(Note: this happened a while ago, 2015. I am posting this review late b/c it took some time to sort out the mess and I didn't want to speak without all the facts.)
I had Derek Scott do a large project to transform my damaged VW R32 (hole in transmission, some cosmetic damage) into a track car, and while he talks a good game, the project was a total disaster.
These were the repairs + upgrades to be done:
* rebuild transmission, replace case, install steel shift forks
* install HPA intercooled turbo kit
* select + install matching clutch
* select + install matching water/methanol kit
* install bucket seats
* install oil pressure + temperature gauges
* install front LSD, install new coilovers, install skid plate
A comprehensive (and expensive) upgrade list, with high quality components. After estimating "6 weeks" to get everything done, it took OVER A YEAR for me to get the car back, while I had to constantly apply pressure to see any kind of progress.
When I finally received the vehicle back, it had the following issues:
* leaking engine oil, transmission oil, and water/methanol mix
* slipping clutch
* popping out of gear (mostly 3rd, sometimes others)
* boost not tuned ("that's your job")
* rough idle, "bucking" under boost
* electrical issue (car lost all electrics on Freeway - not even hazards worked)
* oil temp gauge cut out intermittently
Derek fixed the w/m leak, re-torqued the clutch, and fixed the electrical issue, then he "retired". The car kept destroying clutches, popping out of gear, and leaking oils, therefore I had it taken COMPLETELY apart at another shop.
Here is the final diagnosis of what Derek (Jeff did the transmission I believe) did wrong (these are not my opinions, but statements from the people that fixed the various issues):
Transmission
* "frankensteined" together by using/machining a mis-matched case
* some detents missing (reason for popping out of gear, and the trans leaks)
* some races not properly pressed, transmission was under tension
* steel shift forks NOT installed (that's plain fraud, I paid almost $400 for these)
Clutch
* glazed (looks like rough "test drives"), and not torqued down properly
* too weak for the torque the engine makes
Engine
* used "gasket maker" to stop oil leaks from head
* used incorrect sealant on the transmission side
* timing was off by one link
* installed seal at exhaust manifold where HPA's kit doesn't need/have one
* incorrect water/methanol setup, causing the "bucking" under boost
Other
* bucket seats were screwed in with "standard" instead of metric screws
THE SEATS WOULD HAVE COME LOOSE IN AN ACCIDENT
* oil temp sensor was set up incorrectly so it wasn't always submerged
The whole mess cost me around $10k to correct(new transmission, several clutches, head job, new water/methanol setup, new gauges, plus all the labor at a reputable shop).
I won't let Derek come near any of my vehicles ever again. read more