Originally Posted By: The_Eric
If you think you're going to get a better product and better shop labor reimbursement with ATK, think again. In my experience with multiple items, as well as other shop's experiences, I can honestly say NEVER ATK AGAIN!
I 've got more to add, but since I'm on a mobile, I'm going to stop there for now.
My opinion is that Jasper offers a solid product. I've seen their sales literature, have conversed with my rep and his boss and have toured their facilities.
These folks won't hardly take a dump without first analyzing it. What went wrong? What needs to be improved? What is the best way to proceed? Before starting production an engine will go through R&D to find failure points. Then, if necessary they'll custom design parts- like a piston for the GM 3.6 (one of many examples). After initial assembly it is run on the dyno for 50 hours between peak torque, peak HP and max rpm. If it doesn't survive that, then it's back to R&D to see what happened. In fact the Pentastar was late because it wouldn't pass that torture test.
In some cases they may take extra steps to ensure a better product- like doing BOTH boring and honing with a torque plate installed.
The actual production assembly happens in "pods". The employees in the pods only do certain products. Maybe 1 or 2 transmissions or one engine. This keeps them familiar with what needs to be done. They will rotate pods as well and change employees.
After assembly each engine is live run on natural gas up to about 140* and monitored for various parameters, then checked for leaks (dye). Every valve body is checked prior to assembly in the transmission and every transmission is dynoed after being built.
Next, they watch warranty claims like a hawk! Seriously. Typically see well under 1%. If there are issues, they will track them down. Was it a defective part or did someone do something outside of the way they were trained? Unfortunately both happen. Warranty claims cost every party involved.
I can honestly say that I believe these folks actually want to put out a solid product. You can see and hear it from the floor worker up to sales and management. They have invested massive money in tools and equipment- not just for production, but for R&D to make sure they get it right.
These folks are the largest rebuilder and put out hundreds of thousands of various units each year, from differentials, to gas engines, diesel engines, marine lower units and now turbos. They are bound to make mistakes, so I'm not sure why OP is so bent out of shape.
As for warranty pay- no, they don't cover all of it. However if you would have looked in the pamphlet you SHOULD have received, there would have been a place where you could have purchased additional coverage. Can't remember exactly, but there are various tiers that cover more labor (at a higher rate), fluids and I think towing and rental (but not sure). The shop could have included the additional cost in his quote and purchased it on your behalf if he would have thought about it. Also on warranty pay, Jasper pays better than most. Maybe not more money per hour, but generally more hours.
I'm running short of time so I'll finish this up later....
