LS7 >>> BAD Experience with **LATE MODEL ENGINES**
01-28-2009, 10:35 PM
#41
Racer
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: Naples Florida
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Forum members,
LME’s written policy, which is delivered with all engines, states that any issue or warranty claim in which LME may be held liable must be returned to and evaluated by LME to determine root cause. If it is determined that the issue was caused by LME, LME will rectify the problem. Even when not at fault, LME has provided solutions to get the customer back up and running.
LME takes great pride in our customer service and quality product. Our reputation and customer satisfaction has and will continue to demonstrate this. If LME’s standard policy of sending the product back to LME had been followed, this situation would have had a different outcome.
LME values our customers and will continue to stand behind our work as we have over the years.
Thank you,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505
LME’s written policy, which is delivered with all engines, states that any issue or warranty claim in which LME may be held liable must be returned to and evaluated by LME to determine root cause. If it is determined that the issue was caused by LME, LME will rectify the problem. Even when not at fault, LME has provided solutions to get the customer back up and running.
LME takes great pride in our customer service and quality product. Our reputation and customer satisfaction has and will continue to demonstrate this. If LME’s standard policy of sending the product back to LME had been followed, this situation would have had a different outcome.
LME values our customers and will continue to stand behind our work as we have over the years.
Thank you,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505
Its seems that you'd taken a customers money in good faith and refused to share in a solution when the product was defective.
I don't know about other people who read this forum but I for one would never do business with you.
01-28-2009, 10:40 PM
#42
Drifting
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: San Antonio TX
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
wow, what a ****ty response from LME. I agree w/the above poster. LME can get pistons at cost, whats a reputation worth these days? Surely more than a few hundred bucks. LOL, look at Henessey (however you spell that disgraced name).. speaks for itself.
01-28-2009, 10:55 PM
#43
Melting Slicks
I have not had a problem with LME, but I have had a similar problem with Wiseco pistons in a race motor. We also noticed high leakdown values on the motor.
I see you have already chosen a different piston manufacturer.
For what its worth, most of the top builders are now hot honing these LS aluminum blocks and they are also coating the piston skirts in an effort to avoid this very problem.
Best of luck!
I see you have already chosen a different piston manufacturer.
For what its worth, most of the top builders are now hot honing these LS aluminum blocks and they are also coating the piston skirts in an effort to avoid this very problem.
Best of luck!
01-28-2009, 11:23 PM
#44
Le Mans Master
Hello Forum members,
LME’s written policy, which is delivered with all engines, states that any issue or warranty claim in which LME may be held liable must be returned to and evaluated by LME to determine root cause. If it is determined that the issue was caused by LME, LME will rectify the problem. Even when not at fault, LME has provided solutions to get the customer back up and running.
LME takes great pride in our customer service and quality product. Our reputation and customer satisfaction has and will continue to demonstrate this. If LME’s standard policy of sending the product back to LME had been followed, this situation would have had a different outcome.
LME values our customers and will continue to stand behind our work as we have over the years.
Thank you,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505
LME’s written policy, which is delivered with all engines, states that any issue or warranty claim in which LME may be held liable must be returned to and evaluated by LME to determine root cause. If it is determined that the issue was caused by LME, LME will rectify the problem. Even when not at fault, LME has provided solutions to get the customer back up and running.
LME takes great pride in our customer service and quality product. Our reputation and customer satisfaction has and will continue to demonstrate this. If LME’s standard policy of sending the product back to LME had been followed, this situation would have had a different outcome.
LME values our customers and will continue to stand behind our work as we have over the years.
Thank you,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505
01-29-2009, 12:25 AM
#45
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: Edmond Oklahoma
Posts: 1,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I notice noone flamed me for my responses. They were pretty much to the point with what hunts had to say, albeit without the attitude. I don't think LME needs a PR person. I think they need a lawyer to read out the warranty policy to the customers, Barney style.
What I read was a guarantee from Bryan himself, that he would take care of customers provided they follow instruction.
I am not endorsing any company or it's actions. I'm just stating facts.
If you won't consider LME simply because they won't let the customer dictate warranty issues, you may be doing them a favor.
What I read was a guarantee from Bryan himself, that he would take care of customers provided they follow instruction.
I am not endorsing any company or it's actions. I'm just stating facts.
If you won't consider LME simply because they won't let the customer dictate warranty issues, you may be doing them a favor.
01-29-2009, 02:02 AM
#46
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2003
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
15 Posts
The best thing to do is to find a local machine shop to do your work. That way you have some one local for support and someone to go back to when something goes wrong. That will eliminate all the issues that happened to the OPs engine. Which is in fact what he did in the end.
To me it is very obvious what had happened to the engine, look at the pistons, every one of them has a severe case of ring wash caused by oil passing the rings. Which can be caused by either the rings not seating, which can be caused by the wrong hone finish, improper piston to bore clearances which causes the piston to rock in the bore and unseating the rings, wrong tension. Whatever it was, definitely there was an oil usage issue, a person half blind can see that. Going by what the OP said he followed the break in procedure to the tee, and was in constant contact with LME.
If it were me I would have at least stepped up and paid the OP for a set of pistons and rings, doing so would at least meant you tried to make good on your work. But to just state some BS warranty statement and not do anything......as you told the OP your shop has built hundreds of these engines without problems. No one is perfect and everyone makes a boo boo.....sometimes you have to take that extra step for customer statisfaction.........so nahh no thanks buddy I won't be referring anyone to you.
To me it is very obvious what had happened to the engine, look at the pistons, every one of them has a severe case of ring wash caused by oil passing the rings. Which can be caused by either the rings not seating, which can be caused by the wrong hone finish, improper piston to bore clearances which causes the piston to rock in the bore and unseating the rings, wrong tension. Whatever it was, definitely there was an oil usage issue, a person half blind can see that. Going by what the OP said he followed the break in procedure to the tee, and was in constant contact with LME.
If it were me I would have at least stepped up and paid the OP for a set of pistons and rings, doing so would at least meant you tried to make good on your work. But to just state some BS warranty statement and not do anything......as you told the OP your shop has built hundreds of these engines without problems. No one is perfect and everyone makes a boo boo.....sometimes you have to take that extra step for customer statisfaction.........so nahh no thanks buddy I won't be referring anyone to you.
Last edited by tjwong; 01-29-2009 at 02:05 AM.
01-29-2009, 06:41 AM
#47
Racer
Member Since: Mar 2002
Location: Flagler Beach Florida
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The best thing to do is to find a local machine shop to do your work. That way you have some one local for support and someone to go back to when something goes wrong. That will eliminate all the issues that happened to the OPs engine. Which is in fact what he did in the end.
To me it is very obvious what had happened to the engine, look at the pistons, every one of them has a severe case of ring wash caused by oil passing the rings. Which can be caused by either the rings not seating, which can be caused by the wrong hone finish, improper piston to bore clearances which causes the piston to rock in the bore and unseating the rings, wrong tension. Whatever it was, definitely there was an oil usage issue, a person half blind can see that. Going by what the OP said he followed the break in procedure to the tee, and was in constant contact with LME.
If it were me I would have at least stepped up and paid the OP for a set of pistons and rings, doing so would at least meant you tried to make good on your work. But to just state some BS warranty statement and not do anything......as you told the OP your shop has built hundreds of these engines without problems. No one is perfect and everyone makes a boo boo.....sometimes you have to take that extra step for customer statisfaction.........so nahh no thanks buddy I won't be referring anyone to you.
To me it is very obvious what had happened to the engine, look at the pistons, every one of them has a severe case of ring wash caused by oil passing the rings. Which can be caused by either the rings not seating, which can be caused by the wrong hone finish, improper piston to bore clearances which causes the piston to rock in the bore and unseating the rings, wrong tension. Whatever it was, definitely there was an oil usage issue, a person half blind can see that. Going by what the OP said he followed the break in procedure to the tee, and was in constant contact with LME.
If it were me I would have at least stepped up and paid the OP for a set of pistons and rings, doing so would at least meant you tried to make good on your work. But to just state some BS warranty statement and not do anything......as you told the OP your shop has built hundreds of these engines without problems. No one is perfect and everyone makes a boo boo.....sometimes you have to take that extra step for customer statisfaction.........so nahh no thanks buddy I won't be referring anyone to you.
It is amazing after reading this thread with all the members of this forum becoming aware of the issue he joins the forum and post's a lame
warranty. Talk about a pr nightmare that is going to become worse quickly as this story is repeated.
01-29-2009, 08:01 AM
#48
Melting Slicks
Hello Forum members,
LME’s written policy, which is delivered with all engines, states that any issue or warranty claim in which LME may be held liable must be returned to and evaluated by LME to determine root cause. If it is determined that the issue was caused by LME, LME will rectify the problem. Even when not at fault, LME has provided solutions to get the customer back up and running.
LME takes great pride in our customer service and quality product. Our reputation and customer satisfaction has and will continue to demonstrate this. If LME’s standard policy of sending the product back to LME had been followed, this situation would have had a different outcome.
LME values our customers and will continue to stand behind our work as we have over the years.
Thank you,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505
LME’s written policy, which is delivered with all engines, states that any issue or warranty claim in which LME may be held liable must be returned to and evaluated by LME to determine root cause. If it is determined that the issue was caused by LME, LME will rectify the problem. Even when not at fault, LME has provided solutions to get the customer back up and running.
LME takes great pride in our customer service and quality product. Our reputation and customer satisfaction has and will continue to demonstrate this. If LME’s standard policy of sending the product back to LME had been followed, this situation would have had a different outcome.
LME values our customers and will continue to stand behind our work as we have over the years.
Thank you,
Bryan Neelen
LME
713-849-4505
For the rest of us, I think the OP problems with the LME warranty are likely the norm which is why I only deal with locals. For if nothing else or reason, I can have my face to face meeting with whomever did the work.
01-29-2009, 09:00 AM
#49
Le Mans Master
I notice noone flamed me for my responses. They were pretty much to the point with what hunts had to say, albeit without the attitude. I don't think LME needs a PR person. I think they need a lawyer to read out the warranty policy to the customers, Barney style.
What I read was a guarantee from Bryan himself, that he would take care of customers provided they follow instruction.
I am not endorsing any company or it's actions. I'm just stating facts.
If you won't consider LME simply because they won't let the customer dictate warranty issues, you may be doing them a favor.
What I read was a guarantee from Bryan himself, that he would take care of customers provided they follow instruction.
I am not endorsing any company or it's actions. I'm just stating facts.
If you won't consider LME simply because they won't let the customer dictate warranty issues, you may be doing them a favor.
), etc,etc.....What do you suppose my local Chevy dealer would say if I come strolling in with a handfull of burnt pistons and asked for a new set under warranty?
Maybe they should have given him a new set of pistons as a goodwill gesture....but I'm not surprised they didn't.
01-29-2009, 09:08 AM
#50
Intermediate
Member Since: Jul 2007
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Both good and bad customer service.
With the two engine builds I've had over the years, I've had both good and bad customer service.
First engine: 400 small block chevy rebuild, new crank, pistons, rods, hone with deck plate, cam, new heads and so on. It started out just like "peelrubber". Used one quart of oil per tank of gas. Engine builder says put more miles on it. When that didn't work, the engine builder pulled the engine and fixed it at no charge. It ended up being a leak in the valve stem guides.
Kudos to Jeg's High Performance in Columbus, Ohio for stepping up to the plate and making the customer happy.
Seconded engine: Full engine build for a Buick Grand National. Set up for high boost and about 600HP. I told the engine builder that once the job was done that I wanted to take the car and break it in myself.
But that's not what he did. When the engine was in the car he took it out on the highway, took it up to full boost and about 120MPH and blew the engine. He made me pay for every penny of the next rebuild. His logic was if he hadn't blown the engine I would have. I was not a happy customer. The engine builder was not Jeg's but a small owner operator near Columbus.
First engine: 400 small block chevy rebuild, new crank, pistons, rods, hone with deck plate, cam, new heads and so on. It started out just like "peelrubber". Used one quart of oil per tank of gas. Engine builder says put more miles on it. When that didn't work, the engine builder pulled the engine and fixed it at no charge. It ended up being a leak in the valve stem guides.
Kudos to Jeg's High Performance in Columbus, Ohio for stepping up to the plate and making the customer happy.
Seconded engine: Full engine build for a Buick Grand National. Set up for high boost and about 600HP. I told the engine builder that once the job was done that I wanted to take the car and break it in myself.
But that's not what he did. When the engine was in the car he took it out on the highway, took it up to full boost and about 120MPH and blew the engine. He made me pay for every penny of the next rebuild. His logic was if he hadn't blown the engine I would have. I was not a happy customer. The engine builder was not Jeg's but a small owner operator near Columbus.
01-29-2009, 09:43 AM
#51
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,100
Received 2,478 Likes
on
1,941 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
he built the engine, first to drive it, blew it up but did he make you pay for one or two rebuilds? if one, that's reasonable. you did have it rebuilt, but it was twice, and not of your making the second time.
01-29-2009, 09:48 AM
#52
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: Edmond Oklahoma
Posts: 1,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seconded engine: Full engine build for a Buick Grand National. Set up for high boost and about 600HP. I told the engine builder that once the job was done that I wanted to take the car and break it in myself.
But that's not what he did. When the engine was in the car he took it out on the highway, took it up to full boost and about 120MPH and blew the engine. He made me pay for every penny of the next rebuild. His logic was if he hadn't blown the engine I would have. I was not a happy customer. The engine builder was not Jeg's but a small owner operator near Columbus.
REDZONE, I'm glad to see someone agrees with me.
Fair is fair and what is fair sometimes sucks.
01-29-2009, 10:56 AM
#53
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2003
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
15 Posts
Now take the case of a mail order engine, do you think ANY of the vendors will reimburse an owner for an engine R&R or even his freight back and forth. The OP here in this case would be looking at around $600 just in round trip frieght. I know he incurred at least $2000 in engine R&R labor that will never be reimbused. So ya maybe LME is well in their right to deny his claim, but as I mentioned earlier sometimes you have to take that extra step to make things right. By the looks of the replies here alone they have lost several potential customers. To me as a small business guy in this day, every customer counts. But I guess I am old school To bad the OP didn't use his American Express card, he could call them and have them take the $$$ back! Then they can hack it out in small claims.
01-29-2009, 11:10 AM
#54
Instructor
Member Since: Aug 2003
Location: Chino Hills CA
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Exceptional service NOT delivered
I need to read and comprehend? I dont see where in my past 2 posts that you cant comprehend that I said they should pay for it. But to say that no ones makes mistakes is plain old stuipd everyone messes stuff up. And for all those that cant read my post I said they should fix it but to say a shop doesnt do good work is not called for I have seen plenty motors they have done awesome work on.
The true measure of exceptional customer service lies in the recovery from mistakes. After all, we are all human, and WILL make mistakes. From the information put up by the OP, this vendor did not "recover"...
01-29-2009, 12:28 PM
#55
Intermediate
Member Since: Jul 2007
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The first engine was for my Camaro. The second was for my Grand National. Yes, he made me pay twice for the GN rebuild.
01-29-2009, 04:05 PM
#56
Intermediate
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Houston Texas
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I notice noone flamed me for my responses. They were pretty much to the point with what hunts had to say, albeit without the attitude. I don't think LME needs a PR person. I think they need a lawyer to read out the warranty policy to the customers, Barney style.
What I read was a guarantee from Bryan himself, that he would take care of customers provided they follow instruction.
I am not endorsing any company or it's actions. I'm just stating facts.
If you won't consider LME simply because they won't let the customer dictate warranty issues, you may be doing them a favor.
What I read was a guarantee from Bryan himself, that he would take care of customers provided they follow instruction.
I am not endorsing any company or it's actions. I'm just stating facts.
If you won't consider LME simply because they won't let the customer dictate warranty issues, you may be doing them a favor.
01-29-2009, 04:11 PM
#57
Safety Car
You guys caught me I really work for lme even when im 1200 miles away from them 
. And I love how everyone criticizes me for sticking up for lme when there are severall other members sticking up for them as well. I thought it would be worth my while to join this webiste since I own a vette but I guess theres just a bunch of d bags on here, that get all butt hurt when people express there opinions.
. And I love how everyone criticizes me for sticking up for lme when there are severall other members sticking up for them as well. I thought it would be worth my while to join this webiste since I own a vette but I guess theres just a bunch of d bags on here, that get all butt hurt when people express there opinions.See... other people express their opinions (the same ones), and no one has problems with them. Maybe the problem isn't the "d bags" on this forum....
I'm guessing this will fall on deaf ears, and be met with some hostile response, so yeah, you're probably right, it's not worth your while to be here!
01-29-2009, 05:29 PM
#59
Safety Car
If you want some build tips that are proven - check out the LS7, LS9.
Coated, tight, pistons. Around 1 thou clearance. Honing done on big $$ equip... Assembled with sythentic. Broke in with synthetic. Proven methods. You have an example of proven shoddy methods. Way too much clearance. Wrong pistons. Not coated.....
Why not copy proven methods.
Coated, tight, pistons. Around 1 thou clearance. Honing done on big $$ equip... Assembled with sythentic. Broke in with synthetic. Proven methods. You have an example of proven shoddy methods. Way too much clearance. Wrong pistons. Not coated.....
Why not copy proven methods.
01-29-2009, 06:51 PM
#60
Pro
Member Since: Sep 2008
Location: Chicago Illinois
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
[QUOTE=Michrider;1568745100]If you want some build tips that are proven - check out the LS7, LS9.Coated, tight, pistons. Around 1 thou clearance. Honing done on big $$ equip... Assembled with sythentic. Broke in with synthetic. Proven methods. You have an example of proven shoddy methods. Way too much clearance. Wrong pistons. Not coated.....
Why not copy proven methods.
My thoughts exactly when I stated yesterday; Should have bought the crate motor from Chevy, and you wouldn't have this problem.
Why not copy proven methods.
My thoughts exactly when I stated yesterday; Should have bought the crate motor from Chevy, and you wouldn't have this problem.