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Old 04-07-2007, 03:15 PM
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84_Carrera
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Default Randolph Racing, Stoughton MA

Just took a swing over to see Kevin at Randolph Racing, thought I'd share my impressions.

Nice guy, took a quick listen to the valvetrain tick to confirm that yes, the right bank is noisy again. He showed me around the shop, and what a great variety of cars & stuff he's got over there.

Was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours (drive to / chat / drive home). Thanks for your time Kevin, appreciate it!
Old 11-18-2010, 03:29 PM
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jimh3063
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The following is an account of the experiences I endured while utilizing Kevin of Randolph racing to repair my race cars.
Kevin strongly suggested installing an Electromotive Ignition system because his historical experience with this product was such that it they make the car run great. However, he installed it too close to the turbo and the PCB inside the ECU became de-laminated. Upon discovery it cost approximately $500 to replace it.
While I was in the shop for the 930, I saw a 944 T that looked well done on the outside. He mentioned it was for sale. He stated he built it and it was in great shape and needed nothing. I asked multiple times, “Kevin are you vouching for this cars condition?” He stated multiple times with different verbiage that yes in fact, he built it and knew it very well and it was in great shape all around. I bought the car based on his word that it was in great shape. I requested that he get it ready for the track. He reviewed the car and said that he only needed to replace the exhaust tip. He charged me a couple grand to replace the exhaust tip and a few other items that were not approved to be fixed by me.
When I went to drive the car it would not boost. It turned out the turbo was frozen. It is reasonable to presume that when an experienced auto mechanic is ask to prepare a car for the track, his findings would report that the car would not boost and would be on the list of repair items for my approval. He unfroze it and I went out on the track. During the time trials the car was smoking and filling the puke tank with oil rapidly. I asked him if this car had done this before and he stated yes. He did not disclose this information prior to me purchasing the car. He stated it just needed a $3,200 ring job. Since the car would be useless without the ring job, I approved him to do the work.
It was repaired in time for a race in Florida that I was traveling to that very day. Within 10 seconds of the first practice lap the car puked all the oil out under boost and ruined the crank bearings and a few other things. Extremely frustrated with the situation, I called him up and he said, I don't know what it wrong but bring it back and I'll take a look.
After a 1,500 mile drive to Florida, 10 seconds of track time, a 1,500 mile drive to Boston I was needless to say very angry Kevin took the engine apart. He told me it was over boosted and had no detonation. He would not show me the pistons. Multiple times and over the course of months I requested him to return my damaged parts back to me and numerous times he refused to honor my request.
I brought the car to a reputable company that specializes in turbo engines and overall turbo performance. They pulled the engine apart and reported that there was no detonator.
I contacted Kevin to go over the findings and he still insisted it was over boosted. Again, I requested my parts and he again he would not honor my request. Finally, I got the pistons back and they still had the coating from the factory on them and there were no detonator marks. He still refused to return the rings.
He introduced me to a person who he stated could rebuild my engine and he would pay for the labor if I bought the parts. I talked to the guy on the phone and did some research about him. It turns out he is a VERY reputable engine builder with a GREAT reputation. I met with the engine builder and discussed the sequence of past events. He was very responsive and helpful and stated "I told myself I would give you this is you ever came into my shop". It was the piston build sheet from the original build of the engine. He was the original engine builder. He stated Kevin had came down and asked him what he thought had gone wrong with the rings. He explained everything to the builder. It turns out the block is steel sleeved and Kevin installed the wrong rings. The engine builder asked me not to mention him in relation to this matter. I was very appreciated of his help and obliged his request
I went back to Kevin and explained what I knew and what info I had. He denied it once again. I asked again for my rings back. He still refused. I asked him for the EBS racing receipt for the rings. He stated he couldn't find the receipt but I could talk to them and get a copy. I called them and asked for it while I was in Kevin's shop. EBS stated they would fax a copy to me. I left Kevin's shop. I no sooner got down the street when I got a call from EBS stating Kevin had just called him and told him to not give me any of the paperwork for the rings. I said ok, please provide me with a quote on the EXACT same rings he ordered and had put in my car. They were the STOCK ring gap rings for a non-sleeved car.
With information in hand, I went back to Kevin and he finally admitted that he made a mistake on the gapping and that's what caused the problem. He asked if he could fix the engine and I still buy the parts. I told him no. He then stated his insurance may cover the damage and to call him at the end of the week. I did ask requested. He told me that since I had the piston build sheet I should have given it to him prior to the build. Considering I had given my word to the turbo specialist not to mention his evolvement in providing me with the piston build sheet , I just sat puzzled and realized that he is the mechanic shouldn’t he know this or at least know how obtain the proper information to get the job done? He told me, “Go ahead and sue me”.
He spent a lot of time and effort to hide his mistake. He is one of the most deceptive people I've ever met. Lesson learned: A PPI from the guy who built it and is selling it in retrospect is probably a bad idea. He ended up getting a $1000 for helping sell it.
I posted something on Facebook about what had happened and was inundated with stories of how others had bad experiences with Randolph as well. He has left as long line of people who have had similar experiences and my recommendation is to steer clear.
I have used others mechanics and had many successful experiences to say that Randolph is not the norm! Rick Hetherington is very knowledgeable and has repeatedly provided great service, workmanship and results. Conway Autoworks ended up putting my 944T back together with a new motor from Lindsey Racing. I'm happy with the end result from both companies. Lindsey has been very helpful through the whole process and I would do business with them again any day.
I have every piece of documentation I mention in either hardcopy or email and will be happy to share with anyone who asks.
Old 11-18-2010, 03:35 PM
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Oh boy...here we go.
Old 11-19-2010, 09:22 AM
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People asked about shops in the area. I've used Autobahn, Conway Autoworks and had great luck. I used Randolph Racing and had a real bad experience. Not really "here we go" just letting people know my experience. If I had seen a post of someone elses experience like I had, it would have saved me a lot of pain and cash. I hope me sharing my experience will help someone avoid what I've been though.

This is a community that is based on each Porsche owner helping the other. I hope this helps someone.
Old 11-19-2010, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by jimh3063
Lesson learned: A PPI from the guy who built it and is selling it in retrospect is probably a bad idea. He ended up getting a $1000 for helping sell it.
Sorry for your mishap, but while I tried to read you entirely too long thread, it seems you knew from the get go that he wasn't being truthful, but yet you gave him more money to fix stuff. Sounds like you even paid him $2K for unauthorized repairs. Buyer beware.

Your "lesson learned" is no revelation, IMO, it is the Golden Rule: Get an uninvolved set of eyes on a car for a PPI.
Old 11-19-2010, 04:40 PM
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After 10 posts, half of which were used to discredit this shop, along with the livery on the 951; move on.
Way to much effort put into smearing this shop. When I say 'here we go"...this is why. This is a public forum and trashing someone is no good here. If you sustained damages from this guy, take it up through the proper channels. I'm not involved, but I have witnessed many situations with disgruntled customers...it's as often that the customer is a D-bag as the shop. Here in this case, we will never know.
Old 11-19-2010, 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by whalebird
Way to much effort put into smearing this shop. When I say 'here we go"...this is why. This is a public forum and trashing someone is no good here. If you sustained damages from this guy, take it up through the proper channels. I'm not involved, but I have witnessed many situations with disgruntled customers...it's as often that the customer is a D-bag as the shop. Here in this case, we will never know.
What???

I agree with Ed that he should have split tacks with the shop after the first sign of trouble ... and that he shouldn't have just taken Randolph's word for the soundness of the car. But I'm very surprised at your reaction. He feels he got screwed. The easy way out would have been to just say nothing. I give the guy credit for standing up and speaking up. "No good here"? Where'd you get that idea?

If somebody from Randolph Racing (whom I've never heard of BTW) wants to come on and refute the story, good, let's hear it.

IMHO Jim is doing Rennlisters a favor. I certainly see no reason to imply he might be in the "D-bag category".
Old 11-21-2010, 08:22 PM
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Whalebird:
I have written proof for everything I've stated. I hope you're never in that position. Here is my problem and why I did what I did.

I posted an overview of what I stated here on facebook. I got many emails from people who told me similar stories. Had only had someone clue me in on Randolph Racing I would have saved myself a lot of money. I've had people come up to me at the track and show me pictures of Randolph Racing's work and what had to be done to undo it. That photo that is my avatar draws people over to discuss what happened. I've spoke to so many people who said that Kevin had screwed their car up as well. I had a discussion with a shop in Southern MA Friday and the Shop owner told me his nickname was Kevlyer. It's incredible how many cars he has wrecked in some way and how many people have had similar experiences as mine.

One thing I did learn from this experience was that Lindsey Racing is a company that I would use again and that Conway Autoworks really knows what they are doing. So out of a truly crappy situation I ended up working with some really good people. I just wish that there was a cheaper way to find this out.

I think providing a detailed explanation of an experience that I had with a shop in the MA area on posts that mention the quality of a shops work makes me a d-bag, I guess I am a d-bag. If my post saves just one person from having the experience I had then I'm a d-bag.

I welcome Kevin from Randolph Racing to reply to any of the posts and explain his side. He has admitted what he had done after being caught red handed. I'm not sure how you can defend that.

Gentlemen, I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving.
Enjoy and don't eat too much,
Jimmy
Old 11-21-2010, 09:09 PM
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You may indeed have an arguement, but this is a one-sided conversation. Invite the guy to Rennlist to convey his side-Ive not seen him here, ever.

I'm sorry, new posters here with such vehement comments about an individual or shop always incite some skepticism with me, and others. Why nit simply state that you feel you've been wronged by this shop, and that you can supply details if someone is interested?

Again, based on your original post, it seems you were an enabler.
Old 11-22-2010, 12:25 AM
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Ed Hughes

first off, that was a great tip on brake bleeding, I hope readers paid attention. Rust and uneven wear in part on the cylinder might create problems with a full depression of the pedal. I have been doing them for half a century the wrong way. It is so apparent that I am mumbling to myself.

2nd, the complaint does seem odd for a first timer-- but hasent he been here since 2003? However, given the obvious skepticism, the story does need to be told—if it is valid. I suggest that the accused can respond with his story. Also there might be legal complications if the story has problems. That appears to be a risk the writer knowingly takes on. A better approach might have been to sue the provider and post the positive results--- if that was the case.

just sayin

is that a targa you have?
Old 11-22-2010, 10:50 AM
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I do not imply that Jim is a D-bag. Just saying that there are many situations where the customer has grand disillusions of what a shop should do. This guy may very well be a bad wrench. As outside observers, it slaps of a "witch hunt". I am glad it all works out and it hurts all of our hobby when misfortunate sircumstances come from a bad shop/customer communication.
Choosing the shop to service your car is a process that requires a little due dillegence. A good shop/car owner relationship has to be forged on trust and communication. Some people and their shops are not compatible. It happens everyday and placing blame on one or the other is nonproductive. It's a good idea to recoup your damages however possible, but if you sue the guy, all the lettering on your car, and threads like this will work against you in litigation.
Good luck and I'm sorry for the problems you've had. Mike Lindsey and Travis at Rennbay are two of the most upstanding guys in the 944 business.
All my best to you and yours for the holidays as well.
Old 11-22-2010, 01:21 PM
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Whalebird:
I looked into Randolph Racing's finance's and it seems there are none. I'm assuming that's why Kevin told me to sue him.
The getting water from a stone deal. Ed, you are correct in stating that I may have been an enabler. I've raced most of my adult life in some form or another. I've had mostly good dealings with race shops. It's just such a small and incestuous sport that you need to keep a clean nose as a shop or risk being black balled. I've never seen or heard of anything like what I had experienced. I had people approach me at the track and tell me horror stories of experiences they had at Randolph Racing after the fact. I got an email from his former partner that stated he screwed him as well. I've had people walk up to me and show me pictures of his work that they had to pay someone else to fix. I had a guy show me the roll bar that Randolph racing welded in that the SCCA tech inspector make them redo because it was unsafe. I had a former employee tell me about a car that he put on the track with no tranny fluid in it. The list goes on. My purpose of posting my experience was to prevent even one person from going through what I went through. I'm guilty of trusting that a persons word actually meant something. I invite Kevin at Randolph racing to tell his side of the story. Like I've stated before. I have than enough documentation to prove what I've stated is true and am willing to share it with anyone who cares.

Gents, keep the shiny side up and enjoy the holidays,
Jimmy
Old 11-22-2010, 01:24 PM
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---WHALEBIRD----
Requesting information of a positive feed back on this site to get the right guy to do some work is a huge asset. Information about "Risk On" people like an engine builder or wrecking yard can save the day, as it were. In additon, problem solutions and chat time make this the best little web site that is. Interesting that this posting brought in some suggested conduct on the site. I guess we aint no fight club. Gentlemen start your engines, might apply here.
Old 11-10-2011, 01:12 PM
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In an attempt to file a Mass Consumer Protection Law 93A demand letter. My lawyer found out the following.

Randolph Racing LLC: it was actually involuntarily dissolved by the order of Secretary
of Commonwealth on April 19 of this year.

I must not be the first one pursuing this type of action.
Old 01-21-2013, 03:46 PM
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Default kevins reply

Mr. Jim destroys cars and relations with many shops.
Someone even put sand in his motor while the car waqs in the garage overnight at NHMS.
Jim blew up his 930 motor previous to this one.
When I took the 944 to the dyno after installing the rings I quickly noticed that the boost guage was pegging to full.
When I asked Jim about this he said to me "I dont look at the guages"
So now I know why he blew up the engines.
If you really want to know more about me and my REAL reputation go to PCARshops.com--click on Boston,then click on Randolph Racing and read the customer comments.

Or you can check with any of the following vendors I use:

AL at Parts Heaven
Bruce at SSF
Andy at World Pac
Ian at Ian`s Europarts
Peter at Andial
Don at EBS
Gary at Oklahoma Foreign


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