Complaint Review: Thunderbolt Motor's

The positive - Thunderbolt rebuilt my engine; although it took 11 weeks from the time the vehicle arrived on property till I was notified it was ready for pickup. But the engine is running great.

The cons - less than two weeks after having my vehicle back I had to return to Thunderbolt to have the rear main seal replaced. My vehicle was with Thunderbolt for another two weeks from the time it arrived on property till I was told it was ready for pickup. I understand these type of repairs take time. I would expect a more realistic estimate than "we can have the seal replaced and on your way by the end of the week". I forgot to ask what week.

The second con - I've had my vehicle back and driven roughly 10,000 miles since having the engine rebuilt. I now have to return the vehicle to Thunderbolt a second time, either because the bolt holding the manifold to the engine has either come completely off or has broken off.

Things happen. The bolt is in a part of the vehicle that heats up and cools down on at least a daily basis if not more. In order for me to have the 'bolt' replaced regardless if it is missing or broken, I need to pay for the cost of the labor since it has been past 90 days.

During my conversation with Steve, I found out that bolts are re-used unless specifically noted on the repair order. Steve also informed me that this type of bolt does break because of the location of the bolt on the engine and due to the fact it heats up and cools down numerous times over the life of the engine.

So knowing that the bolt is prone to breaking under such extreme conditions, why would anyone re-use the bolt? I can make hasty generalizations all day long; but here is my guess....The mechanic inserted the bolt, used the torque wrench and accidently over-torqued the bolt. Now the bolt is over-torqued; the integrity of an already used bolt has been diminished, thus expediting a failure. Again, a hasty generalization, but who re-uses equipment that is that sensitive?

Getting off my soapbox.....The engine runs great. If you are able to get past the completely unprofessional office staff and their poor telephone manners then you might enjoy working with Thunderbolt. If you have the time and money to possible deal with poor workmanship and people who talk down to you, then Thunderbolt might be the place for you.

Knowing what I know now, I would have done research on all places that are qualified to rebuild an engine and work on said engine. I do not recommend Thunderbolt and I also don't appreciate the false claim made on their website that 100% customers are satisfied. I am far from satisfied and will recommend that any person wanting work done on their engine or transmission to avoid Thunderbolt.

Don't try and speak with the owner Harry, because he is rarely onsite. Instead you get to work with Tommy, Darrell or Steve who are about as useful as a porn magazine to a blind man.