Banzai Racing

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Michael Miller
4 days ago
I am giving this one star because you cannot select zero. I just called this guy with the serious intent to buy a high performance crate engine from him. I wanted to discuss options. He was arrogant, negative, rude and condescending from the first words out of his mouth. He immediately tried to make me feel stupid and it went downhill from there. It seems a miracle he could ever sell anything to anyone. There is no way I would send this guy $8000+. Beware.Update:I see the owner tried to explain away his epically rude behavior. It really doesn't make any difference that he didn't understand how my engine became damaged in a freak blinding spring snowstorm or why my car sat unrepaired for 5 years in a garage while I contemplated options on what I wanted to do with it, including doing a perfectly valid LS swap. I own four other beautiful high performance vehicles. I wasn't in a hurry and had other things to do.If the rotary engine core sustained additional damage from sitting unrepaired so long, then so what. I'll spend a little more money fixing it. It's a car not the family pet or a hole in the roof of my home. The fact is this guy was a total jackass on the phone to me, probably because that is exactly who he is - a jackass. If you don't believe me, just give him a call and see what happens when you can't speak his subject expert vocabulary.You can see that other reviewers have validated my experience with this guy. One reviewer says the guy was rude on the phone but better in person. Well I live a thousand miles away from him and had planned to ship my engine core to him until I talk to him on the phone. He just needs to learn to be civilized on the phone and stop trying to justify his behavior towards customers he was rude with after the fact. The proper thing to do would be to apologize. But you can see that he's the type of person that doesn't know how to do that. He probably has a decades-long trail of people he's screwed over.

  D Wang
a month ago
Nice people, they know what they are doing.Might sound rude over phone but when you go there an talk with them, you will realize how great they are. I have never met such a straight and honest person in really long time.

  Ross Mc Carthy
a year ago
I've used Banzai a few times for different parts for my fd. Again top quality parts, fast shipping even to Ireland. Highly recommended and will used againService: Auto maintenanceService: Auto maintenance

  steve williams
a year ago
After this review, he'll either claim a women answers the phone and gives the quotes so it couldn't be true or it's a fake review with "FAKE REVIEW" typed with capitol letters. We're a custom shop who is trying to repair an RX7 for our landlord. After getting the engine apart, we found some bad hard parts and called Banzai Racing after a Google search to see if they'd be interested in rebuilding this engine if we shipped it to them or sell us the parts we need. The owner proceeded to chew me out and refused to help. Probably the rudest, most unprofessional reaction from someone I've been subjected to in years. A simple "because you have already disassembled the engine, I would not be interested in taking on this rebuild but thanks for calling" would have been appropriate and sufficient. But, instead got an ear full from a very unhappy person. Read his response and take it under consideration. If we all were rotary experts like him, then why would we need his services? With that kind of attitude, probably a good idea to not answer the phone. If your normal phone answerer is not there, I would just let it ring.

  Daniel Lek
4 years ago
Chris has helped maintain and upgrade my FD since 2011. He is always honest and upfront. I appreciate that he asks what your goals are for your car and then tailors recommendations to meet your budget/timing. Elaine is fantastic in keeping you informed of the progress and with any other necessary communications. If you're looking for a true rotary expert then this is the shop for you. In all my years of ownership I haven't had a single issue with my FD's reliability due to the quality of work done by Banzai.

  Cory Osburn
a year ago
Great experience talking with the owner. Ordered parts for my fc3s turbo 2. Showed up promptly and top quality. I will be spending money with this company again.

  Jovanny Puente
4 years ago
I have had an amazing experience working with both Chris and Elaine.They did an amazing job on my engine rebuild, kept me up to date on all status, and very straight forward. Never tried to sell me on things I did not need, but did make recommendations and left it at that.Can't wait to come back in for my tune. 10/10 would reccomend to anyone for any Rotatry work needed!!

  Scott Salvatore
a year ago
This is the most legitimate straight forward shop you can find. Truly a beacon for the crossroads of America. This shop is very booked but well worth the wait. If you have a treasured garaged vehicle you are willing to wait months or years to make sure any heavy work is done correctly look no further. Do business with Banzai Racing!!!Service: Vehicle safety inspectionService: Vehicle safety inspection

  John Santiago
7 years ago
Had my engine rebuilt here - very good service, but it's a one-man shop doing the wrenching. So keep that in mind, Chris is seriously busy...and Chris is Chris, he's a bit of an acquired taste. If you call, talk with Elaine, she's the marketing and real customer service end of the business. Chris is extremely knowledgeable and a perfectionist; in my initial consultation visit alone he spent 3 hours with me going over the car to help assess it and answer all my questions. Over the phone, not so much. Talk with Elaine.

  TerryH76
4 years ago
I am not sure how there are some 1 star reviews here. Chris has helped me many times with items I have not purchased from them, or issues that do not pertain to their shop. As for a store and products I give them an A+. Excellent products, packed with care, and sent almost immediately. I can't speak for their mechanical ability as I have never used their shop, but their knowledge via email and phone is impressive.

  Brian Popp
a year ago
I grew up in an automotive family and have owned RX7s since my 1984 GSL. Currently own a 1991 FC convertible. You hear people talk about "expert" mechanics.But in most cases it's just talk.However, in the case of Chris and Banzai Racing... he is redefining what an "expert" is. He is incredibly versed in all generations R7s. Mechanical skills are "off the charts". And is really passionate about what he does. After honestly diagnosing my FC and making several repairs and upgrades, my 91 FC drives like new (possibly better).THANK YOU CHRIS!!!YOU ROCK!!!Services: Transmission, Steering & suspension repair, Auto brake repair, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission repair, Brakes

  Rodor 14
4 years ago
I bought an Rx8 with low compression and took it to Banzai Racing. Chris helped me get it off the trailer and walked me through my options. Elaine was fantastic and gave me updates throughout the build. I couldn't be more satisfied.

  chris forker
2 years ago
These folks are awesome! I needed a double pulley for my RX7 alternator. It was shipped very quickly and the parts are top quality! Thank you!Nice to see a company these days actually do what they say!

  Zhang Shaozhou
4 years ago
Bought a clutch kit from them for my rx8, kept me informed with detail.Later that month write an email to ask for a quote of rx8 engine removal and installation price, and I saw the most detailed quotation in my life.One day if my 13B dies, for sure I'll take it to them for rebuild.

  Scar
4 years ago
Great ability to enhance your Rx7 engine for a reasonable price. Lots of parts to boost the power of your rotary engine. Banzai Racing is a foremost authority on the Rx7. No work on transmissions. A perfect choice to keep your FC or FD in tip top shape.

  Karlston M
6 years ago
Ordered a HKS downpipe from here for my 93 RX7. Was on backorder but they kept me in the loop the whole time. Will buy from this business again.Also, I have never received a personal Christmas card from a company...with real signatures and not computer printed. Banzai is the first!!!Thanks

  team 7921
9 years ago
BE WARNED! THIS PLACE DOES NOT CARE FOR YOUR BUSINESS!I called Banzai Racing for some hopeful information and a first time purchase.I was having fitment problems with a Cusco Limited Slip. The ring gear would not go onto the unit and the same with the carrier side bearings. I thought you might have to have special bearing for the unit. I have ran in to this with ARB Lockers.I had purchased from another retailer. I could not get answers from the retailer I had purchased it from, so I thought I would give Banzai Racing a call since they came up on a google search and looked well educated on the Rotary Engine vehicles.So I mentioned the issues I was having with the product and the first thing I was told or asked was "So you obviously didn't buy it from us"?Me:" No, but I was wondering if you guys have ran into fitment issues with these units or need special side bearings"Banzai Racing: "I suggest you just go to a differential shop."Me: "I'm just wondering if you guys have ran into problems installing these units or need different bearings."Banzai Racing: "you just go to the auto parts store and buy yourself some new bearings and install them." CLICK!END of conversation. I was very amazed that a so called reputable business would talk to a potential customer so RUDELY and let alone hang up on them. I was just asking for alittle info.So come to find out the unit I received was misboxed and was not for my vehicle which I kind of already knew. I was just looking for an educated answer that all the stock parts should convert over to the LSD unit with out a problem.If they had an informative answer for me, I already had a unit picked out on there website to purchase. We didn't even get close to getting to that point.I just could NOT imagine anybody doing business with this company!

  Steven Solazzo
4 years ago
Killer service as always. I ordered a bullet filler neck and a short shifter for my FD and had some questions prior to ordering. Elaine was able to answer everything on the phone and the online order process was super quick!

  Roshan Peiris
2 years ago
Excellent products and fast shipping. Chris had my order ready to be couriered within about an hour of the order being received. Product was packed well. Highly recommended.

  Josh Liston
4 years ago
Because i defended another Rotary shop, i was put on a "ban" list so that i could never order from them again, he also said he put a restraining order on me, so that i cannot go to the shop, ive never met him, and this was all on a Facebook post that he just kept bashing a local chicago rotary shop, to what it seems to deter people from going there, instead of his. I wish him the best of luck.PIC ADDED FOR "FAKE NEWS" i got about 7 more if anyone needs more proof

  Ryan Andrew
6 years ago
I've ordered an Apexi Power FC as well as block-off plates from Banzai Racing. They were friendly on the phone, and both of my orders shipped within hours of the purchase.

  Jesus Pe�a
3 years ago
I spoke on the phone and it was a complete waste of my time... I asked about their prices and they were very rude almost as if they didnt want to speak with me.... I've had rotaries all my life and this man completely made it seem like I didnt know what I was asking for... it's a bummer because I've been reading the reviews and I was actually happy that I made the time to call them and ask them about their packages since their website isn't very user friendly and quite frankly doesn't have much information... what was supposed to be a friendly conversation turned out to be extremely toxic and time wasting... I've had an rx8 sitting in my garage with low compression for about three years... the engine has been diagnosed and as soon as I asked him what I needed he said I needed something different... I didnt think much of it and I very calmly and politely asked him about the level 2 package and what it included... he yelled at me and said it was very straight forward and what wasnt there to get from it.... finally I asked him about getting a bridge port on the rx8 since it's meant to be a loud race car.. he simply said "you cant do a bridge port on a renesis" and I asked him why.. he said "theres no real benefit, all you're gonna do is cause damage" I very calmly and almost hesitantly replied, "well we are talking about a rotary engine..." he didnt let me finish my sentence and said "you know what bye!" And before he hung up I told him to have a nice day... this is all true, i dont have to lie about any of this... being born and raised in puerto rico, I literally grew up around rotaries... I just hope they see this post and realize that the rotary business is meant to be a lifestyle... not only are we car enthusiasts but we're owners of possibly the coolest most impressive engine ever produced... this really bummed me out... I still hope they do good and hopefully one day I could have a better conversation with these guys so me and my family can get this project car on the road.

  Michael Lowery
3 years ago
Ordered an exhaust off their website, communication was great and shipping was pretty quick. I am very satisfied with my experience

  Derrick Huber
2 years ago
Called Banzai Racing and they hooked me up on everything I needed for a complete exhaust for my RX7. Local shop that has been in the Rotary world for a while and knows their stuff

  Brandon Benson
3 years ago
My thermostat I purchased works flawlessly. It helped my Rx8 tremendously and I plan to purchase more from them.

  Alberto Goncalves
4 years ago
Awesome, honest RX7 and rotary specialist shop. I ve been buying parts and occasionally getting advice from them for ~2 decades.

  Michael Gomez
3 years ago
Very awesome place. I got daily emails with pictures while my rotary was being rebuilt. Everything was upfront and they even got me some deals on parts.

  Julius Burriss
6 years ago
Absolutely the best of the best in my rotary experience. You will feel comfortable, treatment is professional, very knowledgeable of past and dated information on rotary builds etc.

  Jacob Marquez
4 years ago
Tried calling the shop doing some shopping around for builds, they guy wouldnt give me any details unless he was going to do my build, not even answer simple questions.

  overkill hotrodding
3 years ago
Talked with the owner on the phone. Very professional and by the book. Shop is top notch.Service: Engine repairService: Engine repair