At the end of september 2018 a short block was ordered from what I thought was a reputable company. We were told that the build would take 2-3 weeks and we would get our short block. Since then there has been poor communication, lot's of stories as to problems they have had getting parts for the build, and the last thing said was they found porosity in the block after it was machined, line honed, etc. Now they are waiting on another block to be shipped, etc.

This has gone on for almost 6 months now. Asked for a refund and was told no since parts had been ordered for the build. At this stage I am ready to dispute the transaction with the credit card company.

Are we in the wrong here? Do we need to be more patient, or should this company offer a refund since we paid that day and have not received anything but stories?

Thanks for any advice.

Could be true, could all be smoke and mirrors. No way that any of us know the other side of the story. I spend a lot of time hanging out in the machine shop and stuff goes wrong on almost every build. When you are working with 50 year old parts you run into a lot of issues. Almost every high performance rebuild that uses stock parts has problems.

Thanks Andy, I should clarify that this is a Gen III hemi platform with all new components, including a block.

I tend to believe folks at their word, but enough excuses have me rethinking my stance...

I think you’ve been more than patient. I say deal with it through your credit card company. Never heard of porosity being an issue with Gen 3 blocks.......

Maybe they spent your money on another build???

Aluminum or Iron gen 3?

Without too much gory detail, I've seen repeat porosity issues in the aluminum versions. That was several years ago, though.

You've been patient enough, I'd pull out.

Iron block, BGE/ Hellcat block.

The OE guys have ridiculously tight controls on those things, but in the past there have been issues here and there and some "creative thinkers" have attempted sales of less than pristine examples to performance builders at a discount.

It's possible, not probable though.

Other than the above dubious/only remotely possible scenario, they would have caught any issues at the plant. Flagship products like those have got to be right or they go to the scrap pile.

But that's THEIR problem, not your problem.

2-3 weeks seems to be unrealistic unless it's some crate motor they already have in the works that just needs to be screwed together. They shouldn't have said that if it wasn't possible. 6 months does not seem unreasonable on a custom, one off, all custom parts, good engine. But it also should be pretty close to being delivered. That said, hinky excuses would make me nervous too. Ask for pictures. That can be done in 30 seconds with a text.

43 years ago a very good friend screwed me over on an engine rebuild. After waiting 13 months for a small block Mopar engine I stormed in his shop and told him to put my engine in a clean shop corner when it was done. He then asked me why I was no longer in a hurry for it and I told him I didn’t want it. He finished building it that week and I finished paying for it. On the way out the door I shook his hand and thanked him and said I would never wait on anyone to build another engine for me. And from that day forward Ive built my own engines. Piss on that being held hostage crap 💩

This would be a stock displacement hellcat with factory crank. It will have forged manley rods and diamond pistons of stock dimensions. Oh, and ARP studs on the bottom end.

So this is basically a fully forged, stock displacement Hellcat short block.

I would call my credit card company and see what my options were.

Get your money back now and pay on delivery if and when it gets done

When the singing and dancing gets loud enough , you know the show is on.
September ?
Yeah , I would be demanding my money back and telling them to perform unnatural acts with farm animals.
This goes well past shenanigans.

Anyone else curious who it is ? Are they local to you ?

Can you drive to the shop or is far off? I would at the least ask to see my motor in person or video at the least. Todd

My patience would have run out by now. Don't get me wrong, I've waited longer for an engine, but was never promised 2-3 weeks. Plus, I could drive over at any time to see the progress and talk to the builder. I'm guessing this guy is not local to you, or you would have been able to check in. Sounds like its not a coincidence that you're unable to catch him on the phone or get a call back. Very frustrating... I get the sense you don't want to say who it is, but it is possible someone here may know them and can provide some insight.

I have to agree with this statement!
Could it be, sure, is it the case here

NEVER heard of a BGE block with issues like that.
But at 1500.00 a pop, easy to fix on their dime.
Now if its your part, then your dime.
Matt

He dont have to its in his back postings.......

I appreciate all the back and forth on this subject, engine math and theories are fascinating.

Our decision has been made. We will be going with a stock stroke Hellcat crank. BGE block, and Manley rods with Diamond pistons and H-13 wristpins. THe block will also get ARP studs and a line hone along with all other necessary machining to make everything square.

A2 Speed is building it and claims that this short block will more than handle the heads and blower we have.

Thank you all again.



Edited by hudsonhornet7x (09/29/18 01:52 PM)