ComplaintsforDon Hardy Fuel Efficient Engines

• Initial Complaint

  05/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  BBB First, I would like to say that I have attempted to call and email DH several times to resolve this amicably and have exhaust all resources. I Purchased an engine from *** ***** that was supposed to be a high horsepower LT 427 built engine((completed 6/29/2021)). This motor was put in at Bad Chad Performance in Huffman Texas, the motor from day one had issues and never ran correctly. ****** reached out to *** who stated he did not believe it was the motor))Perspective, the motor would not even make it a few miles away from the shop without having issues. We finally got the car to a point to where we thought it was ok, however once a small amount of throttle was applied the motor started having issues again. After several teardowns at bad chat and attempting to find "other" problems we finally sent the motor back after fighting with it for around six months. ((1/31/22)) At first ****** told me issues was caused by a set of head gaskets we attempted to use, which are used by several big name shops on sleeved LT4 motors with zero issues. Then it turned out the cylinder walls were "egg'd" - this cylinder block was NOT supplied by me, this was supplied by *** *****. And then over the phone I was also told "tuning" ((I assume I've been looped into another issue that happen at Bad Chad however I've explained I do NOT use the tuner Bad Chad uses)) and secondly the car would never run well enough to get to that point. This isn't my first engine build I've had issues with bad tuners, and I had these conversations with the tuner NOT the engine builder. ****** quit responding to me via email, and at this point he will not respond to me to even give me an accurate list of parts (pistons/rods/crankshaft) and specs on the motor he charged me to rebuild. I've spent a total of around $8040 for the initial build that never ran ((basically a paperweight)), and $3759 to fix something that never properly ran correctly for a total of 12,015$

  Business response

  06/08/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 12, 2022/05/23) */ We have no control over the product once it leaves our business. We build custom engines and in this case it was a short block that the customer wanted not what we recommended and was completed at customers choice of shop. In return we did build another complete short block with the same components as the first one, the only thing different was the block and serial number he had a build sheet from the first one and this is why he is complaining that he did not receive a build sheet from the second one. He told our secretary that he is trying to sell the engine. This is a copy of our warranty disclaimer DUE TO THE EXTREME STRESSES OF RACING, THERE IS NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ON ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES WE PROVIDE. Seller disclaims any warranty express or implied with respect to the parts sold hereby whether as to merchantability, fitness for particular purpose or any other matter. No merchandise may be returned without prior consent, and is subject to 20% handling and /or restocking charge. All goods must be returned transportation charges prepaid. Claims for shortage or damage must be made within 5 days of invoice date. Prices subject to change without notice. Consumer Response /* (3000, 14, 2022/05/24) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Don Hard Racing Engines, I am not complaining due to lack of build sheet - My complaint is based on an engine (short block) that was built that did not function as intended with zero explanation from Don Hardy Racing engines. When I asked about building this motor there was no indication that it was "not recommended" I will go through my emails and post the correspondence. The reasoning for my complaint is based on the fact that I spent around $8040 on an engine that from day one did not run properly and DH can't even begin to explain what's wrong with the engine. As far as the build sheet I will also post the email where I attempted to get a build sheet from the first motor however this again is NOT why I have an issue with this company. You are correct I am attempting to sell this engine and having one built through a well known race shop that is known to stand behind their product and doesn't attempt to blame customer or shop when something is wrong due to builder error. Consumer Response /* (3000, 18, 2022/05/24) */ ***Document Attached*** Request sent for build sheet 11/15/21 with no response from DH. Consumer Response /* (3000, 21, 2022/05/25) */ ***Document Attached*** Also wanted to point out, when I paid for the first motor I never saw any warranty information. ((Please see the screen shot of me searching my inbox and only finding the two emails from me having to pay a second invoice this year)) This is not the first time I've had a motor built I'm well aware of what normally comes with buying a built motor, however the integrity of this shop is where my problem lies. The shop that put the car together called and spoke to Donald shortly after the motor was put in the car and several times trying to diagnose the car and was told several times it could not be the motor (which turns out was the problem) The problem here is the product I was sold was faulty from day one, if this issue had resulted from a faulty tune or me actually being able to go out and RACE the car then we would not be discussing. The shop owner who put the car together can also verify this information as he is aware the car was never able to be driven properly with this short block from Don Hardy even after all of his efforts to try and remedy issues (( Again because him speaking directly to Donald thought there was no way it was the motor )) so we wasted time and money trying to diagnose other (non issues) and it came back to being exactly what I thought form day one that this was an issue with the motor.

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