex------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl [This message has been edited by Moneymaker (edited 06-23-2002).]
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Buster
Gearhead Posts: 1635
From: Hurricane alley
Registered: May 2002
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posted 06-23-2002 06:42 PM
That is really great to hear.... and you don't hear stories like the much anymore....Customer service seems to be a thing of the past for most company's.
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capri man
Gearhead Posts: 7611
From: doerun, ga.
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-23-2002 07:17 PM
i also have nothing but praise for strange.------------------
mike r
racing is real
everything else is just a game.
81 capri-7.56 @88mph 1/8
1.56 60 ft.
http://prestage.com/site/site_display.asp?SiteID=141
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V8 Thumper
Gearhead Posts: 4681
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-24-2002 12:07 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:
I also dropped off my chebbie 12 bolt...
 I'm trying VERY HARD to get my car on the road, but when it's time to upgrade my axles, I'll be calling Strange Currie is only six or seven miles from my place, but after having them narrow my housing (they DID do a nice job), doing business with them is just too much of an ordeal. They screwed me TWICE with delays 
[This message has been edited by V8 Thumper (edited 06-24-2002).]
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JCQuinn@work
Gearhead Posts: 935
From: Lakewood, CO, USA
Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 06-24-2002 10:52 AM
AlexIt's great that you have such a quality provider so close to home. I have had very similar experiences with Mark Williams who is close to my home. I have run Mark Williams rear end components in Stock and Comp eliminator cars. I have a complete MW rear end in my altered and have never had to replace anything due to breakage. Since I trust your advice I can now recommend two quality providers when I am asked. "Chevy 12 bolt?" is that because of the lower drag coeficient? I am wondering if the 8.8 might work better. with the quality upgrade parts now available in probably is strong enough and might work even better than the 12 bolt. MW makes a steel billet cap for the drivers side spool bearing that adds a lot of strength in that formerly weak spot. I haven't tried MW's C clip eliminator yet but I will soon and will post an opinion. No I don't get a discount there, just quality parts and service. Everybody pays the same for MW stuff. I don't think he gives discounts to anyone. Back in the old days most of the local top fuel cars (back when there were local top fuel cars) boycotted his stuff because he wouldn't give them anything free. It was one of the reasons I started buying from him. John Quinn
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 27499
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-24-2002 12:28 PM
John, I believe that both Strange and MW are working on a 8.8 "drop out" third memebr for the 9 inch.
My 12 bolt is a drop out that fits a 9 inch FoMoCo housing. I use it as you guessed, because of the lower drag and better pinion position. Only MW and Strange offer these conversions and they are VERY expensive. They are also VERY fragile compared to a traditional 9 inch. In ratio's in the sixes are poor tooth count, and that seems to be the weak link. Ring and pinion life is limited to about 40-50 passes. (44 on this last one).
Strange's 8.8 parts compared to Mosers are like comparing ....well, let me just say that the Strange product is superior in design, appearance and workmanship. Tony's axles have over 500 runs on them as do the c-clip kits. They look as good now going into the convert as they did when we installed them.
The Moser product is substantialy cheaper in cost I mgiht add, but as I always say, you usually get what you pay for. ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 6120
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 06-24-2002 02:38 PM
I run Strange axles, as do most racers around here, there is a Strange division in Canada (Bears performance) so the prices can be lower than importing other brands.As for the 8.8.... theres a 3200lb turbocharged 5.0L around here running 8.13 @173, launching off a transbrake with the factory 8.8 rear end housing and rear end breakage hasn't been a problem.
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Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 2494
From: Stanton, Michigan 49707
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 06-24-2002 04:58 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Buster:
That is really great to hear....Customer service seems to be a thing of the past for most company's.
I have recently come to the conclusion that "Customer Service" -- not some new fangled gizmo -- will be the new niche market... Everyone wants it & few companies are providing it -- no matter what business you're in...... ------------------
The '3-Pedal Attitude' Kid
in a '69 FB w/ 306 now, but
the 460+ is coming... :D
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 27499
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-24-2002 08:34 PM
As promised, PARTS PICS!!!!  ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl
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I65Stang
Gearhead Posts: 6575
From: Folsom, CA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-24-2002 09:02 PM
Hey Alex, does Strange have a street/strip 8.8" c-clip elim setup yet? I know that Mark Williams makes one that uses Timken tapered roller bearings to handle cornering loads (anyone heard anything about these?). The 9" end conversion is out, I dont have welding stuff. Oh btw, I HATE c-clips !!!------------------
Tim M&M Member #35
1965 Mustang coupe, 200 I6, Holley 2300, Clifford header, true duals w/ 26" Smithys
1988 Mustang GT AOD vert, 15.810 @ 88.871 mph 100% stock w/ no traction
1976 Silverline Comoro 18' trihull ski boat, 188 hp 302 I/O, another toy
https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/I65Stang.html
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 27499
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-24-2002 09:22 PM
Tim, the STrange part #A-1090 kit is what you are looking for. It needs to be used with aftermarket axles. ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl
IP: Logged |
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