I need your advice!!!

[Bandit]

I have to get my car running again ASAP, and I have been waiting forever for my engine builder to get it done.

Normally, I'm a patient dude, but here's the problem--(as most of you know, I am stationed in Italy)--I found out I have to transfer a couple months early, and the TA has to be shipped in a couple weeks. The shop building my engine has had my car since December, and they are never in a hurry. Their favorite saying is "next week."

Fortunately, the hard part is done--the block is machined and I have all the parts ready to be assembled.

The guys at this shop seem to be moving a little faster since I stressed the urgency of the situation. But I am still concerned that with their laid-back attitude they will procrastinate til the last possible minute.

Bear in mind that there are only a couple shops around here that can even work on my car. And this one is only 1 of 2 I know that speak English. So taking it somewhere else is not really an option. Besides, most of the other shops around here are just as slow.

The last couple times I was at the shop, I went with intentions of threatening these dudes with everything from not paying them, to bodily injury. But they really are nice guys, and I don't think threatening them to get it done would help. They would just get offended. I thought about maybe offering them a bonus to get it finished on a deadline? Leaving my car here is not an option. By law, I have to ship it back, but it has to be running of course. It is possible to sell it to another military member, but I would probably lose $20k. (I am not allowed to sell it to a local)

I am sure with all the projects around here that somebody else has been in a similar situation.

If you have ideas I would love to hear 'em!

[68Formula]

Any chance someone you know has an engine you can "borrow?" Then you're only out the cost of shipping the two engines for the reswap.

[WS6]

I will assume the car must be running in order to ship it and you couldn't just put it and all the peices in a container and ship that?

Flat out, I would offer them a bonus. I feel that given the nature of all this, you've got to possibly go beyond what you should in order to gurantee the car is done. Under normal, or american, circumstances you don't owe them anything more than what you've agreed to. This is different and I think you gotta do what you have to to make sure the car is running and ready.

Is there anything they like that is american and that they can not get or can not get cheaply? My thoughts are offer them some money and a promise that you will send them say a case of coors. Just stick to your word though. The Italians don't liek us that much right now anyway.

[muthstryker]

i would sit down with them, and tell them how important this is and it needs to be done, offer them some extra money. sounds like you may have to light a fire under some asses.

[dropit69]

are there any mechanics in your unit that has skills to put it together..do it your selfs...or find a us internayional shipping co and pay extra to ship it non running

[Bandit]

Thanks guys, I see some good tips here despite a difficult situation.

amcmike--I thought about that, the problem is at this point it would take as much time to get another engine as it would to finish what I got. (This is not Georgia unfortunately)

WS6- You are correct, the car must be fully operational for the military to ship it for me free of cost, otherwise I am on my own. Considering what it would cost to pay out of my pocket to rent a container, I could offer the guys a full $1000 to get it done asap, and still come out ahead. I figure a week to get it together and running is not unreasonable for a sizeable bonus. The Coors would be a nice touch--lol

dropit69--my schedule is pretty full right now, otherwise I would love to do it myself. It would just take me way too long though, as I would have to tow the car and get all the parts to another location to do it, and the other car guys' schedules are all different than mine.

So I guess my best bet is to rally them to my side with some cash and hope for the best--wish me luck!!!

[68Formula]

Thanks guys, I see some good tips here despite a difficult situation.

amcmike--I thought about that, the problem is at this point it would take as much time to get another engine as it would to finish what I got. (This is not Georgia unfortunately)

WS6- You are correct, the car must be fully operational for the military to ship it for me free of cost, otherwise I am on my own. Considering what it would cost to pay out of my pocket to rent a container, I could offer the guys a full $1000 to get it done asap, and still come out ahead. I figure a week to get it together and running is not unreasonable for a sizeable bonus. The Coors would be a nice touch--lol

dropit69--my schedule is pretty full right now, otherwise I would love to do it myself. It would just take me way too long though, as I would have to tow the car and get all the parts to another location to do it, and the other car guys' schedules are all different than mine.

So I guess my best bet is to rally them to my side with some cash and hope for the best--wish me luck!!!

Improvise and overcome. You have Hum-Vees and jets with engines there, correct? :razz:

But seriously, have you discussed this with any higher-ups? More specifically, have you asked if they have any ideas that could help. Sometimes the asking for help rather than just stating there is a problem tends to engage people more. They may have some solutions or be able to take actions that you cannot.

I'm a little leery about the "bonus option" for the shop only because they may consider this an opportunity to extort even more. Could work though.

Maybe it would be better if you offered you help? There are plenty of shops whom the last thing they want is a customer hanging around trying to help. They may put you on the top priority list just to keep you out!

If Italian beer is like German beer don't give them any Coors until your motor is out of the shop. Might end up with a screw down the carb. Instead, I'd recommend some nicely prepared seasoned steaks for a bribe.

Good luck.

[Bandit]

Improvise and overcome. You have Hum-Vees and jets with engines there, correct? :razz:

But seriously, have you discussed this with any higher-ups? More specifically, have you asked if they have any ideas that could help. Sometimes the asking for help rather than just stating there is a problem tends to engage people more. They may have some solutions or be able to take actions that you cannot.

A rotary engine from a helo would be cool...:seizure:
I took your advice and talked to some people and it appears I have some options. A special power of attorney is one...if the car isn't done in time I can get a POA and have someone ship it for me. That's a last-ditch effort though...but it's looking good for getting it done in time now. The shop must have decided they wanted to get paid I guess, and now they're moving with a purpose. Barring any major problems, we should be firing it up next week!

[WS6]

that's excellent news. Here's hoping all goes well and she's a beast.

[TPI Monte SS]

Hey, even if you just get the motor installed and the car driveable, that's good. Worry about tuning it once it's stateside. I'm glad the guys at this shop have finally stepped up the pace a bit. The Italian people generally don't rush for anyone (except when they're driving) and have different "customer service" standards than the Americans are used to. Since you've been there a few years, I know you understand how they work, but I bet some of the guys reading this thread might wonder what the hell these guys do all day. :) Good luck with the Bandit!

[68Formula]

[quote=TPI Monte SS]The Italian people generally don't rush for anyone (except when they're driving) and have different "customer service" standards than the Americans are used to. quote]

Don't even get me starting on the driving there! Got passed on the left, while making a left hand turn (signal was on, as was brake lights at a t -intersection so wtf did he think I was stopping for?) in a no-passing zone. Still waiting for the insurance.

[Bandit]

Hey, even if you just get the motor installed and the car driveable, that's good. Worry about tuning it once it's stateside. I'm glad the guys at this shop have finally stepped up the pace a bit. The Italian people generally don't rush for anyone (except when they're driving) and have different "customer service" standards than the Americans are used to. Since you've been there a few years, I know you understand how they work, but I bet some of the guys reading this thread might wonder what the hell these guys do all day. :) Good luck with the Bandit!
Exactly my sentiments. I gave these guys brake parts, exhaust parts, and other stuff too to install, but last time we spoke I made sure they knew we're only doing the motor now. Just want to get it rolling again.
You are not kidding about Italian customer service. Italian culture is such that they simply do not stress about anything. (Except driving--they become maniacal and suicidal as soon as they get behind the wheel. :screwy:) They love to tell you "domani," meaning tomorrow, and if they say "dopo domani" (day after tomorrow), you know you're really in trouble, because what it really means is *maybe* next week or next month! Plus they have an Italian holiday like every other day, almost. And nobody works for like the whole month of August, the whole country just goes on vacation. Italy is nice but d@mn , I am ready to get back to the U.S. where I can get stuff done! :usa:

[Bandit]

Don't even get me starting on the driving there! Got passed on the left, while making a left hand turn (signal was on, as was brake lights at a t -intersection so wtf did he think I was stopping for?) in a no-passing zone. Still waiting for the insurance.[/quote]
Don't hold your breath either if you're waiting on their insurance...by law they are entitled to file a claim against you, and they somthing like 3 years to do it. After that, the insurance company takes over and God only knows how long they take.
I got smacked in the rear door of my beater car by a local, he just pulled out of parallel parking and ran into the side of my car. Undeniably his fault, the front of his car was all smashed up and the rear door of my car was caved in. Then he tells me "No problem!" and tries to drive off! I assured him as nicely as possible that it was, in fact, a problem and made him give me his info. Then MY insurance company tells me we have to wait for an indefinite amount of time because "he will probably try to file a claim against you." HUH? Well that was over 2 years ago and my door is still bent in, but at this point I am thinking it will be best if I never hear back from the knucklehead or his knucklehead insurance. The last thing I need at this point is a legal battle. I can't figure this place out sometimes...:screwy:

[68Formula]

Thanks for the cheery news. I'll just mark off Italy as been there done that.

[TPI Monte SS]

You are not kidding about Italian customer service. Italian culture is such that they simply do not stress about anything. (Except driving--they become maniacal and suicidal as soon as they get behind the wheel. :screwy:) They love to tell you "domani," meaning tomorrow, and if they say "dopo domani" (day after tomorrow), you know you're really in trouble, because what it really means is *maybe* next week or next month! Plus they have an Italian holiday like every other day, almost. And nobody works for like the whole month of August, the whole country just goes on vacation. Italy is nice but d@mn , I am ready to get back to the U.S. where I can get stuff done! :usa:

The driving is insane; I was very happy to be driven around by professionals over there. On one visit, I saw a guy with a girl on the back of a Ninja pass a slow-moving Vespa that was trying to pass a slower-moving car - around a blind curve with oncoming traffic outside of Naples! The two bikes actually rubbed fairings, and both just continued on their merry way. Hell, I also saw a family of four riding a Vespa!

But, I don't know when their culture changed. My wife and her parents moved here about 33 years ago from Calabria, and damn, they are some of the hardest working people I ever met. My father-in-law has been doing construction for 50 years now - brick, block, tile, cement, and even carpentry. He started as an apprentice (for free!!!) when he was 13, and he's 63 now.

The Italians now are much more care-free. August is just crazy over there, the only people that work are the ones that live in the touristy areas! And even then, it's not much, since they take afternoons off, or show up late, or close early. :) When you get back to the US, you'll be able to do in a week's time what an Italian shop would do in a month! Have a safe trip back!

[hotrdblder]

sell the motor and buy a 4l80e:poke:

[Bandit]

sell the motor and buy a 4l80e:poke:
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Smart @ss! You got me there!
I sure wouldn't mind a paddle-shifted 4l80e setup for my next project car...the "sleeper..." yeah that would be way cool! :headbang:
Way to get me even farther off topic than I already was...:offtopic: :wedgie:

[68Formula]

You guys lost me.

[Bandit]

:secret: Hotrod builder dude was referring to this thread
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?p=275335#post275335
where we were "discussing" the cost of a paddle-shifted 4L80E vs. installing a manual. We were off-topic there too...ok waiting for a moderator to shut me down now...:here!: :scared:

[hotrdblder]

:secret: Hotrod builder dude was referring to this thread
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?p=275335#post275335
where we were "discussing" the cost of a paddle-shifted 4L80E vs. installing a manual. We were off-topic there too...ok waiting for a moderator to shut me down now...:here!: :scared:
yup thats me!!!

[Bandit]

In case anybody was wondering about the status of getting the car going, well we started it up on Saturday! It started immediately, and ran smooth with over 50 lbs of oil pressure right away.

Now for the bad news: A rhythmic clunking noise from deep in the lower end accompanied the sweet sound of the engine. We determined it to be a connecting rod contacting the inside of the oil pan toward the front. Not sure whether it was because of the aftermarket chrome oil pan I used, or the connecting rod bolts sticking out farther than stock, or whatever. My engine builder said he turned the motor over dozens of times by hand and didn't notice any interference. Well it's one of those things that happens I guess. At least I know the engine runs good and all we have to fix is the oil pan issue. Hopefully all they will have to do is raise the engine slightly and pull the oil pan, and clearance it for that one rod (we are 90% sure it is only interfering at one point.) Should only take a day or two, then hopefully I can get this pig back on the road and get it ready to ship back to the States!

Oh yeah, I will post pics soon of the engine installed in the engine bay. :headbang:

[WS6]

congrats Bandit. I sure hope it's only something simple like oil pan contact

[Young Gun]

i offer my condolences...having lived in italy i can understand your frustration...thats the problem with the bella figura...its always domani domani... gotta love the country...but when they take a 3 hour siesta in the afternoon its hard to have much work getting done...

[Bandit]

One of the connecting rods was indeed contacting the oil pan. We didn't run the engine long enough to cause any problems. We were able to pull the oil pan and clearance that spot in the oil pan. There was only one rod hitting so it wasn't a big deal to just dimple the pan a few thousandths in that area. I don't know why we had this problem with a stock-size (supposedly) pan and a standard 4.00" BB stroke. So for future reference if you are building a motor with aftermarket parts, make sure to bolt the pan all the way down with the gasket while the engine is still on the stand, and turn the motor over several times, then take the pan off again and check for scrapes or denting on the pan from the rotating assembly. It could save you a whole day of additional work!

The good news is, the engine runs smooth and all seems fine now. We ran it for about an hour the other day and got it tuned pretty well. This motor with the bigger cam and cubes sounds a lot meaner than the old 402...it really thumps! I can't wait to take it out and cut loose! Then I have to turn right around and ship it, and I won't see it again for a month. Dang it. :(

[WS6]

congrats and enjoy that test drive. Just don't get too crazy we don't want to read an "I need your advice on how to get my car out of Italian impound" thread