Moparts
Who is YOUR engine builder & why?
Posted By: DJVCuda
Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:35 AM
This is sorta a spin off from the last thread I had in the subject.
Who is your engine builder / machinist & why do you use them?
Do you travel or have one local?
What aspects made your decision?
Modern equipment? ( CNC? )
Price?
Dyno?
Reputation?
Word of mouth?
Advertising?
Posted By: Kevins493
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:41 AM
Me/Dad, because when it breaks we know exactly who to blame!
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:42 AM
I build my own junk... I've gone the pro builder route
before and wasnt very happy
Posted By: fullmetaljacket
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:43 AM
Best Machine in Detroit, because it never breaks and there is no one to blame.
Posted By: DJVCuda
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:43 AM
how about the machining?
Posted By: Kam*Kuda
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:47 AM
Competition Automotive in Toronto area
They are local and have a decent reputation for quality work. They do all sorts of engines but they have done a good number of mopars.
Dwayne Porter did the heads and cam because he knows his stuff and no BS.
Posted By: Dabee
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:56 AM
When I lived in Michigan it was Best Machine. Now that I’m in Tennessee and stepped down to a slower car to run 1/8 mile on our local outlaw track I use a local guy here in town. Stan is 84 years old and got started building engines for the local moonshine runners many years ago. Why he is just down the road from me and all the locals highly recommended him. I have 271 passes on the engine and it is still going strong.
Posted By: jamesc
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:57 AM
me cause i'm a cheap SOB, hear too many horror stories and can't blame anyone else if it breaks. engine builders/machinist MUST make a profit, i don't have to. in NJ Weston machine is probably one of the best around though i've never used them. i have a friend that owns a shop and he helps me out.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:59 AM
Quote:
how about the machining?
I just changed shops for the machine work and it measured
fine..... but I wasnt real happy with the crank specs...
I would normally go .0005 more on both mains and rods
but I went with his advise.... we will see
Posted By: FY1TA
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 03:18 AM
Quote:
Best Machine in Detroit, because it never breaks and there is no one to blame.
Ditto
Posted By: '72CudaRacer
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 03:32 AM
I build my own engines. Also build my transmissions and rear end. I VERY RARELY farm out anything, but then, I am a heavy truck/diesel mechanic, with over 36 years experince.
My machine work is done by a machine shop less than 1/4 mile from my house/shop. EVERY one of the people that work at the machine shop are racers. I take my parts to them with specific instructions as to what I want done (clearances ect) and the parts are checked/measured by me when I receive them back.
But thats just me. I am amazed all the time by people that I race with that "turn key and push pedal" and can barely change their own oil. When something goes wrong, they take it to someone else to get it fixed.
Brian Dunnigan
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:00 AM
Quote:
I build my own engines. Also build my transmissions and rear end. I VERY RARELY farm out anything, but then, I am a heavy truck/diesel mechanic, with over 36 years experince.
My machine work is done by a machine shop less than 1/4 mile from my house/shop. EVERY one of the people that work at the machine shop are racers. I take my parts to them with specific instructions as to what I want done (clearances ect) and the parts are checked/measured by me when I receive them back.
But thats just me. I am amazed all the time by people that I race with that "turn key and push pedal" and can barely change their own oil. When something goes wrong, they take it to someone else to get it fixed.
Brian Dunnigan
Easier done than said when your a mechanic. 
Posted By: 64dodge572
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:17 AM
Best Machine, hands down. After a bad experience with another well-know shop, Pete and Chuck delivered what they said they would, nothing left to chance. A cam change, a ring combination that seals, the BEST customer support and knowledge on helping to tune the motor in the car, and I have picked up three tenths, from a previous best of 7.72 @ 180, to 7.42 @187, and we are not done tuning yet! I really feel I have got what I paid for. Not the cheapest, and a 3 1/2 hour drive, but definately the BEST!
Wayne Brewer
Posted By: Hemi Allstate
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:37 AM
I like to build my own, and research what goes into it. For me it is a large part of the experience, and gratification when successful. I am always learning, and enjoy that as well.
I am using two local machine shops for the short block work, but I am impressed with the head work I have had done by MCH.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:42 AM
Opel Engineering in Streamwood, IL. Ted raced a S/S Barracuda back in the day, wouldn't go to anyone else.
Posted By: DemonDust
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:42 AM
Quote:
Me/Dad, because when it breaks we know exactly who to blame!
X2..... And I enjoy doing It.
My buddy Tim Gritzmacher does my machine work.
Posted By: Cab_Burge
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:43 AM
Posted By: hudsonhornet7x
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:44 AM
Would you guys trust Compu-Flow to build an engine? I am in the market and they are fairly close.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:47 AM
Quote:
Would you guys trust Compu-Flow to build an engine? I am in the market and they are fairly close.
A lot of folk will tell you they are top notch.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:54 AM
Quote:
This is sorta a spin off from the last thread I had in the subject.
Who is your engine builder / machinist & why do you use them? Moore Machine/they build good engines
Do you travel or have one local? Local
What aspects made your decision? Recommended by a trusted source.
Modern equipment? ( CNC? ) no
Price? Reasonable
Dyno? No
Reputation? Very good
Word of mouth? Very good
Advertising?
word of mouth only, cash only, booked out three months, just a husband and wife team who are honest and do good work.
Posted By: CrAzYMoPaRGuY
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:56 AM
I've always built my own engines, did my own machine work etc on every car I ran/built, but when I did my Hemi for my Coupe I chose to have it built- went with Barton for his reputation.
Posted By: justinp61
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 05:03 AM
Tuckers Machine in Murray KY does all my machine work
. I do all my assembly because I'm too tight to pay someone else, plus there is no one I trust to build my stuff. This way I know EXACTLY what everything measures and what the clearences are.
Posted By: 1967Valiant
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 05:36 AM
I just drove 1000 miles to have Competition Wedge in NY build mine. I did this because of his rep and I have not heard one person say anything bad about him. I talked with a few people I know in NE and everyone up there says he one of best builders around. I also kinda like him even though he ate all my cheese fries and drank my bear.
Posted By: dartman366
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 06:05 AM
I also do my own research and assembly work, but have my machine work done by Shade Racing Engines in Bellville Oh,,he's not cheap, he's not fast, but dang is he good.
Posted By: 383man
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 06:32 AM
I build my own engs as I do all the work on my cars including the trans and rears. I do use my brother for some machine work as he has alot of machine shop machines from when he had his own shop. On my last eng I did use Dwayne Porter for my head work and cam specs. I used to like to port my own heads but not now with my bad back. And Dwayne is the best at what he does and a nice guy to deal with. I may have to have my son do work on my car as I get older do to health problems (knees and back) but I love doing all my own work as long as I can. And I never turn down advise because no matter how good you are you can always learn more. Ron
Posted By: Twostick
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 06:55 AM
Hewitt Automotive Machine. Brockville Ontario. Builds championship winning 2.5 and 5L hydroplane engines Oswego supermodified engines and antique boat engines nobody has ever heard of such as Kermath Packard 4M2500 and St Lawrence Engine. Also Daytona Superbike Harley heads and killer Flathead Fords.
Kevin
Posted By: HEMIFRED
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 11:35 AM
I use 4 builders now all for different types.
like doctors they are specialists
Bob George does the S&M Duster motor. Not a car in the world when I hammer it to death and over 250 passes never missed a beat.Reliable and near bullet proof
Darren Tedder aka DTHEMI his numbers explain it all. His 653 1250 HP all motor. My 604 1180- all motor
John Burris my partner does the turbo hemi motors
Dave Heitz 'CHRISTINE" owner blown alky stuff. His new car just ran 4.08 second time out
Posted By: gregsdart
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 12:04 PM
I started doing my own for budget reasons, then to make sure it was right. Everything still needs checking, and I would not build another motor without at least a very good set of mikes and dial bore gauge.
Posted By: Dragula
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 12:56 PM
I use Farley's for all my engine and trans work because I have never killed one of his transmissions, and the engines are spot on.
If there is a glitch, he will make it right. 11.13 at 122mph in a 3900lb street car at 484 cubes, 10.10 at 135mph in a 3000lb pump gas back half race car.
I also get to help assemble and verify everything along the way.
Lastly, he lets me race all the cars he owns.....
Posted By: Commando1
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 01:37 PM
Me because it's more satisfying than anything in the world including sex. Sex always has it's costs far higher than any engine you'll build.
Posted By: FlyFish
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 01:46 PM
I build my own for many reasons...a few of those are: I'm cheap, I'm a perfectionist, and I have no one to blame if it breaks except me....and I like the satisfaction of knowing that I built it.
Posted By: LA360
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:47 PM
I used to have a friend do machine work for me (Custom Engines here in Melbourne AU). He was far from cheap, but did alot of high end stuff, including the first 6 second Pro Stock car in Australia. We had a falling out (more so him than me anyway), so I will be looking around for a new machine shop. My old machinist's brother and I have talked about setting up a shop, but that is a long ways off at the moment.
The engine assembly I usually do myself, I am a CNC Machinist and I am fussy. I am happy spending the extra time getting stuff 100% to my satisfaction, whereas a shop would go broke doing the same thing. In saying that, I was lazy and got my fore mentioned friend (Con Sagiaris) to put my current engine together. He is one of the few engine builders I trust, most of them down here are hacks, there is far too much near enough is good enough. But I could probably say the same for engine builders in other parts of the world.
Posted By: mark42202
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 02:48 PM
I use a local guy who used to run one of the most renowned machine shops in the country. He has started off on his own now and wishes to stay relatively unknown for the time being due to not wanting to be swamped before he is ready for a flood of work. I trust him implicitly as he has more knowledge about race engines and heads than anyone I've ever met... not to mention, he will travel to any race with you and crew chief your car to do everything possible to make sure you make it to the winner's circle. He's not cheap, obviously, but for what he provides, it's worth every penny and then some! Even on a simple cam swap/ ring replacement on my street car, he drove 40 minutes to my house and degreed the cam, set the rockers, and basically just double checked everything on my engine, no charge. I had to force him to accept gas money!! Now THAT is customer service!!
Posted By: Joes66dart
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:29 PM
Horsepower Sales out of cincy, Ohio. Terry is a great guy and tells it how it is. We just put a motor in the car that he built and is been freaking great. He is a Mopar guy which helps but he builds all kinds, plus he has a dyno in house.
Posted By: sixpackgut
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 04:42 PM
Dan because he is way more anal than me
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 05:24 PM
I chose Performance Only to build my stroker smallblock for reasons in addition to his depth of knowledge, super-human attention to detail, and decades of engine experience. I know Dan on a personal level, and he is a man of high moral character, honesty, and integrity. He answers his phone, and he spends the time to keep you completely informed of the progress of your engine. For me, choosing Performance Only was a no brainer.
Posted By: 383man
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 07:11 PM
....and I like the satisfaction of knowing that I built it.
That is true. The pride of knowing you did it yourself. You made it run 12's or 10's or whatever. I knew when I was 13 years old I wanted to build my own cars from the tires to the 600 hp eng or how ever much hp. 
I went to auto shop in school as I told myself then I wanted to be the best I can and I made myself study and learn as much as my brain would let me. I learned to be the best tech I can and found out along the way I love electrical work also. I am not a pro eng builder who does eng building for a living but I was a pro ASE tech most of my life and did build alot of engines that were stock or modified some as mild bracket engines but no top fuel or pro stock engines. I wanted to be able to say I made it run what it does. And for the life of me I could not understand how so many of my friends that were techs paid someone else to build their engines. 
I mean in my eyes I studied and became a tech to build my own engines. I would feel bad if as a tech I had to pay someone to build my engines because I could not. I know alot of techs who only do and learn just enough to do the daily job in the shop they work at and thats it. Many did not even try and learn engine overhauls done right. I would not be a tech if I did not build my own engines. But I do realize that most drag racers are not techs for a living. Ron
Posted By: 68valiant68
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/20/12 07:16 PM
Bob George! His attention to detail, and the quality of his work is second to none in my book.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 12:49 AM
I have Dan at performance Only doing my 588" blown Stage V Hemi. He was willing to work with me on my time line and has been very helpful so far. I bought the heads and will be getting the Stage V rocker assembly from FHO, who have also been very helpful but unfortunately the build cost was a little too much for me. I have also had helpful advise from Bob George. I would like to add that Dan has also given me a lot of his time on the phone discussing the build so my hard earned money is in his hands.
Posted By: maximum entropy
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 12:55 AM
me because i trust no one else, but i'm getting so i don't trust myself anymore. gonna have to move to florida.
Posted By: BIGSTROKER
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 01:19 AM
I build my own because that's the only way I can sleep
Phil Miller in Haverhill Mass does or did the machine work but has retaired so now I am looking for a machine shop
Posted By: Crizila
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 02:24 AM
Quote:
Me/Dad, because when it breaks we know exactly who to blame!
Posted By: fourgearsavoy
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 02:28 AM
Quote:
Would you guys trust Compu-Flow to build an engine? I am in the market and they are fairly close.
I trust Nick 100% with all my stuff He does my cylinder head work but I do all of my own assembly work with parts supplied and checked by him.
Here is a cool vid of his personal Max-Wedge car http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTdwZLrstPk
He can build some good horsepower
Gus
Posted By: Eric
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 02:38 AM
Bob George...he needs someone to verbally abuse..
Posted By: Kevins493
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 03:13 AM
Have you learned to weld yet at least?
We use BGR as well as Bub Whitaker (sp?) at Burtonsville Performance Machine here local. Both are very good.
Posted By: mopartoby
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 04:05 AM
Build all my own stuff except for my new 605. Gave that to mike at muscle motors because i live in canada and he was the only engine builder to return my call. Plus i heard lots of good things about them.
Posted By: Palindrome Cuda
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 06/21/12 11:54 AM
Bob George Racing, see the way to get him to do it is to hide out behind the hog pen. As soon as you see a spot open up in that sanitary shop you sneek your car in ( He always has so many to work on he won't notice one more) then you sneek it back out !
Posted By: sogtx
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 07/14/12 12:46 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Would you guys trust Compu-Flow to build an engine? I am in the market and they are fairly close.
I trust Nick 100% with all my stuff He does my cylinder head work but I do all of my own assembly work with parts supplied and checked by him.
Here is a cool vid of his personal Max-Wedge car http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTdwZLrstPk
He can build some good horsepower
Gus
Id love to put these things together myself for the satisfaction ,but theres gonna be that One detail that i didnt learn in chucks book or saw on moparts that makes me lose oil pressure . I fix
Hvac systems proffessionally , and assemble cars for a hobby. Ill let the proffessionals build my junk so i can enjoy it when im not working. I do change my own oil , head gaskets and adjust my own rocker arms . But theres not enough time in the day . Ive been dialing in my bellhousing on a project for two weeks at 5 minutes at a time each day ... Some otger thing just need to be farmed out..
CompuFlow ----
Nick is a standup guy , didnt see him at carlisle , is he ok ??
He did a great stroker for me thats held up in at least 200 passes or more, and supposedly still spinning.
Competition wedge is practically next door to me , i havent
Done anything but buy a tuning video from him, but his correspondence with a 3o dollar video was excellent, i can imagine its even better with an engine build.
If you can find someone with half a reputation and
Does it himself and returns their calls , thats half the battle.
Its crazy that when youre a builder , you have to be a salesman , and a consultant , all in an 8 hr day. No wonder why these builds take so long sometimes... But its usually worth the wait.
I have a fresh BOb Repine engine thats going in next
I cant wait to finish that project car, Bob is semi retired ex hemi racer that paid attention to detail . Its too bad that people want to slow down when their close to full retirement. He is a talented builder ...
A big name shop that does major production relies on their employees
Who might be texting their girlfriends while checking clearances,- might not be a good choice - unless they have a no question warantee.. But it sucks to yank an engine
Wait for repairs , transport, then reinstall. For some people,
That coukd turn into a year project. 
Id refer two more reputable people on a pm basis, but they might be busy , i would consult with them before referring on a post on moparts . Pm for info .. Know someone close to you
Who is reputable.
Posted By: Moparnut426
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 07/14/12 01:52 PM
Me, because I want to know if its was close or perfect.
I have a good machinist, Dan at performance only.
Posted By: smokinwoody
Re: Who is YOUR engine builder & why? - 07/14/12 02:30 PM
Midwest Engine Tech, in Mokena, Illinois is my engine builder..
why:..they are straight up, won't lie to you...Honesty is important even if a mistake is made
they have good machinery, know what they are doing, dyno their engines..
will sit and hear what you want exactly and they are NOT arrogant....
if you have a change or want a specific part or parts, they will tell you if they are good or what works...
my 499 is at their shop being created into a pump gas friendly go fast engine...different this go around..
