In-House Engine Program Information
600 Racing / INEX Answers Your Questions
National Scene - From 600 Racing
[Editor's Note: The following letter / email was sent out by 600 Racing on May 6th, 2008 to competitors, one week after the change in the engine rules (click here for more). If you would like to comment or express your opinion, visit the LN discussion forums at Motorsports Lounge by clicking here.]
To: INEX Members
Subject: In-House Engine Program information and your questions and answers
The 600 Racing Engine Shop is an 11,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility with everything needed to bring the entire RACEceiver Legends and Thunder Roadster Blitz 4 sealed engine program in house at the Harrisburg manufacturing plant.
"By bringing all the Yamaha Blitz 4 engines in house, we can control spiraling costs and make engine rebuilds more affordable," Ragan said. "In addition to controlling costs, we can now assure every customer that their engine is built professionally to strict INEX standards and is reliable, consistent and competitive."
Questions and Answers
In the last few weeks we have received a few questions regarding the 600 Racing in-house engine program. The questions that have been raised are detailed below along with answers to the questions.
1. What is the core value for a 1250 (p503e or p506e serial number) exchange trade-in on a New or Rebuilt 1250? What is the trade in value for a Bandolero engine?
Answer: If the 1250 engine isn’t blown up and the cases are intact, then the initial allowance will be $800. We will pay the freight from the dealer to 600 and that particular engine will be put into the rebuild process. A Bandolero engine core value in the exchange program, running will be $200.
2. What is the Yamaha 1250cc engine trade-in program and how does it work?
Answer: The trade-in program will be available through out the country. Dealers will have the option of stocking rebuilt or new 1250 engines from 600 Racing. Should you choose to exchange your existing engine and it is in running condition, you will be credited $800 toward a rebuilt engine and you will pay $2,999 for the rebuilt engine. If you do not provide a core engine, the price on the rebuilt motor will be $3,799. The $800 core credit can be applied to the purchase of a new 1250 as well. It will be your responsibility to get your core engine shipped to 600 Racing and to have the rebuilt or new Yamaha engine shipped to you or your dealer from 600 Racing.
3. Are the freight charges to the customer or dealer on the return of rebuilt engines paid by 600 Racing?
Answer: We are currently offering a shipping program with a maximum of $200 roundtrip freight if shipping is arranged through 600 Racing. See www.600racing.com for additional information.
4. Are Heavy Duty Valve Springs being installed at no charge when the engine is rebuilt?
Answer: Yes, as an introductory incentive the Heavy Duty Valve Springs that have a retail value of $100.00; will be installed at no charge.
5. What is the retail price of a new engine?
Answer: Retail
Base Engine with Carbs $4,299.00
Add the following Options:
Pinned Cam, Top End Oiler, Heavy Duty Valve Springs, and Steel Sleeves $1,170.00
Heavy Duty Clutch Kit $ 199.00
6. Can I get my own engine back when I send it in for a rebuild?
Answer: Yes, a customer’s engine will be torn down and all parts will be kept together on a cart. The cart will carry the engine thru the entire rebuild process tear down, cleaning, repair, and reassembly.
7. Is every engine that is rebuilt run on the dyno?
Answer: No, we do not run every engine that is rebuilt on the dyno. We have a good core group of individuals in our engine shop. Our people have a lot of experience and rebuild all the engines the same. We are confident in the quality and consistency of our program. Engines can be run on a chassis dyno upon request at the current rates charged for this service.
8. Can repairs be done in the field?
Answer: Yes, certain repairs will be allowed in the field. The repairs will be approved by Darrel Krentz or G.E. Chapman. They will also approve which individuals will be allowed to complete these repairs.
9. Can I have my Thunder Car water cooled cylinder installed by another engine builder?
Answer: Yes, but it will be on a case by case basis, and it must also be approved by Darrel Krentz or G.E. Chapman.
10. How can I get the best shipping quotes?
Answer: Contact Mike Madorin at mmadorin@600racing.com or call 888-882-8722 @ ext. 201.
11. How long does it take to get my engine back?
Answer: When the engine arrives at 600 Racing, the maximum turnaround time will be 5 to 7 working days. Please keep in mind, when shipping an engine it will take 3 to 4 days transit time each way depending on location around the country.
Thank you,
600 Racing, Inc.
In 2007, 600 Racing hired renowned Legends engine builder G.E. Chapman. 600 Racing began working on a comprehensive plan to bring the entire sealed engine program under the 600 Racing umbrella. In January, the expansion to the Harrisburg plant was completed and the 600 Racing Engine Shop opened. The decision to bring the program in house was made to ensure the integrity of the sealed engine program and to keep costs of engine rebuilds down.
"This new 600 Racing Engine Shop is the best way we can ensure the integrity of the sealed engine program," 600 Racing general manager, Ken Ragan, said. "Until you have every engine rebuilt under one roof, you can't be completely sure all the engines are the same. By bringing it in house, we can keep the costs of rebuilds down and ensure each customer is getting the best engine available. I believe it is the best spec engine program in motorsports."
Chapman has been working on Legends engines since 1993, and was one of the first authorized sealed engine builders for 600 Racing. Now, the 600 Racing Engine Shop is the only authorized sealed engine builder in the United States.
"We pride ourselves on our experience with the Legends engines," said Chapman. "We strive for quality, durability and consistency in every engine we rebuild."
Chapman and his team, all former Chapman Performance employees, have years of experience building Legends engines, and their results speak for themselves. Customers utilizing Chapman engines have won virtually all major RACEceiver Legends events including Summer Shootout championships, Asphalt Nationals and INEX points titles.
It was this attention to detail and proven success that gave Ragan and 600 Racing the confidence Chapman's team would make the 600 Racing Engine Shop succeed.
"G.E. has a proven track record in Legends engines, and when we decided to bring this program in house, we wanted an experienced, reputable person to run it," Ragan said. "We want customers to know their engine is a reliable high-quality product built exactly to spec, and we have confidence in G.E. and his team to provide that for our customers."
In addition to the full-service, in-house sealed engine program, the Engine Shop also does all Bandolero engine rebuilds and 1200cc Yamaha rebuilds.
With the average cost of a basic engine rebuild running around $2,500, Ragan and Chapman are confident the 600 Racing Engine Shop will help keep the customers' costs at a minimum.
