Engine Factory and Southern Automotive

DonC · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2003, 08:25 AM

Bob:
Just got into the turn-key queue and was wondering if you've dealt with either the Engine Factory or Southern Automotive turn-key small block engines. Pro or con with either if you have worked with their engines?

Ikestaa · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2003, 05:10 PM

Don,
We didn't do a turn-key, but we did go with Southern for our 427. I have nothing but good things to say about them. There were a couple of mixups on the engine mounts they sent us, and the clutch disk, but they took care of it asap.

Bob Putnam · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 04:48 AM

We have no personal experience with The Engine Factory, but lately there seems to be some good feedback on ClubCobra anyway.

Several years ago a customer had a bad experience with Southern Automotive, but that seems to be an abberation. I haven't seen anyone unhappy since, at least on the web! Bill Parahm seems pretty sincere about keeping his customers happy.

But what do I know?...

Tony Radford · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 06:24 AM

Don,

We've got a pretty tight bunch of Cobra folks here in the Atlanta area, most of whom are running Southern Automotive engines. I'm sure that any of them that you speak to will swear total allegiance to Bill and his team. The only downside is that their services are in such great demand, but as they say "good things are worth waiting for". They have a full service machine shop and do their own work. The best part is sitting down with Bill and with his guidance, determining the best engine configuration for your specific application. In addition to knowing about all there is to know about Ford engines, he's a guru on Cobras as well. Having been a race car driver, he fully understands the dynamics of automotive performance as it relates to roadworthieness (is that a word?). I can speak from experience as my current engine was built by them and my new stroker is in process. I highly recommend them. Awesome folks!

BB427 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 09:03 AM

I can not speak about the Engine Factory but I can say in 3 years of looking at Cobra builders before making my decision I talked to ALOT of people and never heard a bad word about Bill or Southern Automotive. I also know the Weavers @ Unique Motorcars are very selective of the people they refer their customers to and Bill is one of those people.

Good Luck

Cracker · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 11:32 AM

Like Tony Radford mentioned, here in Atlanta alot of cars run his engines in them. I have spoke to Bill on one occasion - it might of been a bad day or he didn't like how I "asked" to buy a SO block but I wasn't impressed at all with him - can't speak about his engines.

Having had great and friendly feedback from George Anderson at Gessford I would recommend him based upon my conversation with him as well as his reputation with many members of this forum.

Best of luck on whatever you choose.

Tony Hull
Cracker

DonC · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 12:25 PM

Thanks to all of you for taking the trouble to reply. I've looked at both of their web offerings and they seem to be what I want. Now it's just a matter of deciding which and $what.
Thanks again,
Don Choura

GeorgiaSnake · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 02:01 PM

Don if you could hear my little Windsor stroker your choice would be simple

. Bill and his crew put a smile on my face

Randy