Posted for "Lancair" <lancair@USTEK.COM>:

 Lynn,
 
 You mentioned Reno and your race experience.  That confirms what I have heard
from several sources -- they cater to the race circuit.  Late delivery was not
the only issue, and since you asked:
 
 1.) they quoted a fixed price but when I placed the order they switched the
exhaust from new to used.
 
 2.) late, late, and late again, but as you note - that is not uncommon.
 
 3. lies, lies, and more lies - they not only guaranteed a delivery date but
each time they confirmed their story was bogus.  They said that the engine was
in the test cell and nearly complete.  A friend stopped by the factory and
checked - the engine was not even assembled.  They said that it was on the
loading dock, but weeks later it still had not shipped.  They demanded money
for a job that was complete, but it wasn't. That is not an issue of bad
planning but one of lacking integrity.
 
 4. they overcharged and refused the agreed upon refund.
 
 5. they shipped an engine with uncontrolled oil pressure.  This should have
been caught in their QC or during rest runs.
 
 6. they refuse to communicate and explain the actual situation - perhaps
because they cannot find the time to fabricate new stories.
 
 My situation is far from unique.  Others have experienced the same.  Some
have had to initiate legal proceedings to get them to perform.  As I recall
one case involved a complete rebuild of a malfunctioning engine.  I am happy
that you did not endure this series of problems as that allows you to put your
focus where it is needed - on racing and winning. However non-racers need to
be wary.
 
 Robert M. Simon
 ES-P   N301ES