Rumor Mill- New Vegistroke

[Fordnut74]

Well rumor has it that we don't quite have 100% market share of the Powerstroke Conversion market.:chuckles: Some have said that our system is too expensive and too complicated.

So here at DFA we have started mapping out a base system without any of the automation features. No temperature switch, no pressure switch, a smaller filter(still Donaldson) that doesn't require a heater jacket, no electronics control, No quick purge, 90 day warranty. You will get two easy to mount toggle switches- One to turn the system on and off, the other to turn the diesel pump on and off. Simple and to the point with nearly all mechanical points of failure elimintated except the pump itself.

And you still get a complete ready to install system with a V3, all mounting hardware, wiring, etc. Same level of quality on components. And then of course there will be options for temp sw, pressure sw, quick purge, gages, etc. Anyway we are shooting for an entry level retail price of $1800

And to take that rumor a step further, we are going to do what we can to include a base heated aluminum tank(no fuel level sender) with the base system for $2000. But you didn't hear that from me, that one will be tough to pull off without sacrificing quality.

Whatya all think? Or do I need to put on my flame suit for not having this available 3 years ago?

[lancaster,pa]

Well rumor has it that we don't quite have 100% market share of the Powerstroke Conversion market.:chuckles: Some have said that our system is too expensive and too complicated.

So here at DFA we have started mapping out a base system without any of the automation features. No temperature switch, no pressure switch, a smaller filter(still Donaldson) that doesn't require a heater jacket, no electronics control, No quick purge, 90 day warranty. You will get two easy to mount toggle switches- One to turn the system on and off, the other to turn the diesel pump on and off. Simple and to the point with nearly all mechanical points of failure elimintated except the pump itself.

And you still get a complete ready to install system with a V3, all mounting hardware, wiring, etc. Same level of quality on components. And then of course there will be options for temp sw, pressure sw, quick purge, gages, etc. Anyway we are shooting for an entry level retail price of $1800

And to take that rumor a step further, we are going to do what we can to include a base heated aluminum tank(no fuel level sender) with the base system for $2000. But you didn't hear that from me, that one will be tough to pull off without sacrificing quality.

Whatya all think? Or do I need to put on my flame suit for not having this available 3 years ago?

Jason,
That is a very exciting prospect. Although I am totally happy with my V3, I did have to think quite a bit about the expense of the system. I would have jumped at the $1800 system as outlined in a second. I actually would have preferred the simplicity of the manually operated system (before purchasing the V3, I did inquire about the possibility of a manually operated system from you). Really like the idea of the base heated aluminum tank as well. Simplicity and the same superior quality product from DFA in a manually operated system..... DYNAMITE!!!!!! - Patrick

[Jack_Toepfer]

The reason I bought the V3 is the fact that my wife can drive it and not break anything.

I don't think you should offer an entry level V3 and leave everything wide open for the customer to screw up, because that is what is going to happen. Someone will do something wrong, or completely backwards, and it will look like your fault.

When you make everything so complete... there is no reason for the customer to step in and modify anything. Mine is completely "as delivered" and works perfectly. I wouldn't ask for anything more... and wouldn't settle for anything less.

[greasyX]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

My X is my daily driver,mostly for the ease of operation.I have made more adjustments,and chased more air bubbles out of my jeep CRD in 3 months, then ever in a year of owning V3(including install).You make a superior product, therefore I suggest a happy medium needs to be found.Might I suggest calling it a fully custom Application,sell the manifold and everything else a add-on,leaving tank heating up to customers choice(some perfer pick-up,some like whole tank).This would retain your trump card on top of the mountain of grease kits as #1,but let customers get creative without liability of product............greasy

[Marv]

I think it's a good idea Jason and the price is hard to beat!

[Clay]

If you made that kit for my jeep liberty, i would buy one

[EX ON OIL]

When I started to look at systems I knew nothing. Today I know just slightly more. The V2 offered the quick purge, that was important to me. Yes I have had problems but, they have never affected the diesel operation. Just turn it off and go. I think an express version is for the "expert" or your phone will never stop ringing with diesel related problems. Ex.

[skyskijason]

Brilliant! Can I buy the first one? I am infatuated w/the V3 module. When you first published pics of the V1, I already had most of the components and did not like the bulky package - so I put my own junk together.

Then came the V3. You can almost say I bought another PSD just to put a V3 in it. For my wife, it needed full automation - and that has proven PERFECT for her 100 mi/day commute to college (for almost 15k miles now).

I was looking at my old truck's VO stuff and although it has performed flawlessly for over 75k miles - I wish it too had the V3 module. Manually operating my system is as 'automatic' to me as shifting gears, so automation is not required. That V3 is soooo sharp and neat under wifey's Excursion, even seasoned mechanics make me show them the alleged 'conversion'. THAT is a beautiful thing!!

The downside is possibly damaging reputation from systems that hurt engines. Specifically from early switchover and inadequate purge. Automation mitigates this danger. How about a cheap switch and an idiot lite to indicate adequate temp to switch over? Is the purge valve itself that expensive? I think most people who can turn on VO pump and turn off diesel pump could handle a 3rd switch. (Ya know, I guess not everyone 'needs' fast purge - I do lots of looong trips, so no 'fast purge' really wouldn't kill me...)

anyway there's at least $0.03 worth of my mind! Thanks again for a great product!

[VegObsession]

Nice idea. How about 2 swithes, 1 that toggles between veg and diesel pumps, and the other for purge. Keep it simple. Sell with a water temp gauge.

You may be selling yourselves short however. ie, I would have bought this kit instead and you would have made $1200 less. So it will pay to really trump up the auto version.

[Clay]

You may be selling yourselves short however. ie, I would have bought this kit instead and you would have made $1200 less. So it will pay to really trump up the auto version.

But he will open up the market to a whole other group of people...the ones who drive a old beater OBS cause they dont have the cash flow for a new one. And nothing wrong with that - i've been there too.
Those are the people who buy a greasecar kit rather than a V3 entirely because of the price.
A cheaper V3 would attract alot of buyers but may also kill the sails on the complete automatic model.

[Fordnut74]

Thanks for the fedback and insight all. The issue with making it easier for some idiot to mess up his engine is probably the biggest reason why we haven't released a cheaper system before now. That means that this system will have to have STRONG disclaimers that you are at your own risk. If you buy a gun, you better know how to use it. If you shoot yourself in the foot, it is your fault, not the gun, or the gun company.

Clay is exactly right on the reasoning. We are actually missing a rather large share of the market for those who think our price is a ripoff, and they are getting a hodgpodge of crap that may or may not even work. And quite frankly in todays economy and cheap fuel prices High end expensive conversion systems aren't quite a hot ticket item .

And yes, the purge solenoid is somewhat expensive. Besides, even without the quick purge because of how we connect to the engine, a shutdown will still only be a couple miles of driving or about 4-5 minutes of idling. And that is still better than most of the competition.

Of course it will be upgradeable to a fully automated system should the customer decide to do so in the future. I just hope we don't attract too many idiots(trouble).

[Blue Lobster]

Hi I purchased my system as I wanted something that I could hand the keys over to someone and not have to worry that they would screw up my engine due to no purge in Winter (I live in Canada). I like the idea (only had for 7 weeks but have 4000 miles on veg) that I do not have to think it just does everything for me and best of all my wife will not call about the V3 not working.

Now is saying this I know that a lot of my friends thought I was nuts to go ahead and buy this due to cost and not really knowing it would work. I feel that you would get a bigger market with the cheaper option so you will really have to up sell the auto system to get people to buy it. I would make sure that people understood what they were getting especially new people like me.

If I was to do it all over again I would buy the same system as I love it.

[greasyX]

The only kit for my X

I bought my 2000 X to install a V3 in it,with 59,000 miles and being a loaded up limited it was a no brainer for me. It was $46,850 brand new,and close to 20K used,so it was a perfect match in Quality.I travel alot and its nice not having a rats nest on my dash to explain to border patrol.I thank you for such good engineering and hope it remains in all your new endeavors.I think if its a go you should call it the "D1"as in dino fuel alternatives,or as a monicker for DIY design.By keeping the names different you will elude customer confusion........confused people don't buy stuff......greasy

[Jack_Toepfer]

Honestly, when I bought my V3 this forum was not operational yet. I found someone on another forum (HORSEMOVER) and contacted/called him about his V3. Then I got ahold of Dan Tanton. Between those two calls I had enough "word of mouth" to take the plunge and call DFA next. It just takes some man to man conversation where someone can actually vouch for the product and actually be very proud of it. In all, I have about $6k into this adventure. I love it... the wife, not so much

[Allofus123]

Very smart business plan IMO. This barebone system will cater to many different people. The gains will outweigh the few "downsales" that will happen. There will still be people, like myself, that prefer a complete automatic system.

I would suggest encouraging people prior to purchasing a barebone system to speak with other complete auto V3 owners. Like Jack said "word of mouth" from others goes a long way.

I'd be willing to offer my email addie for contact if you like.