The first problem involves making the
engine builder understand you're not rich (even if you are). The second problem,
is trying to understand the many different parts that are chosen, when there are
so many different brands of the same parts which could have been used. Lastly,
the third problem is being comfortable that the engine builder you've chosen
really knows what they are doing. After all, I've described it before, most engine
builders are simply unsatisfied racers who aren't behind the wheel. Point being,
most are all very competitive in nature, and can be egocentric. That's what this
sport is all about, whether you race on water, asphalt, mud, dirt or sand; every
aspect of the high performance aftermarket industry is defined by the word
"competition." It is a character trait within us which separates us from all
those "other people" who are satisfied with merely watching a football game or
slamming a little ball around the links. We are by nature high performance
competitors. We would jump into an F-18 in a New York second, and some of us do.
There's no such thing as "too fast," usually it's only a matter of just not
having enough money to go as fast as our egos propel us. You need your engine
builder to see you as a team member, and you see them the same way. As soon as
the effort is reduced to merely dollars and cents, you lose. So trusting their
judgment is probably the most important thing you must learn to do, once you've
made your choice and established both the budget and the goal within it.
Engine builders have to make money.
Don't cut corners on this when negotiating for a good engine. There are many
things that must be done to a well built engine that makes each one novel. Even
if it's a clone of another. There's always extra time needed to adjust, grind,
machine, fit or check to be 100% right. Setting predefined limits on these last
nickel and dime issues won't save you money in the long run. But don't throw
money away either. Engine builders need to make money from TWO things: PARTS and
LABOR. If you walk in the door with a basket of parts and say you want a record
setting engine built, don't be surprised if you get thrown out! Ask questions,
if you are up on the technical issues for your goal, and be prepared to shop
around in finding an engine builder, if you so choose. They should accept
answering your questions, and they shouldn't be surprised if you're getting
quotes before deciding. If they get defensive about this, then look elsewhere.
Good engine builders are "busy" and self confident. It is up to you to decide
when the line of confidence has been crossed for arrogance, unless they've got a
wall of trophies; then just shut up and grab you check book while asking "how
long?"
Keep this in mind when arguing with your
engine builder. It isn't uncommon to ask five engine builders the same technical
question, and receive seven answers. Funny things is, every answer would be the
right one. Just ask them.
