Shipping to American Speed
Discussion
Now that the engine is out, another quick question. Has anyone shipped an engine TO the US recently ? I've been making enquiries about returning mine for some repairs, and it looks like the outward cost would be :
1) Borrow van to take engine to Birmingham for packing (£nil)
2) Get engine packed for shipping at specialist packers. Packing plus Cat 9 dangerous goods certification is £ 150
3) Send via plane to Detroit. £ 430 shipping, £ 220 fuel surcharge (!!)
4) Local delivery Detroit to Amerspeed £ 100 or so.
5) VAT and duty = £ 0 as already paid it and engine just being repaired.
Total = £ 900
Anyone know a cheaper way ? And have I missed anything ? Are there any other hidden taxes / levies ?
NB Shipping back would be a lot less (no Gordon Brown there), est £ 600.
May get the engine repaired here, cost is just one factor but lack of time a major issue. Amerspeed should be very quick and no need to source parts here from UK. Need to make a decision soon ....
Regards
Tony
1) Borrow van to take engine to Birmingham for packing (£nil)
2) Get engine packed for shipping at specialist packers. Packing plus Cat 9 dangerous goods certification is £ 150
3) Send via plane to Detroit. £ 430 shipping, £ 220 fuel surcharge (!!)
4) Local delivery Detroit to Amerspeed £ 100 or so.
5) VAT and duty = £ 0 as already paid it and engine just being repaired.
Total = £ 900
Anyone know a cheaper way ? And have I missed anything ? Are there any other hidden taxes / levies ?
NB Shipping back would be a lot less (no Gordon Brown there), est £ 600.
May get the engine repaired here, cost is just one factor but lack of time a major issue. Amerspeed should be very quick and no need to source parts here from UK. Need to make a decision soon ....
Regards
Tony
Depends on your time-scale.
I used Old Dominion sea freight which was £212
for 175KG of bits (Dart block and a load of other engine bits). That was three months ago.
However, from MN in the USA to Liverpool docks took 11 days and its not a daily crossing so you have to time it well!!!
Good luck.
I used Old Dominion sea freight which was £212
for 175KG of bits (Dart block and a load of other engine bits). That was three months ago.
However, from MN in the USA to Liverpool docks took 11 days and its not a daily crossing so you have to time it well!!!
Good luck.
Engine problem is a cam follower which disintegrated (very rare). You can see tell tale puffs of smoke on the Santa Pod run on yourtube. No wonder I only ran a 11.4, I was running on 7 cylinders !!
Hopefully minimal damage to the rest of the engine (he says hopefully !) but needs a new cam and followers as a minimum. And accusump cleaned, oil lines flushed and new oil cooler (in progress).
Yes, given posting costs, it may be better to get it done here .. still considering my options. Waiting for a response to an email today to Amerspeed.
Thanks again Kyle and Dave, you guys rock. Will call you when Amerspeed get back to me.
Tony.
Hopefully minimal damage to the rest of the engine (he says hopefully !) but needs a new cam and followers as a minimum. And accusump cleaned, oil lines flushed and new oil cooler (in progress).
Yes, given posting costs, it may be better to get it done here .. still considering my options. Waiting for a response to an email today to Amerspeed.
Thanks again Kyle and Dave, you guys rock. Will call you when Amerspeed get back to me.
Tony.
I swapped out my followers on a Edelbrock cam that had 9K on it, put in some Bleed down Rodes Lifters. But that's a no no apparently (Old Cam New Followers). Cam break-in is very critical on the old SBC engines as the cam is splash feed. I lost 3 exhaust lobes of the cam, and that material scrapped the bores as it all stuck to the ally pistons and scratch the bores to hell... Oil filter saved the crank but new block was needed... Would surjest a total strip down and inspection.....
Clive
Clive
TuxMan said:
Is this not covered by the warranty ?? if so would expect them to pay all cost involved !! afterall thats why you have a warranty .....is'nt it ???
Good point Simon.Unfortunately, AS sell them as street engines only, and do not cover track days etc and with Tony's vid up on Youtube at Santa Pod, it's a bit difficult to deny it!
Shame, as it sounds like the problem would have occured regardless.
Tux, its a fair point but on reading A/S terms and conditions its 12 months or 12000 miles whichever comes first from the 'date of delivery',on their high output motors. So if it takes a further six months to finish the car then only six are remaining.
Its a pretty standard warranty really, just unfortunate for kit car builders that they dont always enjoy the full period of protection.
Also, having spoken hypothetically to several bigger engine suppliers, their general view is that these type of leisure vehicles usually cover less than 2000 miles per year.(or 400 total drag passes for the engines life) Therefore in their mindset the risk is futher reduced.
However, many reputable companies will stand behind their products when marginally outside a warranty, frequently offering a 'sympathetic claim'
when repair costs are shared upon agreement.
Its not that straightforward either when considerable distance exists between the parties.
Anyway Tony, from memory, I think you have a comp solid roller in there, have a quick word, via mail or phone with Comp Cams, they will still be open now and are extremely helpful on their products.
If it were me, on the profile stated on your dyno printout, I would consider fitting one of Comps rev kits when you rebuild the motor if not already in there. They are about $100 and will go some way to prevent recurrance of follower failure. Comp's modern profiles can be pretty harsh on the valve train when not complimented with their recommended bits. The cam profiles are very cleverly designed and need the appropriate bits to keep the follower in check, otherwise the two may beat each other to death at some point of the rev range. They are simple parts, easily included in a cam swap and are cheap additional insurance.
Good luck.
Its a pretty standard warranty really, just unfortunate for kit car builders that they dont always enjoy the full period of protection.
Also, having spoken hypothetically to several bigger engine suppliers, their general view is that these type of leisure vehicles usually cover less than 2000 miles per year.(or 400 total drag passes for the engines life) Therefore in their mindset the risk is futher reduced.
However, many reputable companies will stand behind their products when marginally outside a warranty, frequently offering a 'sympathetic claim'
when repair costs are shared upon agreement.
Its not that straightforward either when considerable distance exists between the parties.
Anyway Tony, from memory, I think you have a comp solid roller in there, have a quick word, via mail or phone with Comp Cams, they will still be open now and are extremely helpful on their products.
If it were me, on the profile stated on your dyno printout, I would consider fitting one of Comps rev kits when you rebuild the motor if not already in there. They are about $100 and will go some way to prevent recurrance of follower failure. Comp's modern profiles can be pretty harsh on the valve train when not complimented with their recommended bits. The cam profiles are very cleverly designed and need the appropriate bits to keep the follower in check, otherwise the two may beat each other to death at some point of the rev range. They are simple parts, easily included in a cam swap and are cheap additional insurance.
Good luck.
Hi Dave and Simon (and all)
Some good points here as usual.
Warranty - yes, this is indeed from delivery. The engine was delivered in Oct 2006 and the car was not on the road until July 2007 (I bought the engine as a rush of blood etc when the dollar was historically weak). So the breakdown in April is out of warranty but less than 12 months on the road. Agree all the comments about racing it, but what are you gonna do with your car, pootle to tescos ? I do that as well, but the 1/4 miles are addictive ! I've never tracked it, so I would say I am an "average" user as far as giving it stick.
American speed are being sensible about things and are discussing it with me. It's a grey area (or as they say a gray area !) Will see what happens. But the postage does seem prohibitive and is a major factor (£ 1500 before we start !).
Hi Dave, as you know, I am no expert on engines but two people who I know who ARE experts (plus you) say that a rev kit is very worthwhile. I will fit one either way. And a total stripdown is on the cards - whether I keep the car or sell it the job will be done right with photos and receipts etc.
Suspect labour will outweigh parts by four to one, but I will check out the company you mentioned above and see what they have to say.
At least I now have experience of how the engines work (and how to fix them) !
Will let you all know how things progress. X11GTR will be back on the road soon !!
Some good points here as usual.
Warranty - yes, this is indeed from delivery. The engine was delivered in Oct 2006 and the car was not on the road until July 2007 (I bought the engine as a rush of blood etc when the dollar was historically weak). So the breakdown in April is out of warranty but less than 12 months on the road. Agree all the comments about racing it, but what are you gonna do with your car, pootle to tescos ? I do that as well, but the 1/4 miles are addictive ! I've never tracked it, so I would say I am an "average" user as far as giving it stick.
American speed are being sensible about things and are discussing it with me. It's a grey area (or as they say a gray area !) Will see what happens. But the postage does seem prohibitive and is a major factor (£ 1500 before we start !).
Hi Dave, as you know, I am no expert on engines but two people who I know who ARE experts (plus you) say that a rev kit is very worthwhile. I will fit one either way. And a total stripdown is on the cards - whether I keep the car or sell it the job will be done right with photos and receipts etc.
Suspect labour will outweigh parts by four to one, but I will check out the company you mentioned above and see what they have to say.
At least I now have experience of how the engines work (and how to fix them) !
Will let you all know how things progress. X11GTR will be back on the road soon !!
Tony
No matter what AS offer in the way of splitting the repair cost you will still not recover the £1500 shipping etc so would be far better spending that money here in the UK.
As has been said Charles Dunn is the AS retained engine man in the UK so that would seem to be the first route to see if AS will put their share into Charles.
Failing that, £1500 will get you quite a lot of work done with a number of other UK engine builders. In no particular order...Peter Knight, Boosted, Real Steel etc.
Unless AS were going to do the rebuild for free I cannot see value in sending it back.
Final techi bit... Rev Kit gets my vote too and if not already fitted, Stud Girdles.
Steve
No matter what AS offer in the way of splitting the repair cost you will still not recover the £1500 shipping etc so would be far better spending that money here in the UK.
As has been said Charles Dunn is the AS retained engine man in the UK so that would seem to be the first route to see if AS will put their share into Charles.
Failing that, £1500 will get you quite a lot of work done with a number of other UK engine builders. In no particular order...Peter Knight, Boosted, Real Steel etc.
Unless AS were going to do the rebuild for free I cannot see value in sending it back.
Final techi bit... Rev Kit gets my vote too and if not already fitted, Stud Girdles.
Steve
Steve_D said:
Tony
No matter what AS offer in the way of splitting the repair cost you will still not recover the £1500 shipping etc so would be far better spending that money here in the UK.
As has been said Charles Dunn is the AS retained engine man in the UK so that would seem to be the first route to see if AS will put their share into Charles.
Failing that, £1500 will get you quite a lot of work done with a number of other UK engine builders. In no particular order...Peter Knight, Boosted, Real Steel etc.
Unless AS were going to do the rebuild for free I cannot see value in sending it back.
Final techi bit... Rev Kit gets my vote too and if not already fitted, Stud Girdles.
Steve
wise words, imo AS should have fitted a rev kit when the engine was built!! When Tony asked AS what he could rev the engine to they told him 7800 maxNo matter what AS offer in the way of splitting the repair cost you will still not recover the £1500 shipping etc so would be far better spending that money here in the UK.
As has been said Charles Dunn is the AS retained engine man in the UK so that would seem to be the first route to see if AS will put their share into Charles.
Failing that, £1500 will get you quite a lot of work done with a number of other UK engine builders. In no particular order...Peter Knight, Boosted, Real Steel etc.
Unless AS were going to do the rebuild for free I cannot see value in sending it back.
Final techi bit... Rev Kit gets my vote too and if not already fitted, Stud Girdles.
Steve
I think problems were inevitable
More good points guys !
As Charles Dunn is AS approved, then I will go for him ! Anyone got his number ? I need a reasonble turnaround time. I wouldn't hesitate to use Tim Adams but he is busy (a consequence of his ability) and Kyle's engine took a little coaxing to get done. I am sure Amerspeed will provide parts on a favourable basis !
Also, whereabouts in the UK is Charles ?
Thanks again folks !
As Charles Dunn is AS approved, then I will go for him ! Anyone got his number ? I need a reasonble turnaround time. I wouldn't hesitate to use Tim Adams but he is busy (a consequence of his ability) and Kyle's engine took a little coaxing to get done. I am sure Amerspeed will provide parts on a favourable basis !
Also, whereabouts in the UK is Charles ?
Thanks again folks !
Charles is in Wooburn Green (Junction 3 M40) but I am first on the waiting list
http://www.charlesdunn.uk.com/
http://www.charlesdunn.uk.com/
Agreed Steve, very wise words as usual.
But before the A/S bashing gathers momentum, do we actually know what bits are already included in Tony's motor? Furthermore, in AS's defence, when you consider 640 hp for 19000 odd dollars, theres probably not too much to play with really!!
If you base it on a new dart block and mid quality components, they will likely spend 10k on parts. Less their taxes and overheads it probably leaves around $4000-5000 to spend on the machining, build,dyno, profit and liabilty.
Its not a lot is it?
Very good luck with you motor Tony, it sounds like you have some good engine guys around you who do actually agree on many points.
Such is the nature of this very informative and helpful site that if you do run into problems, a quick post will seemingly provide endless solutions.
I have only been here a very short time but have picked up a huge volume of info which I have been able to fine tune to suit personal taste.
Its really excellent. (Although I seem to go through a fair few Stella's as I read---what causes that?)
Keep us posted.
But before the A/S bashing gathers momentum, do we actually know what bits are already included in Tony's motor? Furthermore, in AS's defence, when you consider 640 hp for 19000 odd dollars, theres probably not too much to play with really!!
If you base it on a new dart block and mid quality components, they will likely spend 10k on parts. Less their taxes and overheads it probably leaves around $4000-5000 to spend on the machining, build,dyno, profit and liabilty.
Its not a lot is it?
Very good luck with you motor Tony, it sounds like you have some good engine guys around you who do actually agree on many points.
Such is the nature of this very informative and helpful site that if you do run into problems, a quick post will seemingly provide endless solutions.
I have only been here a very short time but have picked up a huge volume of info which I have been able to fine tune to suit personal taste.
Its really excellent. (Although I seem to go through a fair few Stella's as I read---what causes that?)
Keep us posted.
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