What are my options after a rod bearing failure

[Lawineer]

So the OP should just let this go?
Or are you saying you’ll spend more money than it’s worth compared to what you’ll get in return?

Perhaps one of these fabled viper driving engineer lawyers would offer to do it on contingency to help him out...

I dont really care. This isn't exactly a career case.

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The only issue about credit cards is you only have 30 maybe 60 days to file a claim.

Bigger problem is likely that he didn't pay the installer much in the grand scheme of things.

[Sniper]

Bigger problem is likely that he didn't pay the installer much in the grand scheme of things.

Good point!

[Pappy]

I had the opposite experience with a Texas company I have a lot of respect for _ Finspeed. I ordered a custom set of track wheels with a non-standard back spacing that required a unique forging like that used on the old Corvette GTP cars. Unfortunately, a CNC data entry error (+ instead of a -) resulted in incorrect backspacing on the rears, and no new forgings were available. Daniel @ Finspeed immediately identified the problem and gave me the option of an immediate full refund or standing by while he attempted to source suitable forgings. I elected to wait, and he tried several suppliers and sources but could not find a forging that met his high standards. Eventually I decided to accept the refund on all 4 wheels, which came promptly and covered all expenses including shipping. Integrity and good business practices are refreshing to see. I run Finspeed track wheels on my ACR, and if I ever get a C8 Z06 I will order a set for that car from them.

[Martin]

Perhaps one of these fabled viper driving engineer lawyers would offer to do it on contingency to help him out...

I dont really care. This isn't exactly a career case.

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Bigger problem is likely that he didn't pay the installer much in the grand scheme of things.

If it were me, I'd be on the phone with you in a heartbeat. There's nothing like an attorney who has real-world experience in the underlying problem, and also has a passion for the case. That's worth a lot.

As one of my usual side notes - I also started out in the powertrain business (Ford and Volkswagen) while doing my grad work, then at NASA doing turbine work and control systems. I got sick of government work, so I applied to a JD/MBA program and got in. I really wanted to do it - but the price was just too high (we're talking Stanford tuition and room/board). I somewhat regret that to this day because my wife says I would have been a great litigator.

But, if I ever ran into a problem that required actual engineering expertise, you're the kind of attorney I would be seeking.

So, Mikey has a lot of information, and I'm sure he'll do what he needs to do to make himself whole. I would be guns-blazing, but that's not for everyone. Probably not even for me anymore now that I have more gray hair than non-gray hair.

[Lawineer]

If it were me, I'd be on the phone with you in a heartbeat. There's nothing like an attorney who has real-world experience in the underlying problem, and also has a passion for the case. That's worth a lot.

As one of my usual side notes - I also started out in the powertrain business (Ford and Volkswagen) while doing my grad work, then at NASA doing turbine work and control systems. I got sick of government work, so I applied to a JD/MBA program and got in. I really wanted to do it - but the price was just too high (we're talking Stanford tuition and room/board). I somewhat regret that to this day because my wife says I would have been a great litigator.

But, if I ever ran into a problem that required actual engineering expertise, you're the kind of attorney I would be seeking.

So, Mikey has a lot of information, and I'm sure he'll do what he needs to do to make himself whole. I would be guns-blazing, but that's not for everyone. Probably not even for me anymore now that I have more gray hair than non-gray hair.

Funny, I was mech E and worked in auto and aerospace, too. But I did the inverse. I applied for a fellowship to get my masters, was "unofficially" told I got it, then funding for the project got cut so I applied to law schools (lol at paying the same price for engineer and law, especially given engineering is intellectual hell and law is a joke in comparison). My SECOND day of law school, that professor called me excitedly to "officially" offer me the fellowship under a different grant he just got. Two days earlier and I'd like be an engineer with a doctorate (assuming I made it) as that was my goal.

Also, funny enough, in comparison I did some motorsports, some not, some powertrain, some not). I quickly realized motorsports was absolutely brutal, cutthroat and had zero job security, despite having some of the best engineers in the entire auto sector (and country) and got sick of it. I also moved to turbines (military/fighters). So similar to you but backwards.

BTW: No one is "good at arguing." Those are just opinions of moms who blindly love their sons and their sons are assholes, not good at arguing. Mothers love just allows for mental flexibility to see every flaw as a strength. I know a lot of very charismatic lawyers, and some who are very well regarded. Almost across the board, their track records do not support their reputations.

Arguing effectively is making good points, which is being logic/intelligence. I have the least dramatic and driest closing arguments you'll ever see. I just make my points, repeatedly and clearly, and I dont think I've lost a jury trial in 8 years (and I've hard plenty that the other side saw as slam dunks)

I was fortunate enough to try cases with some really bad ass lawyers. I quickly noticed none of them are particularly charismatic or do any of the Hollywood bullshit "draw the attention of the room." Guys who clean house, up and down. They are sharp AF, keep a cool and remain objective in the heat of it all. Of course, there is more to it, but that's almost all of it. Trial (and litigation) is chess, not smooth talking. All but one of the ones that come to mind would probably bore the hell out of you at a cocktail party. You'd think they were some sort of boring ass engineers

I always say that juries may not be bright, but they are intuitive. Being charming is great, but if your arguments don't make sense, these sense you as slimy.

[TIME]

Just got off the phone with Kevin, the entire block is cracked in half. He said it looks like they started the motor with no oil in it before hand, everything is covered in debris.

This is a tough one. It can make sense that the engine was shipped without oil and that the installer was to add the oil after installing the engine. The installer could be liable if he did not add oil, let alone simply checking oil level before starting the beast. Who wouldn't check oil level before starting a fresh engine?! Was the engine equipped with an "add oil" tag? Who knows, tough one.

[Mikey]

@Dan Cragin

We are in VERY different tax brackets, that shipping company quoted 6k for a one way HAHAHHA

[Lawineer]

This is a tough one. It can make sense that the engine was shipped without oil and that the installer was to add the oil after installing the engine. The installer could be liable if he did not add oil, let alone simply checking oil level before starting the beast. Who wouldn't check oil level before starting a fresh engine?! Was the engine equipped with an "add oil" tag? Who knows, tough one.

Lol what? Who would think to add oil to a engine that just showed up on a pallet? Literally, everyone.

Who the hell thinks engines are shipped with a pan of fresh oil?

[V10LEE]

@Dan Cragin

We are in VERY different tax brackets, that shipping company quoted 6k for a one way HAHAHHA

Call Reliable . When I bought my Ferrari 599 in Houston TX had them deliver it to me in Fernely Nevada for $2,200 this was last year.

[TIME]

Lol what? Who would think to add oil to a engine that just showed up on a pallet? Literally, everyone.
Who the hell thinks engines are shipped with a pan of fresh oil?

Except this installer - that also charges for a new oil cooler and hoses and then later claims that the system was "cleaned". Not good.
I feel sorry for all your troubles, Mikey!

[Mikey]

Except this installer - that also charges for a new oil cooler and hoses and then later claims that the system was "cleaned". Not good.
I feel sorry for all your troubles, Mikey!

Thanks for all the support everyone, I feel a bit better knowing I have the option of filing a claim if this case doesn't settle or work out

I have this naive thought that no one intentionally tries to screw you over and get over on you, but after gathering even more evidence, he shouldn't be allowed to touch another vehicle again

[AAA96]

Good luck with this moving forward. Just got caught up with the thread. At least you have Lawineer to help out. I would use all the resources I could in this situation. I would offer to help, but I’m just a dentist. Not much I can do here hahahaha.

[ViperSRT]

Who the hell thinks engines are shipped with a pan of fresh oil?

Production engines are, unless shipped overseas.

[Mikey]

I'm confident with the case. I contacted the shop who supposedly did the "ultrasonic cleaning" and they said there is no way to clean an oil cooler and that it should be thrown away

[Sniper]

Well, this makes me nervous now. I had an engine replacement from abnormal lifter wear and rod bearing wear and I don’t see anything about replacing oil cooler and lines.

[Mikey]

Well, this makes me nervous now. I had an engine replacement from abnormal lifter wear and rod bearing wear and I don’t see anything about replacing oil cooler lines.

I'd imagine if you haven't had issues this long, you should be alright
Then again, I'm also an uneducated dropout

[ViperGeorge]

What sucks is that the oil cooler is currently unavailable from Mopar.

[GTS Dean]

The Viper's oil cooler was obviously carefully engineered to match oil and water pressure/flow rates and heat rejection curves for optimum performance. However, this is not the only oil/water heat exchanger used on engines by a long shot. In fact, they are extremely common. Similar designs are used on Porsche Cayenne turbos, Cummins diesels and many different Class 4-7 trucks to name but a few. There have to be plenty other close matches out there to consider.

I don't know who was the OE supplier, but Mahle and Modine some of the top ones to the world market. https://www.mahle.com/en/products-an...il-management/ https://www.modine.com/markets/automotive/#LiquidCooled You have a size envelope to fit inside of and you have so many Btu's/hour to control at a given range of flow rates. They have products x, y and z from the catalog that could work and all you need is a mounting plate and liquid connector adapters.

[ViperGeorge]

The Viper's oil cooler was obviously carefully engineered to match oil and water pressure/flow rates and heat rejection curves for optimum performance. However, this is not the only oil/water heat exchanger used on engines by a long shot. In fact, they are extremely common. Similar designs are used on Porsche Cayenne turbos, Cummins diesels and many different Class 4-7 trucks to name but a few. There have to be plenty other close matches out there to consider.

I just checked and there are supposedly 20 in process at Mopar's national warehouse. Supposedly a few weeks out. We shall see, wouldn't be the first time Mopar's system has mislead us about when parts will become available. Windshields were supposed to be available in November and they still are not.

[Mikey]

I opted for an aftermarket option, I think several will work with our cars

[Martin]

Off topic, but I'm still not sure why they did the water to oil cooling systems. The air to oil worked fine, and they were less complex. That said, I'm sure they had a good reason. In any event, if someone wants to do some plumbing, the water-to-oil cooler can be extended to an air to oil cooler with little problem. I've done a bunch of oil cooler add-ons since the late 70's, and as long as you put a 180 degree bypass in the line, they work great. It takes a lot of the engineering work out of it - if the oil is getting too hot, just send it to the extra cooler.

But, I digress.... Again....

[Lawineer]

Water to oil is much more efficient and it also has the bonus of helping heat up engine oil when it is cold. Water will get hot way faster than oil.

[ViperGeorge]

viperpartsdepot.com may have the OEM oil cooler in stock. They are the only ones that show it on their website. No one else seems to have it. I would also try JonB at Parts Rack but his website viperpartsrackamerica.com shows it as out of stock.

[Mikey]

I'm needing a "reduction in value" letter, if someone can help me with that

[Lawineer]

I'm needing a "reduction in value" letter, if someone can help me with that

Man, if only there was SOME lawyer out there who has done this numerous times that could help you. Unfortunately, it seems you have no choice but to ask an internet forum completely void of Texas attorneys for advice.

Tell whatever dumbass lawyer you have it's called called "diminished value" in Texas, you need an appraiser or expert of some sort to write it- not just anyone. There are literally companies that do this. And JFC, no you dont. Your damages are the cost of repair and loss of use (plus collateral collectable damages like attorney fees, treble damages under DTPA, punitive, etc). Diminished value is when the market price of your car is lowered by the damages, after the repairs. Think of the diminished value after a car wreck due to car fax. If you get a new engine, your car isn't worth any less. It was already going to be a rebuilt, unoriginal engine.

You penny pinched, got punched in the dick and now you're hell bent on making the same mistake again, aren't you.



This is gonna be fun to watch.