Thanks Hennessey Performance!

[BigCarrot]

Recently I needed some wheels and tires for one of my vehicles. I called John Hennessey at Hennessey Performance and they did a great job taking care of me. Thanks HPE for your help!

 

[JGK95]

Sure wanted to test out the word filters didn't you.

 

[Marc Lublin]

Hey, no cussing on this website. You wouldn't want your kids to hear you mentioning the H word!

 

[GT40DOC]

Somehow I think this thread is going to get multiple comments!!

 

[grcforce327]

Gary Almond,it was great getting to meet you! Sorry that you were one of many that got screwed out of a large sum of money .Maybe this JH clown can take some wheel money,mile race money or sell his damn car money and pay you back what he owes you!!!You're a standup guy in my book!Thanks Again!


Guy C.

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[HARDVIPER]

Well what exactly did John Hennessey at Hennessey Performance do?

 

[AviP]

Well what exactly did John Hennessey at Hennessey Performance do?

He was the first Viper tuner back in the days. He was featured in all the magazines of the time with his Viper Venom packages called Venom 500/550/600 for $10K/20K/30K respectively. Then one day, things went south and he started taking money without delivering the goods. Eventually word of mouth via the VCA brought an end to Hennessey's business with the Viper community. If you typed Hennessey in the old forum, you would get ********.

There's your history lesson.

Moderator:
Please leave Hennessey the way it is. It's better reading his name than calling him the H-word.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

What does this even have to do with Gen1/2.

 

[ACELLR8]

Lets see some pics of the wheels, not the reach around

 

[Kenny]

He was the first Viper tuner back in the days. He was featured in all the magazines of the time with his Viper Venom packages called Venom 500/550/600 for $10K/20K/30K respectively. Then one day, things went south and he started taking money without delivering the goods. Eventually word of mouth via the VCA brought an end to Hennessey's business with the Viper community. If you typed Hennessey in the old forum, you would get ********.

There's your history lesson.

Moderator:
Please leave Hennessey the way it is. It's better reading his name than calling him the H-word.

I don't think the VCA even dented his Viper business (at least not as much as the emergence of other Viper tuners did). A magazine article recently put Hennessey's annual gross sales at over $4 million.

I've done business with John and had good experience. That said, I am neither denying nor minimizing what happened in the past. I am saying that John is not---by far---the only Viper tuner to ever have ripped off or be sued by a customer. He is unfortunately the only one who's name the former administrator of the website saw fit to censor. Good riddance to that policy and those behind it.

My advice is whether you deal with John or any other tuner, get your prices, scope of work, and timetable in a written contract. Communicate with them regularly, but not annoyingly so, and don't let deadlines or costs get past what was agreed without written addendum. Then you'll stay friends with your tuner.

Kenny

 

[viperrt96]

This is from someone else's gallery so.....

Don't shoot the messenger

 

[big-n-italian]

My advice is whether you deal with John or any other tuner, get your prices, scope of work, and timetable in a written contract. Communicate with them regularly, but not annoyingly so, and don't let deadlines or costs get past what was agreed without written addendum. Then you'll stay friends with your tuner.

GREAT - NOW you tell us.

 

[2002_Viper_GTS_ACR]

I think this has more to do with filters not being re-enabled YET, then it is the allowance of the Hen-Ass-c name in the forums.

 

[street carp]

Sports Car International has two H-Vipers on its May '07 cover with full test drives and write ups. There's a glowing side article just on JH, but it does describe him as a "savvy, shrewd entepreneur."

 

[Kenny]

I think this has more to do with filters not being re-enabled YET, then it is the allowance of the Hen-Ass-c name in the forums.

You want to put money on that?

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

I don't think the VCA even dented his Viper business (at least not as much as the emergence of other Viper tuners did). A magazine article recently put Hennessey's annual gross sales at over $4 million.

I've done business with John and had good experience. That said, I am neither denying nor minimizing what happened in the past. I am saying that John is not---by far---the only Viper tuner to ever have ripped off or be sued by a customer. He is unfortunately the only one who's name the former administrator of the website saw fit to censor. Good riddance to that policy and those behind it.

My advice is whether you deal with John or any other tuner, get your prices, scope of work, and timetable in a written contract. Communicate with them regularly, but not annoyingly so, and don't let deadlines or costs get past what was agreed without written addendum. Then you'll stay friends with your tuner.

Kenny

A slight correction. I don't have a dog in this fight nor do I want one at this point, but his name was not censored only by the former administrator of this site. It was censored by the web committee with the approval of the national officers. The problem was deemed to be that large at the time.
There were multiple considerations to that censorship and only the asteriks are undone re that policy at this time and only because your two friendly admins were drunk with power at 5am when we finished lighting this version up. We could be reversed by the comm. or the national officers.
So if as I suspect from all I have read in the past several years John wants to move forward he might consider pulling the strings a bit tighter on a few of his customers here who want to bring the whole thing up again or gloat at this change. Looking at this thread it would appear to me that there is as much negativity to be exposed as there is new publicity to be gained. That by the way was another reason for the policy, the converstaions caused so much anger from the opposing camps that it became a serious moderation problem.
Perhaps we should all just reflect quietly on the evolving changes and not let the disussions drop down to gloating or finger pointing about the the past.
John might even agree that would be in his best business interest anyway.

 

[Kenny]

A slight correction. I don't have a dog in this fight nor do I want one at this point, but his name was not censored only by the former administrator of this site. It was censored by the web committee with the approval of the national officers. The problem was deemed to be that large at the time.
There were multiple considerations to that censorship and only the asteriks are undone re that policy at this time and only because your two friendly admins were drunk with power at 5am when we finished lighting this version up. We could be reversed by the comm. or the national officers.
So if as I suspect from all I have read in the past several years John wants to move forward he might consider pulling the strings a bit tighter on a few of his customers here who want to bring the whole thing up again or gloat at this change. Looking at this thread it would appear to me that there is as much negativity to be exposed as there is new publicity to be gained. That by the way was another reason for the policy, the converstaions caused so much anger from the opposing camps that it became a serious moderation problem.
Perhaps we should all just reflect quietly on the evolving changes and not let the disussions drop down to gloating or finger pointing about the the past.
John might even agree that would be in his best business interest anyway.

If you're referencing me, my strings aren't pulled by John Hennessey. I've got no interest in him or his business and I can assure you that he has absolutely no control over anything I do or say.

With that out of the way, I've got to say that I what I am really celebrating is the end to an unfair and discriminatory policy that one company took the brunt of. If the web committee is going to hold McCarthy style hearings of who to put on their censor list for screwing customers, please post the requirements and make them a sticky. I'm sure we've all seen the recent lawsuit posted at Viper Alley involving one tuner and everyone has had to endure the recent and prolonged Ohio-Florida episode, so I'm sure you'll have plenty of petitioners lining up.

Again, my posts are not meant to be inflammatory or offensive---rather I am celebrating the new day brought about by our web committee who has given us new technology and common sense rules to abide by.

History is what it is, gentlemen. Perhaps as a lawyer I tend to be more keenly aware of the public records than most, but I have little sympathy for anyone who does not avail themselves of the courthouse records of the county in which their tuner is domiciled prior to sending them a vehicle and tens---perhaps hundreds---of thousands of dollars in addition to outlining the rights and obligations of both parties in a binding contractual agreement. As another lawyer and I discussed a number of months ago regarding the protracted whining of one individual, if a tuner took advantage of me, the only thing I would be posting on the internet would be a copy of the final money judgment.

Finally, in the even that anyone was disgruntled by my "Want to put money on that?" comment, I will offer the same explanation as above---I've got enough confidence in our web committee based upon recent performance that I'd be willing to place a wager on them continuing to do the right thing.

Kenny

 

[GR8_ASP]

This topic has been discussed at length before. I was always on the side of allowing informative posts to let the public beware. Hiding his name probably did more benefit than harm to Hennessey.

I do not believe censorship is appropriate because you do not agree with something. Open and honest communication is almost always better. I took that fight to Jay on many occasions. Never knew why he was so absolute on the topic.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Kenny, don't get me started on our screwed up "justice" system.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

ah what the heck

Chronologically

Uninsured motorist (good thing we have a law requiring insurance < sarcasm ) runs stop sign, hits me and receives ticket. I provide estimate of $x and ask, “Where’s my money?”
Our justice system replies, “Oh, you have to get a lawyer and go to court.”
Me, “But he got the ticket!”
Our justice system, “Sorry. Gotta get a lawyer and go to court.”

2 years later…
Our justice system, “Congrats Mr. Babel. You won your judgment.”
Me, “Great, where’s my money?”
Our justice system replies, “Oh, you have to get a lawyer and go to court.”
Me, “But I just came from court!!!”
Our justice system, “Sorry. Gotta get a lawyer and go to court.”

Present day…
Stay tuned.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

If you're referencing me, my strings aren't pulled by John Hennessey. I've got no interest in him or his business and I can assure you that he has absolutely no control over anything I do or say.

With that out of the way, I've got to say that I what I am really celebrating is the end to an unfair and discriminatory policy that one company took the brunt of. If the web committee is going to hold McCarthy style hearings of who to put on their censor list for screwing customers, please post the requirements and make them a sticky. I'm sure we've all seen the recent lawsuit posted at Viper Alley involving one tuner and everyone has had to endure the recent and prolonged Ohio-Florida episode, so I'm sure you'll have plenty of petitioners lining up.

Again, my posts are not meant to be inflammatory or offensive---rather I am celebrating the new day brought about by our web committee who has given us new technology and common sense rules to abide by.

History is what it is, gentlemen. Perhaps as a lawyer I tend to be more keenly aware of the public records than most, but I have little sympathy for anyone who does not avail themselves of the courthouse records of the county in which their tuner is domiciled prior to sending them a vehicle and tens---perhaps hundreds---of thousands of dollars in addition to outlining the rights and obligations of both parties in a binding contractual agreement. As another lawyer and I discussed a number of months ago regarding the protracted whining of one individual, if a tuner took advantage of me, the only thing I would be posting on the internet would be a copy of the final money judgment.

Finally, in the even that anyone was disgruntled by my "Want to put money on that?" comment, I will offer the same explanation as above---I've got enough confidence in our web committee based upon recent performance that I'd be willing to place a wager on them continuing to do the right thing.

Kenny

Appreciate your confidence but I just can't let a couple of those comments slide
Take your own advice and do a little research on court records and Better Business filings. All this happened before you were here. There was a TIDAL wave of complaints AND a tidal wave of documented legal action to back up the complaints. Indeed as a lawyer please appreciate that the volume of litigation proceeding was enough for the club to not only distance itself from the tuner but to try and tamp down discussion on the board for fear of being drawn in. I say again, do the research, this was in no way similar to any of the other situations that have arisen with other tuners both with respect to the number of filings and the level of the allegations.
There were no McCarthy style hearings as you say but a reasoned response by National Officers and the comm. to the voluminous complaints and litigation. And with respect to the "unfair and discriminatory practice" comment a careful reading of the bylaws will reveal not only that they were followed in this instance but that the officers had no recourse but to follow them.
If the search engine now works you might also avail yourself of the many threads relating to this and if you do so you will find that the acrimony was so bad that it was impossible to moderate. Waaay before I had a wand so I was only a reader but I remember it well.
John has admitted to these circumstances and to his great credit has worked tirelessly to turn things around and he seems to be making incredible gains in that regard but I doubt even he would say that he did not understand the original action as it was taken by the club. But I think we would all agree the asterik thing was a bit silly and that's why it's gone.

 

[99 R/T 10]

I don't think the VCA even dented his Viper business (at least not as much as the emergence of other Viper tuners did). A magazine article recently put Hennessey's annual gross sales at over $4 million.

I've done business with John and had good experience. That said, I am neither denying nor minimizing what happened in the past. I am saying that John is not---by far---the only Viper tuner to ever have ripped off or be sued by a customer. He is unfortunately the only one who's name the former administrator of the website saw fit to censor. Good riddance to that policy and those behind it.

My advice is whether you deal with John or any other tuner, get your prices, scope of work, and timetable in a written contract. Communicate with them regularly, but not annoyingly so, and don't let deadlines or costs get past what was agreed without written addendum. Then you'll stay friends with your tuner.

Kenny

Very well said! I have bought a couple of things from John and he has always come thru for me. There have been past problems, but he has and still is making amends and has done right by me. The key here is clear communications!

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Kenny, don't get me started on our screwed up "justice" system.

When did we get a justice system at all? Did I sleep through it?:cuss:

 

[Kenny]

Appreciate your confidence but I just can't let a couple of those comments slide
Take your own advice and do a little research on court records and Better Business filings. All this happened before you were here. There was a TIDAL wave of complaints AND a tidal wave of documented legal action to back up the complaints. Indeed as a lawyer please appreciate that the volume of litigation proceeding was enough for the club to not only distance itself from the tuner but to try and tamp down discussion on the board for fear of being drawn in. I say again, do the research, this was in no way similar to any of the other situations that have arisen with other tuners both with respect to the number of filings and the level of the allegations.
There were no McCarthy style hearings as you say but a reasoned response by National Officers and the comm. to the voluminous complaints and litigation. And with respect to the "unfair and discriminatory practice" comment a careful reading of the bylaws will reveal not only that they were followed in this instance but that the officers had no recourse but to follow them.
If the search engine now works you might also avail yourself of the many threads relating to this and if you do so you will find that the acrimony was so bad that it was impossible to moderate. Waaay before I had a wand so I was only a reader but I remember it well.
John has admitted to these circumstances and to his great credit has worked tirelessly to turn things around and he seems to be making incredible gains in that regard but I doubt even he would say that he did not understand the original action as it was taken by the club. But I think we would all agree the asterik thing was a bit silly and that's why it's gone.

Quite to the contrary, my friend, I am well aware of Hennessey's past, having not only read every published article but also some court records and every first hand internet account I could find---all horrible stuff for sure. In fact, if you read my first posts here, I very clearly state,

That said, I am neither denying nor minimizing what happened in the past.

I think you and I are on exactly the same page in our views---mine is that people with enough means to afford a Viper should also have enough sense to protect themselves from being taken advantage of without the involvment of the club. Caveat Emptor.

Lee, the one thing you said that I will take exception with is that because the bylaws were followed the result was not unfair or discriminatory. If a club were to make a bylaw against the inclusion of Italians, I think I would find that pretty unfair and discriminatory, even if the board followed every letter of the law.

There are tuners out there who have been sued as much Hennessey---but John's always been good at getting publicity. I know he was very fair with me---shipped me parts and told me to just send him a check when I got them.

In any event, I believe our thoughts on this matter are more alike than they are different and I'm very excited about all of the changes within the VCA.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I think you and I are on exactly the same page in our views---mine is that people with enough means to afford a Viper should also have enough sense to protect themselves from being taken advantage of without the involvment of the club. Caveat Emptor.

To be fair Kenny, it isn't unreasonable that one would think dozens of cover spreads and articles published in national magazines would add substantial merit to a tuner's reputation. We have now learned that that isn't the case, thanks to the internet.

As for researching public records it wasn't so easy to do "pre-internet." Gore might have created the internet but it really didn't get rolling until circa 2000. Not to mention the legal ease in all those documents is barely decipherable for the average guy.

I'm all for caveat emptor, but within reason.

 

[Kenny]

To be fair Kenny, it isn't unreasonable that one would think dozens of cover spreads and articles published in national magazines would add substantial merit to a tuner's reputation. We have now learned that that isn't the case, thanks to the internet.

As for researching public records it wasn't so easy to do "pre-internet." Gore might have created the internet but it really didn't get rolling until circa 2000. Not to mention the legal ease in all those documents is barely decipherable for the average guy.

I'm all for caveat emptor, but within reason.

Chuck, it may be my opinion, but if you're going to send someone a $50k+ car and $20k+ in cash, you should have an attorney in the tuner's locality review the agreement presented to you by the tuner (or draft one if none is presented) and check the tuner out. This would only cost a few hundred bucks and would save a world of heartache. It's not an internet thing, or a trust issue, it's a just protect your intrest thing.

I'm inclined to say this is common sense, but I'm a bit hypersensitive on this issue. I can tell you that if you do the above and the **** hits the fan, you've increased your chances of recovering by about 10000%.

Beyond that though buddy, I agree with you that the national magazine PR lends a layer of credibility to a tuner. And when you see a big fancy shop full of high dollar cars, you tend to think you're dealing with a straight up guy. But Hennessey isn't the only glossy magazine tuner to be sued by a client. Just goes to show you can never be too careful.

 

[big-n-italian]

I think you and I are on exactly the same page in our views---mine is that people with enough means to afford a Viper should also have enough sense to protect themselves from being taken advantage of without the involvment of the club. Caveat Emptor.

i am curious how you define "involvment of the club"? if a viper tuner or a dealership for instance are giving poor service, are not returning phone calls, dont tell the truth, do shoddy work, are involved in numerous lawsuits, whatever, are you saying that the members of the viper community should not find out and be informed through the club??

Caveat Emptor for sure. but i think it is important that we find out if a service provider is having "issues" that could affect us all as customers. i dont care how much money you make, or what kind of car you drive, or how smart you think you are, you will eventually be taken advantage of, and the odds are increased big time if you are not being kept informed or are being told the truth about what really goes going on.

i WANT the club to be involved (to a point) and i think we are not being informed enough. trust me, i KNOW.

 

[big-n-italian]

Chuck, it may be my opinion, but if you're going to send someone a $50k+ car and $20k+ in cash, you should have an attorney in the tuner's locality review the agreement presented to you by the tuner (or draft one if none is presented) and check the tuner out. This would only cost a few hundred bucks and would save a world of heartache. It's not an internet thing, or a trust issue, it's a just protect your intrest thing.

ok, i GOTTA ask. who here that has taken their car to a tuner actually did this? is there a "standard" agreement out there? has anyone actually used one? what are some of the details in the agreement? say for instance if the car isnt done by "x" date, what happens?

i am not questioning what you are saying kenny, but most people here know that i am having a tuner problem right now and i would like to try and avoid any problems in the future, and i am simply looking for a possible solution.

 

[wastntim]

I really don't think a standard contract exists for such a matter. To a certain extent these issues need to be clarified with the builder prior to the work. The difficult issue is that you don't want to upset the builder by asking for too many "if you screw up clauses" when he is about to start the project. Plus, there is a good chance he won't agree to do the work. If it is a reputable tuner, he should have his own agreement, which you should have someone look at before signing. I sincerly doubt anyone follows this course of conduct even though it is the proper way to handle the issue and the best way to avoid any problems.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

you've increased your chances of recovering by about 10000%.

...bringing the chances of recovery up to what, 5%? And that is after a gazillion documents, court hearings, and a few more dollars.

Puh-lease. I've been through enough legal BS. And currently pending. See above post.