No offense but I don't see how it would be a false claim?!?!

Your car was involved.

If it had been stolen (by someone unknown) and recovered with this damage, you wouldn't think twice about filing a claim as it is your right to do so. Just because it was a relative should not matter one bit.

It was stolen and you or your insurance company could choose to press
charges or not.

Either way, your nephew gets to pay.

Right now you're choosing not to file a police report and then take the hit yourself.

Bottom line is it's a covered incident under comprehensive.

 

I'm with the poster that mentioned an insurance claim. Have you called your agent? Has he (your nephew) called his? As said before, this is exactly why we pay for insurance. And just because you dont have other drivers listed on your policy, doesn't mean this isn't covered.

 

I just went through this.

When the last owner hydrolocked the engine, the only damage was a small crack in the block which I had pinned and welded, a bent rod, and a broken piston skirt. I took this time to rebuild it. There was no upper end damage in my case. If you can do your own work, you may find that it is not a bad as it looks. It is hard to say without seeing the engine.

You might look into a 4-bolt block if you are not worried about matching numbers.

Good luck

 

OK here we go:

I just received a call from Carmen and he totally reassured me about the whole job. We talked about professional reputation and history and relationships that he has developed. He is well aware of the forum.

You cant stay in business ripping people off. He explained that it will be a new LS6. He mentioned MAF, O2, intake, gaskets, dyno tuning, cam and headers etc. He also mentioned the clutch. (and a bunch of other stuff that I don't remember.)

He explained that the price was ballpark and more likely to be a bit lower. The job would be done professionally.

I also was in touch with Dave T, a Forum Member, who posted yesterday about the great service he received from them. His post is in the Drag Racing section. He was kind enough to respond to a PM I sent him.

I also made some inquiries to the NYS Troopers and the Nassau and Suffolk PD's and found 2 fellows that have had their Vettes serviced by them and could not be happier.

Carmen was understanding of my concern and went out of his way to explain everything to me. I feel better about it now.

As far as the insurance goes, if I report it the way it went down, there would be a strong possibility that my Nephew would be collared.

He may be a bit of a thug but there is a part of me that can see how being 18, having the keys hanging there, and me being away at work would tempt him. He feels bad enough about the situation and has apologized several times. I told him I was disappointed and that he would be expected to pay for his actions. The same thing I would expect my kid to do by the way if he ever pulled a stunt like this.

If the price comes down I will take it off of his part. I will pay for everything else. He is my sisters kid no matter what.

For those who need to know, he has the cash and would never expect my sister to pay a penny for it. If he didn't have the money, I would make him take a loan and he would be paying it monthly. That decision is a family one and should have no bearing on what I asked about.


Apparently the engine is trashed. he made numerous attempts to start it and several more attempts to push start it. Each time causing more damage.

From what Carmen told me I will be very happy with the end result.

Bobby A

 

I hear ya; but none of us six kids, nor none of our neighbors kids back then , nor none of my neices or nephews today, nor none of my current neighbors kids would never do anything like this.

I think he truly is sorry that there was a breakage, but not that he took the car to begin with. I say this because I suspect you'll never see a penny out of him... and don't want to see you disappointed later on.

 

delete

 

Should have keprt the $9800+ insurance money.sold the Vette as is and got a new whatever car of your choice....seems like a lot of $$$ to put into a water soaked used car..I think that engine may not be the only problem you may face.

 

You seem to be doing your homework as far as the repair goes, so why haven't you called your insurance agent???? You're making assumptions here. I know it may complicate things but the end result may end up saving you or your nephew thousands. This is what you're paying for. Call your agent. It cant hurt.

 

Lot of money for not much more HP in my opinion.

 

Bobby, it sounds like a done deal. If YOU"RE happy with it, then thats all that matters. Maybe you should ask for your whole old engine back. You could always tinker with it, or part out the good parts. Also kind of insurance that you get a brand new one out of the wooden crate. Just a thought. What kind of a GM warranty does the new one come with? David

 

I agree he was sorry he got caught. You don't think he was sorry for Uncle Bobby do you? Human nature.

I agree, I would have gotten my *** kicked if I ever pulled a stunt like this. My own kids would NEVER even think of doing something like this but you can't compare different kids.

He has already given me the 5g's and I will getting the rest this week.

This is a little off topic. Lets stick to the car, its a lot more fun. : )

I'll worry about him.

Bobby A

 

Bobby... Vette Doctors are some of the best, you're in good hands.

As for the insurance... I'm not sure about NY, but here in VA you could easily file a report. I used to be an adjuster for GEICO.

You'd simply let them know that your nephew took the car unauthorized and ran it through a puddle. It would go on your comp policy. I don't see why he would be charged with anything as you never reported the car stolen, simply unauthorized use.

 

The crate motor LS1 from Scoggins-Dickey is only $4899.00 with a warranty from GM.

 

13k Good lord. I'd tow the car to your garage and let it sit while you do a lot of homework. Lots of options, think it over.

 

I think you are all looking at this like it was a backyard project. You are talking about a professional business, providing guranteed results out the door. Anything that goes wrong during the tear down and rebuild is Carmens responsibility. You are paying for his and his well qualified shops expertise and knowledge.

Even if you say $5K for an LS1 crate, there is shipping (gotta be $250-300) and administrative costs associated with ordering it and making sure it comes when it should and it is right. And what about labor....would you say 30 hrs start to finish, what is that worth, I think you know . Then the Dyno tune and 12 month/12000 mile warranty. All these things add up and lets not forget the NY state sales tax of almost 9% Total this up and you come to easily $9,000 plus dollars.

I can tell you, in 4 years with dealing with Carmen, dennis, Joe and Pete, I have never heard anyone say they didn't get their moneys worth. Ask Dave T, Edgar, Spencer (DSOM Z06) etc. sometimes it isn't just about the cost, it's about knowing that what ever happens, the Vette Doctors will stand by their product and do what ever is neeeded to make you satisfied. They haven't been in business for over 10 years by ripping people off.

Just my $.02

Ed

 

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck getting the new engine and the car back on the road. Hope it all goes well and your nephew has learned a lesson.

 

WOW; I'm shocked !!!

good for him then.

Question; where does an 18 year old kid get $5000?

 

Just like you, he's got a job.

 

all the best to you and your Vette in getting her repaired

 

Wish I could offer input on the Vette place, but don't have any.

For what it's worth, I commend you and your actions, and hope other posters could stay on topic about the car and the engine.

Good luck with the Vette!