R.A.T. Customer Testimonials

Bill Kanz

Car: 1970 Bug
Engine: RAT T4 2270 “C” Configuration
Engine Options: Ceramic lifters, Mallory Unilite, Lightened Flywheel, Aluminum Backing Plate, BAS Sports Exhaust
Trans: RAT “B” Configuration
Order Date: 11/18/03
Expected Delivery: 3/15/04
Actual Delivery: 3/22/04
Review Date: 10/25/04
Miles Driven: 50
Dyno Results: 154 hp @ 6000 rpm; 161 ft-lb @ 4000 rpm
Background:
- This is my first car. I bought it over 20 years ago and have driven it daily for 15 years. The car taught me a lot about perseverance. I'm half Finnish and through this car, I appreciate the meaning of sisu. I always just barely had the car in good enough shape to be road worthy, but always wanted a 'hot vw'.
- In 2003, I decided to restore the car when I was looking for a new hobby to focus my insanity. I found out about RAT via germanlook.com and shoptalkforums.com. Everyone had such good things to say about Jake and crew, so I called him to discuss rebuilding my T1 with performance upgrades. He answered all my questions and assured me he would make it as good as it could be. Jake said that a T4 would be the way to go if I wanted a high performance engine that lasts as long a stock T1 which was built right.
- As I got into the project a simple restoration turned into a full-on German Look transformation. I called Jake back to find out more about the T4. He convinced me that at 100,000 miles of use, the T4 costs less than a hi-perf T1. At this point I was determined to do this project right, so the decision was easy. Luckily, my wife was supportive and my job was stable. Jakes commitment to quality turned into a "do it right" mantra that kept me going through the tough times of the project.
High Lights:
- Built engine with ceramic lifters even though they were not available at the time of order. Was charged only the cost of the lifters. Extra machining expenses were not charged.
- Amazing power and performance. This is my first high performance car (not just bug). I've always wanted a Porsche, now I have the next best thing. When I drive it, I tremble with adrenaline. It pulls so hard and sounds great.
- Outstanding service and dedication to happy customers. Usually I have to pick 2 out of 3 -- cost, quality, delivery. With RAT I got all 3. The cost is higher than some, but the quality of design, manufacturing, tuning, and technical support is worth it. In the long run it's a better deal for sure. I'll forget about the cost, but remember the experience. The delivery was well within the expected time frame considering the scope of work and unknowns.
Low Lights:
- Billet flywheel from FAT could not be balanced due to a manufacturing problem. Jake lightened a stock T4 flywheel at no cost.
- Dynometer failed and set back delivery time. Not a problem, since the car wasn't ready for the engine anyway. Good thing I planned way ahead on getting the engine. I work with many machine shops for a living as a medical engineer and RAT impresses me in their ability to produce custom engines while doing R&D. The number of special parts they need to order, receive, inspect, assemble and test is not trivial. Jake has a good manufacturing system and has earned a top spot on my "Certified Supplier" list.
- Aluminum backing plate not in stock at time of engine build. Jake sent plate when it was in stock at no cost and helped me through the installation.
- Engine tin fitting was harder than expected. Jake explained that due to the variability of customers engine bay dimensions, the custom fit is required. Prefitting the tin on the engine outside the car is a must.
- Broke flywheel shout and bent crank causing engine to seize. I was doing a full throttle launch when it happened. I take all blame. I did not have my tach installed and mis-used the engine. Jake eased my pain with a quick rebuild of the short block. He only charged me for parts he had to buy. He even replaced the case at no charge. I reassembled the long block and he helped me time it well enough to start up at 3am, over the phone, on top of a ladder. Now it has a rev. limiter and forged flywheel to prevent my foot from breaking it again. I learned a lot about the engine with Jakes help.

Summary:
- Excellent Engine -- high quality, on-time, got more than I paid for.
- World Class Service -- by far the best experience I have ever had as a consumer. Jake treated me like a friend.
- Next Time -- more power of coarse. This engine rocks my world, but like any drug, tolerance builds up with repeat use...

Thank you Jake, Brent, and all your employees and suppliers for making this such a good experience. After all, this is a hobby and hobbies have to be fun. Keep up the excellent work, it matters.

Bill K.
www.vwbughead.com

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