Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento??

Posted By: CR8CRSHR

Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/09/12 05:15 PM

I need some advise as to who/whom one would go to to have an engine machined, built, dyno'd, etc., here in Northern CA. I am having extreme issues with my 383 that was built by a builder who actually built in failures to my build. I have had the engine disassembled and re-built correcting the issues I found, but I am still not able to get it to operate correctly. So I have decided to pull it "AGAIN"

and find a reputable and thorough firm to make it right. Don't like the fact that more $$$ is now going to have to be spent, but I am way too deep into this project and want to get "er" done.

Also a little "Long in the Tooth" now and cannot crawl around like I used to. Need some advise and help and as always, Thanks to MOPARTS

Posted By: ChadP

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/09/12 05:28 PM

There's a guy in Modesto, Steve Wann who builds Mopar engines. He has done all the engine work on his cars as well as a J/A superstock in San Jose that I know of. He's been very successful in racing his stuff. Steve Wann Racing / 1230 Saint Francis Ave / Modesto, CA. 95356-9709.

Posted By: None2Slow

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/09/12 05:48 PM

A friend of mine has used Parrish Automotive in North Highlands. I dont know his experience with Mopars, but hes done a few small block Fords for him. It is not a fancy shop, but he has been there for years. The first engine he did for my friend was in 1990. After 10 years, he had to rebuild it due to an oil pump drive shaft snapped and he drove it. Also, another friend has used Rex Hutchison for his 67 BB Chevy II back halve car. Info for both shops below.

Parrish Automotive Inc
3805 Madison Avenue
North Highlands, CA95660

http://rexracingengines.com/

Posted By: 1970mopar

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/10/12 02:12 PM

Penny racing/ comptech machine in Roseville.

Rex hutichins (sp) in Sacramento

I would not go anywhere else.

Posted By: 70AARcuda

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/10/12 02:17 PM

Quote:

There's a guy in Modesto, Steve Wann who builds Mopar engines. He has done all the engine work on his cars as well as a J/A superstock in San Jose that I know of. He's been very successful in racing his stuff. Steve Wann Racing / 1230 Saint Francis Ave / Modesto, CA. 95356-9709.

this is where I would go...builds alot of stock and super stock engines...

Posted By: RobX4406

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/10/12 04:06 PM

What's wrong with the current engine?

Posted By: CR8CRSHR

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/10/12 06:23 PM

Quote:

What's wrong with the current engine?

Right at the moment I can not go into complete details but in a nut shell, I entrusted a local machine shop...CA Street Machines in Suisun CA to put it together for me. This actually took place over 7 years ago while I was being deployed and still in service. The owner's Son was all over me to do the work as in the past I only had farmed out my head work to them and he wanted to do the whole job. I had had great success with my past builds...nothing fancy just a stock 383 clean up and slight upgrade of internals...without any glitches. Well I gave in and after getting the motor back, it sat for a few more years while I finished up my AF career and worked on the rest of the resto of my 66 Ply Satellite. When it came time the first time to install the engine it went in great but I could not turn the crank completely. It would stop suddenly one way and when turned the opposite it would do the same. That is in a 360 degree turn. Almost like stop to stop on steering. WTF????!!!

Turnes out that the #1 piston skirt was hitting the forward crank counter weight when the piston would bottom out. Crank was a stock 383 crank 10/10 and was the original to the engine. The builder said to just grind down the counter weight to get clearance and press on. Now I'm a novice when it comes to a lot of mechanical things but I didn't feel right about it after doing it. Something in my mind about "BALANCE"??? I subsequently decided to pull the motor and tear it down to replace the crank with another 383 crank @ 20/20. Took it to Bailey Bros here in CA and they suggested I use the replacement crank and put the #1 piston back in and check for clearance. It worked perfectly???
Completed the rebuild and re-installed the engine. Initial fire up went as planned...all though the roller rockers were noisy and I had difficulty at first with the Valve Lashing. John/Dart4Forte was even present at that time and commented on my work as being really neat clean and good. Any way...after some further set backs...power steering pump failures, fuel leaks, etc. I finally was able to get it all back together and ready for the next fire up. Now initial break in had been done so there was no need to completely re-break in the engine although I did follow the same steps as before. So Monday I fire it up and whamo...

Rear Main Seal leak. Damn!!! It didn't happen the first or the other 2 times prior to this last Mondays fire up??? This is not a slight leak either. Over 1 1/2 qts on the floor of the garage. Only way to do it correctly is yank the engine and fix it. So that hopefully brings you all somewhat up to date on this. Why am I looking for an engine builder after doing it all myself you ask???

I am still not convinced that the original build done by CA Street Machines was done properly and correctly...ref first crank piston issue...and now I want a reputable, MOPAR knowledgeable engine builder, to go over what has been done, what I have now, what direction I originally planned for this build to be, to include my parts that were put into it. I cannot afford any more set backs with this build as I have come too far and spent way too much $$$$$$...I am sure we all can relate to that statement...to bail on it. It has been an on-going build now for the past 7 plus years and I really want to see it through. But as the clock keeps turning and I am starting to get longer in the tooth if I cannot get this sorted out, then it will have to go so I can move on to other interests in my retirement. Monday I came real close to it....

Posted By: moparpollack

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/10/12 07:48 PM

Oil plug or sending unit before a main seal from sitting.

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/11/12 01:22 AM

It sounds like a oil galley plug has loosen up and is now leaking, one of those behind the converter flex palte. Main seal leaks normally take a long time to leak 1 to 2 quarts of oil, not as much as you found in that amount of time

Normally a main seal leak will leak onto the back of the crankshaft flane an be flung out onto the flex plate when the motor is running, if there is no oil on the crankshaft flange the main seal is not leaking

It might have a leak from the oil pan gasket or even a oilpan bolt vibrating out of the main seal holder, if the main seal bolt boss has been broken do do somone using a bolt that was to long breaking the top off of the oil pan bolt hole in the main seal holder

Lots of gremlins out there especailly for the non Mopar engien builders

OP, I sent you a PM on this, did you get it?

Posted By: CR8CRSHR

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/11/12 05:04 PM

Nope...Did not get the PM. And thanks for the other ideas to think about. Saving all tips so thanks. It will be easier to actually see what and where the leak is once I get the engine pulled. But the oil was pouring out of the transmission inspection plate really fast and after shutting it down it stopped flowing and maintained a slight drip. Stay tuned...

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/11/12 07:29 PM

Try sending me a PM on here so I can respond

I treid sending you a E mail from your profile Email address, I hope that goes through

Posted By: CR8CRSHR

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal/Sacramento?? - 10/12/12 05:48 PM

Quote:

Try sending me a PM on here so I can respond I treid sending you a E mail from your profile Email address, I hope that goes through

Got up to date with the PM issue this morning and thanks for the offer. Just gonna give it the weekend to decide. Monday I will pull the engine...already started the tear down and check the Oil Galley Plugs. The sending units...I have 2 with one for the dash idiot light and then a second for the under dash analog gauge...show no leakage at all. I am hoping it is the galley plugs that need to be addressed but pulling the engine will make it easier. I also have some touch up work to do while the engine is out. I guess it just comes with the territory...

Posted By: CR8CRSHR

Re: Engine Builders and Machine Shops...NorCal**UPDATE - 10/15/12 11:35 PM

Pulled the engine today and it appears it is the Rear Main Seal. Oil Galley Plugs are tight and no leakage, and the Cam Plug isn't either. The Rear Main Seal retainer is a new Billet unit. I have the original one along with a NOS/NEW one along with the 440 Source seals. Not looking forward to tearing the engine down "AGAIN"

, but I have no choice. This build has been a nightmare for me. I have never had this much of an issue before. And it all started with the shop I had that put this together. Oh well...Might as well Stroke the "MFer"...But that isn't within the budget. If I can't get it right this time, look for it on the "eBag" or Craig's as I am done, spent, and tired. I just don't have the desire anymore to be in this hobby. At least for the time being...