I too am an "amateur". Though my 46 years in the auto repair industry as a tech doesn't count (only 26 at the time). I was treated like I knew nothing. Haven't ever bought another part from Hughes. That was well over 20 years ago.
Doug

I've bought parts from both of them more than once and didn't have any issues with either one, maybe I'm lucky

Somebody could start a campaign to have a person phone him every 10 minutes and waste an entire day of his time. And buy nothing...

LMAO!!!!!!!

He would just hang up. "Doesn't suffer fools lightly" is what I've heard.

It seems like its 50/50 in the mopar world, there are some really excellent vendors, and there are some I wish I never wasted the time calling.
When I was building my first 440, I called a certain mopar specific shop to ask how well one of their crate motors would work in my 4x4 with it's tire and gearing. I can't remember the exact words, but it was a long the lines of "buy it and find out, if it doesn't work that's your problem.". I never bought a single thing from that place for that build.
On the other side, got great service from Marsh, B3, Dr.Diff, Cab Burge.

Buy most of my stuff from Todd Marsh now. Cool guy, not afraid to make suggestions or give up personal build info. He has been a real big help and making purchases much easier. He will spend time with you if need be. Never an issue.

Same experience here one time....Was told there is no way what I was trying to do with the cam and springs would work, and its been working fine for years.

A phone call between Dave and Russ would be epic.

Well thank goodness I've only ever ordered online from these guys. I don't take to kindly to people like that and I tell them so. Bullies need pushed back against, then they stop bullying.

It would really be epic now.

Perhaps I should have said would have been epic

Perhaps he was reading this post, as he actually sent me an email apologizing for sending me the pistons prematurely.

I haven't dealt with Dave directly for many years. When I did he was very helpful and kind. I feel for him, having to deal with the public day after day. Just think about it, I would guess about 50% of the people he has to deal with are jerks. That would really wear on me. Most of us know what we want to build but don't know how to get there. And we all have an attitude That we know everything. So how about if we just show a little kindness and love one another as we love ourselves.

Bought from them numerous times. Dave doesn't give me the warm fuzzies but I didn't call him looking for a hug anyway. Knowledgeable people that know their product. I'll take that v/s the comp cams recommendation hotline any day.

I'm not a high roller by any means, but the few times I ordered from Hughes has been good. Don't know who I dealt with. Last time I called they were very accommodating getting me a set of .015" thick intake gaskets.

Exactly Merpar, I've done business with Hughes engines for several years a found Dave to be very helpful. He is direct and to the point which doesn't bother me.
When I was looking to buy a roller cam for my big block to go faster, I explained my combination to Dave he told me the cam was not my restriction and directed me to parts I needed
to reach my goal. I did what he suggested and the car did what I wanted. I've been a customer ever since.

Same here,, I dealt with them many times in the past and never had a problem , Guess im the lucky one.

Same hear, dealt with Dave for years and never had any issues although I've heard many that have, he can be abrasive. He's helped me design cams and motors many times over, several pushing the limits like 12.75:1 pump gas street motors trying to reach a specific HP numbers for a customer and nailed it each time. I can definitely see how his direct and to the point approach could turn people off but it doesn't bother me, I just know to be prepared with the information he will need to help me design a cam for a motor.

I also use Todd Marsh and Mancini. Our Mopar supplier options are dwindling and I'm not looking forward to the day when any of those 3 go out of business.

I have dealt with Dave for years, he can pretty cranky at times but for the most part has really helped me out. Many years ago I switching classes and called him with the rules to the new class, he told me to give him a few days and sure enough he called me back with a list of parts I needed. I was very competitive with that motor. He really has some good articles on cam installations, cam timing, oil systems. Most guys probably know most of this but it is good reading.