Clark Turner (merged thread)

[Bigbadwolf]

Was browsing the forums and saw this thread and figured I would offer my experience as everyone else has. I had my 06 STI tuned by Clark about a year ago with a very simple set. SPT short ram, SPT intake, and downpipe. I was extremely pleased with the power he pulled out of it especially on a more conservative type tune. Clark definitely knows what he is doing.

About a few months ago I was returning from a deployment and contacted Clark about a set I should go with since I wanted him to tune my car again after some parts were put in. He was very responsive and replied within hours to any email I sent. I figured I would ask him what kind of quote he could get me on a select list of parts and he referred me to a buddy of his and mine that was local in my area. I did as he said and talked parts with the person he referred me to. After much adding and subtracting on the parts list we finally came to a conclusion on what would needed to be purchased.

His referral gave me a quote and I told him to NOT purchase any parts till cash was in hand. Especially when we were talking a $3k dollar purchase. As I would think any normal person would do, I tried to see where I could get the best bundle list on parts. I ended up finding a vendor that would get me the exact same parts for around 300ish cheaper plus an aps inlet and free shipping. We were looking at an easy 600-700 dollar savings. Being only an E-3 in the military, I do not make the greatest paycheck. After talking again to his referral he seemed he did not want to match or budge at all on his price list.

So, I ended up purchasing the parts from the vendor I found that saved me a bundle. I shortly after contacted Clark to let him know that I did not purchase the parts from his referral and gave him a heads up on when I was hoping to get everything installed, etc. etc. etc.

Here is where everything gets a little funny though. I have only met Clark, ONCE, in my lifetime. Talked to him through emails and phone calls several times and always was nothing but helpful. Anyways, he was speedy in emailing me back saying how I "betrayed" him. That was odd given the fact he was usually the first person I went to for advice, the first person I would recommend anyone that needed a tune, and the only person I planned on having tune my car again. There were no loyalty issues for buying parts with him, only tuning. I could of understood his word of me betraying him if that was the case.

Clark explained to me HE had purchased all the parts list he had suggested and now he was going to have to send them back and take a 20 percent hit and pay 200 dollars for ship them back. This seemed odd as he had recommended me to his referral for parts. If he was purchasing the parts, why was there a person in the middle? Was this his secretary of some sort? Especially on a 3000 dollar purchase, why would you buy these parts before you have the case in hand?

Clark and I returned emails and I assured him I was not trying to screw him over. I even offered to help pay restocking/reshipping fees of the sort to prove I am not a misleading person. He continued to write back emails of the sort saying "how do you sleep with yourself at night" and "I treat my customers as friends, maybe I shouldnt." Etc. After all was said and done he refused to tune my car, which I guess I can understand if he HONESTLY felt betrayed. It was not my intention to screw Clark over or anyone for that matter. It seems there was just a lack in communication.

Being a business major myself, I am pretty sure Clark has been screwed over plenty of times in his career which might of led to him being hostile in my situation. I am also pretty sure that tuning is a "cut throat" business too. I think there was a break down in communication between Clark, his middle man, and myself.

The point of my story is, if Clark feels you are even slightly screwing him over, he will be quick to judge and cut you off completely. I also had a friend who had an encounter with the same middle man that ended up going sour eventually as well. Maybe Clarks middle man is the one to blame for this? Who knows?

In a nutshell, if you plan on getting a Clark tune, you will probably get a damn good tune, I have plenty of satisfied friends that have been tuned by him. But just make sure that you don't have that break in communication or you will be getting the cold shoulder.

Also, for people who are looking for tuners, there are plenty more out there. Do not feel obligated to settle on just one, after doing research once Clark refused to tune the car, I found plenty of reputable e-tuners. I ended up getting my protuned and I am happy to say the car is running extremely strong. I guess the saying that "everything happens for a reason" stands true in my case.

Well, thats my 2 cents on Clark encounter. Not so much a bad one, just a little disappointed with the customer service.

*Names of other people were left out intentionally because this thread is not about my encounters with them, but with Clark.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[Clark Turner]

This guy ordered an entire setup for his car and then never paid for it. He took my Quote and used it as a shopping list for each part to try to save himself a few dollars.

As a result of this, I chose not tune his car. Its my choice and I did not want to get involved this this guy anymore. He has a very bad reputation in El paso where he lives. Other customers came forward and told me not to deal with him.

My customers know that I am a stand up guy and I am good at what I do. Thats all that matters to me.

Now, does anyone want a full setup? I ordered it all with my money and I cant return it.. All $2000 of it sitting here collecting dust.

Clark

[Bigbadwolf]

Wow Clark, do you really want me to pull up all the emails? I never once told you I was going to buy all those parts. I came to you and asked what kind of route we should go as far as a "setup" goes. And figured I would see what you could do me for on parts figuring that you get a good deal. I did not tell you or your "El Paso Secretary" that I was going to purchase those parts yet. Why would you purchase a few thousand dollars worth of parts without getting the money first? You have been in the business game quite a while and that makes absolutely no sense. I still have the emails saved where I offered to pay the shipping back and w/e hit you were going to take as well just because I am that type of guy and to show you that I did not intend to screw you over. You are a stand up guy for the most part, I think your contacts are giving you incorrect information. Lol, "bad reputation"? Give me a break, only one who has even had the slightest problem with me was our incident.

I will give it to you that you are a damn good tuner Clark. But your people person skills are lacking. I am not the only one who has had conflicts, not with your tuning skills, but as I said "people skills". I can help you with working on your customer service skills if you would like. I know you still have my number.

[Clark Turner]

The shipping bill is about $90. The industry standard is 20% restocking fee. My paypal is my email address.

Nobody has issues with my people skills. I would never screw someone over. I have been here since 2002. I work hard and stay up late sacrificing alot of personal time to help alot of people for free. I did that for you many times.

I have three engineering degrees and a Biz degree. I am doing fine and my customers support that I am doing a great job.

Whats crazy about this is you come on here and give me a negative review and your not even my customer. You never purchased the items from me. Clearly, Your upset I chose not to tune your car. Such is life. Respect people like I do and you wont have issues like this. Your in the service Miles. You should know all about respect man.

Clark

[ronzogonzo]

Clark, I just sent you a email.

[Bigbadwolf]

Clark I didnt say that you personally screwed me over. And I "was" a customer and you have tuned my car before. I wouldn't necessarily car the review I gave you negative man. I stated that you are a hell of a tuner and we just happened to have our indifference. My post was not a "flame Clark Turner" one, but was just my experience from point of view with our encounter. You can not get upset when someone posts something negative about you. Every company/business has its negative reviews. You either take their opinions for what its worth and try to take something positive from it or you just deny any wrongdoing on your part and continue to make the same mistake.

Definitely not upset you didnt tune my car because the guy who tuned my car did an excellent job in my opinion and I am more than satisfied with it. I will get some money to your paypal if this will open your eyes and show you that it was not my intent to screw you.

The only thing that has pissed me off that you have done to me is that you took shots at my integrity. Anyone that knows me, even your El Paso peeps, know how I am. All the people you have told not to talk to me still do, so obviously they don't see it the same way you do. I am probably one of the most loyal and respectful friends you could have. And I am pretty sure my service brother and sisters that know me would say the same as well.

I still think you are a good guy Clark, you just have a few bad apples in your batch that are feeding you incorrect information. As more proof that I am not trying to screw you over or make potential clients think twice just Email or Pm me if you wish me to delete my posts.

[.one lane]

Clark do you still tune opensource or just strictly AP?

[Evil Imports]

I love the tune clark did on my sti wagon, I was running a OTS stage 2 cobb map and was having stumbling between shifts and the car just felt slower then a stock STI, after a few logs and tweaks the car pulls VERY hard and i love how it drives now, Thank you Clark

[subymd]

Clark did an awesome job on my 30r. I cant praise him enough. He's obviously busy for a reason. He is the man.

[dmcutter]

Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me, too. Clark spent a lot of time corresponding with me when I was planning my mods, long before I was a paying customer. When I finally got all the parts bolted on, the map was spot on first try. Not only does it pull like a mother when I put my foot in it, but I just finished a 1400 mile NC to NJ roundtrip this past weekend and averaged 30 mph at well above posted speed limits. Love my Subie and props to Clark.

[JSarv]

My .02...

Clark retains more knowledge than almost anyone on the board. Hes helped me with some interesting questions and is always quick to reply.

He seems to be a very to the point tuner and a good place to drop some cash for a good result.




Figured I throw it out there.

-Jerod

[MyOtherRideIsUrMom]

Got my car "e-tuned" with Clark a couple days ago. I was running a td05-18g with a map that was from Cobb. Only problem was I had added some non-map specific parts and things were running rough. Had my doubts about the whole "e" thing but decided to give it a shot. I love the way my car drives now, super smooth power curve, smooth idle, and a more predictable drive. I also had a hard time driving after resetting the learned parameters, and even that is a lot better now.

He was also quick on the emails, and would turn my logs into a revised map soon after sending. I picked his brain about some parts and a future upgrade path, and he helped me out immensely with that. In my opinion, Clark is a friendly, honest guy, that gives you the answers you need, without the BS. I would definitely recommend his services.

Thanks!

[Blackout713]

Dear, everyone who is hesitant at all, or is wondering if they want an e-tune.

Clark is very knowledgeable and has done an infinite number of safe and smooth tunes that everyone loves. He will work with you, revising your logs and sending you new maps until everything is running top notch.

I currently am employed at a smaller porsche tuning shop Redline Performance, and some

of my knowledgeable staff has seen the great work Clark has put into my car.

Keep up the good work man.

-David

[downpipe12]

I had another worthwhile experience with Clark, as I just upgraded my setup with a new intake system; APS 65mm CAI, and GMS inlet and aftamaf hose. After one map revision, my car is pulling harder than ever. It used to pull steady, now it just keeps pulling more and more. I wasn't expecting the much from just an intake and a tune, but Clark recommended it to me and he was quite on point. For those having doubts, this intake setup is way better than stock, and Clark's map upgrade was well worth it.

And, as always, Clark is friendly and pleasant, free with his advice, and spend a lot of time taking care of us all recently, even though he is not feeling well. I will definitely use Clark again for my Meth Tune and hopefully we can do E85 in person on his next Tuning Trip out to Long Island.

Thanks again Clark!

[DragginFrame]

Just finished up a map revision with Clark--I added a Cobb intake, Cobb intake box, Perrin Afta-maf, and a Perrin LW pulley to my current Stage 2 map (which was for a full exhaust, 565 injectors, Grimmspeed EBCS, STi TMIC). As always, Clark was very easy to work with---quick to get back to me with my log reviews/map revisions and to answer my questions.

My car pulls harder than ever, with really smooth power delivery--I'm VERY happy with Clark's tune. I recommend him to anyone looking to get their car tuned--he's very easy to work with and his tunes are excellent!!

[marek968]

I have 02 WRX with some mods. I tuned my car with TURBOTRiX(avoid) and since then so many problems. The biggest was "pulling timing". They tried to fix so many times . They couldn't. So on the end they ssaid the my engine is f... up. Come on. I just rebuilt the engine and I gave the new engine for tunning. Later on I heard about Clark. We has had a good comunnication.We send him DATALOGS and he send me a maps but it was still pulling timing. He told what could couse the problem so I could fix it. I did everything as he said but still was the same problem. So he sent me to his friend- DAVE BROWN so he can look at my car. He found the problem I fix the problem Clark finised the tuned and the car is running great. Big Thanks to both of them. If I will need new map-only CLARK TURNER.

[IIdiceII]

english your first language?

dave brown ftw.

[marek968]

no third

[bhpsti]

What was the problem?

[marek968]

inlet pipe

[MrSlowbaru]

dave brown.. a living legend

[tekfoc]

Dave brown was the man in my old 02 wrx he protuned .
years of service with out one single problem .
fantastic tuner and subaru tech .

[PerformanceAutoSolutions]

thats great news glad i could help...
dave

[IIdiceII]

they couldnt solve a turbo inlet problem? was it a tear or something harder to find?

dave has helped me diagnose probs on my car that most of these "tuners" and shops had no clue where to start

[gopsu]

I will soon take my car there to have him troubleshoot low boost issue with my car.