Robert Pond FE
 

Anyone ever have Robert Pond build them an engine, I know he is a stand up guy, just would like to get some opinions from here. Im looking at an FE, I know there are other builders on here thay are great, just Robert is so close to my house. Thanks

Robert is a stand up guy.
He runs one of the nation's most competitive FE powered Stock Eliminator cars.
He is close to your house.

I would love to have the business - but it seems you have an excellent resource close to home and you should take advantage of it.

I haven't heard any negatives about his work. I think I heard he also cast FE blocks? Thats impressive, if true! Plus, hes close to home for you. thats also good. I'm sure others who have bought his products will respond soon ;)

Barry you were my first choice, but by talking with the Kirkhams they advised me to look to a builder closer to my house just in case there are any poblems with the engine, your opinion on that. I also like Blykins approach to building along with Craft, your all top in my book.

I bought Robert's first cast iron block that he had cast and two of his aluminum blocks for the cammer projects. His iron blocks are so close to original that NHRA allows them to be used in stock classes. I don't think you can go wrong with his work.

I have one of Robert`s aluminum 482`s . First , since you are close to him , it makes sense from a shipping standpoint .... it cost over $700 shipping from Ca. to SC , but he has the ability to get some really good shipping rates .
The engine , with a few exceptions , has been strong and trouble free . First problem was with the carb that came with it ... not built by Robert , but from the Carb Shop out there . It was a complete piece of junk from the very beginning ... running so rich , it fouled out the plugs . Sent it back and they rebuilt it and it still would`t run . Sent it back a 3rd time and was still not working when I got it . Bought a box stock Holley and it was perfect . Not Robert`s problem , but stay away from the Carb Shop !
The second issue was a leaking Aviaid oil sump . Robert normally uses studs , but told me he ran out and used bolts instead . they were just a hair too long and bottomed out before compressing the sump gaskets completely . That one drove me crazy for some time unit I figured out what the issue was .
Other than that , it has been a great engine with about 2000 miles on it so far and one track weekend ( 200 miles ) .... soon to be two more track weekends .
Repeat ... stay away from The Carb Shop carbs .... go with QuickFuel , Pro Systems , Holley ... anything else but them .
Robert was great to work with and will help you all he can , if anything comes up .

Bob