Down but not out - Page 2

Excaliber · #21 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 01:14 AM

"all new parts except the block",,,,,, I would assume the "average man" on the street would take that at face value for what it seems to say, "new" parts!

I've got no ax to grind one way or the other, just curious. I assume "new" parts in this case would mean the short block assembly, not the heads, manifold, rockers, push rods, manifold etc?

Sounds like the engine threw a rod? Used rods, crank or what parts are we talking about here?

Ernie

nbrune · #22 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 08:51 AM

I'm currently shopping for a Cobra. I stopped by the factory at Lonestar and am planning on going back for a second visit this Friday. I'm looking at a used car, that they refer to as "Greg's old car". It needs to have an engine that is street legal for CA, usually that means an engine that predates the smog requirements. They showed me an engine on a pallet that comes from a local builder but I do not remember the name. They said it was a 1965 352/390 and essentially stock. They did indicate that the pistons were all .030 over. Suggesting that it had been overhauled at least.

Any advice, suggestions etc are welcome. Does anyone else have experience with the local engine guy?

What about the rest of the lonestar? Does it handle okay, rattle, fall apart, ride good etc?

The price is not too bad but I will be a long way away when I take delivery.

email address is texyancey@hotmail.com

Also Todd · #23 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:05 AM

spun all the main bearings and two rod bearings. Rods are not even a matched set.

Todd

trularin · #24 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:18 AM

The age of the engine demands a 'shop for parts' situation.

I have a LoneStar and as I said before Steve has taken care of my project ( Brian is the guy I end up talking to )

Perhaps The guys who are at LoneStar would like to chime in here.

I have read many of CowTowns posts and he has good advice and mannors, he would not be offering information if he did not think this could be resolved.

I do not want to get in the middle of this. But, I think ( not that anyone cares ) the reallity of the situation is, the engine is done.

Now I will run for cover. Last time I entered this pit, I had a hard time getting out.

Just my $0.02

Also Todd · #25 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:27 AM

quote from cowtown

"And they were "on vacation in the middle of July?"

WELL PHUCK ME A' RUNNIN'

CALL MY LAWYER!!!!!

and...

"I talked to other people that got motors from them, same problem. I am not going down that road."

Please, who are these people? You gonna start threatening lawyers, you better name names"

Yep good manners

CowtownCobra · #26 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:28 AM

nbrune,

I have spent the last 5 months building a Lone Star at their shop. Just finished up (almost) in the last few weeks. The car is well designed, parts were fabricated properly, and I had a good time putting it together. I'm no expert, but I am a Mechanical Engineer by trade.

I have seen the red car you are referring to, but I don't know when was it originally built. The Lone Star has changed continually over time.

As far as where the motors come from, all I know is I got a short block from Lone Star which came from S&S engines in Spokane. Its a 1971 (pre-emission) that has been balanced and blueprinted. The rest of the motor I gathered from a variety of sources, and a few hipo parts I bought from Lone Star. I took all the parts to a machine shop and stayed and watched while they put it all together. I guess you could say I built it myself.

All of my experiences with Lone Star and its employees have been very positive, and I do recommend them.

CowtownCobra · #27 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:36 AM

Thank you Trularin.

nbrune,

I am just sorry you ended up in this sorry thread. If you are in town, I will be out at their shop on this Saturday, and I would be glad to show you my car and answer any questions you may have.

Also Todd · #28 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:40 AM

392cobra · #29 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:52 AM

"All of my experiences with Lone Star and its employees have been very positive, and I do recommend them."-CowtownCobra

I completely agree with Dave.

I have had my Lonestar for only 1 1/2 yrs. now.It has more than met my expectations and that is after wanting a Cobra for 40 years.
That is a lot of built up expectations.

If I had the chance to go back 1 1/2 years,I would still get the Lonestar.

Don't let one person taint your view of a fine company and group of employees.

James Baldwin · #30 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 09:56 AM

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do, Todd.

$6100 is a bunch of moola to just walk away from. Since he admitted he would give you your money back if he had it, and since the engine was billed as "all new parts except for the block", I feel it is worth pursuing. Of course I am certainly no attorney. Maybe he would work out a payment plan for you or agree to pay the Keith Craft bill (don't panic Drew, I am not recommending you carry a note

)

Without knowing more of the facts, I would agree with Ernie about the concerns of deeper financial troubles for Lone Star. I hope that is comes to a good conclusion for both parties (if possible).

Keep us posted on the final outcome.

Also Todd · #31 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 10:00 AM

Listen,

I am talking about getting a refund for something that was sold to me that was not what they said it was.

I am not talking about the rest of the car. In the past I have told people about LS, however I cannot say I would now.

I simply want a refund for the motor that was not what they said it was.

I was going to pay for the fix, however I found out that the motor was not what they said it was and I want a refund. What is wrong with that? I have only quoted what Steve said to me on the phone.

So I want a Craft motor, so big deal. All I wanted from lonestar was a refund. If you look at the thread I started by saying I am getting a new motor. That is all. people started asking why and I told them.

Todd

CowtownCobra · #32 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 10:27 AM

Todd,

How much would you estimate the repair cost for your motor to be?

I'm sorry your motor went south. There are many reasons why an engine can go bad that quickly. Mismatched rods don't sound good, but the critical factor is that they all be of the same dimensions between the criticial points, and that they weigh the same.

You've already drawn your own conclusions, but I would like to see it for myself. Not trying to question your judgement, but I am curious about this motor.

I'd like to see you get your money back. But I also wonder if that motor were repaired properly and brought up to the spec's you originally agreed to, wouldn't that be what Steve really owes you?

Its not always possible to get a full refund on everything you buy.

CowtownCobra · #33 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 10:34 AM

nbrune · #34 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 11:35 AM

Fred, Dave

Thanks for your comments.

Dave, I'm planning to be there on Friday and have to leave for CA that evening. If you were around working on your car I'd be most grateful for the opportunity to talk.

After Todd's experience, though I do want to spend some time on the engine pedigree before doing any deal. Much as I might like to work on cars, I think I am going to need a turnkey deal. And I want the engine right the first time.

Neal

CowtownCobra · #35 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 11:46 AM

Also Todd · #36 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 12:26 PM

I agree if the motor was brought up to spec's. That was not offered. Steve said I would have to pay for the parts. Is that fair? I do not think so. Why is a refund on parts that were supposed to be new unfair. Is it fair that I am paying for the cost to remove the motor? Is it fair that I am going to spend more money to get the motor working? Is it fair that the weather is so nice and my car sits? Well your right life's not fair.

I got to tell you, after what John Ross went through, I do not trust the engines that lonestar gets.

Steve said he would refund the money if he had it. He is admitting he had a problem with the motor.

I am I find it hard to believe that a police officer (me) has more money than Lonestar.

Todd

mbishop · #37 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 12:26 PM

Dave,
Are you going to be at Lone Star Saturday? I will be the around lunch to pick up the remaining parts to my kit.

Mark

CowtownCobra · #38 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 12:37 PM

Mark,

Noon it is!

Todd,

No, that doesn't sound fair. But please tell me, how much are the parts?

392cobra · #39 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 03:52 PM

nbrune,
I have no doubt you will be please with your Lonestar.

I think you picked out the correct one.

A RED one

jayscobras · #40 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 05:02 PM

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THIS THREAD FOR A WHILE AND KEITHW AND I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING IT. I THINK THAT IT IS NOW TIME TO IMPART A LITTLE THOUGHT HERE.

BOTH KEITH AND I HAVE SEEN TODD'S MOTOR AT THE SHOP, APART.

IF THIS IS AN OLD BLOCK THEN I AGREE, IT IS AN OLD BLOCK.

THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE NEW COMPONENT IN THE ENGINE. NOTHING MATCHES AND THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE HIGH PERFORMANCE PART IN THE MOTOR.

EVERYTHING TODD HAS SAID ABOUT THE MOTOR IS TRUE AND THEN SOME.

THIS ENGINE LOOKS LIKE IT IS AN OLD TRUCK MOTOR WITH MAYBE 300,000 MILES ON IT.

I HAVE SEEN MANY ENGINES THAT BLOW AND HAVE BLOWN MANY. THIS IS NOT A HIPO ENGINE. THE ONLY WAY THAT THE MAIN BEARINGS COULD BE THAT WORN AT 104 MILES IS IF YU WERE RUNNING 90 WEIGHT OIL WITH SAND IN IT AND MAYBE A WASHER BETWEEN THE CRANK AND THE BEARING.

I DON'T THINK ANYONE SHOULD KNOCK TODD UNLESS THEY TAKE THE TIME TO GO SEE THIS DISASTER!!!!!!

MANUFACTURER LOYALTY IS ONE THING BUT IGNORENCE IS ANOTHER

GOOD LUCK TODD.

IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, JUST CALL.

JAY