As I reported on September 3rd, I spent 6.5 hours at Findlay Customs for the installation of the Water/Methanol injection system. Now, prior to that I discussed this install with Troy McGregor (Sales) at Findlay Customs on two different days. Once without the system and the second time with the system and the instruction booklet. On both instances, he and his installer stated they could do the install in 4 hours. Although I was skeptical and informed them that I was sure it would take longer, they insisted they could do the install in the 4 hour time. I told them that the instruction booklet stated that after about a 4 hour time period, completion of the front portion of the install could be done another time provided you bundle and secure the wires and tubing somewhere under the car away from anything that could catch the wires. But they continued to insist that 4 hours was enough to complete the installation. So, on September 3rd I arrived at 8 am for the install. 6.5 hours later they came to me and told me that the install was complete and that the car was running well and the pump was running as well. I wondered how they knew that the pump was running as according to the instructions provided, the pump does not activate until the engine maintains 17 lbs of boost. So I just thought that they test drove the vehicle and heard the pump run. Anyway, I took the keys and drove home that afternoon, but on my way home I noticed that the two LEDs for the dashboard had not been installed. One LED (blue) was supposed to show that the system is working and the other LED (red) is a low level indicator light. I called Troy and advised him that the lights had not yet been installed and he asked me if I could come back in the morning and they would do the install then. I agreed, and early the following morning I proceeded to go to Findlay Customs to complete the install. About 3 miles into the drive there, I thought I would put the car into 17 lbs boost to see how it performed. It didnt seem to perform any different than before but I was on a busy street with traffic and really didnt have time to judge. About 30 seconds or so later, the engine went into Limp mode feeling like it was running on only 1 or 2 cylinders. I put the clutch in and turned off the engine and then turned it back on, but it was still in limp mode. I left the clutch in and feathered the gas and it seemed to return to normal. From there on it drove without a problem and I proceeded on to Findlay Customs. Upon arrival there, I told them about the instance and their installer said he would check the engine as they were installing the lights and let me know the results. A couple of hours later, when I asked how they were doing, I was informed that the car was in Limp mode again and would not return to normal. After another hour or two, there was no change. I was informed by Troy that I should limp it into Findlay Fiat to have them check it out. However the vehicle would not move. I then called a tow vehicle to have to taken to Towbin Fiat to have it inspected. Findlay Customs was very anxious to get the car gone and out of their hands. They made no effort to repair or even to find out why the install went bad. Their installer, however, did admit that they made an error in the installation when they installed a stop valve in the line going to the intercooler and put it in backwards stating that it has an arrow on it pointing to the direction it is to be installed and it was backwards. That was one mistake that they made in the installation that they admitted to and I had wondered what other mistakes they had made. I called Findlay Customs and talked to the manager or owner of the business who seemed totally dis-interested in the problem with the car stating that it was not their fault but rather the fault of the injection system. However in discussing this with the manufacturer, I was informed that the item was thoroughly inspected and tested prior to being sent to me. The following day, Towbin Fiat informed me that the engine is shot and needs to be completely replaced with a new long block. It seems that Cylinder #4 has no compression and that Cylinder #1 got so hot that the spark plug broke and started to melt. The cost for this replacement is estimated between 6000 - 8000 dollars which I do not have. Findlay Customs needs to step up to the plate and make the necessary repairs. I have been in the process of hiring an attorney to sue Findlay Customs and am starting an investigation into the install of the system. An expert in this system will be hired to take the system apart to show the mistakes that Findlay made. In the meantime I am utilizing public transportation and doing a lot of footwork to get around. I hope that everyone reading this shares this with all my automotive friends to show them that if you want some work done on your car, you may want to reconsider going to Findlay Customs because they do not stand-by their work and if their work fails, they will just ignore any complaint you may have. Please share this with everyone in all the car clubs. One other thing. I thought that Troy McGregor was a friend of mine. But I discovered differently. He has never been to my house or gone out of his way to see me, but when I realized that the instruction booklet was left at his shop, I called him and he said he would bring it by after he gets off work. However, from what I found out was that he was told by his boss to Shmooze me and take it to me. His visit to my place was only let his boss know just what I planned to do. Troy will surely be a part of this law suit. Look out guys, he will smile at you but do not turn your back to him. PLEASE SHARE THIS TO EVERYONE, THANK YOU
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 21:52:47 +0000