I recently read a post on this List about the Mistral intake. Does
anyone know if they still sell their intakes or what other
sub-assemblies can be bought from them?
Don
Don, you must have lots of money? :)
Buly
Yeah, it was probably me that posted about the Mistral intake. It is a
wonderful looking piece. Our only concern is Mistral's lack of response to
us about certain install issues. It did not come with any documentation and
even though I understand that they trying to launch the whole engine, and
cannot spend time responding to every little question, some basic
information would be a BIG help. Since I am assuming that they are gonna to
have to provide documentation when they sell a complete engine (which is
probably in PDF format...maybe not), it does not seem to be a major
undertaking to email this info. We have sent a few emails with no response
after months, which is disappointing.
On a somewhat similar note, I had email conversations with a local builder
who wanted to cut a check for the entire engine, but his response from
Mistral when he asked for references was to only provide more technical
data. This guy was ready to buy, but wanted someone...anyone who already
had the engine install in progress, but only got the tech data. This was
discouraging to him. I do not know what he finally decided.
I have stated before that I love what Mistral is trying to do (and, if'n I
ever had money fall out of the sky, I would likely buy their engine),
however, I fear that the engineer in them is so convinced of their superior
technology (thus also justifying the high price along with recouping the
investments quickly...which I think is another marketing mistake....to cost
as much and more than the certified competition) that they really drop the
ball in marketing and serving the current client (which, even though only to
an intake, I am a client. Also, my success, I would think, would only help
their cause). The dated web page is more evidence of this, IMAO. No matter
how superior the product is, it will likely not succeed if folks do not know
about it or do not have confidence in it (such as the dated web page which
may imply vapor ware, lack of interest by the company or little if any
progress. I realize that if they are busy making engines that time may be
limited to update the page or give me basic install information, but if they
do not address this issue, I fear they may have nice engines without a
willing market. Image is a funny thing.
As to the price for the intake, again, IMAO (in my arrogant opinion) was not
too bad. It was about $2500.00 with shipping, customs etc. Yeah, this may
seem like a lot, however, I do not think I could have produced half a nice a
product for that cost (especially with trial and error). Maybe I could, but
it is an area in which I do not have knowledge, I would have had to start
from scratch. I was happy they are/were willing to provide individual parts
and hope that my disappointment in current customer support (which they
originally stated was limited) does not sway them to stop providing this
great addition to the rotary world.
In addition to the intake, I believe they also sell the redrive. Unlike the
RWS drive, it will support a hydraulic adjustable prop other than the IVO.
They MAY also provide the ECU. The web page simply says to email them...and
has for months and months. More details would be really nice as I am
encouraged by good web page content.
Since the intake seems to be the last major part to not be available "off
the shelf", or somewhat readily fabricated (i.e. engine mount...even though
I have had the CC mount for a few years...yeah, Paul, I know you don't
particularly like it <g>), I am glad it is available. I do hope some others
become available as well. Competition is good.
FWIW, YMMV.
All the best,
Chris
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