Roush Crate Engine

[Got the Bug]

The orignal thread subject was about a situation where a guy in the Bay Area has a Roush motor that has 10K miles and is out of warranty. Roush agreed to take the motor back to assess the situation and determine the path to repair it.

In my case, Roush agreed to reimburse the dealer to do some work on my 402SR that's under warranty. I don't have any issues regarding Roush's response time and level of service.

[Cobra #42]

Guys, I offered help but no one has emailed me to date, so I can only assume you don't want assistance. db

[Tony Ripepi]

Hi Guys,

Not my motor just one of the guys lending a helping hand to for the R&R process, the engine in question is out of warranty and has been reviewed by the folks at the Roush factory. The owner has had some feedback and he is being very cooperative with the Roush folks to see what they are willing to do.

The Roush guys are being very responsive and positive in response to this problem.


Tony R.

[cobrasnake]

I thought I would jump into this thread as it is MY engine that Tony originally discussed. I have been involved with Roush for 4½ years, ever since I saw one of their first 427R's at SEMA in 2003, just after I had placed the order for my SPF. Todd Andrews was promoting Roush crate motor products at that time. Whenever an issue would come up with either initially ordering the motor or in the 13,000 miles I have driven my car, Roush has diligently worked to solve whatever ailed my motor or answer questions I had. This included both during warranty and afterwards. They have been stand-up guys, always interested in learning about the very limited number of issues I have had and finding ways to solve them.

It turns out that the rings went bad in my motor, now almost two years out of warranty. While Roush could have left me high and dry, they instead suggested I send the motor back to them and they would analyze it and come up with a reason and solution. With Tony's help and that of about a half a dozen other wonderful Bay Area Cobra guys, we pulled the motor, palletized it and sent it back to Detroit. Roush is a busy place so after several weeks (hey, it's winter - who cares about timing) they were able to tear everything apart and analyze what happened and what it will take to resolve. Remembering that it IS out of warranty and that I have 13,000 miles on the odo, they have come up with a compromise where Roush will take care not only of the direct problems caused by the bad rings but will Refresh the motor, effectively giving me a practically new motor. While the economics have not been finalized, our discussions are pointing to Roush being more than fair in their sharing the economic burden.

As I have stated on CC before and to those to whom I speak, the service provided by Roush, especially Todd Andrews, the head of crate motor sales and Mark Yagelo, head crate engine guy, has been up to the highest level. My concern when first choosing an engine was to make sure it worked and that the builder stood behind it. I chose Roush because of their reputation and I have never regretted that choice.

Should you have questions about Roush, I know that both Todd (734) 466-6235 and Mark (734) 779-7243 would be willing to discuss their entire line, including questions before and after a sale.

Yesterday I received a summary of what needs to be done to my motor. I am told that today it is being worked on and that the few needed parts have been ordered. I expect it to be dynoed next week and on its way back within 10 days. Thus while it took a little while to work through their system initially, once analyzed and approved, they are hustling to get the motor back to me so I can be on the road to enjoy our bright California sunshine.

Tom

[Cashburn]

Tom,
Thanks for the clarification on the situation. I think your experience speaks volumes and echoes what we tell our customers about not only Roush the company, but the "guys" over at Roush too.

A lot of other companies make claims on delivering what Roush does for less money, I don't think that is possible on a component to component basis or more importantly from an overall standpoint including resale recognition.

I save my pennies for a Roush motor to go in my '67 Mustang ... getting there.

[RodKnock]

I'm curious, will they give you another 2-year warranty with the rebuilt engine?

[madmaxx]

I am curious what caused the bad rings and other defects, oil, gas use?

[Roush #1]

Although I have not made a warranty claim on my Roush 427 SR, I have been advised the work does not have to be performed by a Roush dealer.
Jody

[cobrasnake]

Rod - I am assured that should there be a problem, they will be available to work with me. Nothing in writing but I don't feel I need it when dealing with Roush and these two guys in particular.

Madmaxx - Detonation was the explanation. I use Chevron, Shell almost exclusively. Oil has either been Valvoline 20/50 Racing, Castrol 10/30 or Mobil 1 synthetic 10/30. I am a Sunday driver so abuse is not a factor.

Roush 1 - I personally can not answer that - speak with Todd or Mark.

Tom

[4pipes]

Tom, if you need to use a 4 post lift, mine is empty during the month of March.

Dave.

[madmaxx]

Cobrasnake,

I may have my facts mixed up but I "heard" Roush issued new distributor springs to adjust the timing a couple years back to prevent detonation. I am pretty sure it was from the Roush tech on their 1800 line when I asked him if the 10% ethanol was causing issues with the 427R "high" compression ratio, this was about a month ago. That is when he responded new distributor springs were sent out a couple years back and all new engines have the change.

In my opinion I feel Roush is handling the issue due to the fact that warranty claims are far and few between and therefore when one is submitted the effect to their bottom line is nil so they cover it. Hopefully I am right since I have one on order!!! LOL

I also know a new 427R non polished is $14,750 that is not chump change!!! These engines should last well in excess of 100K miles. You can buy a new Z06 with 505HP at the rear wheels, with ac, ps, pb etc and they have a 3year/36K mile warranty, So yes Roush has a accomodating warranty in the crate engine business it is nothing compared to GM.