Engine builder scam - Page 5

Woodz428 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-06-2003, 11:58 AM

"Burn the witch"...

monty python.... "In Search of the Holy Grail"

Jim Wintz · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 06:33 AM

Your correct Woodz, this gentleman needs to be dealt with accordingly. From what I understand that is currently happening. The Sheriffs dept. served the intial warrants to get him shut down, they are now putting together all of their evidence to press charges and take this deal to court. Currently that is where we stand. Most of the first time post are because these guys who have ordered product from this guy and now have no way of getting ahold of him are searching the web for information. It brings up this page of the forum when you do a search for KHP engines, Dragboy, his name or their phone number. So that is how they are finding out about this situation, and some, not all are posting replies. I have been a member of Club Cobra for a little while, however I have used it ever since I decided to purchase a Cobra several years ago ( a great place for information), but only posted a few times in the past. This seemed like a good place to help get the word out on this situation and inform others.

Oh by the way I was cantacted again this week end by another individual who just found out. I again ask him to go back into the forum and post his story so everyone can see what had happen to him and what story he was told. But again this guy will show up as a first time post.

I hope this explains the first time posts and again, my intentions are in no way to hurt someone trying to run a legit business, but there is something wrong with this situation. There are some people into this guy with serious money and some have been working with him 2 to 3 years and still have never received anything. Something is wrong with that. I also would love to see the Cheif Deputy Sheriff post some information verifing what I have been telling everyone so you don't think that I am a angry or "T'd" off customer trying to bring a good guy down, or the leader of an angry lynch mob but I am sure there is no way he can do this, at least until this thing is well on its way to being over, and right now it is just getting started.

Jim

Nailheadfred · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 07:46 AM

Jim, It seems like your spending alot of time defending yourself and all the rest of us new to this site. Maybe we should start a new Site for Scam. The Chief Deputy told us that he arrived at his Office one morning to find a couple of Bikers from Michigan that rode down to pay Kent a little visit. He probably should have saved us all alot of trouble and told them where to find him.Keep up the Good Work Jim. FRED

casaleenie · #4 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 07:52 AM

If any of this stuff is true then it sounds like the engine builder lost himself one heck of a business.. Sounds like he had a fortune in work to turn out..
After the second promise to deliver my engine didn't materialize I'd have been on my way to personally pick up my engine. I'd have tried to leave with something or filed a complaint with the Sheriff in person.. (I'm retired and have time to do stuff like that)
Fortunately I've arrived at a time in my life where I'm starting to get a little smarter... and I'm a firm believer in the old adage,"if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

Quick story....
I bought a car from a used car lot that a "buddy" of mine owned.
We had a bit of a history and I knew that financially he was a little shaky. I wrote him a check for the car and state taxes and filing fees, etc. I left with the car and a temp. plate to return in a few days to pick up the title and permanent license plates..
A few days go by and I go back for the promised title and plates.
I arrive at the lot early in the morning to find several other people also returning to pick up plates and title. He has some excuses as to why the stuff is not available but not to worry because today is the day when he will get a chance to go downtown and secure all this stuff. (this was my first trip back to pick up the title but some of the other people had been back more than once)
Two days later we all assemble at the lot (got to be eight people waiting for titles) to pick up the promised paperwork. He's sitting in the office and explaining that someone had come back and demanded his money back for a car that he purchased and that he had given our state tax money to him and couldn't produce the titles because he didn't have the money... People are upset and start demanding all their money back... These were basically high mileage cheap cars that people needed to get to work with. He leans back in his car and tells them that there is no money coming back to them and they'll just have to wait till he gets back on his feet and gets the money together. "you all have 30 day tags and I'll try to get the money by then". "what do you want to do, beat me up or something"?."will that make you happy"? with that three people start around the desk and he tries to get the chair back on all four feet but he's not quick enough. He goes over backwards and hits the floor and three people start kicking him. One woman picks up a stapler off the desk and starts hitting him with it... It was great... Justice was served...
He never came up with the money and was arrested by the state.
People got their titles because his brother finally came up with the money and kept him from going to jail.

I hope your situation had a happy ending like mine did...

Turk · #5 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 08:10 AM

Remind me to never sell you a car.
Someone has to stick up for the car salesman.
You mean people.

TURK

Woodz428 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:14 AM

My point,actually, is that I don't personally know anyone on this site (if I do I am unaware of it), except for log in names and profiles. Some of the people that have been here for a while either know each other through this forum or in various other settings. I know that a persons integrity is ,in my mind, the absolute most important thing. When I see a bunch of first time posters, on any forum, that have nothing in their profiles to draw some info from I give them the weight they deserve. Which for now ,is none. If the Deputy was investigating, it would be appropriate for him to introduce himself in an effort to gather more info. But without more substance than has been presented, it wouldn't even be admissable in a court of law (I'm sure there are some attorneys here that will verify that), it is called hearsay. If this guy did the deeds presented they desrve severe consequences, but without more substantiation, I consider it hearsay, and a dozen more first time posters with no profile won't change that.

Excaliber · #7 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:30 AM

It IS obvious something is really wrong.

This thread belongs to the victims at this point, try and show a little RESPECT for their loss.

Ernie

EDITED to stay on topic and to the point, as per Ron's request.

casaleenie · #8 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:35 AM

Uh oh,,, sounds like Ernie ordered an engine from this guy.

casaleenie · #9 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:43 AM

All's fair....

We get on this forum and reccommend people who we've had good experiences with or supply a great service or product... I guess it can go the other way also...
It's sharing info one way or the other...

I personally have moved the engine builder off my short list for a future rebuild..

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:45 AM

Posting by law enforecment here would be very tricky. It could easily be taken wrong and have a negative impact on the investigation.

,,,,just standing up for the "newbies" and giving them the beneift of the doubt. It will all come clear in due time.

Ernie

computerworks · #11 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:48 AM

Ernie, et al..

PLEASE take the crosstalk to a different thread.

Consumer Watch forum posts should very much stay on topic, without editorializing or speculation.

Thanks
Ron
ClubCobra Moderator

Jim Wintz · #12 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:52 AM

Ernie,

Thanks for the reply and your support. I can't tell you how much it means to me and the others caught up in this mess. I know this thread as turned from the standard Cobra focus, but I was familiar with Club Cobra as I have read it for years looking for info before I bought my Cobra kit and it seemed like a great place to reach a bunch of great car guys who could help spread the worrd to others. Granted, I have only talked with three people who have dealt with this company that were actually Club Cobra mambers prior, but through the wonders of the internet this is getting out to anyone who is looking for help or information that are in the same boat as I. Thansk again for your comments and support.

Woodz, not sure what I can tell you that will help you understand or believe the information posted. All I can give is the specific information as it relates to me and from others I have talked with or that have posted. I understand what you are saying and why, but I assure you this is not a good guy who ran late and possibly T'd off some customers. Let me know if there is any quesion you have that I might be able to answer that would help you to better understand. I can go over the stories and lies I was told, and the facts as well as what has been discovered to date.

I expect things to start to happen in the next few weeks. I hope to get a call that there was an arrest made and when the trial is scheduled. As soon as I can I will update the thread with any and all facts and information that I can.

To end on a good note for a change. I got an e-mail from Christian at The Engine Factory, they expect to be shipping my engine and tranny set-up in the next day or two and I should see it later this week or early next. What a great bunch of guys.

Jim

casaleenie · #13 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Turk

Remind me to never sell you a car.
Someone has to stick up for the car salesman.
You mean people.

TURK

"Some of my best friends are car salesmen" I just don't want them dating my daughters...
The lesson here is not to smart off when your chair is leaning back and you're off balance...

al

Jim Wintz · #14 (**permalink**) 09-09-2003, 10:19 AM

I just got off of the phone.

Well, another day and yet another victum comes forward.

This gentleman ordered his engine, this time for a Cobra he is building. He ordered it late last year and again received nothing more then excuse after excuse as to where it was and why he didn't receive it. We only talked breifly this morning, we will be talking in more detail this later evening. I will either post more details of his situation if it is any different or I will ask him to log on and post his story.

This forum has been a wonderful tool for getting these people some information and someone they can contact on this deal. I thank everyone at Club Cobra for providing this tool and allowing it to be used for these types of situations, it has been a great help.

I will post more info after we talk this evening.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #15 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 05:37 AM

Jack J., just got your message. I will call you today. I e-maild you back but wanted to post as well in case you are watching the post.

David K., I never heard back from you, so I will try to call you again as well and make sure you have my correct numbers. You stated that you wanted to talk more the other day when your cell phone was dying.

Well not a whole lot of new news, Jack J. e-mailed me stating that he has been added to our list. However, he must have been working with them for a little while as he posted them as Dragboy which goes back to the name of the facility over a year ago.

I will post any new information that I come across.

P.S. 69mustang can you e-mail me directly, you made several mentions of getting a class action suit started for everyone to help share the cost, and you were getting some information on Kent together. I would like to talk with you on a plan as I have talked with a lawyer from Meservey. I tried to e-mail you though the club but had no luck.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #16 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 10:13 AM

I spoke with the Chief Deputy and it looks like the amount on new people being discovered has slowed, however he did talk with 6 new people last week. He also mentioned that they had gotten into the companies answering maching and the recordings left by customers. They are comparing the people who had left messages with the list of people they have already contacted. We feel there will be a few others added after this excerise. No other major news at this time. They are putting together their case to present later this week, so I hope to have some new news then.

I did speak with Jack J. he has been working on getting his engine for awhile now. Pretty much the same stories just slightly different. Maybe when this is all done and over, I could get a copy of all of the records and stories ect.. and write a book about how to buy an engine that you will never get. Maybe I could make enough to get my money back.

69mustang still hoping to hear from you.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #17 (**permalink**) 09-16-2003, 05:53 AM

Well I spoke a little too soon.

Got another e-mail from another victum, That had ordered an engine and tranny for an Iroc Camaro back in Febuary of 2002, yes that is 2002. They stated that the excuses started at the time the engine and tranny was suppose to be done. As of Aug. 2003, 18 months later thay are still waiting. That is up until the time the Chief Deputy called them last night and gave them the bad news and directed them to this forum. This forum continues to provide assistance to several individuals looking for help and answers. Thanks again Club Cobra.

Jim

S Dwyer · #18 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 05:58 PM

Hi guys,
Just thought I would let you know that I am the victim that ordered an engine and tranny for my husbands IROC. I thought this was a great birthday gift, you know trying to be the good wife. We checked all the typical references that a person should check before purchasing an item sight unseen. My husband spoke to the owner of Dragboy and the "engine builder" to give all the information that he thought they would need to know in order to build the engine just how he wanted it. We ordered in Feb. 2002, the engine and tranny was to be in our garage no later than July 2002 this was told to us by the "owner". When July came along I phoned for a date that we could set up for a delevery, this is when all of the stories began. You name it, we heard it. And every time we asked for a location where we could meet up with them to get our engine there was another GOOD story why this could not happen. I did everything I could think of to get my husbands engine...including beg. But there was always a story, and everyone of them seemed so real that I even felt sorry for Kent, at times thinking that it must be horrible to have so many things go wrong in your life. In Aug. 2003 we thought it was really going to happen, we were going to finally get our product! WRONG. On Aug 5th, I talked to Kent (we thought this guys name was Junior) and he told me that he was very close by and we would see him that coming weekend. On Aug 7th, I called to verify times, location and etc, only to find out the cell-phones were no longer working, and no one was in the office to answer the phone and I did not even get the annoying machine that always told us to push *1, *2,*3,or*4........Well determined and I guess a little stupid, I talked my husband into driving to the area in which Kent said he was at and I thought that we would be able to catch up with him get my husbands engine...etc, etc, (I still was beleiving that this was only another problem that this guy had ran into and he was still trying to get an engine to us) After looking for him on two different days, my husband than said "I bet you we have been taken" As if we both didnt already know it in our heads, it was just our hearts that continued to believe the stories. We have now heard from the authorities allowing us to know the truth...we were scamed, no more second guessing. But I am glad to report this did not stop me from trying to win the wife of the year award, we just received a new tranny for my husbands IROC, and a new (and better) engine will be here within the month, no doubts this time! Anyone who has been a victim of Dragboy or KHP, I feel for you, this guy was a pro!

Thanks for listening~
S.

TerribleTed13 · #19 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 12:23 AM

Hi guys I had a similar experance in 1979-80. I bought a big block chev 434 cid from a private seller,short story the exhaust valve guides wern't sealed correctly-coolant in the oil/chocolate milkshake!He said he'd take care of the problem,pulled the motor for repairs.The next week I tried to call him, # disconnected,went by his house he moved!This son-of a b@tch took me At the good old age of 15!His name,I wont ever forget it is/was ED MALOUFF! I hear,back then he moved to Texas.I'd like to get my hands and fists on him! I can only hope karma has come around to his house and family!With a vengence!Seems like someone is always there to take advantage of us hard working honest folks.Thanks for listening.
PS. I do belive in the force!May it be with you, my cobra brothers and sisters.

Excaliber · #20 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 02:50 AM

S Dwyer,,,,,you sound like a great wife to me!!! In this case it's the thought that counts, and that was sweet trying to get hubby set up with a good motor tranny!

ANYBODY can be a victim, don't have nothing to do with being "smart" or "dumb". We can ALL be scammed on any given day by the right con man! I still CHOOSE to trust my fellow man, I don't WANT to live a life of paranoia. But,,,,,,,,I am more careful these days, heck I KNOW I'm an "easy mark"! LOL

Ernie