Engine builder scam - Page 9

WarrenG · #**161** (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 11:39 AM

I know that I'm getting into this kind of late, but... All this discussion just reinforces what Curt Scott publishes in his book about Cobra Replicas. Basically, you can't do too much research before you give somebody your money. Whether it's for the car/kit or the engine or any other component. I'm in the process of purchasing an ERA and when it came time to find an engine builder I spoke to other Cobra and Replica owners who already had their engines. I also got recommendations from ERA for builders and got references from ERA for clients of theirs that had used different engine builders. I made sure that I spoke to owners that held dealt with the builder recently as well as a couple who had had their engines for several years and had put several thousand miles on their engines. After making a preliminary decision I spent the money for an airline ticket and rental car and travelled from So. Cal to Connecticut to visit the builder's shop and verify that he had the facilities to perform the job. I figured that spending roughly $600 for a few days in CT was alot better than possibly losing several thousand on a deal gone bad. I also figured that given the cost of the project it would end up adding only about 1% to the cost, a small price to pay. I've been back twice as part of other business and know for a fact that my engine is complete and ready to go.

Good Luck getting past this. If anybody still needs an excellent and reputable engine builder I would recommend without any hesitation, Joe Lapine of Danbury Competition Engines in Danbury, CT. It will soon be fall in New England, a fall colors tour would be the perfect excuse to go to CT and if you just happen to end up near an engine shop on the way, so much the better!

Dinobyte · #**162** (**permalink**) 08-23-2006, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Good Luck getting past this. If anybody still needs an excellent and reputable engine builder I would recommend without any hesitation, Joe Lapine of Danbury Competition Engines in Danbury, CT. It will soon be fall in New England, a fall colors tour would be the perfect excuse to go to CT and if you just happen to end up near an engine shop on the way, so much the better!

Not to go against your experience, but Joe screwed me big time. He took over two months to do a big block build that should have taken 4 weeks top (due to poor planning on his part...he knew about my build, and used the block for someone else who came in after me). Once he finished and stuck it on the dyno, a rear main leak was discovered. He basically walked away from the build and sent my builder a check for the amount paid. Very disappointing and unprofessional on his part. Other than that, I am sure he is a great guy.

fastraxsg · #**163** (**permalink**) 09-30-2006, 10:56 AM

Wow, after reading through all of this, I'm wondering what happened to the Oct. date, is it still on and where can we visit this low life? Does the court or Chief Deputy know where this individual maybe at the moment? How will they get him to show up in court and what happens if he skips? I assume he isn't enjoying 3 squares a day at the local jail house now.

Jim Wintz · #**164** (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 04:45 AM

The last notifiacation I received from the justice department changed the hearing date to Oct. 17 and the trial date that was scheduled for the 13th of Nov. has been canceled to be rescheduled. Man this is long process.

mamba · #**165** (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 06:50 AM

Justice delayed means justice delayed.There are many good lawyers,but a real good lawyer knows the judge.

WarrenG · #**166** (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Not to go against your experience, but Joe screwed me big time. He took over two months to do a big block build that should have taken 4 weeks top (due to poor planning on his part...he knew about my build, and used the block for someone else who came in after me). Once he finished and stuck it on the dyno, a rear main leak was discovered. He basically walked away from the build and sent my builder a check for the amount paid. Very disappointing and unprofessional on his part. Other than that, I am sure he is a great guy.

Sorry to hear about your experience. It surprises me because you are the first out of over a dozen people that I have spoken to either by phone or in person who had anything but good things to say about dealing with Joe or the quality of his motors.

ffindling · #**167** (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Not to go against your experience, but Joe screwed me big time. He took over two months to do a big block build that should have taken 4 weeks top (due to poor planning on his part...he knew about my build, and used the block for someone else who came in after me). Once he finished and stuck it on the dyno, a rear main leak was discovered. He basically walked away from the build and sent my builder a check for the amount paid. Very disappointing and unprofessional on his part. Other than that, I am sure he is a great guy.

Usually, when I see a post like this, I have to think there's more here than what meets the eye. Joe Lapine has been around for years and has a very good reputation. He has done engine builds for a score of ERA clients and it seems without exception, they're happy campers. But I can't imagine any good engine builder abandonning a build because of leaky rear main. It usually isn't a big deal, replace the seal and proceed on. In this case, the engine wasn't even installed in a car making troubleshooting and repairing
the problem that much easier. I suspect that there is some other issue
here, perhaps Joe didn't build the shortblock in the first place. Many engine
builders are naturally reluctant to spend time and effort to patch up a poorly
done job that someone else did. It's hard to stand behind a product that
you didn't have total control over during its creation. Perhaps the
leak wasn't caused by a bad seal, but out of issues concerning the block
and/or crankshaft. As the saying goes, you can't make bricks without
straw. One can't reasonably expect any engine builder to make a good
engine out of parts that are better off in the scrap pile.

....Fred

Dinobyte · #**168** (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ffindling

Usually, when I see a post like this, I have to think there's more here than what meets the eye. Joe Lapine has been around for years and has a very good reputation. He has done engine builds for a score of ERA clients and it seems without exception, they're happy campers. But I can't imagine any good engine builder abandonning a build because of leaky rear main. It usually isn't a big deal, replace the seal and proceed on. In this case, the engine wasn't even installed in a car making troubleshooting and repairing
the problem that much easier. I suspect that there is some other issue
here, perhaps Joe didn't build the shortblock in the first place. Many engine
builders are naturally reluctant to spend time and effort to patch up a poorly
done job that someone else did. It's hard to stand behind a product that
you didn't have total control over during its creation. Perhaps the
leak wasn't caused by a bad seal, but out of issues concerning the block
and/or crankshaft. As the saying goes, you can't make bricks without
straw. One can't reasonably expect any engine builder to make a good
engine out of parts that are better off in the scrap pile.

....Fred

Joe was responsible for everything...the block, the parts, the build. He did not deliver and wasted 4 months of my time. God bless you if you have a great engine from Joe, but that does not change the fact that he did not deliver and does not seem to be able to communicate issues until the very last minute.

Jim Wintz · #**169** (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 04:39 AM

I just want to take a quick moment and make sure anyone reading or catchinh up on updates on this original post that Joe Lapine is not the individual that ran the scam that I was caught up in resulting in this thread. I would hate for someone to get the two confused and assume he is involved in the scam detailed in the thread in anyway, he was not.

Thanks....Jim

Dinobyte · #**170** (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Wintz

I just want to take a quick moment and make sure anyone reading or catchinh up on updates on this original post that Joe Lapine is not the individual that ran the scam that I was caught up in resulting in this thread. I would hate for someone to get the two confused and assume he is involved in the scam detailed in the thread in anyway, he was not.

Thanks....Jim

Agreed

While Joe may not have delivered as promised, he did refund the entire amount paid to him for service.

WarrenG · #**171** (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Wintz

I just want to take a quick moment and make sure anyone reading or catchinh up on updates on this original post that Joe Lapine is not the individual that ran the scam that I was caught up in resulting in this thread. I would hate for someone to get the two confused and assume he is involved in the scam detailed in the thread in anyway, he was not.

Thanks....Jim

Sorry, that was my fault. I was trying to help out some of those who were looking for a good builder and the idea that my post could get twisted around negatively never occurred to me.

Jim Wintz · #**172** (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 01:28 PM

Hey, not a problem, I know how these threads go once they get rolling, I was more concerned about Joe's name getting associated with this situation when it has absolutely nothing to do with him. If someone skimmed through the thread they might put two and two together and come up with six and next thing you know Joe is getting a bad rap he doesn't deserve at all, and I would hate for that to happen to anyone.

Thanks....

Jim Wintz · #**173** (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 05:17 AM

Well beleive it or not I was just e-mailed this morning from a new individual who found this web site and thread this morning at 1:00 am.

Now for the real bad news, this guy ordered an engine and sent money in December of 05 !!! Just 11 months ago, this guy is operating somewhere! I know I was cantacted last year from someone who claimed to know him and were concerned because it appeard he was trying to start something up again, I hooked them up with the FBI and they passed this information on to them. I cannot believe this is starting up again or stll going on. Plan to call this indiviual this mroning as well as the FBI and see what I can find out.

Jim Wintz · #**174** (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 06:58 AM

Well sounds like this guy is up and running, and in two weeks he is scheduled to enter a guilty plea in court, can't believe it! I called his new shop got the answering machine and sounds like almost the exact same set up. All I can tell you guys is be very very careful of buying anying enginse from the New Brighten area in Minnosota.

I did call the Cheif Deputy and the FBI to let them know and pass on the infor mation and numbers, hopefulle it will help in getting this guy shut down for good.

The gentleman who called me ordered a 393, 518 h.p. engine, what he got was an engine that looked good on the outside but was pretty much a stock 360 that was in such bad shape he feeels there is no way it would hold up and run. This guy is only about an hour from Kents new set up, which folows his old stlye, the guys close did get something (I spoke with 3 people out of about 30 who got an engine or maney back) and the guy fater away got took. This way he has proof that he did provide something once in awhile.

Be careful guys!!!!!

88 stang · #**175** (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 08:54 AM

Hi guys found your site by typing in Kent Helseth on google search. First of all sorry to the guys who got shafted. I also bought a motor from Kent he is in Minnesota going under the name v8 engineering in New Brighton I paid half down said it would be done in 3 weeks called called and called got every excuse from him you guys did I finally got my motor and outside looks good has heads and intake ect. that is was supposed to have have not fired yet when I do I will let you guys know if he has changed or if he is up to his old self. P.S. for a good laugh call 651-631-1888

Jim Wintz · #**176** (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 01:58 PM

I hope your engine is all it is suppose to be. The previous gut I spoke with said his engine looked good but was nowhere near what he ordered. At least this time some of the local people are actually getting something. Last go round I estimate 99% of everyone I spoke with ended up with nothing, one or two ended up with some knid of enging and one ended up getting his money back.

I wish you the best of luck on your enging. Please follow up and let us know if it is actually what you ordered and is in good working order.

David Anton · #**177** (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:06 AM

I own V8 Engineering, as well as other businesses, I received two calls from people Kent has had dealings with years ago. I have talked with kent in great depth about this situation, and he is giving me a moth to replace him, as well as train in someone. what I find incredible, is why these two people who called me were hostile towards me. I have known Kent for three years, he has been a wonderful employee at both businesses he has worked at, and i have had no problems with him. In july I placed my shop on the market and he stated he would be happy to take it over, as of this date, funds have not surfaced, and due to his future legal issues I can see why. He supplied me with court papers that have him pleading guilty to one, let me make this clear, one count of mail fraud. He is to be sentenced in January. As for Mr. Damien Frentz, I spoke with im about his complaint, I wient over his build sheet part by part, his file has no less then 121 lines of requests and changes. There are always two sides to a story, and this individual is the only person I am aware of in three years with a complaint. I offered this person to have a judge hear his side and my side, to be fair, he requested a financial settlement to help him place his engine in the form he felt it was suppose to be. I want to emphisize, this engine has a build sheet with every part number, signed by the customer and verified by him to me by telephone. I do not appreciate the two calls i got, and furthermore, Kent is not the "owner" he has been the manager at both of my businesses, and I have enjoyed working with him. When he is past his legal problems I will enjoy working with him in the future. His abilities are undeniable, his automotive intellect is without a rival. I am sorry for anyone who has had a loss due to his failed business, but after reading this thread, I see he had a business that got away from him and he decided making excuses was his way out. While working for me he has had a string of bad luck situations, but unfortunately for the people here who wish to link it to his past, as a employer i easily verified any employee with a issue.
my e-mail is V8Engineering@comcast.net, if you have further questions, and if they are polite. I will NOT be giving out his home phone or address or such, childish questions are of no interest to me. I see this legal action as done, and he will obviously be doing what a judge asks, but any recourse while he is employed by me will not be happening! dave Anton

Jim Wintz · #**178** (**permalink**) 11-15-2006, 07:06 AM

David,

Thanks for checking in and sticking by your friend Kent, but as you stated "any recourse while he is employed by you will not be happeneding" then you thpughts and opinions on Kent do not help this issue or the 50 or 60 good folks who lost their money to his scam. You are correct he only plead guilty to one count of mail fraud, the other 5 they charged him with are pending. Unfortunately the way the justice system works (or doesn't) prevented all of the information from being included and part of this case. I have spoken personally with over two dozen people who have been caught up in this, and ther has been more then 6 respond to this thread that have lost money as a result. So to make the statement that he pleaded guilty to only one count is true but not an accurate or true description of what is all involved here. It is great to here you are Kents employer so maybe the justice system will be able to garnish his wages to start paying back some of these folks that had their hard earned money taken from them through deception ans misrepresentation. But at this ponit in time I am so tired and angry over this deal that if you cant help me get the engine I paid for or my money returned then you opinion of Kent does not mean anything.

He is to be sentenced on January 17th. We will see then.

Jim

Leo · #**179** (**permalink**) 12-27-2006, 11:52 AM

David,

You are either inordinantly nieve about Kent or have no respect for the injustice you are complicant in by your acknowledged timeline.

Leo

427SnakeSC · #**180** (**permalink**) 12-27-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo

David,

You are either inordinantly nieve about Kent or have no respect for the injustice you are complicant in by your acknowledged timeline.

Leo

Huh?!