First off, two other builders have built my trans (Mike is a little too far to drive :spit
. I did install an ML converter and on the first build and bought a Mike L cooler not long after, and then installed a snake oiler on the second (mainly to support him as my second tranny has seen nothing but the stock tune since it was built several years ago).
That being said I met Mike out at Merchant's spring fling in 07 and when my tranny took a dump a few years later (for a multitude of reasons) he spent a ton of time with the second builder on the phone trying to make sure it would be the best it could be. There was even a point of miscommunication on a certain issue and there was a little friction between us. It was mainly due to the written word not coming across in "context" (which is where PM's can cause unneccesary issues). But communication and willingness to listen on my end resolved the issue and I would call Mike a friend (at least enough to walk up to and say hi on the street).
I've been following the forums since 05 and there are several things I've learned about and from Mike.
1.) Listen to him (be willing to dedicate extra time when you do talk to him as a short phone call doesn't usually happen)
2.) Provide him with all information (even if YOU don't think it's pertinent)
3.) He gives a lot of good FREE advice without getting a dime in return. He even gave me advice on other "gasser" transmissions for my pull trucks
4.) Has built some of the best Allison's out there
5.) Mike is an Enthusiest and it becomes VERY apparent when you talk to him (in person or via the phone)
6.) Mike is human and does the best he can. He has his quirks (but so don't we ALL)
7.) His support After the sale is the best in the business. Luckily their aren't many issues after his builds (unless it was installed by somebody else).
8.) He has built his business and client base doing things a particular way and has done very well. If you want to be added to the list of satisfied clients, do things HIS way. If you want to chance it somewhere else....he will gladly let you spend your money elsewhere and 99 times out of 100 will give you free advice on how to fix it when someone else screws it up....
I'm not saying there aren't others that built good or even great Allison's, but many/most of them have learned a lot of what they know from Mike due to his willingness to share. Duramax/Allison levels are where they are at nationally thanks to many people, but I would be willing to put $$ on the fact that Mike was a big influence on it (power does no good if you can't get it to the ground).
Well the public ass kissing :roflmao::spit::hug: is over, but I like to see credit given where it is due. We seem to always hear the negative, so it's nice when someone takes the time to write the positive. Thanks for your contributions Mike.