Engine Rebuild

SeanTX · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2002, 01:40 PM

Due to the non-stop oil leak from the rear of my engine, I'm looking to rebuild it (Vortech 5.0). While it is open, I thought I'd go ahead and stroke it to 331 - replacing the lower with forged gear and possible install some other goodies (main stud girdle, better exhaust, upgraded fuel components, etc.).

I am thinking about doing it myself, but I am also considering having a pro do the engine.

I'm in Austin - does anyone out there have any recommendations for a shop that does quality work at a reasonable rate?

Thanks
-SeanTX

M. Farcus · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2002, 03:15 PM

I use HP racing in Magnolia (north west of Houston). Used them for about 15 years to build racing motors (FE and Sblock's). Very reasonable in price, and honest. Owner flew to Watkins Glenn at his cost to over see two of our motors while we raced about 10 years ago.
HP Racing - Harold Hutton
1-281-356-3713.....24-7

Current motor 535hp 289
1:28.05 lap at Hallett

MF

davidk · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 10:58 AM

I used Performance Plus, on Cameron Rd. Probably not the cheapest place in town, but they seem to do good work. Very good about answering questions and very helpful.
837-5850

SeanTX · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 11:06 AM

Yes. I have heard of them. My buddy got his '68 Chevelle done there. I'll add them to the list.

davidk · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2002, 11:19 AM

I got two really good references for them before I went there. I haven't finished my part of putting the engine together yet, so I can't speak from full personal experience. The shop is clean and some people around here trust them with really expensive hardware.
BTW. If you are using the double sump pan and stock type pickup, you need ARP main studs instead of bolts to get that pickup fastened down. Probably need that with the girdle anyway, but thought I'd mention it.

lewismc · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 05:47 AM

I just completed my Cobra in April and I too am finding that I have to rebuild my motor. I was on my way to the drag boat races in Marble Falls last weekend when my motor cratered. It seems that my original "expert" motor builder wasn't quite an expert. I'm looking at a total tear down due to pieces of cam distributer gear busting off and ending up in my oil pan. Not to mention small metal flakes throughout my motor.

I have a BOSS 351 and would like to find someone with conciderable experience working on this particular motor.

Disappointed Cobra owner,

Lewis

SeanTX · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 05:57 AM

Was that you on the side of the road of MoPac near the Parmer exit?

lewismc · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 06:30 AM

Yep. That would be me. Your not the only person that has asked me that question. It's amazing how much exposure you get setting on the side of the road broken down.

Cobra Dude · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 07:19 AM

In Austin, supposedly the only good place to go is what's-his-name on north 620 (David ??? at the Cylinder Head Shop, IIRC). However, you'll have to wait for many months. Another very good option is Steve at Houston Performance.

I however, ended up rebuilding myself last year, since I heard one or more horror stories of just about every other builder in Austin.

Cheers,
-Neil.

427sharpe · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 08:04 AM

I highly recommend Wayne Calvert in Denton, Texas. Does a lot of hi buck drag race motors, and some NASCAR type stuff. Not cheap, but reasonable and very,very good. He did the machine work on the 289 HiPo in my GT350, and it was excellent. I am sure that he carries the same dedication to full builds if you desire.

lewismc · #11 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 08:12 AM

Message delete. I was just venting.

SeanTX · #12 (**permalink**) 08-20-2002, 08:37 PM

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I would like to stay in Austin if possible, so I will look into the place on 620 and Performance Plus. If I were to go outside of Austin, I'd rather just order a short block from Gordon Levy or from Panhandle Performance.

Thomas Gayer · #13 (**permalink**) 08-21-2002, 04:31 AM

why don't you just order the short block from Gordon Levy?
make sure it has a steel gear on the distributor cam.
that would be the fast way to get u goin.
do not use a bronze gear on the street.

lewismc · #14 (**permalink**) 08-21-2002, 06:39 AM

Not to be a smart a$$ but my current motor is the one I want. It's very difficult to find a BOSS 351 motor (which has four bolt mains, high nodular steel block, shot peened rods, yada, yada, yada) and I'm not going to compromise my choice of motors. All I want is a trustworthy machine shop that can perform the work I require correctly.
Time is NOT an issue. I've spent the past 5+ years building my car myself and I WILL NOT slap it back together just to get it back on the road.

SeanTX · #15 (**permalink**) 08-21-2002, 06:41 AM

amen.