Bret Bowers
 

Bret did send me an engine. It's missing the blower snout, drive assembly, crank trigger, spec sheet, and it has the wrong barrell valve on it. It hasn't been on a dyno and it's missing bolts. I have filed a police report / charges against Bret with the Fort Collins Police and I'm going to sue him personaly for what he owes me. Going out of business and Bankruptsy won't do him any good! This is a criminal act of fraud and I have all the documantation of what I was supposed to be buying. I ordered the engine in January and recieved it the last Friday in July. After I had sent him a registered letter and a copy of the police report I was filing. He put me together with too many lies too many times. Bret frequents the races in the Colorado area and it sounds like he has a nice list of pissed off folks out there. He made me look like a total ass and put me in a bind without the engine. It's best he was in Colorado and not local! Beware of this guy, he'll surface someware under a different name.

Well sprizefighter I really hate to hear your story on the engine (suppose to be engine) but I am damn proud of you for taking the fight to him..Put his ass in a crunch is the only way to get your money or some satisfaction..Money will not always satisfy people but when you can make a guy go to jail or pay you, then that is some.. Based on your post I guess his lawyers got some more work to do besides trying to shut us up, as if he could do it anyway....PLEASE keep us posted as your on the right track..GOOD LUCK

sprizefighter I feel for you I have never had one person tell me so many lies and I have known some sorry people in my life. I am so glad that you did get some parts. But before I did anything with them parts I would get someone to check it out just as if it was apart because you dont know what you have or if the parts even go together inside. I am so sorry for you man but maybe you can use some of the parts.

Wes is correct..Please save yourself a bunch of heartache and get some qualified engine man to go back thru your motor..it will be worth the extra money...MY gut is telling me that Bret Probably just thrown something together to get you half way off his back..

i went thru something simliar to this about 7 yrs ago..when i took off my valve covers and saw the valve springs shimmed up i was smart enough to have it torn down and gone back over..the reults were as follows..

wrongs size valves (length) had to purchase new valves and springs, 10 thousandth's PVC at full adjustment,rotating assemby was 2 oz off,(could not have been balanced)
wrist pins worn out,wrong length studs in bottom end. mains.. block was oringed and wire was out of place on two cylinders..which would have caused a head gasket to blow..
How was this list for SCREWED UP DEAL...and i am not making up one thing....if anything i left something out..

.My 'good engine" man that i had go back thru the motor said it might have started and idled but once i gassed it ,it would have grenaded...it cost me another $2700 to fix the mess..but would have cost me over 10k if i had fired it...


just thought i would share my experience with you,,so you may not feel soo bad.

and for the record i have always been pretty good at top end stuff..cam shaft up..since then if i have went with a new complete motor i will have the shortblock machined,balanced and i will do the rest...

My decision to do this was a REALIZATION THAT I COULD SCREW UP MY OWN STUFF FOR NOTHING,,SO WHY PAY SOMONE LIKE THE 1ST GUY TO DO IT FOR ME ?????.

i have been luckey so far not to screw up something to bad....just take time and ask plenty of questions along the way..

Good luck my friend my heart goes out to you and anyone else that has been had this way.

Brian

I'll vouch that the line is disconnected. So much for the extra parts i paid for! Fortunately its only a distributor, flexplate and "correct" length push rods.

On a differnet note, the credit card we used to pay for the engine had a mysterious $710 charge to it from a dentist office in Fort Collins. This is odd cause I live in Colorado Springs CO and our dentist is in Monument CO. Wierd. May want to check those c/c statments.

So does anyone know of a qualified builder in Colorado (Colorado Springs or Denver) that would be willing to go thru the engine again?

Well I hate to hear you got taken for anything and then to add a dentist bill on top of it all...Let me know if there is a charge to some fancy lawyer on there also, as Bret is suppose to be going to shut me down from telling the truth about him and his so called business...I am still waiting :lol: and yes all you others are on his LAWYERS LIST too hahahahahahahahahaha..

credit card
 

probably he billed thru a dentist friend because he lost his credit card terminal privileges when i reported him for fraud on my credit card they wouldn't pay him he called and ask me to release the funds and said he couldn't get any of his money out of that account or charge credit cards until the fraud charges where settled. thats the last i heard from him he still didn't get his money from me and i can't contact him anymore so i think at least i'm going to win the fraud case and get my last payment back .if he took money out of your credit card account in the last 110 days you can despute it and they will contact his bank and if your in the right you should be able to get your money back good luck zano

Dang we're on a Lawyers List too. Thats way worse than a telemarketer!


Here's the whole story..........Bret had to charge our engine cost thru a trans shop because he was "switching" his Credit Card reader service. So we got charged thru the trans shop which was fine. This occured in early July 07'. We also had him provide us with a rebuilt C4 trans that was delivered late July/early August. I would have assumed the charge would have been thru the trans shop since they provided it. So this dentist charge may be for the trans but the C/C company has put a hold on it and is investigating it. "IF" it was a legitimate charge it would have been best if he called and said he was going thru such and such to charge the amount.

It's kind of a shame cause getting a new engine should be an exciting event not a PITA. I was told a 2 week delivery for the engine but it took right at 4 months. I recon I should have pulled the plug earlier!

Thanks for the input guys and i'll keep you posted.

I haven't used or talked to these guys in a few yrs.but they have a good rep. and all the necessaary tooling to check out your now suspicous engine from BB. you can check their website out and maybe talk to them.

http://www.usaengines.com/Services.htm

Zip.

Got some great news today. Bret called. He did have to use his buds C/C reader to charge the trans. Whew. As for the shop phones, all the rain we've been experiencing hit him hard too. Flooded his phone box at the shop and he's had the phone company out there the past few days trying to fix it. He's planning to ship me the remainder of my parts which facilitates my mock up into the car, that helps tons. He also stressed he needs to be with there when we start up the car which eases my mind. Thats a good sign that he'll stick behind his work. Thanks for your guys input and hopefully all your issues are sorted out!

ISN'T THAT SWEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!----DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH!!! :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

ubolt
 

listen dispute that cc transaction soon he's just trying to make you put it off until its to late. do you think his web sight got flooded to. good luck zano

Yall haven some big water aint ya. :wink:

OK. I've recently gone through living hell with Bret. I live in Fort Collins so there's no mail-order situation, you get the same thing walking through the front door.

DON'T BELIEVE ANYTHING HE TELLS YOU. He told me the same garbage about his phone box getting flooded- I don't think so, that's not the way things work around here. All local vendors are stopping his charge account, phone's shut off for non-payment, same with the website. His employees bitch because people come by and yell at them for Bret's actions. How about his cell phone number? Here- 970-222-6866. He's a true con artist, the kind that will instantly defuse an angry person when they walk in the door. Once again, don't believe anything he says, he is an expert at making up stories that people fall for.

He finished my engine 3 months after he said it would be done and that was with taking a lot of time off work and stopping by multiple times per week. When I stopped to pick my stuff up (after spending several hours in the incredibly dirty, disorganized shop) he couldn't find my cam, lifters and timing set- they grew legs and walked off. Then to make matters worse he said I could write one check to be deposited immediately and leave him another signed check for the remainder that he PROMISED would only be taken to the bank when I said so and he was OK with that taking a couple weeks since all parts were paid for long ago. Well guess what, he deposited the check without any notification of any sort, which completely tanked my checking account- multiple overdraft fees went with all this. I stopped in this morning angry as hell and he put on his nice guy hat and promised to take care of everything, even saying he'd bring me cash in person at my workplace later in the day. You guessed it- no phone call, no nothing.

I have contacted the BBB and am thinking about notifying the police, unfortunately for me he did have a signed, dated check.

Bret if you're reading this SCREW YOU PAL you're gonna get what's coming to you, karma's a mean SOB.

If you have anything there get it now, it can't be long before this POS locks his doors.

BOWERS RACING ENGINES
 

I HAVE A BOWERS 540 STREET ENGINE WITH THE SOLID ROLLER CAM.I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE WITH THE SAME ENGINE COULD PROVIDE ME WITH THE CAM SPECS SINCE IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THE ENGINE AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY SPEC OR DYNO SHEETS.I HAVE ALSO NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH MR. BOWERS TO ASK HIM MYSELF.MY ORDEAL WITH BOWERS IS DITTO TO EVERY NEGATIVE POST ON THIS TOPIC FROM MISSING PARTS THAT I PAID FOR,AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE, TO PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE.I HOPE THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS THE UNFORTUNATE PLEASURE IN DEALING WITH THIS LIAR.

THis is not legal to do.....one business cannot charge through another business on any credid card.... if he has a bad cc reader, they will replace it next day..... dont beleive this he is charging stuff to your cc number.
get this resolved before it is too late.....

I HAD BRET BOWERS BUILD ME AN ENGINE AND I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT I HAVE RAN IT FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND IT STILL RUNS MID 11:00 I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK AND HAD IT CHECKED IT OUT AND EVERYTHING LOOKS GREAT. AT THE END OF THE SEASON I AM PLANING TO HAVE THEM GO THROUGH IT AND MAKE IT BETTER. IT TOOK HIM ALITTLE LONGER THEM HE SAID IT WOULD BE BUT IT WAS WEARTH THE WAIT.

Yea right! We all know that is a crock of BS! :roll:

----GEEEEEE-ANOTHER POSTER WITHOUT A LOCATION OF ANY KIND!!!!----GIVE IT UP -- :oops: :oops: 8) 8) :lol: :lol:

The phone compnay was out there for a few days huh :lol: :lol: He needs to be there when you start the car huh :lol: :lol: Sir you must not be reading all the posts in this thread or else you would STAND BY til you had...I really do hate the thought that Brett Bowers is going to ZAP you, but I can see the writing on the wall.... Please do your homework on this subject and grab your money and haul ass before they get the "phones repaired in a few days"....

It never stops amazing me how people can be so stupid. Yes he can and does build a great engine. Mine is great. He is a theif. He alsways has excuses, he will never deliver on time, he never returns or answers calls. He stole $2700- of my money and there are a number of people listed in these 5 pages who will tell you the same. The fraud police in CO will tell you the same, the Better business bureau will tell you the same, his suppliers who are getting bounced checks. I guess the world would just not operate if we didn't have monkeys who listen to the warnings provided to them. If you use him then I really hope you get ripped of as if you don't take our warnings then you deserve it.

To the guy who has made a post and lives in CO, mate I will pay you half of what ever you can get back of the money he owes me. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx. email me on [email protected] and leave your number I would love to talk to you and tell you my storey.

*EDIT*
Please no threats are to be posted,Thanks Tom

Was that one of his 540cid engines???? :shock: :lol:

Just because a motor runs for 2 years and holds together, doesnt mean it is running up to the potential of its parts.
It is easy to loose 2 or 3 tenths in a poor valve job alone, and not even realize it until someone does the valve job correct...

It is not rocket science to bolt parts together and have the motor run and stay together.... the magic comes from the hands and knowledge of the machinist/engine builder... not from fancy shop signage or fancy expensive equipment...

These kinds of engine shops/ builders are everywere.... bottom feeders all of them, just looking to prey on some poor soul with little knowledge and is looking for a deal.... they will give you a deal alright :shock:

IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE NEVER DELT WITH BRET (CANADA) HE HAS STOOD BEHIND HIS WORK AND NEVER RIPED ME OFF. LIKE YOU ARE TELLING EVERYONE THAT HE DOES THAT. YES HE IS ALITTLE SLOW BUT HE DOES GET THE JOB DONE.

CHEVYNOVA1964 thats great that he has never done it to you. He has in the pasty had a great reputation that is why many people have maqde the decision to use him. I am in Australia and made my decision on that fact that as at the middle of last year there were no complains logged anywhere, he had competed and done well in several JEGS competitions and that I saw he sponcered racing and there were no registered complaints with the Colorado business bureau. But something happened. The issue is for those who have been stolen from since ( and there are a large number of us now ) we can not nelieve a word he says. I believe that he had a hard time after having to put his father in to a home, but after the 800 other excuses I have heard since, the none answering of phones, return calls or emails and then receiving my shipment sort $2700- worth of items that were to be included, fact is your opionion is now outdated and worthless!!

notice my name thanks BOWERS!!!!!
 

well i actually got on line to try and find a home number for bowers race engines.... as he has my motor, almost 10,000 of my money and wont answer any of my calls... and guess what pops up when you google his name? this forum. everything you guys are saying sounds so painfully familar. bret says ohh just send me money when you get it and ill hold it for you untill you have payed me. well guess what i sent him the last bit i owed in january. i live in maine so its not like i can just run out and check on what is taking so long. so i fly out to colorado in april to check what is going on. Yeah scott your motor is almost done just waiting on some parts, but it will be done in a week. well its mid sept and i still havent even heard from him. if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

brett (if you read this):
this is a really crappy way to introduce a young guy into racing i will say that.

Have you called this number? 970-222-6866

Where in Maine are you?

bowers cell #
 

topsportsman1
i just got that number off this site tonight so iam going to call in the morning. and i live in biddeford maine right now. Its in the bottom of the state, what they call northern mass.

guess who answered the phone this morning? ohh yeah scott we were just talking about your motor this morning we are going to get on top of it this coming week. Why dont you call me mid next week and we can set up a time to pick it up.
just got off the phone with tracy as you all know she said ill spend a lot of money with no guarentee of getting anything. but i guess we will see what my call mid week brings

ONE LUXURY THAT YOU HAVE IS THAT YOU ARE ONY A FEW HOURS AWAY. TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE IT GAME ON. THE PROBLEM THATYOU HAVE IS THAT YOU ARE THINKING THAT IF YOU JUST WAIT HE WILL GET YOU YOUR MOTOR JUST AS YOU ORDERED IT 12 MONTHS AGO!!! MAN IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO GO TO HIS SHOP ON A MONDAY MORNING AND DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL YOU HAVE YOUR ENGINE OR A STACK OF PARTS THAT YOU THINK YOU COULD SELL FOR THE MONEY YOU HAVE INVESTED ON THIS SITE OR ANOTHER. NO MORE CRAP FROM THIS GUY. NO INTERNET SITE, NO LAND LINE PHONE, IT TELLS YOU HE IS IN HIDING FOR A REASON. TRYING TO LAY LOW FOR AS LONG AS HE CAN AND ALL THIS WASHES OVER AND THEN PEOPLE WILL FORGET. I HOPE HE STRAIGHTENS UP, BUT I WILL NEVER TRUST HIM AGAIN. I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS TRANSACTION AND WHEN I AM IN COLORADO NEXT I WILL BE SURE TO POP IN AND GET MY MONEYS WORTH. YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME. GOOD LUCK AND MAKE SURE YOU KEEP US POSTED ON HOW YOU GO. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CALL DETECTIVE GAZA FROM THE COLORADO FRAUD SQUAD AND SHE WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU WITH PRESSURE. THAT IS THE ROAD THE ORGINATOR OF THIS FORUM TOOK AND HE RECIEVED AN INCOMPLETE BUT HIGH VALUE ENGINE. NOT WHAT HE ORDERED BUT AT LEAST SOMETHING

well today is monday and i thought i would call just to see is he would answer the phone. supriseingly he did!!! and he actually is still promising the same day. still suppose to call wens. to set up the dyno day and pick up. i have to say my hopes are up and i am in this dangerous spot were maybe all his excuses arent bs maybe all of it is true and mayb e he does just take a long time. he even claims he is going to have my spec sheet and all. however iam still talking to the fraud people just in case.
keep you posted
scott

I'm still waiting on my spec sheet from 6 months ago. :roll:

i'm not sure who is better off you with no specs or me with 2 different sets of specs and 2 dynoes

I have a strong feeling nomotoryet.

Is my feeling still right nomotoryet???

ok enough is enough i need to know how many people have been screwed, how they got screwed, and how much for. my wife is in law school and although she cant practice law in the state of colorado she can tell me our best course of action for free. iam going to get this turned from a civil issue to a criminal issue so the police will investigate and hopefully arrest him, liquidate the assests, hopefully pay us, and doubly put him in jail.
what ever your story is... if its for 5 bucks please email me at [email protected] or just reply back here
thanks

POPSPV,WVPROSTREET,ZANO,WOODSMAN... did i miss anyone? i forgot to mention if this issue isnt resolved very fast then iam going to talk to a girl i know with the news up there, maybe she can pull a few strings and it will even make the news

nomotoryet I hired two men to go get my money $12500.00 so I am all paid up. Well keep the faith and maybe you can get yours too.

my stories a little different i got the d.a. after him got my engine 2 sets of papers and dynoes and wrong parts on outside [carb,manifold, no stud girdle] so i got an estimate on fixing disputed that amount of charges on c.c. and won now he is trying to sue me saying i wiped out his business because he couldn't use his terminal anymore. i can't wait till this goes to court .if the guys that are getting shafted want to. i'll use your evidence also maybe that will help you with your case. i'm waiting for there attorney to contact mine we sent all our info already brett if your reading i can't wait to counter with my attorny fees trip to colorado and all zano

Dang guys......this scammer stuff freaks me out! I've sold stuff here, (made honor payments each time), and dealt with some great people. I never have bought anything due to these horror stories. I'm building another car now, and am buying some parts. What's the best way to conduct a transaction? C.O.D? I would appreciate some input!

inou2 I think if you will start a new thread in General Discussion then you will get the advice that you are looking for.You can copy your post here and put it there.