Valence

I checked into a lip spoiler for my 348 and got this reply from Valence. I saw posts that say they don't deliver though...anybody know if I will ever get anything if I place an order? The price is real good but don't want to spend the money if I'll have to cancel the order because they can't do the lead times they say...

Hello Mark,
Thanks for your inquiry. The spoiler lip is not in stock, but we can make one specifically to your order. We make them in multiple versions, all with Kevlar reinforcement:

1) Carbon Fiber Clear-coated: $650; 2.5 - 3 weeks to shipment
2) Carbon Fiber primer-finish: $550; 2 weeks to shipment
3) Fiberglass primer-finish: $450; 2 weeks to shipment

Shipping to 45324 is $25. You can call us or confirm via e-mail; we accept Visa / MC / Amex; Paypal, check, wire transfer.
Best Regards,
Brian
Valence USA
434-977-7951

 

It sounds like a group buy could take shape here...

 

I know nothing about these guys but the product looks decent IF they can deliver...according to past posts I'm not sure...? The company response seems to say otherwise...I have asked them to confirm lead times are accurate and if they will actually ship product as they say. I'll post the response.

Here's their link if you want to check them out.... http://www.valenceusa.com/348/lip.htm

I am NOT trying to sell anything here just passing on what I found in hopes some others might be interested. AGAIN, I have not done business with this company yet so I make NO claims one way or the other.

I'd not be against a group buy if they can actually deliver product in a realistic time frame....

 

I have alot of Valence parts. Full center console, instrument panels and sills. All is FULL carbon fiber-- no carbon fiber veneer. They do fantastic work,but it will take forever to get the parts made. My center console took a year and half to get. If you don't mind waiting forever and make 9 or 10 phone calls during the process, they do great work.

 

WOW...I am a patient man but dang a YEAR+!!! That's too long for me....

Did they tell you 2 weeks and then take their time after they had your money? They are telling me 2 weeks....?

 

I bought cf sills from Valence. Fantastic work, still admire them daily, and they've held up very well. I don't think it took a year and a half for my sills, but it did take a while (6 weeks? can't recall exactly, just took longer than I expected). Wasn't obscene, just longer than I was led to believe. Of course, when you order stuff like this, you want it to arrive the next day, because deep down we're still impatient little kids waiting for Santa (or the postman, or whoever).

What I think is going on with Valence is that it's a mom-and-pop shop who do things on their own time schedule, but to a very high standard. Sort of like the Italians in a way.

Anyhow, great work, fair price, but most likely longer than they tell you over the phone. Hopefully not a year+, but probably more than 2 weeks.

Have not ordered cf from any of the other companies (Powerspeed, Carbonio, etc) so cannot compare time frames.

John

 

Almost forgot to add, definitely get the clear coat carbon fiber finish. It will take your breath away!

John

 

I bought the front lip for my 348 from Valence last year. It did take about 6 weeks ...

 

Were you happy with how it fits? 6 weeks wouldn't bother me but some people are saying it takes a long time after placing the order before you get anything. I'm not sure if I should place an order or not.

 

Their stuff is the best. My console was the first they did so it took along time to get it done. You will wait alittle but the quality is the best.

 

Do you have any pics of it on your car?

 

Do you have any pics of the spoiler on your car? How hard is it to install? Does it lower the front end much...my car sits very low and I'm already having issues with banging it even being ultra careful and using the diagonal approach when encountering steep grade driveways

 

Mark

Did you want to place a simultaneous order? Might get them going faster if there are more to manufacture... I want one of these and would be ready to order asap. Anyone else???

 

I am getting a mixed answer as to how long it takes from the group. Some say 6 weeks...one guy said his took a year+. 6 weeks I could live with ;-) and yes I am ready to place an order too IF in fact it wouldn't be an EXCESSIVE wait. I am waiting on Valence's reply as to what realistic lead times are....

I also asked them if they would be able to offer a volume discount for us and how may units we'd need to buy but not sure if they would offer us a discount on a group buy...?

From what everybody is saying they are a small mom and pop shop but they do really good work. Hopefully they will get back to me about doing a special price for us but comparatively their prices are about 1/2 of what FNA sells them for so I'm not sure IF Valence will give us a break or not. I'm in wait mode for their response...

 

Call John at MAcarbon--Sponsor here--See what he can do for you..

 

We tried that already, did not work. No brakes!

 

I thought the OP was looking for one for himself, not a group buy... I know that MA doesn't do group buys..

 

Perfect fitting, althought I did call them a lot to hurry up with the delivering ...

 

I will post some pics when I get home. It was very easy to install, i did it in about 1/2 hour. Answering your other question ... yes it lowered the front bumper about 1/3 of an inch and it will cover any scrape you might have in your front bumper. In my opinion it did improve handling at high speed quite a bit. Overall a great improvement in cosmetics and performance.

 

I am not sure how easy carbon fiber is to repair, which is something to consider. My experience is that my fiberglass lip spoiler needs touch up at the end of every season.

As ridiculous as it sounds that additional 3/4" of protrusion does further change your approach to inclines or declines. I just about tore the lip off exiting a restaurant because I only noticed the slope of the driveway apron but failed to notice how heavily crowned the road I was merging on.

Carbon might be nice but these items are subject ot a LOT of incidental grade and road damage.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Their quality is actually very good. But mind you it took them 6 months and the threat of a wire fraud charge to get the parts from them. I advise you only deal with them on a COD basis. By their promises at the time, they owe me a ash tray!

See this thread.

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44975&highlight=Valence

 

I agree totally CF looks cool but that part of the car sits very low and sometimes there is NO WAY NOT to scrape. I'll probably go with one I can paint for exactly the reason you mention. I know it's going to take abuse. I won't feel as bad when it does if I can repaint it and it looks good again...MANY thanks for the pic your car looks fantastic. You are right on the money as far as driveability. It's about $200 bucks cheaper too...bonus ;-)

 

Here's my pic ... i left the lip black. I know, I know the car sits very high and yes it's at the shop getting lowered and re-aligned.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I ordered a lip spoiler from Valance and it came quickly and looks great. Price is less than 1/2 what FNA wants for one. I can't see much difference in how they look. I don't care much for CF so I just got the paintable version...less than $500 shipped. I figured getting the paintable one would allow for touch ups better than CF. I know it'll get rashed eventually...a little trim paint and it'll look new again...can't do that with CF ;-(

Anyway...great company, fast delivery, great communication...I have absolutely no complaints and the quality is top notch.

If my major can get wrapped up soon...I can see what it looks like on my car.....