Engine builder scam - Page 6

Jim Wintz · #1 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 01:34 PM

S Dwyer,

It was a pleasure talking with you the other day, I only wish I could have met you and some of the other individuals under a better situation. I am glad you and your husband are not letting this guy stop your dreams. I think that is the worst thing this guy has done. Not only has he taken everyones money but he has taken their dreams away in some cases. In your case a birthday present to your husband, in another, a father and son were restoring an old truck of thier dads that had been in the family. They sent the original engine from the truck to Kent to be rebuilt. Since this time the father has passed away and all the son wants is to get their engine back to complete the truck he and his dad were working on. It was his dads dream, now all he wants is to finish it. Some of the stories are so sad. Worst off all he has taken and betrayed a trust, and that takes a little time to build back. But have faith, most people are good and trust worthy.

On a great note, as of this afternoon I have an engine and tranny setting in my garage. The Engine Factory delivered it as promised and not only on time but slightly early. I have not gotten to open it yet but just knowing it is there is a great feeling. These guys were great to work with and I would recommend them to any one.

Jim

S Dwyer · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 06:36 PM

Jim,
Glad to hear that you are on your way back to some fun....Hope things work out this good for all of us! I know my husband is on count down, his new engine will get here soon, and it will be a blessing to see him actually look foward to going to the garage!

SDwyer

P.S.- Excaliber if you read this, Thanks for the kind words!

S Dwyer · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003, 06:59 PM

Hey, by the way this is SDwyers hubby, I found out today that I guy I work with, has a friend that used KHP/Dragboy and he ordered an engine as well but he sent parts to him. Parts like alum. oil pan, Edelbrock intake and still in the box Roush heads

Jim Wintz · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2003, 05:24 AM

Maybe this is some of the stuff that was connfiscated by the Sheriffs Dept. during the search and seizer, I think they ended up with about 3 truck loads of parts and stuff. This is the third person I have heard of that had sent him parts to build their engine. Well I hope to talk with the Deputy later this morning if there is any new news I will post it if I can.

Hey, hubby, sounds like you got a pretty good wife their, that was quite a birthday present, it;s a shame it didn't work out they you guys planned. But as they say it's the thought, but it sounds like you are also getting everything squared away and getting ready to be getting back to racing.

Good Luck.
Jim

Jim Wintz · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 02:38 PM

Well no real update to post, I was contacted by yet another gentleman who had fallen victum to this situation, again, thanks to this forum and what it offers.

Anybody have any ideas on how to turbo charge or surper charge the legal system? It needs about 500 hp and 500 lbs of torque to get it moving. I guess everything has to be perfect and all i's dotted and t's crossed. Whatever happened to swift justice? Oh well, I waited over 7 months for an engine I will never get, I guess I can wait a little longer for justice to be served.

I will update as soon as I hear anything.

Jim

Leo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 01:36 PM

For what it is worth, Jim Wintz bought my unfinished kit after numerous exchanges of photos, faxes and emails; I believe Jim when he says he researched this supplier. It is my personal observation in dealing with Jim that his intentions here are unselfish and not at all self-serving. Though I have nothing to add about the situation at hand, I do want to say that I am not surprised at all at Jim's efforts, patience and perseverance here.

If any one feels it helpful to contact me about my support of Jim please don't hesitate to so at leo@cescs.com.

Jim Wintz · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 03:35 PM

Leo,

Great to here from you. Thanks for the words and thoughts of support. If everyone was as honest and great to work with as you were the world would be a better place for all of us.

Well the Cobra's coming along slow but it is coming along. I will e-mail you and give you an update.

No major changes or updates on the situation, still waiting on the wheels of justice to start turning.

Jim

scott775 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2003, 04:04 PM

Stories sound awful familiar - they got me too - still no refund - no engine. Jim any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Scott

Jim Wintz · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2003, 05:25 AM

Scott,

Sorry to here that you are involved as well. I got your e-mail and will e-mail the infomation you requested directly. I would be interested to here your situation and story dealing with these guys. Please post any info about what happened that you can.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2003, 08:17 AM

To All,

Just got off the phone with the Cheif Deputy, again no major updates or changes but the wheels of justice are turning, their just turning sloooooooow. He hopes to have some better news over the next week or two, so I will update this post as soon as I here anything. He did mention that he was contacted by 2 other people this past week and Scott that posted yesterday makes 3 more added to the list in the past week or so.

Scott I e-mailed you the info you ask for but the message did not get sent right away, so if you don't get it please let me know.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #11 (**permalink**) 11-05-2003, 01:56 PM

To all,

Again a no news update. As far as I can tell all offical parties involved are reviewing their information and making final preparations. Still moving slow but moving. I hope to have some info next week after they meet later this week.

On a good note, Dirty Harry dropped by my place this weekend in his nice Shell Valley Cobra. We met through this forum, and as a plus turns out he only lives about 45 minutes from me. I have met some of the nicest people through this forum, if anything, this loss made it possible for me to meet several individuals I otherwise may have never met, that in itself makes it worth it.

Again thanks for the visit Dirty Harry, I really enjoyed meeting you and the ride was GREAT.

Jim

Michael Quinn · #12 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 06:16 PM

I was refered to another builder who was local to me (2 hrs. away). I left a block out of a running car that I tore down and visually inspected. After 1 1/2 years of excuses I made it a habit of visitiing his shop every Thursday (4 hour round trip) and saw that many engines were coming in and leaving and mine sat in the corner. I always came loaded with two questions: "what can I do to make this any better, and how much longer". This guy was an expert in stories - lies as I learned later. He might build a great engine, but he failed miserably with mine! One day (after 3 years now!!!) he shoved my engine block off the work stand onto the concrete floor! He "discovered" a crack in the water jacket in the front pass. side. He said the 460 blocks always do this (anybody have any experience to back this statement? have not seen it on any of the ford postings (nor this site)) Two weeks later I went there, picked up my stuff and left (I could not have done it that day I would have hurt someone). I will gladly share "the rest of the story" of Stan Stayley of Gastonia, NC to anyone interested. I thought I covered my bases - but put way too much money down (mostly to buy heads and other parts - 50% on machine work 50% on completion).

S Dwyer · #13 (**permalink**) 11-29-2003, 04:41 PM

Hey Guys,
It has been awhile since I have had the time to read the forum, but I was in hopes that I would find out that our famous engine builder was not having a good holiday, but since there is no great news posted I take it that he is still sitting back laughing at us!! Oh well I feel that I have a right to laugh back at him at this point and time, I am able to post some wonderful news.....my hubby is back in business, we now have in our car a brand new engine and transmission and I am enjoying more than ever being able to watch him "tinker" with more than an empty engine compartment...it took time and it took budgeting, but he is having some fun....Thank Goodness! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season...I know I will.
SDwyer

Jim Wintz · #14 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 07:55 AM

To all,

Just got off the phone again with the Sheriffs Dept. Again not much to update, they are still waiting on the goverment do finish their end so they can continue with this case. He is going to cantact them next week and try to push them along and get this moving a little faster.

I will continue to update with any iformation that I have.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #15 (**permalink**) 01-23-2004, 04:41 AM

Well, just a quick note to let everyone know this saga still continues. I spoke with the Chiel Deputy earlier this week and not much has happened. He is currently waiting on the Goverment to decide what part they want in this case. He says he keeps pushing them so he can get this going again, but it doesn't seem to be on the top of their priority list. Will update next month with some real news I hope.

Jim

Jim Wintz · #16 (**permalink**) 02-18-2004, 04:43 AM

Well its next month and again no real progress.

I did speak with a new gentleman via e-mail who had fallen prey to this scam. He, luckily has access to a company lawyer who is going to file suit against this guy and company.

At this point the Goverment is still setting on this as it has been turned into a federal case now due to the number of people involved from various states as well as the use of the US Mail and things to conduct the scam. The only problem with this is that it is not as high a priority for the federal guys as it would be for the local guys. However I have hope, and have faith that it will all come to a head soon and justice will be served.

Again I want to keep this thread open and going so I can update any information that does develop as well as a place for people to find out information on the situation.

Will update again next month with some good news I hope.

Jim

Tony Radford · #17 (**permalink**) 02-18-2004, 06:43 AM

Jim, did you ever get the car operational?

Jim Wintz · #18 (**permalink**) 02-18-2004, 08:24 AM

Not yet, but getting close.

I have the engine from Engine Factory in, all hoses and wires ran except to the radiator. Suspension is almost complete, waiting on a set of upgraded rear control arms from RUCC. Currently working on the wiring and then the fuel system and I should be ready to get it running to debug.

I hope to have it running this summer and complete the body and interior work later this summer if all goes well we will be painting and fine tuning later this year.

Jim

shnookie · #19 (**permalink**) 03-04-2004, 08:50 PM

Jim:
Do you have the IRS from Roger. I haven't heard from him lately and just wondered if you have got the new control arms/

Thanks
Jeff

dragmama · #20 (**permalink**) 03-05-2004, 02:35 PM

Hello all...I just found your website because I was searching for "Kent Helseth's Dragboy" Boy was not surprised to read some of this stuff. Ours has been going on since March 2002!!! Let's get this creep. What can I do? I still have the Cashier's check receipt, and a copy of the Express Mail that I sent with the money for the engine!!