Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Semko
Having been a past member on SCOF for several years, Dex's statement is true BUT it's important to be "unbiased" and the conflicts between the SCOF participants isn't always the case. If you have a problem with a product and approach the owner with guns blazing and demands, you'll be met with an appropriate response/reaction. If you approach the owner trying to "mutually resolve" the problem, the reception and results will be favorably productive.
First time cobra owners don't have the historical privilege of knowing the "balanced sides" of all engine builders, so weigh the information with a jaundiced eye and be specific on what you want and expect out of the engine you're having built. Forget the testosterone, egotistical approach of wanting the biggest and baddest engine built and installed. Just because you're fortunate enough to afford a high end, big horse powered car doesn't qualify you as an experienced competent owner/driver. Be sensible and do your homework. Talk to several engine builders, visit their shops and check out owners on both sides of the fence as to quality of build and after install service.
My experience with Eric has been exemplary and I did have one custom built engine that melted down due to a building error BUT that wasn't Eric's fault, it was one of his workers (Jerry) and unfortunately one of the guys that subsequently purchased and lost Competition Motorsports (while dragging the established good reputation through the dirt) during Eric's brief hiatus. Eric corrected the problem and that engine is still running strong 8 years after the build.
Best of luck, they're wonderful cars and will provide more memories and smiles than you ever imagined.
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I'll add a +1000 to what Dan said. There is an element on every forum that "drives" a conflict. I had two blown head gaskets on a 418 that Eric built for me. Eric said if I brought the car to him, he would repair it (I live in St. Louis). I thought this was "fair". I brought the car to Eric, and he fixed on a weekend while I waited. no charge.
These are high performance engines, anything can happen. You have to be realistic when you buy the motor.
If you buy Eric's motor and take it to another builder, there are better than even odds the builder you take it to will talk crap about the motor and the builder. It happens over and over again. There is always omeone pointing the boney finger at someone else in the performance parts/engine business. Even the most respected builders have their detractors.
If you are the kind of person that thinks these cars or their engines and drive train are not quirky, that you should not have to work on them, not improve them, not modify them, buy something else.
I owned an MG once, these cars are a breeze compared to that thing.
Eric
PS I forgot to mention that this was the first 418 Eric had built using AFR 205 heads.