Rebuilt engines

[steve from staten island]

Ive gotten some recommendations for engine rebuilders from a few guys here which I'm looking into. Im considering were to go to get my original short block rebuilt. My situation now is I'm not happy with how my engine runs. After all is said and done and i looked into all things suggested it does not run as id like. It was a shoestring rebuild with cheaper parts and it came back to bite me. What i want is a completely assembled engine. I want the engine run in on a test stand and checked for leaks, noises and the like. I want to install the new engine, start and go. Im currently looking for a good set of rebuildable heads and possibly a spare engine for all the bolt on's like pan, valve covers, manifolds, bolts.
I intend to use the car locally only for awhile and have the engine on the side ready to install.
What i need to know is any references on rebuilders. One I'm considering is Carolina Motors. They quoted me a price of around three grand to deliver a complete tested run in engine. I also got a price of 5500 from a reputable noted Mopar shop in lower upstate NY who has done Hemi motors for a member here. So thats the low end versus the high end. Any input would be very much appreciated as i want to get the ball rolling on this asap------thanks

 

[Yatzee]

Ive gotten some recommendations for engine rebuilders from a few guys here which I'm looking into. Im considering were to go to get my original short block rebuilt. My situation now is I'm not happy with how my engine runs. After all is said and done and i looked into all things suggested it does not run as id like. It was a shoestring rebuild with cheaper parts and it came back to bite me. What i want is a completely assembled engine. I want the engine run in on a test stand and checked for leaks, noises and the like. I want to install the new engine, start and go. Im currently looking for a good set of rebuildable heads and possibly a spare engine for all the bolt on's like pan, valve covers, manifolds, bolts.
I intend to use the car locally only for awhile and have the engine on the side ready to install.
What i need to know is any references on rebuilders. One I'm considering is Carolina Motors. They quoted me a price of around three grand to deliver a complete tested run in engine. I also got a price of 5500 from a reputable noted Mopar shop in lower upstate NY who has done Hemi motors for a member here. So thats the low end versus the high end. Any input would be very much appreciated as i want to get the ball rolling on this asap------thanks

Are you sure the engine needs rebuilding or are there other mitigating issues leading you to believe this - blue smoke, poor compression etc, etc. A thorough inspection could save you thousands in wasted money. Got to ask, don't you know, because you didn't mention the displacement or any specific issues.
When assessing weather a rebuilder is good or not, you need references from people who he's already done engines for. And keep in mind, some days are heaven and some are hell as far as rebuilding goes with no one but you to blame. I had an engine done at a highly reputable shop but the whole project went south right off the get go. Apparently the tech went for a dump and forgot to tighten the main caps. He never marked the bolt heads to know which were done and which weren't. They did accept responsibility and corrected their work. Know the parts that are being used as this impacts the price. They are in business to make money, anyway they can. Know what warranty is offered and how any unpredictable issues in the future will be handled. Many people go the route of a crate engine from Summit or others simply because of the warranty. What they don't realize is that these rebuilders can offer a warranty because they correct shortcomings of previous rebuilds continually, they use automated "top grade" machinery and measuring devices, assembly standards that they follow throughout the process and they actually have a quality control department with inspections. Some are complete engines from the pan to the carb - talk about "plug and play" it doesn't come much better than that. You'll get what you pay for. People can recommend what they believe to be great rebuilders but in the end, you'll be the ultimate judge.

 

[Glenwood]

Detailed quotes might help understand the big price difference. My builder only did my machine work so i could do the assembly which saved about $1000 less a few instruments i needed to buy. This made room to do more optional machining such as align boring and balancing.

 

[steve from staten island]

Yatzee, Several folks listened to it and the consensus is a engine knock. I also am getting lifter noise independent of the knocking. There is no leaks of coolant into combustion chamber as i was hoping there was. The thing is i went cheaper at the time when it was put together as funds were tight. I am suppose to have a really terrific older mechanic stop by soon and listen..I will do as he advises. Im only thinking ahead as its been over a seven year build, I'm not young and its about time....Thanks for the input

 

[vintage chromoly]

If you were closer to Cleveland, I could help you out Steve.

I'm sure you'll find a good local shop to set you up. There has to be some good shops up in NY.

 

[its-a-mario]

Steve - I don't know if you have any interest in making your way to Long Island. If so, I'd recommend Moonlight Garage in Garden City Park. Tom (the owner) is as old school as they come - no computer, no cell phone, works 7 days a week. Because of this, you won't find much about him through an internet search. Tom can be rough around the edges to the uninitiated, but he's honest and knowledgeable. Feel free to PM me if you want any details.

 

[flypaper]

I know someone from California who bought a dyno'd drop in engine from this place
and he is very happy.


http://www.larryspower.com/dyno/index.html

 

[4spEd]

If Carolina Motors is CME or Caroloina Machine Engine, I recomend you reconsider having them on your list at all. Search for engine build nightmare and you see my story.

 

[Miccara]

Ive gotten some recommendations for engine rebuilders from a few guys here which I'm looking into. Im considering were to go to get my original short block rebuilt. My situation now is I'm not happy with how my engine runs. After all is said and done and i looked into all things suggested it does not run as id like. It was a shoestring rebuild with cheaper parts and it came back to bite me. What i want is a completely assembled engine. I want the engine run in on a test stand and checked for leaks, noises and the like. I want to install the new engine, start and go. Im currently looking for a good set of rebuildable heads and possibly a spare engine for all the bolt on's like pan, valve covers, manifolds, bolts.
I intend to use the car locally only for awhile and have the engine on the side ready to install.
What i need to know is any references on rebuilders. One I'm considering is Carolina Motors. They quoted me a price of around three grand to deliver a complete tested run in engine. I also got a price of 5500 from a reputable noted Mopar shop in lower upstate NY who has done Hemi motors for a member here. So thats the low end versus the high end. Any input would be very much appreciated as i want to get the ball rolling on this asap------thanks

 

[Miccara]

If the work is actually done and most "engine builders" do not do all the work that should go into a build (in my opinion), the $5500 is the way to go. To me $3000 says, "do the minimum, get it out the door". I don't believe you can properly build a small block motor for 3k. Bench broken in, totally rebuilt and a completely assembled engine for 5.5k is pushing it.

 

[MikeBee69]

I would suggest
Kilpatrick Engine and Transmission
2301 Badger Dr, Waukesha, WI 53188
262) 549-1968
its in Wisconsin but Jim will hook you up with a quality build. may be pricey but you wont regret it. Mopar specialist.

He built my 383 stroker turn key ready. hes pretty well known

 

[steve from staten island]

Thanks to all for the replies. I am going to use the guy who originally did my heads. The only reason i did not consider him is he takes really long time as he is a one man shop. He is a older person doing this many many years. His shop equipment may not be the newest but its what he knows and how he does engines that counts. He's always got a lot of work, from older engines to more modern stuff. I had a plan but its not really practical for me and the money i would have spent is better spent on this original block i now have. Its just a stock motor but i intend to use the best parts i can. The present engine in the car has the heads we will use which this shop did. The valve train is new but i will be replacing the cam and lifters.
Im going to try and use the car as is for awhile and if i can get the season out of it, great. So thats the game plan and thanks

 

[4spEd]

Dutchman Fabrication is one I would recommend, he's in Bohemia its a small shop has built quite a few mopar engines. Excellent work, but as with all small shops it takes time.