Performance Engineering Yea or Nea?

PHM · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 01:03 PM

I posted a simliar question when i was looking for an FE engine builder to put in my new SPF. I heard nothing but good things so i am having him build a 427 genisis with dual quads as we speak but had a call the other day that made me a little suspect. I called Eric this morning and he had reasured me that I'll be happy. I just wanted to get some other feedback from you guys and hopefully make me feel better about my decision to go with them.

MrMagoo · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 01:05 PM

PE was recommended to me by someone I trust. I went with Keith Craft, but PE was my second choice.

froggyman · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 01:32 PM

You will not go wrong with Eric.

Yes, there has been some negative publicity about PE, I believe instigated by some whose motives are suspect. Having said that, I have known Eric for over 5 years, and he has done a lot of engine work for me, including two Cobras and a hopped up Mazda truck. His word is gold. If he has done something not to your satisfaction, he will make it right. Like any other good business man would.

Is he perfect, no. No one is. But if you have doubts don't rely on me who gives you good feedback on Eric. Also don't listen to those who give you bad feedback on Eric. Talk with him and him only.

You will not go wrong with Eric.

Actually as we speak he just finished building and installing a 331 stroker on my new Superformance MKIII. Yes I am still doing business with Eric. No questions asked.

Juan

PWS427 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 01:36 PM

My experience with Eric was put to the test last year when my Comp Cam went on my 351W. There was a mis match with the cam gear and distributor gear which eventually wore out the cam gear. Clearly it was Comp Cam telling Perfomance Engineering which gear to use. Well the long and short of it is Comp Cam belly Ached through the process that the engine was out of warranty and dragged out what was to be done. I'm in Wisconsin so it made no sense to haul it to Ohio for repairs. The shipping would have been the same price tag as the repair. So I had a reputable outfit in Wisconsin do the work. Eric stayed on Comp Cam to get an answer as to what the reimbursement would be which took 4 months. I had to call Eric constantly but he never blew me off. In the end Eric took care of me more than Comp Cam who was at fault. I would have him build me another engine in a heartbeat!

JWilly · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 02:13 PM

Yea. Eric installed a Roush engine for me so it was not an engine he built. He did right by me. No problems.

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 02:25 PM

He dyno'd an engine for me a couple of years back. Seemed like he knew his way around. I'd use him again.

SKINNEDR · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PWS427

My experience with Eric was put to the test last year when my Comp Cam went on my 351W. There was a mis match with the cam gear and distributor gear which eventually wore out the cam gear. Clearly it was Comp Cam telling Perfomance Engineering which gear to use. Well the long and short of it is Comp Cam belly Ached through the process that the engine was out of warranty and dragged out what was to be done. I'm in Wisconsin so it made no sense to haul it to Ohio for repairs. The shipping would have been the same price tag as the repair. So I had a reputable outfit in Wisconsin do the work. Eric stayed on Comp Cam to get an answer as to what the reimbursement would be which took 4 months. I had to call Eric constantly but he never blew me off. In the end Eric took care of me more than Comp Cam who was at fault. I would have him build me another engine in a heartbeat!

I had actually the same problem with distributor gear and Camshaft with my 351W..
Material compatability between the Distributor Gear and Camshaft was the problem..Major problem just after 1100 miles and less than a year old..
Eric financial helped corrected the issue but was not willing to pay the total repair shop actual charges. I had to fork part of it and was eventually reinbursed by Vintage Motorsport, not eric...
Dex....

bnewell · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 07:35 PM

Eric is a first class guy in my book. He built and installed the motor in SPF1299 and I must say that he did an outstanding build/install.

I would recommend Eric in a heart beat!!

Hope this helps,

Great Asp · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnewell

Eric is a first class guy in my book. He built and installed the motor in SPF1299 and I must say that he did an outstanding build/install.

I would recommend Eric in a heart beat!!

Hope this helps,

Isn't heartbeat one word?

I also would recommend Eric.

bnewell · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 08:04 PM

Not in Ohio

PHM · #11 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008, 04:45 AM

Thanks Guy's,
After posting this question i recieved a call From Dynamic and from PE assuring me everything would great and wanted to know who the person was that was unhappy and they both would like to make things right with them if they could. Dynamic has since called me again and said that they called the person and straightened out the situation and the person now might even buy another call from them. It just goes to show you that you really do have to take what some people say with a grain of salt. Not to say the guy was'nt telling the truth he just didnt know all the facts. Thanks for the honest feedback from the rest of you guys, My SPF should be coming into port in Virginia on Saturday and i can't wait to get it done!

froggyman · #12 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008, 05:50 AM

You will not regret it.

Juan

Great Asp · #13 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHM

Thanks Guy's,
After posting this question i recieved a call From Dynamic and from PE assuring me everything would great and wanted to know who the person was that was unhappy and they both would like to make things right with them if they could. Dynamic has since called me again and said that they called the person and straightened out the situation and the person now might even buy another call from them. It just goes to show you that you really do have to take what some people say with a grain of salt. Not to say the guy was'nt telling the truth he just didnt know all the facts. Thanks for the honest feedback from the rest of you guys, My SPF should be coming into port in Virginia on Saturday and i can't wait to get it done!

That would be Posionsnake.

E

Dan Semko · #14 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008, 03:10 PM

I've had the pleasure of having Eric build 3 different engines and can attest to the comments posted. He does a clean build, stands behind his work and when or if there's an issue, he addresses it promptly, courteously and fairly.

My brother has had several engines built for his cobras, Camaros and Street Rods. All have been exactly as promised without issues.

The only thing Eric cannot do is grow cranial coverage but that's a small price to insure quality!

SKINNEDR · #15 (**permalink**) 08-16-2008, 05:58 AM

Check with the SPF website (Forum). Those guys have a totally different perspective about PE.

Dex....

Dan Semko · #16 (**permalink**) 08-16-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKINNEDR

Check with the SPF website (Forum). Those guys have a totally different perspective about PE.

Dex....

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.

madmaxx · #17 (**permalink**) 08-16-2008, 01:01 PM

As far as PE I would have no issues using one of his engines and is a stand up guy.

I feel the majority of issues with cobras and their associated engines, regardless of the engine builder or manufacturer is for all practical purposes Cobra's are junk when compared to your dailey drive which goes 100K miles with cold ac and never a drop of oil on the garage floor. Cobra's are piddler cars which must be handled with cotton gloves and constantly massaged. Sure you will smoke anything from zero to 100 just don't race them for 1K miles, some cars run marathons other sprint. If one does not have at least shade tree mechanic skills do yourself a favor and get a vette, porshe etc.

Let the flames begin

Great Asp · #18 (**permalink**) 08-16-2008, 01:51 PM

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.

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.

Dan Semko · #19 (**permalink**) 08-16-2008, 03:27 PM

One mans trash is another man's treasure and I wish I had some of Old Shel's earlier "trash" sitting in my barn.

Cobras are fun, "enthusiast's cars". not designed or meant to be daily drivers but then again who drives a bike, Ferrari or Duesenburg as a daily driver? They're more fun than headaches, literally and figuratively, so if you're purchasing a cobra and not expecting an equal investment in Bristol-Meyers Excedrin, bandaids and legal support, think twice before your purchase. One fact remains consistent, you'll meet and enjoy some of the nicest people as a result of owning a cobra......which is significantly better than the "friends" you'd meet at any political rally, unless of course it's the infamous Real 1, then you double your pleasure.