Customer Testimonials

When you are trying to make a decision to spend any amount of money for an engine, you need to make sure that you can trust who you are paying to do the work and the quality of their work. These days it is very hard to find shops that do what they say, and even more so for the price they quote, and deliver a product that works as advertised.

I'll tell you right now, i'm not a salesman trying to sell you snake oil. I refuse to hire salespeople. Although I do not have the knack for selling, I do however build the best engines money can buy, and at the end of the day, that's why you're paying me and not a salesperson to build your dream engine.

There is no better form of advertising for our services and products than true testimonials from the individuals that have purchased them. These testimonials are not censored or edited and are placed on our pages just as we receive them.

In these pages you will see true stories from my customers with every type of engine we have built, installed in every type of VW ever made, as well as replicars, Porsche 912E's, 914s, and even 356s and 912s. Many of these testimonials are from customers whose engines are also shown throughout my site. These people are real, just like you and me, and they welcome open discussions and conversation about their experiences with me and as such, some have provided their email addresses so that they can be contacted.

Most of these customers share one thing in common. They all found us on the Internet or through another customer who came from us on the Internet. One of the reasons I created this page, and subsequently the forums page, was to let my customers mingle and find out more about each other. I highly suggest that anyone considering buying an engine from us visit our online forums to discuss your plans and desires with others who have taken the plunge.

Many folks are indeed  skeptical about doing business with Internet/mail order companies, or even having an engine build thousands of miles away from their homes, but by reading these testimonials, you can make the call yourself. We promise you that even though you may never visit us or meet us in person, you will have one of the most pleasurable experiences doing business with us. I'm proud to be in a business where I can consider many of my customers to be my friends, and let me tell you, I have a lot of friends!

Jake Raby

Copyright 1997-2007 Raby’s Aircooled Technology.

More Happy Customers write Aircooled Technology

Jake,

I am writing to let you know that you ROCK! The 2316 motor you made me
is a rocket! It spins fast, pulls hard to the red line and idles
smooth as silk. I want all of your prospective customers to know that
if they want the best air cooled motor in the world built for their
car, they can't go wrong with RAT. As they say, you get what you pay
for, and this could not be more true when dealing with RAT. You have
been great to work with, and it is refreshing to have the good old
fashioned customer service that seems to have fallen by the wayside in
todays' world. You have been honest, up front, and although my motor
took a little longer than planned, you always let me know what was
going on. When it came time to get the motor, I could not have been
happier. I have about 1500 miles on it now, and it still amazes me
every time I drive it. I took it to my first autocross, and it revs so
fast, I had to shift into 3rd where all the other cars were using 2nd.
I really have to be gentle with the right foot since it has so much
torque, I can easily roast the tires in a hard corner under load.

I have attached a picture of what happens if you use too much RAT power
in the middle of the turn. Keep up the great work. I will refer
anyone I know to you without hesitation. If they say it is too
expensive, I will tell them they can't afford NOT to use RAT!

Thanks again!

I would love to be included on your testimonial page, and I want you to
post my dyno run so all can see what MassIVe Power is all about. Had I
not been there to see it, I would probably not believe it, but it is
true!

Sincerely,

Michael Keats
Marietta, GA
1976 Porsche 914/916

Dear Jake:

This engine is incredible. As you know I drive a 1976 912E, and searched the country looking for an engine builder. The consensus among those who know the Type Four engine is that you are the best. I  heard the same thing from my local 912E group where one of our members also as a Raby rebuild. The engine looks beautiful - in fact it looks brand new. The engine is superb! My local shop said it was the smoothest 912E they have ever run. Last week one of our local Porsche experts who races 911’s asked to drive it and came away really impressed. It is just a pleasure to drive.

All good wishes,

Chris Wye
Washington, DC

There were approxiamately 2000- 912-E Porsches made in 1976 and of those only about 1500 imported to the United States. They were not popular because they lacked the major reason we like these cars--PERFORMANCE. When my 912-E finally needed a major overhaul due to burned heads and oil bleeding from the crankcase vent pipe I had to make a decision. Did I want to junk a rare beauty that needed a engine, or did I want to take a chance and find an engine builder? I decided to do the latter--locate a builder.

I searched the internet, ask local mechanics, and ask friends what to do with this rare engine and their recommendation was- junk it! I was told "Nobody" can get that 2 liter engine to do anything. Then I located Jake-through his website. I sent him the small required binder deposit so he would call me, and we discussed my car and engine. He said " Can do" from the first conversation. He told me he could get the amount of performance I was willing to pay for. I was skepical--whoever hear of somebody that knew Porsches who did not live on the West coast? After several conversations I gave him the go ahead. Jake also told me that if I was in a hurry--to go somewhere else. He had a 10 month backlog at the time. I was patient, and besides I rather have it done right- than screwed up in a hurry. He stuck to his guns. I waited the full timeframe. But he did not expect his payments until each phase of the rebuilding process was completed.

I received the engine back two weeks ago. Jake helped me by phone to re- install the engine , and even tried to locate for me  a lost wiring harness. After I finally got everything back together right and hit the key-that engine literally "roared" to life. I backed the car out of the driveway and antisipated double clutching the engine to start the uphill grade from my house. The engine never bogged down. I was delighted at my first straightaway to feel the torque of that engine. I could not floor the accelerator in 1st gear before peaking my RPM, second gear was the sameway , and third gear was " get the hell out of my way". Fourth and fifth gear just keep going and pulling. I never felt a 2 liter engine still pulling this strong at the high end. I was never ever able or should I say brave enough, to find the top end of these two gears.  I am using the stock 5 speed transaxel. The engine is strong, smooth, and great looking. It was a professional job. It is beautiful, all new wires, engine spotlessly clean, and a delight just to look at. It makes my Porsche look like a new machine. I wish I could sleep in it!

If Raby had built this 912-E engine in 1976 for Porsche there would have been 20,000 912-E's sold instead of 2,000. This car weights approximately 300 pounds less than the 1976- 911(s) and with Raby's engine you have basically the same 911 performance, better handling and a better ride. Bottom line: Money well spent.

J. Shelby Kaplan

jsk1250@comcast.net

Click on our customers below for more testimonials and photos

Customer's Rides

Type 4 Engines | Type 1 Engines

Type 4 engines

These pictures are of Zen Hardy's 2316cc "Annihilator" this puppy made 185BHP and is our newest upright TIV engine configuration! The torque curve is nearly flat!

This is Myles Ambrose's 1971 Type IV, this engine has a destiny of living for at least 300,000 miles in Myles 1974 Beetle. He had us build the engine and he plans on driving the car for the rest of his life! This combo has now been proven and will be added to our line up as our "Longevity special"

This is black beauty belongs toTim Myres's. It's a Massive 2056cc version "C" for his Porsche 914!

This is Steve Lefflers's 2109cc "Powerstroke" equiped with our CIS injection system. This is one torque ANIMAL! This is not a race engine, but will make a baywindow bus really fun to drive for many, many miles!

This is Peter Nussbickel's 2270cc "C" equipped with a set of LN Engineering's Biral Baby cylinders. This MassIVe Type IV also received our powdercoating service as well.

This is Mark Stockbridge's 2316cc "Annihilator" Massive Type 4 in full race trim. This beast made 191bhp on the RAT dyno!!

This is Martin Bloom's beautiful 2270C (Mod) version Type IV engine for his Porsche Speedster. Martin's engine was subject to our detail and powdercoating services. Martin's engine made 153BHP and 150lb/ft of torque, and should push his Speedster like a rocket!

This is Mark Johnson's 2270B Massive Type 4. we forgot to take the pic until it hit the crate! Mark's engine will be pushing a '67 Microbus with its 147 lb/ft of torque at only 3500 RPM!

This is Tim Kristy's 2270cc engine for his unique VW Fridolin....This will be an amazing set up in such a unique vehicle!

This is Richard Jacks 's 2056 "A" TIV for his Porsche 914. This mild performance engine made 115BHP and 130 lb/ft of torque with a broad powerband.

This is Mike Flisnicks's 2270 "C" version. It made 161 lb/ft of torque and 148BHP at only 5500RPM! This is the perfect engine for a daily driven 914 that will see an occasional duel on the street or track!

Mark Peebles's race 914 will be housing this 1800cc F production engine Type 4. We can't say how much HP this puppy is put out, but all we can say is that if you are his competitor, and he passes you, YOU don't have enough. We sponsor Mark with his MassIVe power and plan some extra upgrades over the summer of 2003!!

This is Vic Levesque's 2270"F" version engine for his 72 Bus. This MassIVe Type 4 made some serious power numbers on our dyno, and will live a super long, cool running life with its LN Engineering Biral cylinders.

This is Bill Tsagrinos's 2270"B" version engine for his 1967 Bus, look for it at U.S. west coast events in 2003!

This is Frazer Mcguinness's 2270cc Type IV engine being exported to the UK for use in his 1965 Type I. This one is going to see a lot of shows, so if you are in the UK look for it.

This is Jason Dulin's 2000cc Type IV for his 83 Vanagon getting a nice workout on the RAT Dyno. We increased the stock power output of this engine by 20% by just changing the camshaft and valve margins.

This is Bill Scandrett's 2056cc (A version) Type IV for his 1976 Porsche 912E.

This 2270cc MassIVe Conversion is destined for Mike Banner's Karmann Ghia. This engine benefitted from our direct fire ignition system and made 154BHP at 6,500 RPM in full street trim. Look for this one at Canadian VW events in the back of Mike's Karmann Ghia in 2003.

This is Sean Simpsons' 2270 "B" version for his 1973 Type 181. Now its a Type "481" with 150 lb/ft of torque!

Bob Gossett's 2270cc Type IV for his double cab Type II. The other drivers on the road will be getting out of the way for Bob when he's driving.

This is Joel Antune's 2270 "Z" version Type 4, custom configured engine. Joel had a huge desire for torque and we fulfilled it with over 160 lb/ft of torque @ only 4,000 RPM. This engine is the ultimate in clean, just as his all original, 27 mile 1979 Beetle convertible is. This is the last VW ever sold in the US, still equipped with the dealer license plate. Now it sports a full leather interior, and some real HP. See this car featured in VW Trends soon, as well as many southeast US car shows, as Joel is gonna use it as a 100% daily driver.

Bob Goulet's 2270cc Type IV for his 914 pumped out over 145BHP at 5K RPM. Bob let us utilize his engine for some extensive testing. Thanks Bob!

This is John Tracy's 2109cc "A" version powerstroke engine for his 1978 Bus. John does a lot of cross country driving and that's what we designed the engine for. John also elected for his new pride and joy to receive our "Detail service".

Doug Schleifer's "C" version 2270cc Type 4 made 146BHP (@6,500 RPM) on the RAT dyno, with a neck snapping 151 lb/ft of torque (@4,500 RPM). This is a modified version of our "C" engine; it was modified to utilize the Porsche 911 cooling fan arrangment and produce more power.

Alan Ramsay's 2056cc version "A" Type 4 is going to supply power for a longtime in his 1974 Porsche 914.

Tony Chavez's 2056cc engine made 129BHP on the RAT dyno. This engine will be powering his Porsche 914.

Scott Furrenes's 2270cc engine after a thorough workout on the dyno, where it made 166BHP@ 6,000RPM. Scott is looking forward to installing it into his 914.

Danny Rosado from Puerto Rico chose our "B" version of the "Powerstroke" to get him where he is going in no time flat. This engine received our detail service, and is part of our signature series. Danny's engine made 100.7 HP, and a whopping 130.6 lb/ft of torque at 2500 RPM, with a near flat power curve.. It is shown here on the break in fixture as well as in the Dyno cell. Torque is what matters!

This is Bob Barker's 2270 "D" version on both our engine break in fixture and our dyno. This engine will be installed into a Speedster, and made over 160 "Tuned" Horsepower and a whopping 158 lb/ft of torque. Bob's engine got our detail service, and the Kevlar version of the Sharpebuilt cooling system.

We just finished Rich Hilgersom's 2316cc Type IV beast. This engine features Scat Split Port cylinder heads, custom made hybrid pushrod tubes that are half Type I and half Type IV, and many other custom modifcations. This engine will be used in a competition 914 with a FAT Performance 911 fan shroud, Eaton supercharger, and a fuel injection system.

This is Jim Rubel's Type IV conversion for his '74 Karmann Ghia cabriolet. This is the first engine in the world to be fitted with our Kevlar/carbon fiber shroud. It is highly tuned to make more heat for utilization of the 911 fans cooling volume, and made 131BHP @ 6,000RPM on our dyno.We call this engine our 2056cc stage "D", and it is the only Type IV engine we sell smaller than 2.3 liters with a 911 fan kit.

This is Ben Abney's 2270cc Type IV (torque version) utilizing a DTM from Oregon Performance. This engine is going into a Type 181(Thing), for daily driving with a lot of torque. This puppy made a best of 147 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM and had a whopping 126.2 lb./ft. at 2000 RPM!! The horsepower topped out at 5K RPM and made 127.5bhp. We call this engine the "B" version of our popular 2270 Type IV engines.

Type 1 engines

This is Eric Hamilton's 2007cc Type I. This engine was built for torque for his new Meyers Manxster 2+2....This puppy should push him down the road or through about anything he can find with ease!

This is Tammi Kosacks' 1904cc Type 1 for her 1974 Type 181 (Thing). This is a 100HP and 130 lb/ft of torque engine that get Tammi through just about dirt trail or obstacle. Have fun Tammi!

This is Doug Wentura's 1979 Super Beetle Cabriolet is now powered by a fresh Venom Performance 2165 cc Type I beast!

This is Mark Werbenec's 1800cc Type I that made 101 lb/ft of torque and 86.5BHP at 4500 RPM! This engine is going into a 1971 Bus, and will fit the bill great!

Here we see Scott Hollander's 2007cc Type 1 on the RAT dyno getting a good workout.

This is Mike Tobins's 2007cc Type I engine. This powerhouse will provide Mike years of flawless service.

2165cc, Nickies cylinders, and the best of the best: this is what John Stafford calls his new powerplant for his car. No one's going to be passing John any time soon!

This is Joe Herbert's 1914cc Type I engine. In a "detuned" state, this engine still broke the 99HP scale and had a whopping 120 lb/ft of torque. This Venom Performance engine will provide Joe's Bug for his daily commute.

This is Jake's 2332cc Type I engine, making a whopping 222.7BHP shortly after this picture was taken!! This animal makes power clear to 8,500 RPM, runs on pump gas, 12:1 CR, in a full bodied street car we are looking at 11 second passes in 2003!!!!

This is Kelly Ivey's 2007cc Type I engine on the RAT Dyno. This engine made 147BHP just after this picture was snapped. This lethal engine will be calling his 79 Super Vert home!

John Granger's 2165cc Type I is ready to be installed into his Speedster replica. John's grin is from ear to ear behind the wheel of his RAT powered replicar.

This is Jason Pollard's 2165cc "Z" version Type 1 engine for his 1956 Oval ragtop Beetle. This puppy cranked out 168.6 BHP and runs totally off pump gas, idles like stock, and runs cool as a cucumber. It is equiped with a Phoenix header, dual 48 DRLA Dells (NOS: new old stock) and a Mallory UNILITE distributor This engine will see quite a bit of hard driving and if his competition catches him, we'll make it even better!

Ryan Smith's 1600cc features all German parts and will provide him years of reliable motoring for his 1971 Karmann Ghia. Enjoy the ride Ryan!

Alberto Dimaggio's 2165cc Type 1 engine for use in his Intermeccanica roadster. This engines uses our 911 fan assembly, modified for use with Gene Berg heater boxes (1-5/8"). Alberto drives this car daily, so it's 138 HP had to be reliable.

Dave Thomas' 2165cc Type I is configured for use in his Beck 550 Spyder.

This aggressive looking engine belongs to Kevin Iocovozzi; it's a 180HP 2165cc Type I being coupled to a Porsche 901 trans in a Vintage 550 Spyder.

Phil Pfister's 2165cc Type I is ready to go into his '66 Beetle

Joe Goldwaites's1904cc Type 1 engine for use in his '74 Type 181, configured for torque, this one will really wake up anyTHING!

Kevin Smith's 1776cc Type I is ready for the open road in his '73 Super Beetle.

Brandon Gillottis' 1679cc Type 1 features machine in 88 pistons/cylinders installed in a '63 Beetle for a long life and cool running temperatures.

Dean Jones' '73 Thing is enjoying reliable open air motoring with one of our 1679cc Type I "Thing special".

This is Logan Miller's 2007cc Type I. This engine made 133 BHP on our dyno with 135 lb/ft of torque. This is our standard version of the 2007cc Type 1.

Check out more of our customers' engines.