How much of a market for smaller budget rebuild engines?

[rustyBob]

Brent i already said you should go for it.....build that engine.....market that engine.....i guess the point i'm trying to make is that the crate engine market is going to be a tough market to get into.....and i think most of the advice you are getting is good advice and i wish you all the luck you need to be successful at it and if i'm ever in the market for such an engine i'll call you....good luck

[blykins]

Bob, thanks for your words.

[mkassab]

In the interest of full disclosure, I ended up purchasing my drive train from Brent/ B2 Motorsports LLC. I hired Brent to build my engine and provide my trans, clutch kit and short shifter. I wanted to share my thoughts and some opinions.

First, Brent's idea to offer a "low cost" option for a basic “complete” engine with all new parts, broke-in and dyno'd has a place and purpose for this market.

Why I chose Brent for my drive train supplier. First, this ClubCobra Forum and Brent’s contribution to its members. I really liked the time and depth of knowledge he supplied. Second, IndyCobra/Randy’s comments on his web site regarding Brent. Third, here’s a few lines from my forum threads http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=68 on Brent in my Engine & Cooling thread?
“I saw some of his (Brent’s) posts (and there is a ton of them) where he was very responsive with his advice and knowledge (and time to type it all in!). I contacted him and he helped me put together the right drive train package (i.e., tranny/clutch/bell housing combination) for the engine I intended to buy from the Engine Factory.com. He was so engaging, knowledgeable and accessible!!! I soon learned he’s an expert engine builder. I got references and called them….. In the end, I hired Brent to build me the engine. I pick up the engine on July 8th at the dyno shop. The TKO600 Transmission, clutch kit, bell housing and short shifter were drop shipped to Unique Motorcars.
On the engine front, I went with a complete turnkey engine. . I shopped around on the Internet and I narrowed my choices to several local shops and a large US supplier. In the end I went with Brent at B2 MotorSports. Brent is also very active on the Club Cobra forum, along with other Ford forums. Brent completely customized the engine specifically at my request (with lots of help and insight from him). Brent will match your engine & cam, trany gears and rear end gear ratio to suit your specific driving needs. When I pick up the engine on July 8th, I witness the dyno and final tuning. ”

Now I know what I ended up with isn’t what Brent is proposing and asking for everyone’s input on in this thread, but his customer service is second to none. He’s always accessible, answered all my questions (I’m no engine expert but know enough to ask lots of questions….), was very flexible, will always tell you the pros/cons of any options and has a great work ethic. These traits would be applicable to anyone regardless of what engine you end up with…… but to know a person like this built a complete low cost option engine, all new parts and dyno’d….. well it couldn’t get any better than this.

Who cares why he does this? Who cares how much he makes? To me, the key is a good fair price for a quality product from a passionate source that loves what they do….. doesn’t get much better than that.

I agree strongly with the comments on B2's web site. In fact, I've spoke to Brent several times on that subject and made some suggestions. I particularly like IndyCobar/Randy’s web suggestions to Brent…. Spot-on..

Mark

[Excaliber]

I like to support the folks on Club Cobra and the advertisers, which is why I made my recent purchase of a TKO and clutch setup from Brent. Piece of cake, easy to deal with, good feedback on what I needed and why, competitive price from a fellow member of the club.

I've dealt with a bunch of vendors here on CC over the years, never had a problem, always treated me right. I would hesitate to do business, when it comes to my Cobra, with somebody who is NOT a regular guy/business on Club Cobra.

I wish all of them the best.

[twobjshelbys]

I noticed that these are rebuilt engines. Where do you get your blocks from and what do you do guarantee quality of the incoming material?

[blykins]

Not really "rebuilt" as the blocks are the only used parts. Everything else is new.

The blocks come from cores (unless a new Dart or Ford Racing block is specified). Before they are machined, they are pressure tested, magnafluxed, and sonic tested.

As for the rest of the parts, everything is measured and checked. Even when I buy new assembled cylinder heads, they are fully disassembled, washed, inspected, and reassembled.

The block is honed to fit the pistons. Of course all clearances are checked and bearing clearances are adjusted as necessary with STD bearings, .001" bearings, X bearings, or a mixture of all of the above.

Bearing clearances are checked with a mic and Mitutoyo bore mic, accurate to .0001". My tools are checked against my machnist's tools. I have another set of bore mics that I also use to double check the Mitutoyo.

Rod bolts torque specs are checked with a stretch gauge.

Cams are degreed, lobe lift is checked, and cam timing is set to my spec.

Everything is checked for quality and sometimes parts have to be sent back to the manufacturer.