Lessons learned: Buying a "used low mileage engine"(must read)

[MikenOH]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

This client is more than just someone off the street... He is someone who we have built a relationship with over a period of a year and he hasn't asked for any good deals, nor has he requested that I do anything..

He has become a good friend, someone who helped me when my Dad had some serious heart issues a few months agoi and he is one serious driver that puts the engine on the edge... He was able to do somthing that no one else ever has, he broke my engine.. The oil pump drive key failed. He didn't complain, and he didn't whine and the engine didn't have a warranty, but I OFFERED to repair it and will do so for free.

We were just looking for a dual purpose alternative so he could finish his season and I could repair his broken engine taking it to an even higher level and do so without impacting my (very filled) schedule.

He wants to build more engines and he wants to build another car and he wants to be a part of the development of the M96 and sharing knowledge.

He never had to ask for anything and he isn't looking for good deals... The only reason that engine was bought off Ebay is because it had the lowest mileage of anything we could find and it was represented well.. Much better than anything we could find at a salvage yard, it just so happened that it was ONLY 4K, the price didn't matter.

Trust me, this "purchaser" is the best client I have experienced to date and on top of that he saves the lives of babies one week old or younger on a weekly basis.. Taking his Boxster and hauling ass on the track is how he relaxes, about the only way he relaxes and as far as I am concerned I am only doing whats right and what is honorable, basically just plain fair.

I have zero tolerance for failure. He broke my engine and thats not accaptable; period. It won't happen again.

You'll be seeing a lot of him soon.. His name is Dr. Phil, his alter ego is Mr. Speed...

Phil's a good guy; I was in a bay a few doors down from his car when he was at Mid-OH in early June and he spent a lot of time explaining what all had been done to the car.

[pcs5978]

There are a few remaining questions that we are trying to answer before the details of this story are presented in this forum. The facts - names, dates, dollars, and documents will be presented with the intent of educating the readers of this forum so they can hopefully avoid the problems we have encountered with this used motor. Stay tuned!

[Brucelee]

To all that are following this thread.

There are a number of unsettling things going on in the background of this saga. In order to sort it out, I am going to lock the thread.

I suggest that all involved (and you know who you are) take a deep breath and go have a beer.

Thanks for your understanding!

BL