One of the biggest decisions that we as builders make is which engine to use and where to get it. I used Performance Engines in LaVerne, CA and it is looking like one of my worst decisions. I bought and paid for a Performance Engines IO-550 engine, exhaust system, MT propeller and govenor.

Over a year ago I placed an order for a rear mount alternator, brackets and associated parts with Ron Monson, owner of Performance Engines. He told me that everything was in stock and that "it would ship right out". Over a year later, no parts and no explanation as to why.

In January I sent my Performance Engines exhaust system back at the recomendation of Stuart Featherstone, salesman for Performance. The exhaust system had some serious flaws the major one being that it missed the exhaust tunnel completely. I have sent many emails and have made many dozen phone calls to Ron over the past months. The emails are not answered and the telephone is never picked up by a human. I have left a message on the answering machine each time requesting a call back. I have never received a return phone call. Their web site says: "We promise to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours."  That promise has been broken every 24 hours for over a year.

I remember reading some similar complaints about Performance on this list in the past. I wish I had listened more carefully.

I'm out of ideas. Do any of you guys have any contact with Ron Monson? If so could you ask him to please give me a call? All I'm asking is for an explanation as to what's going on with my exhaust system. Are they going to fix it? Do they intend to return it to me...ever? I sure would appreciate any help and/or ideas from any of you on this. Thanks.

Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,650 hrs
N6ZQ  IV under construction