Feedback please...Mechanic asking for deposit for bulletproofing parts??

[unreng]

Would really appreciate the forums help.

The only local mechanic who's a preferred installer of BulletProofDiesel is asking for a deposit to cover the parts cost for the bulletproof, and engine parts upgrade = $8-10k.

parts list:
*rebuilt heads+studs+gaskets
*KC turbo 1.5
*injectors
*BPD EGR cooler
*BPD water pump
*Ford oil cooler
*STC+dummy plugs+standpipes
*SCT X4+custom tuning

*hoses+belts+clamps+misc that need replacing while the engines out
*BPD FICM (shop's choice...they only use preferred parts)


wanna do the BPD air-to-oil cooler, but the shop won't install.

Have never had this much work done to a vehicle, and wondered if this is normal?

Also, using the SMB map, and forum recommendations, I've contacted (via email):
* Quality Diesel in Auburn (can't do work because they don't have the engine removal tool);
* Devil Mountain - seems okay, except for the recent Yelp review
* Imler - no response yet
* Left Coast Diesel - no response yet

Any other shops to contact?

Regards.
Chris

[Twoxentrix]

What are you having done?

[unreng]

edited the original post...Thanks Twoxentrix!

[carringb]

Pretty normal for a big project like that. Besides tying up cashflow for the shop, most of the parts have a re-stocking and shipping fee associated with returns, plus the shop would lose out of potential revenue if they blocked out a week for your upgrades but then you cancelled.

[Twoxentrix]

Your list looks pretty good. Its all about how much you're willing to spend, since the engine is out you may consider including some proactive maintenance items.
I did a lot of research & had some very qualified members here guide me - Below is the result of all the suggestions (you already have many of them mentioned):
*Heads - Studs - Gaskets
*Injectors
*STC- dummy plugs - standpipes
*Bullet proof FICM (6 stage unit)
*FICM harness replaced
*Injector Harness replaced
*Degas Bottle replaced & new cap
*Replace IC Boot
*New Turbo & Turbo tubes
*Turbo Oil lines replaced
*New BPD water pump
*New bullet proof EGR and valve
*Since low or irregular fuel pressure has a negative impact on both performance & lifters, its strongly suggested that the Fuel Pressure Regulator Spring be updated to the "Blue Spring"
*Install a Fuel filter/Water separator? at Minimum replace fuel filter
*Aluminum Radiator
*Replace fan clutch
*Coolant Filter installed

***On older vans, and since you'll have easy access with the engine out, you may consider replacing brake booster vacuum pump, and upgrade your alternator

Was also recommended (but I didnt do it at the time - Tech talked me out of it) to have Coolant swapped to a Silicate-Free ELC (ex: CAT EC-1)
(but I have my Coolant changed about every 10-13K mikes):

If your Engine currently runs on the hot side now, I would recommend installing the Mishimoto Low-Temp coolant Thermostat at the same time

[WhitH]

I’d say skip the BPD oil cooler. Not necessary for a van that has a reasonably clean coolant system with coolant filter from all I’ve heard. My diesel shop actually talked me out of it when I had a 6.0. Do get a coolant filter.

[eddyturn]

The latest version of the OEM oil cooler is sufficient and like Whit said, don't bother with the BPD cooler.

[JoeH]

Ditto on the oil cooler. It's a solution is search of a problem. I have a stage 1.5 KCturbo. It's a beast but your going to need some tuning to get rid of the lag. You might consider a stage 1 which is more of a drop-in with stock injectors. Or, save the $1400 and have them clean yours and add a stainless unison ring and perhaps a billet compressor wheel. That will save $600 or more.


The BPD 6 phase Ficm is nice for the redundancy but it's not really needed and there's not much empirical evidence that 53V or 58V is actually a performance increase. I'd stick with 4 phase 48V and you only need the power supply. The logic side rarely fails.


Engine is coming out. That's at least a 30hrs of labor if not more. Rate with parts looks reasonable to me. Lots of threads on bulletproofing in this forum with a quick search. Good luck!

[Yovan]

I can report so-so feedback with Left Coast Diesel. They seemed very knowledgeable on truck diesels, less than thrilled to work on van...especially “a sportsmobile”. Top mechanics(s) seemed skilled and knowledeable; but I think they often had young-ins finish the details. Which on three occasions had the details undone, in my case. I’m not very picky (because I struggle to find anyone in Bay Area who *wants* to work on my van)....but I stopped going to Left Coast.

[vandiesel]

I'd add that the BPD oil cooler actually creates a problem. I either have to re-plumb mine or replace it with stock as the shop put it in the winch box. It's also pretty bulky.