Procuring an engine

ctennis · #1 10-21-2015, 06:53 AM

I'm at a point in my RV-8 build where I need to figure out my engine and options and probably pull the trigger early next year on actually getting it.

I've heard/seen good things on here about Superior and Barrett. I called Superior, nobody picked up. I left a VM and also emailed their sales, with no responses.

I called Barrett a few days ago, and also left a VM. Have not gotten a response.

I recognize that I can be a little more persistent in my ability to get in touch with these companies, but it makes me nervous at the notion of dropping that much money and then running into silence issues on the backend with delivery date slips or support problems.

Is this just the norm and should I just keep calling?

Gary 40274 · #2 10-21-2015, 07:05 AM

Both of these are good companies so hang in there. I know Barrett is not a huge organization so if Rhonda is out it will go to voice. But hang in there Allan and Rhonda are good people and will treat you fairly.

Gary Specketer

scard · #3 10-21-2015, 07:19 AM

My Barrett built Superior hasn't flown yet, but it sure is sexy sitting in the corner of the living room while I work out new shop space!

wirejock · #4 10-21-2015, 08:25 AM

I had the same experience with vendors at Airventure recently. I won't say which companies but I was very suprised how they treat someone ready to plop down a huge chunk of money.

Superior was one of the most responsive.
Try David Godfrey. He replied to me quickly.Dgodfrey@superiorairparts.com
I've decided to wait for Sun and Fun or Airventure.

Skykingbob · #5 10-21-2015, 09:07 AM

Hey Caleb......like Gary said try again....Rhonda told me yesterday that she will be going out for a medical procedure in a couple weeks....they are great folks....just trying to run their business and wearing several hats while getting bunches of emails every day....i am going with Barrett so I can have a sexy coffee table like Scott & Cookie

Keith Rush · #6 10-21-2015, 09:16 AM

I called Superior about 3 weeks ago and they were really nice on the phone. I told them I was still in the dreaming and planning stages, but they gave me all the information and more that I asked for. I would just call back myself.

Keith

Ron B. · #7 10-21-2015, 09:18 AM

As a business person , I will make a new customer wait for a reply if I'm busy fixing a repeat customer and do not have the time for both. Nobody notices this practice but if you take care of the customers you already have you will always be busy.

ppilotmike · #8 10-21-2015, 09:27 AM

.. but why is it better to go with a Builder/rebuilder than to just buy a new engine through Vans? Is this only for rebuilt engines, or are people choosing to have them build them a NEW engine?

wirejock · #9 10-21-2015, 10:13 AM

Lycoming builds Lyco. Best price of the engines I looked at but it's cookie cutter. No options unless you go with the Thunderbolt line.
Superior builds new. You can customize lots of options.
Titan will do both new and rebuild. Almost any customization you want.
Barret will do both. Same on customization.

I drooled all over myself looking at those pieces of art at Airventure. Wish I could win a small lotto.

Auburntsts · #10 10-21-2015, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppilotmike

.. but why is it better to go with a Builder/rebuilder than to just buy a new engine through Vans? Is this only for rebuilt engines, or are people choosing to have them build them a NEW engine?

As one and only one data point, when I bought my BPE engine a few years ago I got a rebuilt and zero-timed engine for a few AMUs less then a brand new Lycoming from Van's. Plus the BPE motor had a few attention to detail type items the Lycoming straight out of the crate didn't. YMMV....