MTI Racing response
Here is our response...
We regretfully agree that the customer did not receive in a timely manner a detailed description of the components used. From the inception of the project, the customer would occasionally stop in and we would verbally discuss the project. The customer many times stressed that he wanted a moderate build with the focus on driveability and all around performance. He had also mentioned that after this build was done, a supercharger would possibly be an addition in the future. The engine was built for reliability, driveability, and good overall performance, not to be an all-out track motor. We built this engine with the customer’s needs in mind.
During the process of the build, many additional components and dress up items were added, per the customer, and the engine was looking great. When the project was completed, the customer picked up his car, he expressed his delight on how much power the car had, and more importantly how driveable it is. He was very thankful.
Now let’s address each bullet point from the original post.
Quote:
• SINGLE Valvesprings ( Sold MTI Racing Stage II Valvetrain (valvesprings, seals, seats, locks, retainers)
We used the Manley Nextech valvesprings. It is a great single spring that we have been dyno testing and racing on LS7s for years with great results. In fact, many race teams including the factory Corvette C6R and C5R use a single spring. The single spring is light weight and provides great reliability.
Quote:
• STOCK L92 Valves (Sold “Stainless light weight valves”))
We use lightweight valvetrain parts. For example, our retainers and seats are made from a very advanced alloy used in the highest technology circles of professional racing. We promised the customer lightweight valvetrain, and that is what he got. The written build sheets provided by the customer also verify this. We apologize for the miscommunication concerning the specific components used in a light weight valvetrain.
Quote:
Broken valvespring “keeper” removed upon inspection.
This would have been covered under our warranty if we had the opportunity to do so.
Quote:
Stage III” Cylinder Heads show VERY MINIMAL CNC work. Short turn radius minor CNC/slight bowl work
Most CNC’d LS3 heads are not ported in certain areas on purpose. Our flow bench testing and extensive research shows where to port and more importantly, where not to “over-port”. This is typical of top tuners. Over-porting is a common mistake typically seen at less experienced builders.
Quote:
• Mahle Pistons part # LS1 10500 010I12_2299_01 This piston is for an LS1 Cylinder Head. Upon further inspection the L92 valves (intake) do NOT fit in the valve relief. This was explained to me that this happens due to the intake valve being so large in the L92 heads and also being slightly shifted in the cylinder head. Mahle pistons are 12cc DISH. Cylinder heads were UNMILLED. STOCK MLS Gaskets were used. This equals 9.8:1 Compression for an NA ENGINE!!!
Valve reliefs in the pistons only serve to provide clearance at TDC. The pistons used in this build provided adequate clearance, so the location of the valve reliefs do not come into play. Engine was built with lower compression to facilitate possible supercharger install in the future. Our conversations with the customer lead us to believe that this was his intention. In fact, we document the pistons used and the Mahle part number in that engine is L92340065F04604001. Stock cylinder head chamber size is 69cc. These heads were milled to 65cc.
Quote:
• Crankshaft was pinned?? Typically only see this in supercharger applications
The Crankshaft was pinned to facilitate the possible addition of a supercharger in the future. Customer failed to mention that. This was a service done free of charge for the customer’s benefit.
Quote:
• LS3 Intake Manifold was NOT ported. Sold as “MTI Racing Intake Manifold” I ASSumed by having their name on it they did something to it.
We had removed some internal casting flanges and cleaned up some rough edges on the inside. The LS3 intake does not need significant porting. It flows very well with minimal modifications. Porting might increase power with a much larger camshaft, but that was not the goal with this build. Many times in the past we have replaced over ported leaking plastic manifolds that were installed in the quest for very minimal gains.
Quote:
• LS3 Throttlebody not ported
This was not part of the original build or invoice.
********************************
Here’s the bottom line:
We at MTI Racing are very disappointed anytime a customer is not satisfied with their build. We have re-examined the receipt and original build list to verify that the customer received what we discussed.
Shortly after the customer took delivery of the car, a follow up phone call was placed by MTI’s owner Reese Cox. The owner reported that after a weekend drive through the mountains that new engine combination was strong, powerful, smooth and would possibly get equal MPG as before.
The customer drove the car for a week to break in the new engine. He called us during that week to say that he was very happy with the car and that it drove fantastic! After a week of driving the car, the customer dropped the car off for oil change, dyno testing and final calibration.
Other than a minor idle issue, all indications lead us to believe that the customer was pleased with the car. After calling for an additional follow up, we were informed that the customer had taken the car to another shop. Reese asked if there was something wrong with the car and the customer replied “no.” Puzzled, Reese asked why and the customer replied, “to find out what is in the engine.”
For 5+ years, Mike has been a great and loyal customer at MTI Racing. We are devastated to lose a customer we have worked so closely with. MTI has been in business for over 15 years because of continued long term customer relationships. We value every customer’s business and take the goals for their car very seriously. We sincerely believed Mike’s goals were met at the time of the build and are sorry that Mike feels otherwise. He is always welcome at the MTI Racing family.
__________________
Most recent post on the site
on a side note. ive come to learn also this fellow wanted a Cheaper motor build to prepare his car for a S/C when money is right.
But both side are the story are allways good to hear
what i like to do when finding things like this is go threw and look for other write ups on a place and compare the amount of good one to bad ones. with Doing this for MTI i have by far found many more good write ups.
Reply With Quote