Not sure if this is where this should go, but let's try it. This is just a heads up if anyone finds themselves dealing with a guy from Orlando named Drew Koba. A friend of his recommended I use him to have my motor built. I spoke with him on the phone he seemed knowledgeable so I went with him. Biggest mistake I've ever made! The machine work took 5 months to complete, machinist recommended by Drew, was told 2-3 weeks. I mentioned the time frame to Drew, he tells me that's completely out of line and he's going to say something to him about that. Drew then takes a year to assemble the motor. Once he had my money, never heard from him unless I initiated the call. I go to pick up the motor, because I'm told it's done. When I arrive I notice the heads that are on it are Mondello Heads. I gave him a set of ProComp Heads when he picked up the motor. Not my heads. The new Moroso Oil Pan, that he sold me, is leaking oil at the drain plug, he can't get it to stop leaking. The two plugs that go in the back of the motor are out and laying on the manifold. He said he couldn't get them to screw in but go ahead and take those (even though they don't fit) and don't forget to install them before bolting the tranny up. I gave him the plugs that came out of my block, again when he picked up the motor. I paid Drew for an Edelbrock Air-Gap Intake. I end up with an off-beat, no-name, air-gap intake that has pock marks in the casting and looks like crap. He says this one is better. $500.00 for an Edelbrock, $179.00 retail on the one I received (raw finish). Said he needed some of my old parts to complete the motor. Did not use those parts, but never returned them. I don't think I have ever dealt with such an under-handed, dishonest person in my life! I emailed him due to an issue with the cam. I wanted to know where he got it from. He tells me he can't remember. It's one of two places, but can't even tell me who the two places are. Sounds hinky to me! I spoke with Lynn at Mondello's, when I mentioned Drew, he referred to him as, and I quote,"A glorified parts man trying to run a speed shop out of his garage when he's nothing but a piece of $h!t!" Don't want to see others burned like I was.

 

Wow, when Lynn starts calling someone a piece of shyt, you know theres a problem. Sorry you had issues.

Again, anyone looking to give their money to ANY "builder,supplier ,restorer", do a thorough internet search before hand. Get everything in writing. Get a reciept for all parts given to said person, take pictures of parts. And stamp your parts so you can identify them.

 

I can see your second biggest mistake.

 

Been there. Dropped my Cutlass off with a body shop/mechanic guy who came highly recommend to rebuild my distributor and replace my floor pans while I was away at training. I come back 3 months later to find not only is the car not running, and the floors not even close to finished; but also my seats sitting in the rain and body damage. I lit a fire under his *** and bothered him every day to finish the **** up and it still takes nearly a month. I finally get the car back and there is wiring everywhere, my gas pedal broken, still a hole in the floor, and the trans not shifting.

Fixed the trans, sealed the hole, and had to bondo my roof and repaint it because the body damage cause rust holes to form. I would've sued him if I hadn't been moving across the country at the end of the month.

 

Not sure about the first post on here to trash someone, no history to go by and seems like a lot of OP mistakes.

 

Yes, a lot of mistakes, but others could learn from hiserrors before losing their cash.

 

classicmuscle, You're correct, It was a little rude of me to hammer someone on my first posting to the forum. Unfortunately, when you are upset and have been burned like I was you don't stop and think clearly. My main concern here was to hopefully help others and not see others have issues like I did.

 

We are all car guys here and do not like to hear a member get the shaft. You will meet some great people here with great advice on everything Oldsmobile.

 

#1 While you had good intentions, we have had others come here to bash someone in their initial post and never return. We want to be helpful, but sometimes, the story may not be credible.
#2 You also haven't done adequate research, and you are likely to lose more money. I am referring to who you called after the guy in Orlando screwed you. Do a search on this site and inform yourself.
#3 You won't find a more knowledgeable, dedicated and helpful group than on this site.
....Just my two cents worth.