Has anyone bought a engine from Serrano's

I cracked my case open and did not like what I saw, Serrano's seemed to have a good price on a pretty much stock 1600 87mm DP. I have been unable to find the web site for chico's.

Try www.steelbuggin.com. That's the website for Chico Performance. They are very reputable; even being recommended by Jake Raby.

I also wanted to add that Serrano's has great prices and lots of good parts but if you're in a hurry you should check with them first. In my case I ordered a set of CB 044 Magnum big valve heads on Feb. 11th; they were charged immediately to my credit card but no signs of my heads as of yet. I'm in no hurry to get them but then again, why not charge them when they ship?

There are a number of complaints and a fair number of very positive cutomer experiences about Serrano's on http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=85975&highlight=gscco+msn

I have had 2 very good ordering experiences with them and one very bad experience. They are nice people when all goes well. When things don't go well, phone calls don't get returned, and follow up and promises not kept. With that said their prices are excellent on most things and i am batting .666, so I will go back.

Check out the feedback, it is mixed, just like my results. Two kinds of customers, really happy, and the others. Just understand if something goes sideways it will take time and frustration to solve the problem. I think they are honest, helpful, intend to do well, but things get out of control and they don't have any room to fall back....I think they are still running the business without an ordering or inventory system....so if they got it and it ships all is great. If the item goes into a backorder it is a note on somebody's desk with 500 other notes.....just my guess

I imagine that's what happens; I gave them a call today and they say they haven't received the order from CB Performance; the thing is that's what they told me on the 25th of February and I quote:"We got out order in Wednesday and have been shipping ever since......
I'd have to check Monday for ya. Thanks, Steve". I didn't get a reply after that. They're great at answering questions and following up until they have your money and they're out of stock; that's when the nightmares begin. They've got great prices and parts though.

I decided to replace the POS 1600 DP in my '01 VS with a 1915 from Serrano's. I ordered it last Monday, and he said I should have it by the middle of April. I'll keep you guys posted on the progress...

John

I seem to recall that John Leader's new Speedster had a big engine built by Serrano. John seemed quite happy with the engine. John doesn't seem to post here much anymore, but you can probably get more information on the engine from John Steel, at JPS, who built Leader's car and installed the engine.

While Serrano's is pleasant to deal with, I was told multiple times that my motor would be shipping 'tomorrow', or early next week. This Monday I was told it was shipping Tuesday, and I would be getting a tracking number before COB on Tuesday. No call on Tuesday, and ater having spoken with them this morning, they said it would be sometime 'next week'. So, I canceled my order.

John

John; I had a similar problem with some CB 044 heads I ordered in February and finally got last week. In the end they shipped the heads Express Mail and paid it out of their own pocket. The heads are awesome and the price was great. If you are not in a hurry buy from them. On the other hand Chico Performance has had great reviews and seems like the place to get your Type I engine built. Check out this link:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=195676

I've been in contact with Serrano's, Chico's & CB Performance.

I'm interested in a 2180cc Engine with some pieces that their normal Kit Engine's do include.

A. Serrano's wouldn't provide a price for the Extra Parts until I placed a deposit.

B. CB Performance was Great and very helpful including Dyno Testing the Engine set up with my 44IDF's.

C. Chico's were very helpful and easy to get answere's for your questions however we didn't discuss Dyno Testing or testing my own Carb's/Intakes. Chico's indicated that a 50% was required to start the build and routhly engine turn abount was less then 2 months based upon they're current build load.

I felt comfortabe with Chico's especially with they're prices. I can't buy the parts for what they offer in a already built engine with the parts I'm interested in using.

Jack

Jack; Chico Performance's work on Type I's has been praised by Jake Raby whom I consider one of the foremost authorities on aircooled VW engines. If you deal with them you're pretty safe there....

Well, 5 minutes after I cancelled the order, Steve called me back from Serrano's and said the motor was done and was going to ship. And what do you know, it has shipped and I should have it by the 12th.

So, moral of the story? Budget 3x the amount of time Steve quotes you.

I should be able to throw it in this weekend, I'll let you know how it goes.

John

That's good news John! Steve's parts are very good quality and so are his prices but, as you said, delivery times from him are uncertain at times. I bet you'll be very happy with your new engine; good luck and make sure you break it in correctly.

Who knew California to Ohio would only take three days? My 1915 motor showed up today.
http://www.tehf4st3r.com/tehgallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=181

I'm going to try to get it installed this weekend.

John

Cool! Looks great! As I said make sure you break it in correctly. Also beware of the oil filter/pump set up; I've read it's not true full flow.

John's good fortune is probably someone else's postponment.
ed

Chico does good work!

For the price his work cannot be beat in the Type 1 world..