Has anyone had a favorable experience with communicating with Quadzilla and/or Quad Boenker. I have not, but I have been reluctant to speak out because I have been so pleased with the Stealth tuner. At this point I am completly disgusted with Quad's lack of response to posts, PM's, and emails. I would like to know if this is my isolated experience or is this SOP?


Quad's wife Gloria is the last person I heard from since 9/26 when she said:


"Alan,


Quad is out of town until Tuesday. I was going to try and answer your questions but it looks like you and Quad have been talking for a while. I will make sure your email is responded to and all questions are answered on Tuesday. Sorry for the delay.


Thanks


Gloria Boenker


(Quad's wife)"


I have had one other Diesel Place member contact me with his similar experience so I think it's time to ask this question of Diesel Place members. Is it just me & 1 other or is this SOP???


If Quads wife can't get him to respond how can I expect him to??


2DAMAXEdited by: DMAX2DAMAX

I would say a little bit of both for me. I did leave several messages for Quad after we had exchanged some emails and PM's to discuss my Stealth 215 setup. The email/PM's were pretty quickly responded to. After a few days he called me one evening well after normal business hours to discuss what I wanted. I know that he had to take time away from the private life to do so and we had a great conversation about the trucks, chips, tuners, etc.


I really think that they just can't keep up with demand. FWIW I have had similar experience with all the vendors of tuners and chips for the Duramax. Some good, some bad, but all in all I am happy with Quad. I don't know what we can do to help out your situation but the squeaky wheel gets the grease!

I called yesterday => No call back ,yet ..... Maybe he's related to RWTD ...

Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

He has been very helpful to me. I had 2 bad tuners and he took care of it fast. He even called me on a Sunday in Alaska to talk. I did have couple emails that were not returned but for the most part he seems to make an effort.

hunting season.........he has returned every message I left, called me after hours and has really got a great personality and has been a great help. He did tell me that he does take some time off to hunt...dave

Maverick, what were the symptoms of your bad tuners?

I bought a Quad from Van but it repeatedly froze up on me as I tried to tune the truck, at random places during the dialogue. I managed to get a tune installed but it ran like crap. Fortunately I managed to restore it back to stock. Went through the whole cycle again with the same result. The whole experience was frustrating.

Van was OUTSTANDING ... responded very quickly to my e-mails and sent me a prompt refund.

I kind of wrote it off to the unit not being compatible with my truck ... was torn about whether or not to try another one but decided against it when Van couldn't confirm the unit was bad.

I can get the Predator to work and I'm happy with it. But even it sometimes gives me "script interpreter error" while downloading, and once it completely froze up during a download. Scary deal because after one of these errors, the truck won't start and the Predator says no VIN. But unplugging and replugging the Predator, it goes into a recovery mode and gets it back to stock.

Maverick, what were the symptoms of your bad tuners?

I bought a Quad from Van but it repeatedly froze up on me as I tried to tune the truck, at random places during the dialogue. I managed to get a tune installed but it ran like crap. Fortunately I managed to restore it back to stock. Went through the whole cycle again with the same result. The whole experience was frustrating.

Van was OUTSTANDING ... responded very quickly to my e-mails and sent me a prompt refund.

I kind of wrote it off to the unit not being compatible with my truck ... was torn about whether or not to try another one but decided against it when Van couldn't confirm the unit was bad.

I can get the Predator to work and I'm happy with it. But even it sometimes gives me "script interpreter error" while downloading, and once it completely froze up during a download. Scary deal because after one of these errors, the truck won't start and the Predator says no VIN. But unplugging and replugging the Predator, it goes into a recovery mode and gets it back to stock.


I tried 2 Stealth (tow version) tuners as well and couldn't get either to work on my truck. Various symptoms with both ... errors trying to change levels, although mostly successful with levels 1,2 often got errors trying 3,4. Quad was VERY helpful and we spoke several times on the phone ... I think alot of it has to due with 'LT' models and or OnStar as it seems the LT electronics cause a lot of problems with the Stealth ... Quad had me yanking specific fuses, etc. to try and isolate the problem but finally I gave up. I'm still planning buy a Stealth once I can get one that works reliably. My 2 cents.

Coincidentally, I had sent a msg. to quad yesterday morning with no feedback yet. It's only about 26 hrs. ago so no big deal.


I recall some mentioning to turn your OnStar off prior to programming in case there is any communication with your vehicle, it could interrupt the ECM reprogramming.


So far I've just been rolling the dice and not disabling mine, nor will I be renewing the service. Someone should start a poll - do you intend to or did you renew your onstar service?


Perhaps we could arrange a group purchase. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif

There have also been past issues with using different programmers on the same ECU. It was with various GM gas engines. For some reason Install Programer 1, remove it, install programmer 2 now you have a non-usable ECU. I’m aware of it happening on a LS1. I believe the combo was hypertech – superchip. I have heard of other instances in some of the LS1edit forums.


From what I understood previously, On-Star communicates periodically much like you cell phone does when you are not talking on it. If it communicates while downloading to the ecu, it can cause an incomplete load. Depending on where the data is in may even prevent it from returning to stock.


Maybe some of the tuners can comment

Ok, maybe we can kill several birds with one stone here.





Alan,


Sorry i didn't get back with you I thought I had answered all of your questions? I did ask Gloria, and she said you had sent an e-mail while I was out, and she responded to you. Then she deleted it!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif I am sure that she told me to get back with you, but I guess I forgot or didn't listen or something. Email me your questions and I will get back with you ASAP as I can't find the e-mail now.





I have been very very very busy with several issues we are correcting. WE have had 2 problems that are very frustrating to me. The first is a VIN# Mis-match. I have that fixed. I have only had a couple of tuners do this and if you have sent one in you will be recieving your new one in a day or two and it will work fine.


The second porblem is the freezing up and not wanting to change power levels on some trucks. To this day I have no idea why they do this. From what I have seen it is not just our tuner, but I have done everything I can to stop it from acting up. We tested on several problem trucks and only had one freeze up. We disconnected it and tried it again and it has worked fine since. I think for the most part this problem is fixed as well.





Mav,


I think your tuner was shipped back out, if it wasn't please let me know.





Mackin,


I am tryin......





I will try to get caught up on emails and messages...hope this helps.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

From my experience with Quad he has been very forthcoming with info. Granted I'm sure he gets an immense amount of voicemail, email, pm's, etc. As other have stated, he called me back after business hours and talked to me for several hours. Being that he is ahead of me in time zones, he didn't hang up the phone until after 2:00am his time! He is a busy guy but really does take time away from his personal life to get back to people!

My freeze-ups weren't OnStar related, I don't have OnStar.

Freeze ups are related to different things messaging the ECM. It is not always Onstar related.








Quad

Topdog,


My first tuner was a 50-110. It loaded fine and could switch to different levels but could not get the speedo to correct. I set it back to stock and installed the speedo only and it still didn't work. I was gonna install the 50 tune and it scrambled my VIN. It said VIN-MIS MATCH but didn't display my whole vin. Sent it back and Quad sent me another next day air to Alaska and I installed the 50 and left for the lower 48. I tried to install the 110 while in Edmonton, AB to show a DP lurker and it wouldn't install. Said re-flash error. Worked on the other 3 tunes. Stopped at Matt's (SoMnDmax) and tried the 110 on his truck and would not install either. Sent it back again and this new 135 seems to work awesome so far. Loaded on the first try. Excellent service from Quad.


Quad, got the new 135. Works awesome. Just need a tranny up grade to hold it.Edited by: Maverick

Quad,


Please forgive me if this seems a bit skeptical but I'll post the questions here as it appears you may actually respond here if not to emails or PM's. This has not been your failure to respond to just one email, but a series of unanswered PM's which you have said you don't do well with, a Diesel Place Post where you said you would post pics & didn't, and several unanswered emails, even one after the one Gloria responded to. I don't mean to make more of this than it is but please don't try to minimze it either.


This is essentially a list of the questions that were in the email that Gloria responded to on 9/26:


1. We are having a dyno day in GA and I want to run higher HP tunes but want/need gauges before moving up. You replied to a post stating you mounted the thermocouple in a slightly different spot than the aka hoot spot. You said you were going to post pictures and I asked if you would along with your explanation as to why you preferred this location. I'd like to hear your reasons and see the location before I decide.


2. You quoted me $xxx (if you don't recall the amount I can send you an email if you don't want it posted) to upgrade my Tow tuner with the 165HP tune because you don't have a 150HP tune. What other mods will I need before I go to 165HP tune?


3. Must I return my tune to stock and send you the tuner for the upgrade or is there a download available?


4. If I go for the $xxx 165HP tune upgrade, what lower tunes will I have?


5. I had seen a post stating that you gave a xx% (if you don't recall the actual percentage I can send you an email if you don't want it posted) discount to BB members, can you confirm or deny?


Thanks!


2DAMAX


PS. I have had no problems with my Staelth tuner, it is awesome!! I would like other Quadzilla products but I'm concerned that I may have problems getting resolution if I do have a problem with Quadzilla products. Who wouldn't given my experience to date?

1. We are having a dyno day in GA and I want to run higher HP tunes but want/need gauges before moving up. You replied to a post stating you mounted the thermocouple in a slightly different spot than the aka hoot spot. You said you were going to post pictures and I asked if you would along with your explanation as to why you preferred this location. I'd like to hear your reasons and see the location before I decide.


I just need time to take another picture. It is essentially inthe same place. I choose to go a little closer to the turbo...like 1-2 inches. I feel that if I install it in the thinner tube where it is bent 90 deg I get a better read of all 4 cylinders. I think the HOOT spot is fine, I just move it to a slightly different place.








2. You quoted me $xxx (if you don't recall the amount I can send you an email if you don't want it posted) to upgrade my Tow tuner with the 165HP tune because you don't have a 150HP tune. What other mods will I need before I go to 165HP tune?





It depends. On a dyno you are probably fine. If you want to run it on the street you will need an exhaust, gauges, a transmission. An intake system would be nice as well. Even with this the egt's will probably we a little on the warm side.


3. Must I return my tune to stock and send you the tuner for the upgrade or is there a download available?





Send it to me.





4. If I go for the $xxx 165HP tune upgrade, what lower tunes will I have?





70-110-135-165





5. I had seen a post stating that you gave a xx% (if you don't recall the actual percentage I can send you an email if you don't want it posted) discount to BB members, can you confirm or deny?





At one point I gave 10% to thedieselpage members. I really don't haveas running policy on this right now. WE have several dealers that are reachable on both boards and they give good discounts as well.





If that doesn't answer them let me know.





Thanks,





Quad








PS. I have had no problems with my Staelth tuner, it is awesome!! I would like other Quadzilla products but I'm concerned that I may have problems getting resolution if I do have a problem with Quadzilla products. Who wouldn't given my experience to date?

Quad sorry about the Cell connections ..... Also when you get the message I left on the answering machine dissregard ....

I had someone else on the line ,I was in three way calling and didn't know till I got a message from your machine push "2" to playback or something ... It willl be entertaining 5min discussion about going to the packy,flogging a DODGE and a Watertown cop with Diesel Smoke .... I'll PM you my numbers ....

Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

2DAMAX wrote: We are having a dyno day in GA and I want to run higher HP tunes


Looks like somebody is gonna make a run at my top Duramax dyno spot at DPM. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif Of course, since he has only run just a few Duramax trucks on the dyno it was not that hard. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif I am looking forward to seeing you there and I hope we get some more southeast folks to show up. Where are you guys....?????? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


I think that you will be just fine for a few dyno passes with that setup, the run is a lot shorter than a balls out 1/4 mile pass in duration or a long hill climb with a loaded trailer. Get that puppy upgraded and let's put it on the rollers! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Has anyone had a favorable experience with communicating with Quadzilla and/or Quad Boenker. I have not, but I have been reluctant to speak out because I have been so pleased with the Stealth tuner. At this point I am completly disgusted with Quad's lack of response to posts, PM's, and emails. I would like to know if this is my isolated experience or is this SOP?





2DAMAX i for one can only say good things about quadzilla power and the customer service.sorry your experience has yet to be as good .i am soon quad and the staff will do thier best to make sure you are happy in the long run.....jess

My dealings with Quad have been mixed.


Unfortunately, I'm one of those who have been impacted by the VIN mismatch problem Quad mentioned above. I have the Tow tuner and I've been stuck on the 90HP tune for 2 weeks (and counting) while my tuner is fixed. The only real problem it's caused is I had to cancel a trip last weekend because I couldn't tow my trailer for a weekend getaway due to EGT issues.


Quad did answer all my presales questions promptly, and Mark (who's been working the vin-mismatch issue) has been responsive all along.


Since I had my tuner @ Quad's place for troubleshooting, last week I asked if I could get a break on the upgrade cost to the next performance level ($145 List). Quad said no. I thought that a little odd since I just spent a week helping them troubleshoot the problem before waiting 2 weeks+ for a fix. That's his perogative, but definitely not the spirit you would expect when helping a vendor troubleshoot an issue so that others might avoid it altogether.


I'll post an update on my experience when my current service issue is resolved.

Quadzilla said:


"The second porblem is the freezing up and not wanting to change power levels on some trucks. To this day I have no idea why they do this. From what I have seen it is not just our tuner, but I have done everything I can to stop it from acting up. We tested on several problem trucks and only had one freeze up. We disconnected it and tried it again and it has worked fine since. I think for the most part this problem is fixed as well."


Have you identified any association with the lock-ups and truck year? When you tested on problematic trucks, were at least one of these 03 LT models with OnStar? I am anxious to give the Stealth another try ... but don't want to have to be jerking fuses, etc. to disable gizmo's before changing tunes.


If I order another, should I order directly from you to ensure I get the "latest" version with whatever fixes you have implemented?


The problems I had with both previous tuners were primarily lock-ups, could get to tune 3 about 1/5 times and never 4. This was with all the fuses removed you had me remove.


Some people have referenced turning off OnStar? How is this done? Is there a switch or something somewhere or are they talking about pulling fuses? Hell, I've never used the worthless piece of ....

Quad,


Thank you for your response! It would appear at this point at least that the early collective thoughts here are mixed. I would not want to be rushing to judgement or cast anything in stone at this point as we all know that


http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4_5_7.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)!!


In my mind, which may have a rather narrow bandwidth, in fact, it's been said that it is so narrow that if I fell on a straight pin I would poke out both of my eyes, trust & respect are 2 things that we extend to each other and that also must be earned. This has been and is an opportunity to exercise that principle and exercise like practice is what makes us what we are. It has been good to see the positive responses of some so I'm going to continue to extend both trust & respect to you and I hope this incident will be proven to be my isolated experience and if not that we learn from it and it is not perpetuated. I say we because with all communications, and especially this media, both sides have a role in insuring what was intended to be communicated is understood by the other. Usually, the only way this can be known for sure is when what the other person says back to me what they think I said, matches what I thought I said.


I would appreciate a little further clarification on a couple points:


This was your reply to this question:


3. Must I return my tune to stock and send you the tuner for the upgrade or is there a download available?





"Send it to me."


To be clearer,if I send you the tuner for the upgrade must I first return my truck to the stock tune to avoid any possible issues?

AND:




5. I had seen a post stating that you gave a xx% (if you don't recall the actual percentage I can send you an email if you don't want it posted) discount to BB members, can you confirm or deny?





"At one point I gave 10% to thedieselpage members. I really don't haveas running policy on this right now. WE have several dealers that are reachable on both boards and they give good discounts as well."

Does "at one point" mean that you are not currently honoring that offer to TDP members (as I am still one) if they ask for it? If yes, will you extend that same offer to Diesel Place members or must we contact a middleman? That would not be preferred when considering the possibility of potential issues as noted by some responders above. Does not having a running policy mean that you are not extending the same offer to Diesel Place members that you do/did to TDP members?
Thanks!
2DAMAX

http://www.smileycentral.com/sigpc=ZSzeb005 (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb005)

Quad wrote:


"If that doesn't answer them let me know.





Thanks,





Quad"


Quad,


Please help me understand how you can make 5 posts in "Power & Performance," where this topic is located, between when I "let you know" I had more questions and now and you haven't replied? You posted at 1:34pm, 5:11pm, 7:21pm, 11:06pm & 11:16pm in HP numbers from stack. It seems (I don't want to judge) like you prefer to exchange barbs rather than answer questions. I know I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer or your biggest potential customer but I get the impression that a vendor that posts on this site is suppose to be here to help others when he can and not stir the pot. If I'm wrong about that would the mods please speak?


2DAMAX

Alan,


1.) Yes, you must return your tuner to stock.


2.) I do not discuss pricing on any forum. As I said there are several well known vendors that carry my product, and a lot of the time they can give you a better deal than I can. Call Van, Kenedy, or Mac's just to name a few.


Don't get me wrong, I have no problem selling stuff but I am here more for info than to sell stuff. I don't watch forums like a hawk, yes if there is a thread that strikes my intrest I keep an eye on it. I usually run in and out. I am not exchanging barbs.....544rwhp with a simple stack? You believe that?


I try to answer questions and give the info that is needed. If you post send me an e-mail and tell me that you asked some questions, I have no problem answering them, its just that sometimes I don't see them.





Tophog,


All of the 03 trucks are more tempermental than any other year of truck. Onstar trucks seem to be worse, but it can happen without Onstar.


We believe we have fixed the problem. My truck is pretty tempermental ( 03 no Onstar ) and it seems to take it fine on every try. We also had about 4-5 trucks that were local and had problems try it and they worked great as well.


Here is the good news. The way we save the stock information you should never be able to disable your truck. My biggest concern is a truck being completely down, and I believe we have taken the needed steps to stop that from happening. I have only had a couple of VIN mismatches and we have the problem solved. In most situations the worst case scenario if it were to freeze, is simply un plug it and try again. You should be able to go directly to the tuning portion and tune right away.





With any tuner on the market, you may have to jerk a fuse or two. I am trying to make it work without doing so much, but some trucks might have to? Disabling Onstar is a matter of pulling a fuse. WE also like to disable the theft system on the radio and ignition system.


AS far as versions are concerned, don't worry about it unless you have had trouble. IF you have make sure you get v1.08. If you haven't been having trouble then keep it and have fun as you won't notice any difference in the latest update. WE haven't made any software changes, we have just changed the way we do it slightly.


I would suggest calling your vendor, and he can have it dropshipped to you in a situation like this. If you liked the power and still want one I think it would be worth a try to see if the changes we made help you.





Hope this helps,





Quad

Tophog: If you get a new Quad, please report back as to whether or not it solves the issues for you. If they really have this freeze-up thing fixed, I may be persuaded to try it again. But I really don't want to go through all that frustration again, I want to know it's fixed before I buy one.

Also, an open question to anyone, have you seen any fuel mileage improvement from the Quad? I've run a couple tanks through my truck with the Predator 65hp tune installed and the mileage has definitely improved 1-2mpg.

Quad,


Thanks for the answers. I know you talk to 100's of people within a week and probably don't remember me. I did have problems ... I tried two separate tuners you sent me directly. Both had problems ... never could change tunes without getting errors ... was able to get to 1 and 2 quite often ... but never 3 or 4 ... and this was with fuses pulled.


I am willing to try again and based on my previous problem I do what to make sure I get the LATEST version. From what you have said in previous posts ... I would probably be safer getting from you? or have your resellers been updated with 1.08's recently?


ZFMax, I will keep you posted ... not sure exactly when I'll get another Stealth ... I feel your previous pain and frustration too. Been there done that. The tire size is my primary motivating factor right now ... like to have odometer show correct stats as I hate computing "real" mileage and MPG for maint and checking my mileage.

Tophog: If you get a new Quad, please report back as to whether or not it solves the issues for you. If they really have this freeze-up thing fixed, I may be persuaded to try it again. But I really don't want to go through all that frustration again, I want to know it's fixed before I buy one.

Also, an open question to anyone, have you seen any fuel mileage improvement from the Quad? I've run a couple tanks through my truck with the Predator 65hp tune installed and the mileage has definitely improved 1-2mpg.


I think I am getting at least 2mpg more with the Quad 110hp than without. I noticed no milage improvement on the 50hp tune, but the other 3 tunes all seems to gain some milage.


I am so itching to try the 135 and 165hp tunes, but I am waiting for a few of the bugs to get worked out. I have a fishbite problem on both the 70 and 90hp tunes that bugs me so much, I have put it in the 110hp setting, and leave it there (EVEN TOWING). I wrote Quad about this twice and never got a reply. I never heard anyone else mention fishbite with the Quad, so I am guessing I might be the only one with the problem. I have since installed an intake and exhaust, so perhaps the problem is gone, but I love the 110hp setting so much, I don't plan on going back and finding out.

tophog,


we have sent out a ton to dealers so most of the should be updated. If you will let me know where you buy from I will tell you if they aer updated or not. Send me a PM.





Amric,





You aren't the only one who has "fish bite" I call it surging. We haeva few people that have it, and it seems to be above 23-2400 rpms and at a stead cruise. We have also found that it doesn't usually do it in cruise control. We are going to have an update that fixes this on the trucks that have it. We have also found that a couple of the trucks were fixed after a fuel filter change? Usually it is only in 70hp mode as well.





Hope that helps.





Quad

I was running in the 70hp tune today and also noticed I have the "fishbite" or surge happening around 2400 rpm. Very noticable. Hope there is a fix soon and what will I have to do to get it fixed?

** Update from my post above **


I spoke with Quad on Friday about my vin-mismatch problem. He took 10-15 minute to talk to me about issues associated with this problem, and assured me that it had been fixed and I would have my tuner back the next morning (Saturday).


Saturday morning at 9am UPS had it to my door and I tested it all day today. No vin-mismatch, and works like a charm. Loaded every level from 50 to 110HP with no problems.


Quad even told me how to reach him over the weekend if I had questions.


Happy customer out West,


Doug

I was running in the 70hp tune today and also noticed I have the "fishbite" or surge happening around 2400 rpm. Very noticable. Hope there is a fix soon and what will I have to do to get it fixed?








EEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!! Maybe I shouldn't have elaborated on the fish bite issue! Now everyone is going to try and make it do it!


Let me also saay why I haven't made it a mass priority to fix the fishbite and release a reflash already. At 2400 and higher you are moving pretty good...80mph or better. WE felt that there were only a few of you that were running "light" throttle or cruising at those speeds for the most part. WE will fix them when we do release a re-flash.





Glad to hear everything works well Doug. Sorry it took so long to get it back, but we wanted to get it right. I think so far all the problems are fixed!





Quad

Yeah, I did try it on purpose to see if my truck would do it. Like you said I probably won't be running those speeds at those RPM's very often, but I'm wondering about what happens when pulling out to pass someone on a 2-lane highway and it shifts down to 4th. Then I will be in those RPM ranges and don't want this surging to happen when there is an oncoming car bearing down on me.


I'll play around with it some more and see if I really need it upgraded, but it's always nice to have something that is 100% working too.Edited by: Minn-Kota

Quad,


Again, thanks for your responses! I had a boss once that wasn't much for emails so everyone had to learn how best to get his attention when needed! I have my issues too! Don't we all??


I have to admit, I found it humorous that you suggested I email you when I post questions, since I started this thread because of you not responding to email, but what the hey!


I would still appreciate pic's on the thermocouple install when they are available. Thanks again & LOL!!


2DAMAX


BTW, you have mail!Edited by: DMAX2DAMAX

Glad everything is working.





I really apologize for being har dto get a hold of. I just checked my mail and I have 229 messages.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


Its hard to keep up.