So has anyone out there used both the "trio" of mods for $190 and their cold air intake for $320? It seems all evidence at this stage is anecdotal, but if that's all there is...that's all there is.
I called Smart Madness and spoke with a woman who said she was "one of the principles" but I really found talking to her frustrating (talked down to me but didn't seem to even notice - without either giving any objective evidence of what she said, or ever having installed anything herself, she finally admitted). "Tim" was supposed to call me back almost 2 hours ago, but nothing yet. Serge, you were in the background, she kept asking you questions, I would love to talk to one of you.
1- performance questions. Any difference in mileage, acceleration b/w the 2 mods...or is it neglegable? Is it worth the extra $130?
2- scoop questions. If the scoop is so good, why do we never hear it recommended in a package with the cold air intake? Also, anyone know where to get a black scoop where the edges don't go out like on Smart Madness? They used to have a carbon fiber one that looked that way, but it was DC'd. Fiberglass is fine, I just like the way the scoop looks where the edges don't flare out into the body better. They would hold just as well if they flared in. Aren't they just glued on?
3- noise question. Does the cold air intake sound significantly louder than the "trio"? If so, and the performance gains aren't that different, that plus the cost may decide (see the above question about why isn't it worth it to spend the $65 for the scoop with the $320 intake if it works so well to aid the $135 hose and filter combo)?
4- installation question. I get paranoid about warrentee questions, and this may be the deciding factor. I would consider putting the factory setup back on before taking the car in, unless I had something in writing from Smart or the dealer saying the mod was OK. The Lady at Smart Madness said "that never happens", but before I bought my DTH exhaust, I called my local dealer, and (I still can't believe this) she emailed Smart with the specific question, and within less than 1/2 hour had an answer, and sent me the email saying the exhaust wouldn't void the warrentee. I also bought an aftermarket extended warrentee, which is maybe why I'm paranoid.
...you know, the more I write, the more I think I'm convincing myself to just get the 3 items, but I would really like to have the scoop like I said above. It doesn't look bad in the SM scoop pic, it just looks more professional and less cheap without the outward flare.
Last edited by jeffandpamsmith; 09-15-2009 at 05:49 PM.
Just my opinion, but based on what I've read, I would go with the 'trio' to get the most 'bang for your buck'. Less money and nearly as good, if not AS good, performance.
In other words, not worth the extra $130, at least not to me.
I called Smart Madness and spoke with a woman who said she was "one of the principles" but I really found talking to her frustrating (talked down to me but didn't seem to even notice - without either giving any objective evidence of what she said, or ever having installed anything herself, she finally admitted). "Tim" was supposed to call me back almost 2 hours ago, but nothing yet. Serge, you were in the background, she kept asking you questions, I would love to talk to one of you.
It is unfortunate that my sincere apology over the phone for our misunderstanding appears that it didn't get accepted.
When you called I shared Tim was working on a car and it may be a while, though it appeared he was finishing up. You asked if there was somebody who could help you. I said I could as much as possible and if not, would have Tim give you a ring back at his earliest convenience, you obliged. You heard Sergio in the background when you had a quick question or 2. I ask our team quick questions, because I want to learn with quick answers. Most customers don't mind this, as I'm first to admit I'm not as technical as they. I asked if you wanted to talk to Sergio twice, you kindly stated to have Tim just call you back. Maybe we were both passionate about what we were trying to convey and that's why it was a misunderstanding (just maybe?).
You are also correct that I never installed an intake or a silicon hose (you asked, I shared), but I shadowed many installs of the cold air intake here at our shop (it was our first mod on our 1st smart, and I witnessed it in my own driveway) so I can share over the phone what drivers can expect (now remember, don't forget that hidden clamp under the center hose in the middle of your airbox!), hence why I asked if you had an 08 or an 09. Because there are 2 different air boxes between the years and the installs well, they vary.
4- installation question. I get paranoid about warrentee questions, and this may be the deciding factor. I would consider putting the factory setup back on before taking the car in, unless I had something in writing from Smart or the dealer saying the mod was OK. The Lady at Smart Madness said "that never happens", but before I bought my DTH exhaust, I called my local dealer, and (I still can't believe this) she emailed Smart with the specific question, and within less than 1/2 hour had an answer, and sent me the email saying the exhaust wouldn't void the warrentee. I also bought an aftermarket extended warrentee, which is maybe why I'm paranoid.
"That never happens" was specific to us- Smart Madness. We would not ask a dealer to do what they did for you; that is the responsibility of the manufacturer- not us. That's why I was trying to provide the examples of a driver friend of ours who had a dealer tell him that his arm rest caused a problem and that his repair wasn't under warranty and how possibly a dirty (never changed) cold air intake filter could cause warranty problems. All dealers operate independently and some dealers will warranty work and others will not.
At day's end it sounds like Tim was able to answer your technical questions via his call back. As many of our customers know we are here to help and I am glad that you were able to get the technical questions answered. I do hope you will give me another chance to talk to you one day, as "I think" others can contest, I'm actually quite friendly and yes, helpful
Do have a wonderful evening Mr. Smith, and I hope you accept my public apology. Most of all, even if not with me, I hope you continue to be a part of the craze called Smart Madness.
SmartGurl, speaking for myself, you have ALWAYS been very courteous and helpful. I'll bet that 99% of SM's customer base will say the same thing. Those that listen to you get good information or, switched to a tech that can answer their questions. EXCELLENT service has always been THE strong suit of Smart Madness. Just keep on keepin' on. TheSmart customers will continue to give SM their business and YOU are a VERY large part of that. A loyal fan of Smart Madness. Regards, SmartChip
Yeah I vouch for Smart Madness too. Great support and follow-through. If you give them a chance, they'll help you with any questions you have about a product they sell.
Ok so what is this 'trio' thing I am seeing? How does this differ from the cold-air intake?
Just a "three" pack. The scoop, cold air filter and Hose. Basically to help:
A. Get more air - the scoop.
B. Keep the airflow moving and cooling the air - better filter.
C. Keep the airflow smooth by taking the resonator out of the picture - hose.
All in one package for a lower price if bought separately.
Just a "three" pack. The scoop, cold air filter and Hose. Basically to help:
A. Get more air - the scoop.
B. Keep the airflow moving and cooling the air - better filter.
C. Keep the airflow smooth by taking the resonator out of the picture - hose.
All in one package for a lower price if bought separately.
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