I purchased what was supposed to be a fully remanufactured engine for my 2015 Range Rover Supercharged from Ash at Rover Spot, back in September of 2024. Needless to say, it was not. Ash acted like he was helping me, claiming to sell me a completely remanufactured and upgraded engine for my very complex and unique vehicle. He came across as HIGHLY KNOWLEDGEABLE and represented himself in such a way that he earned my complete trust. He clearly cajoled and coerced me into a transaction that stole my money, damaged my vehicle almost irreparably, and forced me to spend another 4 fold to recover from his deceptions and outright lies about the product he sold me.
After a total Hydrolock failure it suffered about two months ago, I decided to have it forensically inspected by a company capable of determining the cause of the failure.
Turns out the hydro lock engine DESTROYED the supercharger, transmission, alternator, starter, exhaust system, catalytic converters and so many other things. I was mortified. I contacted Ash again, and was told my 12 month warranty, would not cover the type of damage the engine sustained. That in all his years he’s never had one issue or complaint. Which I learned was an outright lie. One of MANY.
His solution…to sell me ANOTHER engine at his “cost”. As I had been completely taken by him the first time, I ALMOST took him up on his offer. This was until I spoke to the engine shop in Arizona who had had several conversations with Ash and shared with me that he was trying to blame me for the catastrophic failure. My engine shop told me this and some of his initial findings and I decided to do some homework this time and had a comprehensive engine disassembly and forensic analysis performed by a neutral body. Below are their findings.
Comprehensive Engine Block Report: 12050608135 508PS
Block Identification: 12050608135
Intended Vehicle Application: 2015 Range Rover
Original Engine Source: 2012 Jaguar Land Rover
Introduction:
This report meticulously examines the engine block identified by number 12050608135, which was inaccurately marketed as a remanufactured engine for a 2015 Range Rover. The following findings highlight significant discrepancies, indicating that the engine was neither properly rebuilt nor suitable for its intended application.
Findings:
1. Inaccurate Representation of Remanufacturing:
• The engine was sold as a “remanufactured” unit, a term that implies thorough rebuilding to OEM specifications. However, evidence suggests that the seller engaged in deceptive practices, failing to meet the industry standards for remanufacturing. Remanufactured engines typically undergo processes including replacement of worn components, thorough cleaning, and reassembly with proper torque specifications. This engine lacks all these critical factors.
2. Head Gasket Installation:
• The installation of three-layer head gaskets without adhering to the correct torque specifications is a glaring oversight. Proper torque is crucial to maintain the seal and structural integrity of the engine. The failure to apply the correct torque resulted in head bolts loosening, leading to overheating—a fundamental issue that should not occur in a reliably rebuilt engine.
3. Evidence of Prior Damage:
• The condition of the block reveals extensive damage inconsistent with a properly rebuilt engine. The presence of broken cylinder walls indicates that this engine has likely endured severe overheating episodes. In a remanufactured unit, one would expect all critical components to be within OEM tolerances, yet the damaged cylinder walls suggest a lack of fundamental refurbishment.
4. Component Wear and Condition:
• Analysis of connecting rods revealed excessive dirt accumulation, a clear sign that the engine was not sufficiently cleaned or inspected prior to sale. Furthermore, the bearings displayed original part numbers with significant wear, indicating that they had not been replaced—a common practice in remanufactured engines. This wear suggests extended usage without proper maintenance, further questioning the legitimacy of the seller’s claims.
5. Crankshaft Integrity:
• The crankshaft exhibited noticeable warpage, a critical failure point that would typically be addressed in a legitimate remanufacturing process. An engine with a warped crankshaft is not only unreliable but also poses significant risks of catastrophic failure, demonstrating a complete disregard for quality and safety by the seller.
6. Ease of Bolt Removal:
• The head bolts could be removed with a standard drill, highlighting improper torque application and further emphasizing the negligence involved in the supposed remanufacturing. In a properly assembled engine, head bolts should resist such casual removal, as they would be torqued to specific specifications to ensure secure attachment.
Conclusion
The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that the engine block 12050608135 was not remanufactured but rather hastily cleaned and sold under false pretenses. The significant issues regarding improper installation, visible damage, and worn components all point to a lack of integrity in both the construction and sale of this engine.
The practices employed by the seller not only compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle but also reflect a broader issue of accountability in the remanufactured parts industry. Trust in such transactions is paramount, and this case serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, underscoring the necessity for thorough inspections and verification when purchasing engine components. The engine in question is clearly unsuitable for installation in a 2015 Range Rover and should be viewed as a cautionary example of what to avoid in the market for remanufactured engines.
As a result of these findings, and Ash’s complete lack of response or interest in solving (after my first attempt to bring this to his attention, my phone number has since been blocked). I’ve filed a criminal complaint for wire fraud as of this writing because I reside in Arizona and Rover Spot is located in California. Thereby creating a clear example of wire fraud.
In addition, I’v contacted eBay, the California and Arizona emissions departments and every other agency I can find to bring this criminal enterprise to justice.
I warn EVERYONE contemplating doing business with this entity to avoid this company and its players. As a result of trusting someone who took complete advantage of my lack of industry knowledge, and accepting his “generosity”, in helping me, I have lost over $53,000, for what should have been a simple engine purchase of approximately $15,000, had I been sold the proper, and what was supposedly sold to me, engine for my specific vehicle. I’ve had to replace the engine a second time, as a consequence of trusting Ash and Rover Spot.
This not only caused me to have to buy the proper engine (a second time, but having to replace every component under the hood, including as previously mentioned entire exhaust system and rear compartment electrical systems.
Under no circumstances should anyone engage with this individual or company.
And I don’t even know how I’m saying this because honestly, I’ve spent so much money needlessly on this car on a second engine but if there is a blessing in this. It’s that as a result of the catastrophic failure on an engine that should not have had a catastrophic failure.
I ended up meeting. Keith with TAPA he is probably the most knowledgeable person I have ever spoken to on the planet relative to Land Rover. I knew the President of Land Rover North America back in the early 90s and this guy knows everything there is to know about these cars he is…The definition of somebody who will go above and beyond for you. Because of his passion relative to these vehicles, he worked WITH my installation people, before during and after the installation to troubleshoot problems that arose.
His team inspected the engine that I bought from the criminals at Rover Spot and was able to tell me:
The exact reason that I needed a second engine. In addition, he would let me just call him and vent about having to spend 30 to 40,000 more dollars because Every single part failed the second time because of the wrong engine being installed. I would not have made it through this process a second time if it was not for Keith and TAPA.
if if any of you get in a situation ever at any point where you have to replace the engine in your Land Rover this man understands every nuance and every complexity with these engines. And mine is one of the more complex as a supercharged 5 L V8 engine and he knew everything about it. If there was a problem he knew how to fix it. If there was a situation, he knew how to explain it perfectly. If there was a symptom he could tell me three possible causes. I cannot say enough positive things about Tapa and Keith and his team. they are rockstars and a godsend to me personally. If at any point, any of you needs a reference, he has my permission to give out my phone number and if anyone has any questions about his integrity or professionalism or anything, call me and I will happily tell them what an amazing quality focused company and team they are, with skills and knowledge I’ve never seen in this industry. thank you Keith for your professionalism and your friendship.
I would most likely have driven this thing off a cliff if it wasn’t for you. Probably with me in it.
After a total Hydrolock failure it suffered about two months ago, I decided to have it forensically inspected by a company capable of determining the cause of the failure.
Turns out the hydro lock engine DESTROYED the supercharger, transmission, alternator, starter, exhaust system, catalytic converters and so many other things. I was mortified. I contacted Ash again, and was told my 12 month warranty, would not cover the type of damage the engine sustained. That in all his years he’s never had one issue or complaint. Which I learned was an outright lie. One of MANY.
His solution…to sell me ANOTHER engine at his “cost”. As I had been completely taken by him the first time, I ALMOST took him up on his offer. This was until I spoke to the engine shop in Arizona who had had several conversations with Ash and shared with me that he was trying to blame me for the catastrophic failure. My engine shop told me this and some of his initial findings and I decided to do some homework this time and had a comprehensive engine disassembly and forensic analysis performed by a neutral body. Below are their findings.
Comprehensive Engine Block Report: 12050608135 508PS
Block Identification: 12050608135
Intended Vehicle Application: 2015 Range Rover
Original Engine Source: 2012 Jaguar Land Rover
Introduction:
This report meticulously examines the engine block identified by number 12050608135, which was inaccurately marketed as a remanufactured engine for a 2015 Range Rover. The following findings highlight significant discrepancies, indicating that the engine was neither properly rebuilt nor suitable for its intended application.
Findings:
1. Inaccurate Representation of Remanufacturing:
• The engine was sold as a “remanufactured” unit, a term that implies thorough rebuilding to OEM specifications. However, evidence suggests that the seller engaged in deceptive practices, failing to meet the industry standards for remanufacturing. Remanufactured engines typically undergo processes including replacement of worn components, thorough cleaning, and reassembly with proper torque specifications. This engine lacks all these critical factors.
2. Head Gasket Installation:
• The installation of three-layer head gaskets without adhering to the correct torque specifications is a glaring oversight. Proper torque is crucial to maintain the seal and structural integrity of the engine. The failure to apply the correct torque resulted in head bolts loosening, leading to overheating—a fundamental issue that should not occur in a reliably rebuilt engine.
3. Evidence of Prior Damage:
• The condition of the block reveals extensive damage inconsistent with a properly rebuilt engine. The presence of broken cylinder walls indicates that this engine has likely endured severe overheating episodes. In a remanufactured unit, one would expect all critical components to be within OEM tolerances, yet the damaged cylinder walls suggest a lack of fundamental refurbishment.
4. Component Wear and Condition:
• Analysis of connecting rods revealed excessive dirt accumulation, a clear sign that the engine was not sufficiently cleaned or inspected prior to sale. Furthermore, the bearings displayed original part numbers with significant wear, indicating that they had not been replaced—a common practice in remanufactured engines. This wear suggests extended usage without proper maintenance, further questioning the legitimacy of the seller’s claims.
5. Crankshaft Integrity:
• The crankshaft exhibited noticeable warpage, a critical failure point that would typically be addressed in a legitimate remanufacturing process. An engine with a warped crankshaft is not only unreliable but also poses significant risks of catastrophic failure, demonstrating a complete disregard for quality and safety by the seller.
6. Ease of Bolt Removal:
• The head bolts could be removed with a standard drill, highlighting improper torque application and further emphasizing the negligence involved in the supposed remanufacturing. In a properly assembled engine, head bolts should resist such casual removal, as they would be torqued to specific specifications to ensure secure attachment.
Conclusion
The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that the engine block 12050608135 was not remanufactured but rather hastily cleaned and sold under false pretenses. The significant issues regarding improper installation, visible damage, and worn components all point to a lack of integrity in both the construction and sale of this engine.
The practices employed by the seller not only compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle but also reflect a broader issue of accountability in the remanufactured parts industry. Trust in such transactions is paramount, and this case serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, underscoring the necessity for thorough inspections and verification when purchasing engine components. The engine in question is clearly unsuitable for installation in a 2015 Range Rover and should be viewed as a cautionary example of what to avoid in the market for remanufactured engines.
As a result of these findings, and Ash’s complete lack of response or interest in solving (after my first attempt to bring this to his attention, my phone number has since been blocked). I’ve filed a criminal complaint for wire fraud as of this writing because I reside in Arizona and Rover Spot is located in California. Thereby creating a clear example of wire fraud.
In addition, I’v contacted eBay, the California and Arizona emissions departments and every other agency I can find to bring this criminal enterprise to justice.
I warn EVERYONE contemplating doing business with this entity to avoid this company and its players. As a result of trusting someone who took complete advantage of my lack of industry knowledge, and accepting his “generosity”, in helping me, I have lost over $53,000, for what should have been a simple engine purchase of approximately $15,000, had I been sold the proper, and what was supposedly sold to me, engine for my specific vehicle. I’ve had to replace the engine a second time, as a consequence of trusting Ash and Rover Spot.
This not only caused me to have to buy the proper engine (a second time, but having to replace every component under the hood, including as previously mentioned entire exhaust system and rear compartment electrical systems.
Under no circumstances should anyone engage with this individual or company.
And I don’t even know how I’m saying this because honestly, I’ve spent so much money needlessly on this car on a second engine but if there is a blessing in this. It’s that as a result of the catastrophic failure on an engine that should not have had a catastrophic failure.
I ended up meeting. Keith with TAPA he is probably the most knowledgeable person I have ever spoken to on the planet relative to Land Rover. I knew the President of Land Rover North America back in the early 90s and this guy knows everything there is to know about these cars he is…The definition of somebody who will go above and beyond for you. Because of his passion relative to these vehicles, he worked WITH my installation people, before during and after the installation to troubleshoot problems that arose.
His team inspected the engine that I bought from the criminals at Rover Spot and was able to tell me:
The exact reason that I needed a second engine. In addition, he would let me just call him and vent about having to spend 30 to 40,000 more dollars because Every single part failed the second time because of the wrong engine being installed. I would not have made it through this process a second time if it was not for Keith and TAPA.
if if any of you get in a situation ever at any point where you have to replace the engine in your Land Rover this man understands every nuance and every complexity with these engines. And mine is one of the more complex as a supercharged 5 L V8 engine and he knew everything about it. If there was a problem he knew how to fix it. If there was a situation, he knew how to explain it perfectly. If there was a symptom he could tell me three possible causes. I cannot say enough positive things about Tapa and Keith and his team. they are rockstars and a godsend to me personally. If at any point, any of you needs a reference, he has my permission to give out my phone number and if anyone has any questions about his integrity or professionalism or anything, call me and I will happily tell them what an amazing quality focused company and team they are, with skills and knowledge I’ve never seen in this industry. thank you Keith for your professionalism and your friendship.
I would most likely have driven this thing off a cliff if it wasn’t for you. Probably with me in it.
