The Engine Shop Ltd

"Ordered a gearbox about a month ago. Was told I’d have it by the end of July. I don’t have it, no explanation, no apology, no contact at all. No one answers the phone or emails but according to their website it’s business as usual. Unless you are the mechanic waiting for them to supply a gearbox or the car hire needing their car back in the road. I’ve no idea if they ever intend to supply the part I ordered or whether I should give up and buy one elsewhere. Although looking at some of the reviews of the quality of work…. It’s really to s good way to treat people."

"TES supplied a reconditioned VW type 4 1.7 engine with a flywheel used on a 1.8.This would have been fine if I'd been fitting a new clutch,as 1.8 clutches are cheaper than 1.7s. But I was fitting the good clutch from the old 1.7,which doesn't fit the 1.8. I told Jim of the problem on the Monday,and I received the old newly resurfaced flywheel a day later. Excellent service."

"Had my gearbox refurbished for my 1303s Karmann Cabriolet, Jim was very helpful and friendly guy. Just got the box in the car and engine back in, couldn’t be better! All gear changes are slick and smooth just as VW intended - superb service from Jim and the other staff at The Engine Shop, many thanks! Gary Foreman, Frithville Lincolnshire"

"I arrived with a rusty box of bits and 2 weeks later collected a beautifully packed rebuilt engine at the price agreed and ready to go. I was given running in oil and an instruction book on how to look after it. Its fitted to a beach buggy with electronic ignition and a new carb it runs perfectly. Fantastic old school engineering service. Very pleased with it. Have recommended them to many others. Great job Jim and the staff."

"Very disappointed in the quality of parts used in my engine rebuild and attitude of the staff. I spent over £600 getting an engine rebuilt only to find this company have used old rusty nuts (see first picture) to secure the oil pump cover instead of the proper nuts that include special oil seals (see second picture). It makes me wonder if other short cuts have been taken during this rebuild. When I spoke to the company about my concerns their reply was 'whatever'. I would not recommend this firm, look elsewhere if you need engine services. My reply to Jim Gray: Thank you for your reply. I wasn't aware this was a budget service (you carried out a short block refurb on my own engine rather than send me a reconditioned unit). Personally I don't think £600+ (including delivery) is particularly cheap for this service. When carrying out an engine rebuild I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the correct parts (nuts with integrated seals as originally fitted by VW) to be used, especially when they are readily available to buy. There is certainly nowhere on you web page that tells customers that old parts will be used. You are correct that your colleague did offer to send 'NEW' nuts however these would still not have been the correct nuts with the integrated seal. I can promise you that when I mentioned leaving a review your colleague's response was 'whatever'. I am not sure how a refund would work, since you refurbished my own engine? I would be satisfied with a refund totaling the cost of the nuts I now have to buy from Just Kampers, as it is the garage mechanic who is concerned about the old rusty nuts you have used."