Bowers Racing Engines / Bret Bowers

[nova66ss]

Ordered F1 ProCharger kit with intercooler & carburator for my 66 Nova with 502 engine from this guy/company in Dec 2006. Paid $5658,- on Dec 5. 2006 to include shipping to my shipping agent in NJ for further shipping overseas to me in Norway. Buying parts from U.S will usually take 2-4 weeks so I waited patiently `till February before starting to call & e-mail BRET BOWERS asking for my parts. At first he answered the phone & gave me a new excuse each time, but lately he must have dried out of stories to tell as he no longer answers calls or replies to e-mails. I called Procharger to ask if they knew a dealer by the name of BOWERS RACING ENGINES & they confirmed that he was a dealer. Told them my problem & they answered "keep on calling him". Obviously they knew this guy means trouble for us customers. Does anyone know if BOWERS RACING ENGINES / BRET BOWERS still are in business? If so , will be glad to receive any information on how to contact BRET BOWERS or any way I legally can get my money back. Now considering buying plane tickets to pay him a visit to make a statement that there is no way to get away with scams even 7-8 time zones away. I can document any ????`s regarding this scam alert against BRET BOWERS/ BOWERS RACING ENGINES.[/b]

[buyer]

same shit happened to me- pro charger dont care hes a scammer- makes them look real bad

[nasty02bird]

I would call Visa and tell them the story and they should be able to do some research and reverse the charges.

[nova66ss]

I would call Visa and tell them the story and they should be able to do some research and reverse the charges.

Payment made by bank transfer, bank here say the have no way to get the money back from BRET BOWER :evil:

[lotsof454sss]

Even though the bank can do nothing then you would want to go farther and try his local police and yours..What he has done is essentially told you he would send the goods and you did an electronic transfer..If it is thru different states it adds to the seriousness...Fraud by means of electronic transfer is a felony and in the Feds hands could carry an even larger amount of problems for the man...If that is what he wants then I suggest you give it to him...What have you got to lose..I know what he has to lose and I don't think he is willing to try his fate...He has replied on this board before to allegations so Brett come on in here and tell your side or is it already told :?: I would also suggest you go to www.ic3.gov/ and file a complaint as he has a file there already..

[buyer]

im looking forward to brett coming on here and explaining why he hasnt sent what has been paid for 3 1/2 months ago, will be real interesting

[nova66ss]

Thanks for the link from lotsof454sss. Here is your chance BRET BOWERS :twisted: : Return money or give CORRECT(not fake like you did once!) tracking # for my parts within 7- seven days from now or the Feds will hear from me. This offer is also sent to your e-maill address, so no excuses whatosever for not reacting.

[rhammond]

I noticed that Bowers is getting some bad press so I felt compelled to write something so that you have a different side to Bowers Racing as well as Bret Bowers. I personally ordered a 540 from Bret about 2 ½ months ago. I will agree that I was a bit frustrated with Bret and their progress; but honestly 2 ½ months is not really too long from start to finish or even unexpected. Yes, he does not always answer the phone, yes, he does not always return emails and yes he can be a bit frustrating. That written if I had the chance to have another engine built, I would not hesitate to ask Bowers to do it. As frustrated as I was with him, I have to give credit where credit’s due, the guy builds one mean engine. I suspect that he simply runs a small crew and is overloaded with work. He built a 540 for me that puts out 6 HP shy of 800 and 760 TQ, and that’s a street engine which cost WELL below what any of his competitors are charging, not to mention much better HP & TQ. So my advice for anyone that is considering buying from Bowers is that I would highly recommend him and encourage you to do so, just add 2 – 3 weeks additional to your time line and you will be very happy with the outcome.

[lively]

DEC 2006 TILL NOW IS NOT RESONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME!!!- :? :? -IT IS A SNUB AND I DON'T CARE ATTITUDE!!!!!!- :shock: :shock: --BRETT HAS DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE :oops: :oops: :oops:

[buyer]

he may build good engines, but to buy a blower off him 3 1/2 months ago and not send it- no excuss- he only has to order and pay for it- not a hard task i thought :?

[sprizefighter]

I ordered a 540 BBC from Bret in the beginning of Feb. I have copies of all our e-mails and he has a $8000 deposit on my engine. I will be booking a trip to Colorado in june as soon as my friend with the FBI can be available to meet me there. You are Correct about the Interstate wire fraud and I hope it doesn't come down to that. Bret seems to be a nice guy and I think I would be happy with the engine. Problem is that I didn't understand and it wasn't explained to me that it would take this long and his e-mails indicated that it was to be about ready two weeks ago. He no longer returns my calls or e-mails and he has $8000 reasons for me to get worried and pissed off. I hope that I can simply get my engine, be happy with it and there will be no need for anything else. I'm from Slidell La. and I lost alot of our property in the storm. I will not let this issue go, Promise.

[lively]

BRET BOWERS/ SCOTT/--ANY OTHER DISHONEST BIULDERS!!!!!!-- :idea: :idea: -GIVE IT UP AND DEAL HONESTLY :roll: :roll: ---WE AND LOTS OF OTHERS ARE WATCHING AND SPREADING THE WORD [GOOD OR BAD]-CLEAN UP YOUR ACT!!!!!!!

[sprizefighter]

Is it possible that the Race Junk powers to be, Can contact Bowers and investigate their intentions? This is the site where I discovered Bowers and this could be the site to ruin him as well if he is scamming. This is the internet age and I found this discussion simply by typing in Bowers Racing Engines on Google and this discussion was at the top. Perhaps it is just a way Bret does business. Maybe he just wants to get the engines done and like someone else said, he probably has a small shop and can't meet the demand in expected time. It's him not calling me back that set me off. I know I have two friends that were waiting to see what Bowers delivered and planned to get their engines from him as well. We are in an area that doesn't have any good racing engine builders that I'm aware of. I keep hoping he'll call an say the engine is ready so I can make plans to swap it before the next race. If anyone contacts himPlease let me know.

[buyer]

i see his web site has vanished- has he disappeared?

[topsportsman1]

This thread is another PRIME example All it has is his name plastered.

How would anyone expect to help you people without pertinent information.
1)Name
2)Location,Address
3) Telephone number
4) The link to the add in which the items were bought

We need info,if we don't have it we can't give you advise on how and who to contact to get you folks money back

Also its not the responsability of RJ to investage,THATS your job,when you deal with others.Do your homework folks,don't be taken to the cleaners.

If people would have read the forum in the past they would have plainly seen this guy is a swindler,but thats hind site now as we lost all the adds on him,but there have always been adds in here on Mr.Bowers

And a few right now at the moment.You guys need to supply information on your dealings with this guy,If we don't get it,We can't help you

The ball is still in your court,thats why this hasn't been resolved.
But there have been a few get their money back in this situation

I honestly think,It a Rob,Peter to pay Paul thing here

[buyer]

mmm- i did have a look on rj forums for mr bowers before i rang him- no feed back to be found any where- then this s..t happens and i find there were some- but had been deleted. i think its just easier to buy local- less hassle

[topsportsman1]

mmm- i did have a look on rj forums for mr bowers before i rang him- no feed back to be found any where- then this s..t happens and i find there were some- but had been deleted. i think its just easier to buy local- less hassle

Some guys just don't get it.
Don't go blaming what happened a couple weeks ago for posts being deleted.
You only came in here AFTER the mail didn't come.And started looking around,Like I said in the other thread,buyer,you have belonged to RJ since 2003 and you joined the forum,LAST month,when the mail never came.Its too late

You are all too EASY

You can't even supply the proper info,but I guess if you have it handled on your end,why are you in here?
This guy has had threads in here for the last 6-7 months.

People need to look around before they spend their hard earned money and do their homework
I am done with you and this thread I hope you get your money back,but the way your going,I'd highly doubt it

NO INFO,WE CAN'T HELP

[nova66ss]

[quote="topsportsman1"]This thread is another PRIME example All it has is his name plastered.

How would anyone expect to help you people without pertinent information.
1)Name
2)Location,Address
3) Telephone number
4) The link to the add in which the items were bought

We need info,if we don't have it we can't give you advise on how and who to contact to get you folks money back

Also its not the responsability of RJ to investage,THATS your job,when you deal with others.Do your homework folks,don't be taken to the cleaners.



Final reply from me for now:
Will send all evidence to the Feds tomorrow, including copies of e-mails, bank receipt & so on, all they`ll ever need to nail him. No need for anyone else to bother. Will leave message here how it goes.

[sprizefighter]

Bret has a business lic. and there are other Bowers in the area. I have e-mails and bank draft documantation for $8000.00 My name is Larry Haik and I can be reached at 985 788-4993. Please call me if you can offer any advice. I'm looking for an easier solution to this crap! I would rather just get the engine that I ordered. I'm sure that Bret has friends that are reading this forum and could talk to him. Why should I have to take action to get my money back, fly to Colorado, and go through this. I was unaware of anything negative with Bowers and I ordered the engine off of an add in Race Junk in the beginning of Feb. of this year. There has to be an easier way. If other guys are pleased with his work then I'm sure I would be as well. The guy that does my chasis work is slow as can be also but I like the job he does. When someone doesn't call you back it makes you think the worst.

[sprizefighter]

BRET JUST GOT HIS BUSINESS LIC. IN DEC OF 2006
HE LIVES AT 5530 FOSSIL COURT.
FORT COLLINS CO. 80525

THESE ARE SERIOUS ISSUES

I HAVE CONTACTED THE FRAUD DEPT. IN FORT COLLINS & I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED

I WOULD RATHER GET MY ENGINE! THIS SUCKS, BRET!

[lotsof454sss]

I suppose Bowers Racing Engines is also tooooo busy giving shop tours to build the engines for you fellows...Hate to hear he has YA"LL by the short hairs right now but just stay tough and he will cough it up as soon as he sees the swinging bars ahead of him....

[topsportsman1]

This says it all

click here>>>> www.bowersracingengines.com/racing.htm

[lively]

NOW THAT IS SIMPLE ENOUGH :shock: :evil: :evil: :evil: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[lotsof454sss]

It only cost a little more to go first class has always been my creed....Looks like they need to pay some bills at that site Tom....All the ones that think we are full of crap just go check it out for yourself at www.bowersracing.com/racing.htm and see what happens when you put the screws to people and then it comes back on you...Do you think that is helping his business about right now...HELL NO :!: You have set you own trap, with you own bait and then stepped in it.....Serves your smart ass right too....

[WVProStreet]

I just ran across this thread after searching Google for another way to contact Bret Bowers. I ordered my 540 in Jan. last year and was told that it would be only a few weeks..sounded great!!! Well almost 3 months later and several angry calls left for him, I caught him off guard by using an out of state number that was new to him. After several minutes of excuses he promised it would be out in the next few days. Well, finally 2 weeks later it did show. It wasn't the color block we agreed on having it painted, then I started wondering if it was even a 540. Well, thank god this time I did get ahold of him from my home phone number, and he explained that he must have shipped my motor to someone else and I had theirs..and they were the exact same 540 and i already had the dyno sheets for the wrong one? Well, I don't know if thats true or not, or he just flubbed up on the paint color in the first place? Anyway the engine is a beast, and I guess I ought to thank god for atleast getting it. The reason I have been trying to contact him is for the engine specs that were not sent with the motor in the first place? If it were not for Bowers RJ ad I would have bought something local and missed all the headaches. :(

One last thing. I have purchased twice from RJ postings and the first transaction was no better. BEWARE of member RAZOR540.<<<I bought the rolling chassis that recieved the better late than never Bowers engine. After traveling several hours to pick up the car, I get there to find out the title is in someone else name a few states away? <<Took forever to get this straightened out! Then, after getting it home and up and running the wheels were so bent he had to have know if he just got done racing it last season. Not to mention the brand new just freshened tranny wouldnt even move...clutches were toasted so had to have it freshened beforeI even got the new surprised of bent wheels. <<There is more but I'm tired of typing..Stay away from BOWERS and RAZOR540!!!

[lotsof454sss]

Glad to hear it all worked out for you although you had alot of aggravation, however please do not blame RJ as they only have control of the advertisers once they have received a legitimate complaint that is fully documented. When presented with the full details I can assure you RJ does not want anything to do with the scammers and will pull their ads and cancel their ip from posting. This does not mean they can not find a way around the systems but remember, a scammer will do anything they can to get your money. Thanks for your post warning others of your deals that were less than satisfactory.

[WVProStreet]

Didn't mean to come off blaming RJ. Its the scammers that prey on sites like this, and especially on Ebay that just kill a good thing. I love racing junk!!! Its my everyday ritual to browse on here....without it I'd be lost. :wink:

[sprizefighter]

B&K PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISES IS ALSO BRET BOWERS JUST FYI

[WVProStreet]

I recall seeing that name on the shipping crate and was like WTF? :?

[zano]

i ordered a 632 off bret nov. last year $10000 deposit. depending on options i took like elec. water pump etc. i still owed appr. $4000. months went by emailing and phoning back and forth. finally brett said motor was on dyno billed my card $5575. i immediatley disputed it he called asked me why i told him no motor no money sent me a dyno with a date from month earlier. i new it wasn't true but didn't tell him because i wanted my engine. 3 weeks later i had our local d.a. call theirs to press criminal charges and i emailed telling him so. immediatly got my engine no paper work . credit card called me said he billed me $4000 dollars more. i said thats close to what i owe him but he still didn't notify them that the $5575 was wrong. so i disputed the $4000 also called him 6 times left messages i need true dyno parts list and All desputed money taken off or i just will not pay. never called me again never sent dyno papers or anything else.its been a 10 days now i havn't got the motor in my car yet i just hope he did a good job good luck guys zane

[bjuice]

i ordered a 632 off bret nov. last year $10000 deposit. depending on options i took like elec. water pump etc. i still owed appr. $4000. months went by emailing and phoning back and forth. finally brett said motor was on dyno billed my card $5575. i immediatley disputed it he called asked me why i told him no motor no money sent me a dyno with a date from month earlier. i new it wasn't true but didn't tell him because i wanted my engine. 3 weeks later i had our local d.a. call theirs to press criminal charges and i emailed telling him so. immediatly got my engine no paper work . credit card called me said he billed me $4000 dollars more. i said thats close to what i owe him but he still didn't notify them that the $5575 was wrong. so i disputed the $4000 also called him 6 times left messages i need true dyno parts list and All desputed money taken off or i just will not pay. never called me again never sent dyno papers or anything else.its been a 10 days now i havn't got the motor in my car yet i just hope he did a good job good luck guys zane





WELL I HOPE THE 1ST THING YOU HAVE DONE IS CANCEL THAT CARD AND GET ANOTHER SO THIS CLOWN CAN'T KEEP CHARGING WHATEVER HE FEELS LIKE..YOU CAN DO ALL THIS BY A SIMPLE PHONE CALL..


GOOD LUCK BRIAN

[lively]

:idea: :idea: YOU BETTER CHECK THE ENGINE SPECS AND TORQUE SPECS YOURSELF- :idea: :idea: --IT MIGHT NOT BE THE ONE YOU ORDERED!!!---AND WHY DID YOU LET HIM CHARGE YOUR CARD WITHOUT NOTIFICATION FROM YOU[ THAT ISN'T SMART AT ALL- :roll: :roll: PERIOD]--CLOSE THE CARD !!!!!!! 8) 8)

[robinhorn]

Bret has changed his company name to B&K... This is the 3rd or 4th time now. One could only wonder why???

The same address s his "Old" Company. This is the same address as his home or well atleast his list it as his home address.

Just change the name on the door and everything is all better.... wow what a way to run a company.

[mcracecars]

gotta agree with Lively here, If somone gives you that kind of bs runaround, then I would not trust that what he sends me is correct or even assembled correctly. I would be pulling that puppy apart and checking everything. Better to find out now than latter.

[zano]

i didn't relize capital one fraud department would contact me to tell me the 5575 would be settled i never had this problem before. i let him bill the second time because i didn't want to cheat him neither. soon as capital 1 called me with the second post they told me don't give him permission unless i here from them that it was settled. the reason i didn't cancel is because i have my card # save for my business all over the place its a reel pain changing i still didn't believe he was a scammer he sounds so sincere until i seen these posts. i just called capitol 1 their system is down talked to a lady there she said i should change card also. thanks guys also i called racing junk they have a # you can call i left a message a few months ago asking if there were any other compaints about bowser they never returned my call thanks alot and good luck zane

[lotsof454sss]

And the list goes on :!: You need to contact [email protected] and send them all the information..They do not want people that are scamming or attempting to scam on their site advertising..The days of just dropping by here and ripping everyone of for thousands is coming to a stop...It can not be totally stopped because people come here after they have been had and not before...As they suggested you need to check your engine and make sure you got what you paid for and if not the call the authorities again...Read the post in this thread called HAVE YOU BEEN SCAMMED and you will see why...You have the power to send their ass off for awhile and they did you no favor if the engine is not right...DO UNTO OTHERS AS THEY WOULD DO UNTO YOU!!!!

[woodsman]

This is just my 2 cents but I dont think B&K Performance Enterprises/Bowers Racing Engines should be in the Racing Junks.com Performance Racing Directory where more people can get mixed up in this Bret Bowers mess. I know that I wish I would not have got his number off of here. Wesley

[lively]

GOOD LUCK ZANO- 8) 8) --WE ALL HOPE IT TURNS OUT GOOD FOR YOU---YOU HAVE LOTS OF SUPPORT ON HERE NO MATTER HOW IT TURNS OUT---JUST BE HONEST AND WE CAN HELP!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[sprizefighter]

These are serious accounts of possible theft & fraud. I don't think that Bret is a criminal as much as he is a poor business man. My understanding from a guy that has been to his shop recently, was that Bret is loaded down with work and doesn't have much help. With no other options, I contacted the fraud dept. of Fort Collins and the detective told me how to handle this problem. I sent the registered letter as the first step and in ten days the LAW will do the rest. The detective has reviewed this forum and all of my documatation of my dealings with Bret. This is a criminal matter and it can get ugly for Bret. You cannot take money and not deliver a product or service. In Colorado there are strict laws that give a time limit for delivery as well as federal laws that come into play on wire transfers of money from state to state. I don't believe that Bret is a criminal! I think he is probably a good engine builder and not much of a business man. He has $8000.00 of my money and I will do what I have to do to get my engine or money but I'm looking for solution that won't be so Ugly! Since I've talked to the authorities I'm not nearly as worried. Perhaps someone can talk some sense into Bret. I hear alot of good things about the guy and his work. His home address is different I got it from the city hall off of his business lic. app. This is so dissapointing It Sucks!

[mcss496]

I bought an engine from Bowers too! He said three weeks and it wound up being eight months. I went the same route, called the Ft. Collins P.D. and was instructed to send him a letter of my intent which I did. There is a fella in his neck of the woods that is a Private Investigator. The Name of his company is Alfa Omega Investigations. The owner of Larry, treated me like a king. I got immediate action out of him with serving Bret papers. Try this guy boys, He is a proffesional.

As for Bret, I'm a business owner myself and am understanding on how a guy like him can get behind. That was why I was so patient. I was also putting my car my car together and didn't need it right away. Like you folks, I sent him a ton of money to get him working without having him pull it out of his pocket.

Well the engine arrived and THEN i allowed payment. I took it out of the box and put it right on our dyno. It made 1078 hp. Ran like a cadillac and was happy with the results. Things I did'nt like about it that still piss me off are:

1. It's got a cheapo balancer on it with a nail for a timing tab!
2. Had head bolts instead of studs.
3. Had the wrong oil pan on it.
4. Had used carbs on it. Which after I did some reserch, found out are really expensive, and cost twice as much as I requested. So I guess it's a wash. I wanted new shit because it's a show car.
5. It arrived with no carb linkage, ignition wires or fuel lines. He later sent some brand new stuff out to me.
6. He still owes me a starter and fluid dampre which I'm sure I'll never see.
7. There were NO spring buckets under the valve springs!!!! It also had crappy valve seals.
8. I paid for a 4-7 swap cam and it wasn't in there... It still made plenty of power so I'm not upset about that.

There are some other little things but WTF, at least I have the engine.

Bret is a really nice guy who builds an awsome engine. He is just a terrible business man. He needs to go get a job where he can still build great engines all day and not be liable for peoples cash. On a final note, I hope that you guys get your money back or what you paid for.