I just wanted to warn everybody thinking about buying a PI torque converter. I purchased a PI T/C for my 99 GS400 and the thing ruined my transmission costing me $3400 after a month of use. The guy at the transmission shop told me it was because of the PI T/C that failed and shot metal debri into my tranny. I sent the thing back to PI and they cut it open and told me it fail due to one of the bearing that went bad inside their T/C.

It really suck that they are not responsible for their product reliability. The guy told me they just cover their T/C only. What don't they test their product before selling it...come on ONLY 1 month use. Who wants to take that chance?

$760 PI T/C
$375 Install
$3400 rebuild transmission
$150 towing
$25 a day car rental for 1 week

If you think about putting this in your car, be ready to spend the above cost in making your car run normal again. The owner of P/I is not giving you a dime for your trust in their product. Hey! I want the performance just like most of the guys out there.

 

You can sue them. But for their product defect, your transmission would not have required a rebuild.

 

I am contacting legal advice to see if I can. Even though their warranty stated not liable for damage to transmission. How in the heck can someone sell a product that could cause such an extensive damage to a car?

 

Wow, first I've ever heard this, and I know it's a popular mod. Do you have documentation about the fault and PI acknowledging this problem? I would work tactfully and escalate the problem at PI. Trust me, a lot of people here will be following this thread.

 

In fact the guy at PI admitted it was workmanship. Bascially he admitted that 1 of the 2 bearing went bad. He told me it rare, but could you imagine the bearing failed at 1 month, 1 year, 2year, or 5 year...that's alot of money we're talking about here. Let me know what doc you need and I will provide it. I hate to see anybody in my shoe. I love my car and pretty sure everybody else is too.

Owner of 1998 GS300, 1999 GS400, and 2001 RX300

 

This is THE FIRST time I've ever heard of this happening with someone who went with the PI TC. This is a very popular mod on this board and everyone and anyone who has gotten one for their GS has been very satisfied.

This probably isn't what you want hear but it just seems like you ran into some bad luck. I do agree, however, that they should cover the cost of your repairs. You need to do something about that.

 

I'm sorry to hear that. The other day I was pondering about gettin a TC, but I held off because I didn't want to do anything to my car that is kind of major.

Hopefully PI steps up to the plate and do more than just be liable for their TC.

 

I hope so too. Who wants to buy a product that could do so much damage when it fail and have a company like PI careless about what it does to your tranny.

 

wow, that sure does suck. also the first time i've heard of an issue with PI. They are a huge company doing TC's for hundreds of cars, not just the Lexus.

I did have something similar happen to me with an ATI convertor in my Bronco once though. Similar deal, ...the TC fails and sends metal bits into the tranny workings which then breaks other stuff in the tranny.

I wrote a tactful, polished letter to ATI mgmt and they did end up working with me and split the costs of my tranny rebuild with me.
It does suck that they aren't actually liable for the tranny, but, how's that saying go? "you'll catch more flys with honey than with vinegar" ....or something like that.

sorry about your luck bro'. Be professional and see what they will do for you at the upper level, not some guy who answers the phone or manages the tech support.

 

I tried to talk to mgt, but they would only give me a refund. The company to me is going to loose more money in the future from people not doing business with them. I have alot of people thinking about getting T/C from them, but after seeing how P/I handle this situation they are having second thought.

 

I bought mine used from DaveGS4 and I've had it for almost two years now.

No problems whatsoever! Love it!

Sorry you had a bad experience. I'm sure this is VERY rare. PI isn't putting out low quality products.

 

Never heard of this happening ever. I would press some charges though.

 

Lexlove,

Did you have a tranny cooler installed?

Even if you didnt it should not have grenaded on you so soon. PI definitely needs to step up and pay for all your repair if they are at fault.

You can contact BBB and Attorney General's office in that state regarding this matter.

Just a thought.

Good luck..

Theo

 

from the stand point of atra (automatic transmmission rebuilders association) technician, i honestly don't think they should have cut the costs with you. thats half the risk you take on putting aftermarket parts in. Especially if it was bought used, and depending on which bearing it was, it could have been instalation error.

nice of them to do that for you

 

ummm,...I think the only 'used' one was from a fellow club-member (well known at that), and that TC has not given any problems at all.

also, having bearings fail on a new part is not a 'risk we take' with aftermarket parts. it's what it is, a failed part which PI will own up to, but it's always that 'Other Stuff' that subsequently fails that is the juggernaut for buyers and sellers. (maybe that is what you meant?)

ie. Buy a bunch of parts to build a kick *** new chevy/ford/mopar engine.

Say a rod lets go and the subsequent damage is to the block and crank, etc.

Is theh rod manufacturer going to pay for all new engine parts? Probably not, but they'd probably give ya new rods.