OrionKhan

Last summer, I had the misfortune of blowing a thrust bearing and screwing up a motor on my 928S4. After considering my options, it seemed that an engine transplant was in order. I was approached by Eric Munck (Projekt928.com) on the SoCal 928 board. He told me that he had a S4 motor (acquired from 928 International) in his shop that he could install. I even received a positive recommendation from a SoCal 928 member that was familiar with Mr. Munck. I decided to go with his engine and install. Keep in mind this was last summer before the posts regarding the black GTS and white GTS cars hit these boards. I had my car delivered to him. I went to his shop. He showed me a white GTS that he was going to supercharge. I also saw the black GTS that had the burned up motor. He explained that to me but I don’t recall the details of it. I gave him a deposit to start the job with the balance due upon completion.

After a few months, the stories erupted about the botched supercharger episodes with the black and white GTS’s. He called me very upset. I believe he was worried that I would pull my car. He explained that those were SC issues and that my car would be perfect. I told him that I was not concerned about other cars and that I wanted mine done correctly. I explained to him that I would post my experience with him when all was said and done. I hoped that he would use my car as his opportunity to set his record straight.

After numerous calls, emails, broken deadlines, much trouble shooting on his part, Mr. Munck informed that the car was ready. Well, six months after delivery (February, 2003), I went to pick up my car after he informed me that it was “running great.”

The car was anything but “running great.” The car stumbled when taking off from a stop. It shifted roughly. It was running hot. It was extremely difficult to start cold. There was a transmission fluid leak. Also, there were missing parts. These included a missing front spoiler, belly pans, spare tire cover, wheel locks. There also was a hose that was not connected. Mr. Munck had very poor excuses for what was causing the problems. He even told me that the transmission shifting problems would clear up after driving it for a while. Some of this was noted after I got the car home. He had the nerve ask me, “aside from those problems, isn’t the car running great?” (Also, I noticed that the white GTS that was to be supercharged was still there but up on the lift sans engine this time.)

I informed Mr. Munck that I was not satisfied with the vehicle and did not believe that he was capable of properly completely the job. I also informed him that I had stopped payment on the check that I gave him. I told him that I wished to have another mechanic inspect the car. Mr. Munck said that he did not want to work on the car anymore and was more than happy to have it taken to another mechanic. He was curious as to what was causing the problems. We both agreed that the car would be taken to Precision Motorwerks. Precision was a highly recommended shop in Anaheim that was known for fixing problems created by other mechanics.

During a conversation with Mr. Munck I asked him a few pointed questions. Mr. Munck claims to have never applied or obtained a license from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Mr. Munck does not have the Bosch System Tester diagnostic equipment (Hammer). He tried to borrow or rent one but was unable to acquire access to it. Mr. Munck also claims that he is not in business and that he only works on cars as hobby. It should be noted that Mr. Munck operates to websites dedicated to the solicitation of customers for the supercharging of 928s and Hummer 2s and has employees.

The following is a list of most of the noted issues with the vehicle provided by Precision Motorwerks:
·1/8” gap between torque tube and transmission. This was a result of incorrect hardware (bolts to short and not screwed in all the way).
·Motor mount safety discs missing.
·Temperature sensor not connected.
·Bolts missing from on left suspension cover
·Belt tensioner nut loose. The screw is turned in very far.
·Tensioner had no oil in it.
·Transmission wiring all “wadded” up. Not secured or routed correctly
·Orange silicone all over starter motor connections.
·Coil ground wires incorrect. Driver’s side not even attached. Passenger side not connected to proper spot.
·Power wire on left front ABS not properly routed or secured. The wire is crammed against a metal bracket and is being rubbed through.
·Lifting hook for engine missing on right side. The left side has the right side’s lifting hook (where the coil ground wire should go). The left side is not present.
·Exhaust pipe supports (from engine to pipe) missing on right and left side.
·Water crossover bolt loose on left front. Knock sensor bracket missing.
·Cam timing on the 1-4 side is set to .51 mm. The specification is 1.8mm +/-.1mm.
·Cam timing on the 5-8 side is set to 2.78 mm. The specification is 2.0 mm +/-.1mm.
·Ignition cap on the 5-8 side has a huge crack in it.
·Oil line from the engine to the radiator is almost kinked completely closed.
·Mount for fuel line and clamp near cylinder #1 missing.
·Both knock sensors mounted incorrectly. The two brackets for the front knock sensor are missing.
·Virtually none of the vacuum lines or breather lines were properly connected.
·When the engine was put back together, there was silicone sealer user everywhere (except where it should have been).
·Engine oil fill and breather leaking oil into block area where the intake manifold sits. There was no silicone at this junction.
·Silicone around/in injectors. There is silicone inside the fuel rails and the injectors have silicone inside of them.
·The injectors are a Ford part.
·Bolt for fuel pressure regulator loose. Wiring to crank trigger beyond repair.
·Engine overheat sensors (for exhaust temperature) not connected.
·The butterfly inside the intake manifold is missing (not re-installed after the manifold was powder coated). The missing butterfly will cause a loss of 40-50 ft. lbs. of torque below 3,500 rpm.
·Intake manifold gasket locators installed upside down.
·Missing bolt in the steering rack support plate.

That was not an all-inclusive list of the problems. The list was pages. There was incorrect hardware uses in several places. Some of the removed bolts had ruined threads. Plus, I did not post the comments from the guys at Precision. They had nothing nice to say about Mr. Munck’s work. Basically, they had to undo most of what Mr. Munck did short of pulling the motor. Keep in mind that Mr. Munck stated that he knew the people at Precision and was more than happy to have the car taken to them.

When asked for, Mr. Munck did ship most of the missing parts to Precision. He also delivered the missing wheel locks (different ones than what I originally had), spare tire cover, front spoiler, and a 944 belly pan (?). I spoke with Mr. Munck one time after the car was assessed by Precision. I asked him about the “work” that he had done. This time, he explained that he had an employee who told him that he was a Porsche trained mechanic that did the work. Mr. Munck later found out that the individual was not properly trained and had to fire him. I asked why he did not notice these problems when he checked over the work on my car. His only response was that he apologized for it. I grew tired of this charade and decided to stop poking holes in his stories at this point. That was the last time I spoke with him.

I picked up the car last week from Precision and it now runs like a new car. I am very pleased with the work done by Precision Motorwerks and give them the highest recommendations.

On the day that I picked up the car he tried to bill me for several thousands of dollars more than what was agreed upon. I flat out told him now that I would only pay for what was previously agreed upon. I was lucky enough to avoid serious financial injury from Mr. Munck because I was able to stop payment on a check. He later agreed to pay for what it would cost to finish the job by Precision. I figured I would then pay Mr. Munck the difference between what I owed him and what it took to get the car running correctly. Well, after receiving the final tab from Precision, the net result for Mr. Munck is not going to make him happy. I have tried to correspond with Mr. Munck regarding this situation via certified mail (return receipt) and he has refused to claim the mail from the post office. I am still considering my options in dealing with Mr. Munck.

The main reasons for my telling to series of events is because I told Mr. Munck that I would do so when this project was complete and I also wished to give another point of reference for those who might inquire about Eric Munck and Projekt928. What is very distubing, is that Mr. Munck was fully aware that I was going closely look at the finished work and post the results of what occured. This was a chance for a best effort from him.

In my opinion, Mr. Munck clearly lacks the technical expertise, the attention to detail, the proper diagnostic equipment, and moral scruples to run a business and properly work on Porsche 928s, particularly, the S4 and above models. Additionally, he is non-licensed and employees untrained mechanics. This opinion is based upon his sloppy "work," statement made by him to me, along with verbal and written misrepresntations that he made to me regarding my car. My car was presented in an unsafe, not fully assembled, poorly working condition.

I was lucky and have learned one helluva lot from this experience. I hope others learn from it as well. I know this was long and I tried to leave out some of the less important details. Feel free to ask any questions.

To the Moderators: Sorry, I didn’t really want to start another big Munck post, but I felt that I had to let the 928 community know first hand rather than through the grapevine.

Rufus Sanders

Good Lord. I'm curious, did the original quote from him exceed the bill from Precision?

If he calls it Project928 (spelled to impress of course) you'd think he knew and loved 928s. Guess not.- Ruf

OrionKhan

Ruf - No his original quote was lower. It was actually a good deal at that point. Little did I know what was in store for me. His final "bill" was nearly double of what the original quote was. The bill included numerous undiscussed items and charges for unauthorized work. I refused to pay. I now that the "work" was not done properly.

I should have paid attention to the old saying..."If it sounds to good to be true...It is"

Nicole

I just wonder, how this guy can stay in business. From the posts it seems he screws up quite a lot...

Gretch

Where the heck did this guy ever get the engin from? Do you believe what he said about its provenence?

OrionKhan

Mr. Munck has some mechanic ability and knowledge. The problem is, that knowledge is not complete nor thorough. What really concerns me is that he in the business of supercharging cars. If he couldn't handle an engine install, how can he properly tackle serious modifications? (i.e. white GTS, black GTS)

What is also of concern is that he still has proponents out there. Currently on the SoCal board, a photo of him is prominently displayed from a Porsche gathering this past weekend. Up until about two weeks ago he was listed on the site as source for 928 service. I understand that he has personal friends in the 928 community, but they must also recognize his faulty business practices and do a serious disservice to the rest of us by their support of him in his 928 endeavors.

As for the motor...I don't have any reason to believe that it was not acquired from 928 Intl. It now runs very strong. And as the guys at Precision told me, it runs like a new car. I have not driven a new S4 (how many of us have?), but it does seem to be stronger than before I had my prior engine problems (the old motor had 149k on it).

Jay Wellwood

Geez....

My personal thanks for sharing your first hand experience. Also, my thanks go out to the moderators who have permitted this experience to be shared with the rest of us.

Randy V

As this is a first-hand account, not merely speculation and conjecture, it is welcomed (with sympathy).

Wade, great topic title!

SL8GT

Wade,

Condolences on the experience.....

.....Congrats on the outcome!

bcdavis

Ever heard the addage about a dog knowing better than to sh*t where it sleeps?

I bet there are members of this list who have less than honest business practices, or sketchy personal lives.... But none of us really care.

But if your business is working on cars, it would be a good idea to do a good job, treat the customers well, and not screw them over. Obviously, any person, or shop, etc, can have problems, etc. But if you are charging people for the work, or doing it as a business, you need to be honorable, do a good job, and stand behind your work... If I heard even one story about him refunding someone's money, I would have a better opinion...

As someone said, it is supposedly just a hobby of his. Well, I bet a lot of people would be a hell of a lot happier if he just kept it as a hobby. We would all be happy to see cool cars he has built, ask him questions, hang out, talk 928s, be friends, etc... But as soon as you start charging people a lot of $$$, and messing up their cars, you are sh*tting where you sleep... Messing up your rep with the people you want to do business with...

I think maybe the car thing should go back to being a hobby, and he should get a "regular" job somewhere before he ends up in a ton of trouble...

OrionKhan

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Randy V:
<strong>Wade, great topic title!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I am rather proud of it.

My thanks to all the well wishes and sympathies, both on this board and via email.

Jim bailey - 928 International

Since this shop was mentioned ............Precision Motorwerks is owned and operated by Greg and Mary Brown . The phone number is (714)879-9072 . Address 930 E Orangethorpe Ave unit F , Anaheim Ca 92801 . Greg is an extremely good mechanic has a very high attention to details owns the tools to do the job correctly ..laptop diagnostic read out for 1989 and newer cars , Brake style chassis dyno , flow bench , etc. many years ago when the 928 was "new" he purchased a wrecked one just to take it all apart to see what was there . He is the engine builder for our 928 Race cars so I am not exactly unbiased . He is very involved in what he does and will tell you everthing that is wrong with your car whether you want to know it or not. He is not one to patch it up / short cut the repair he either does it the "right way" or tells you to take the car somewhere else . The Labor rate charge is comparable to a Porsche Dealership ; he does not sell his time and skills at a discount nor should he . Basically he is a fair ,honest ,honorable man who takes great pride in what he does . It is a very nice shop to wander around ... new Porsche cup race cars , NEW 944 GTR 650 hp turbo in a plastic bubble . The only customer complaints I have ever heard was he was too expensive or too busy to look at the car right away . Yes , I am glad to say he is a friend of mine , known him since 1989 .

OrionKhan

I would like to add to what Jim said about Precision Motorwerks.

I not only received a recommendation from Jim, but also another 928 owner. Both advised me that Precision was very adept at fixing other shops screw ups. I can verify that they are not necessarily be the cheapest place around. But they will fix the car right and efficiently the first time. They know 928s inside and out. They are quick (and correct)determine what is wrong and remedy it. No mickey mouse stuff. They aren't ones to tell you to bring the car in and then let it sit for a week before they get to it. I had to schedule an appointment to have mine hauled in. They had the first visual assessment that afternoon. After receiving the first page and a half of what Mr. Munck had done, I agreed that they should further delve in under the intakes. That's when they came up with the rest of the list, another page and a half or so. They were also spot on when they said the car would be completed. None of that, "uh...its gonna be a few more days" crap (or "months" in the case of Mr. Munck).

I purposely waited a few days after picking up the ride from them before making this initial post because I wanted to make sure nothing popped up. Sure enough the car has run like a champ since picking it up.

I also concur that it is a neat shop to walk around in...race cars right next to mine...Plus, they were more than happy to show me all of the screwed up stuff first hand and explain the purpose and importance of each part...the silicone gunked injectors, faulty wiring, misrouted hoses, disconnected sensors, missing parts, the relay with a hole drilled in it with paper stuffed into it, gap between tranny and torque tube, etc. I had absolutely no doubt that what they told me was true.

Highest praises for Precision Motorwerks....

Mike LaBranche

There's just nothing like driving one of these beasts when they're fresh and well-sorted. And having the work done by a competent and fair shop adds to the enjoyment. There are far too few excellent 928 shops and news of one helps all in the area. I would propose two additional forums: 1. Those that do it right; and 2. Those that don't. Personal experiences only. No hear-say, shouting, name calling, innuendo, flaming. Simple fact based account of shop experiences. Helps us all to know where to take our business as well as where not to...

Nachtmeister

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by OrionKhan:
<strong>I would like to add to what Jim said about about Precision Motorwerks (Located in Anaheim!).[...]No mickey mouse stuff.[...]</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica"><img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />