PacNW Motor Shops

[Tim Votaw]

Guys, I'm seeking some advice on reputable engine shops in our region. I've got a Coast High Performance 408W "Dominator" motor that I had them spec and assemble a long block for my SPF.

I had specified a lot of precision work and such things as fully balanced, blueprinted all forged crank assy., degreed hyd. roller cam, ARP studded everything, the works. To that I added all quality finish products (MSD ignition, Holley, Weiand, Edelbrock, etc.). All that stuff is working OK, adjusted, jetted, etc.

I've had a number of problems with the motor out of the crate: Damper indexed wrong; I used the old proven TDC piston stop to find true TDC, re-marked the $pendy Romac damper, and find out the timing marks move around on me, as if the damper ring is faulty. Valve clatter that i can't adjust out, a Melling HV oil pump that can't put out more than 40 psi regardless of rpm, 25 psi idle pressure, and now a blown head gasket with less than 2 hours of break-in time, after re-torquing everything.

I'm at my limit of competence as far as tearing the motor down and diagnostics, so am seeking a well-regarded motor shop somewhere in OR/WA/NorCal to do this for me. I would like to have good reliable findings in the event there is a need to seek remedy from CHP for improper assembly, parts, or whatever may have contributed to the problems. (Obviously, if i missed something, that's my bad, not theirs.)

Anyhow, can I get some recommendations from you folks for shops to contact? I want a shop that can handle the diagnostics and the corrections, can work with the car (I'm not in the mood to pull the motor back out just yet), and is known by you to be good.

Any leads would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

TimV.

[Zderf]

Tim,

We sure know who in the PacNW not to consult on your problems:

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...threadid=19348

I think you'll find a shop in the Portland area highly recommended within the context of this lenghty thread. Or, there is always Gessford Machine in Nebraska... the freight bill might be cheap insurance as many have already suggested.

Good Luck.

Zderf

[Turk]

Tim,
Have you talked to the folks at Johns' Custom Fabrication and Manufacturing?

John should be able to put you together with a competent builder.

TURK

[Tim Votaw]

Wow, I had no idea Brent was plowing through this situation until I read 6 pages of posts on the subject, every last one of them helpful to me.

Can I attest!! I'll unlikely ever do another longblock solely for the reasons noted in that thread. Liability for finishing and break-in is around the neck of the owner, not the builder. As noted, even a turnkey motor can be hashed.

I'm among those who got lulled into the idea if I bought a basic motor from a "reputable" builder (Coast HP sure had that reputation), the rest would be a cinch as long as you followed procedures. NUTZ.

I'd prob'ly end up following the wise men to George Gessford's shop like I should have in the first place, but I want an in-frame inspection and assessment for starts, so need to stay within hauling distance until I know more.

Thankfully, I now have a couple more leads from Club Cobra members. Much obliged, guys.

TimV.

[Red Era]

Tim

I used Aldrige motorsports and engineering here in Portland. He built me a stroked 427using a shelby block. I have been very happy with the motor. He is known for building fords an FEs. Denny Aldrige is the owner. Good luck.

Tim

[Tim Votaw]

Thanks, Tim. The first time around, I consulted with Denny's shop on a build. It took forever to get a quote, so I went with CHP.

In retrospect, I prob'ly should have been more persistent and stuck with Aldrich. I know they do good work.

Tim