What do you think?
 

If you have been going to an engine builder for years and have been happy with all of his work what would you do in this situation.

Built a 565 Methanol injected motor for my dads vette. Upon building the motor he used a billet fabrications wet sump oil pan.

http://www.billetfab.com/index1.htm

Dynoed at 1043hp. Droped it in the car. Been running solid 7.80's at 175 for 20 runs straight. Everyone is happy.

The pan has no sight glass and the motor was built without a dip stick. The builder told us the pan should take 9 quarts and the filter should take 1 quart for a total of 10 quarts.

The balls in the pan eliminate oil from sloshing forward when the chutes come out.

No where on the build sheet does it spec out oil capasity, we were just told to use 10 quarts.

Upon the first few runs he noticed a drop in oil pressure once the chutes came out. We called the builder, he said to add 2 quarts. Since then there has been no drop in oil pressure.

Last saturday we kicked a rod, upon pulling it apart last night it was discovered that the #6 bearing was toast. We called the engine builder and he says it was most likely caused by the drop in oil pressure.

Well, with no sight glass and no dipstick only instructions from the builder we did what he said, upon looking at the website last night it turns out that that paticular pan should have gotten 12 quarts plus one in the filter for a total of 13 quarts.

Without having the capasities in writing from the engine builder we obvioulsy have no leg to stan on in a legal sence but if you built something for someone, gave them no way of telling how to fill it up (no dipstick, no sight glass) and told them the wrong information, would you stand behind your work?

If you have a standing relationship with him I'd say it's more than fair to go back to him about it and ask him to atleast cover the labor charge or rebuilding it.

I would do the same, since he built it and he gave you the wrong info on how to run it. Since you are a repeat customer I think he'd want to keep your business.

I mean, everyone knows that if you lose oil pressure you shuold pull th epan and inspect but we were instructed to just ad 2 quarts. We will be in touch with him tonight to work something out.

Yea, I agree, if you guys have a good positive working relationship I'd say talk to him and see if he's willing to work with you on the rebuild price. Since he technically screwed up, he should at least cut you a great deal.

Something just dont jive cause hes a great builder, im not sure how exactly so stupid could be overlooked. Hopefully more light will be shead on this tonight.

A few things may have happened, maybe the tech at the place that built the pan gave him the wrong info or something. Just an idea.

i would not go into this with an attitude. mistakes get made. it's all a part of racing, or for that matter, life. i don't think he will deny you, as it seems you guys have been doing business for a while. just don't put him on the defensive. go into it with a "we'll work this out" attitude and i am sure you will.

The best advice here, go into it with a neutral attitude, not pissed off and things will work out better. It'll be a quick end to a good relationship you have with this builder if you start calling him stupid right off the bat