Buyer beware (fake parts)

[Precision Metal]

Hey Guys, Most of you know about the knock off ls3 manifolds on ebay. There was a thread sometime back. Just wanted to let you know that I got a call from a gentleman requesting to buy fuel rails for one of my manifolds, hmm I thought thats odd, every manifold that I have ever sold came with the fuel rails. I asked some more questions and had him send me a picture, sure enough he had a Chinese part. Now I don't want to get into a pissing match over import/ripped off parts. The thing that upset me is he specificly was told that it was a Precision Metalcraft part by the person he bought it from. That is what ticks me off, for 2 reasons. 1, if the part performs/fits poorly it reflects badly on me. 2, It's just plain dishonest.

I have built over 250 LS manifolds in the last 6 years so there are bound to be some used ones come up now and then. Most of them are perfectly fine parts, but here are some things to look for.

Does not come with fuel rails, ask where they are because if I built the part it had them a one time. Also note that Precision Metalcraft fuel rails will only fit on a PMC manifold so excuses about saving them for another project is likely bull S...

Fuel injector bossed welded to the flange/runner. All PMC LS manifold have the fuel injector boss machined into the flange.

A Precision Metalcraft part will have a large radius bell mouths on the runner.

If you see a used Precision Metalcraft manifold that you are thinking you may buy please do your homework, You can always give me call or drop me an email and I will be happy the help you decide if it's a good purchase/fit for your car. I make this post not to vent or rant but I hate to see good people spend hard earned $$$ on something they think is quality US made product only the be disapointed. If you knowingly buy import/ripoff parts thats not my problem and you will likely get what you pay for.

Thanks for reading,
Jeff Davis
Precision Metalcraft

[camcojb]

Thanks Jeff. I loved mine, quality was exceptional. I am not at all happy to see such a complete copy of your design pop up.

[214Chevy]

Jeff, not that this would stop counterfitters, but have you ever thought of putting serial numbers on your intakes. You could just engrave a serial number on the bottom side. Or you could buy the metal stamp-type thing where you hammer the number/letter sequence onto metal. Then keep a running file of the sequence of the numbers. I know HRE does it with their wheels and when you call to buy center caps or anything, that's the first thing they ask you for. If you don't have a serial number, they will not service you. So, if someone calls you and want fuel rails, ask for the serial number. If they don't have a legitamite PMC serial number, don't sell them $hit!! Then the buyer will have to deal with the a$$hole seller who screwed them.

[TheJDMan]

I don't want to hyjack this this tread but it kind of fits here. I purchased a new MSD 6A from Summit and within a couple of weeks of installing it, it failed. I called MSD tech support and the first question they ask was where I purchased it. Once I told them Summit there was no problem getting a replacement. I then ask the tech why they were so interested in where I purchaed it and was told that they have been seeing an increasing number of counterfit boxes being sold on Craigs list and Ebay. Apparently the counter fit MSD boxes come from China and look the same on the outside but only contain simple cheap electronics inside, buyer beware! Just keep in mind when looking at parts, If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is.