OK I need some major help guys.... I met a guy on this board that is willing to build me a 500 Hp 383. He is an engine builder in Migchigan, and I live in Boston. He says he can get it to me for 6300. I have his work phone #, his house phone # and address, oh and of course the address of the shop. Would you guys trust this? How would you secure a legit transaction? Would you expect a written contract or something? I have no idea what to do. The deal is great, I mean the engine is fully forged and has all great parts, he emailed me a list of parts too. He is even willing to give me his social security # if i want. Do I trust him?? Need your imput guys, I am 21 and building my first car. I don't know how these things work thx for the help

Call the better business bureau, and see if there are any complaints.

Check with the county clerk in the county the business is located in, and make sure there is indeed a business with that name.....

Who is it? I live in michigan. Where is this place?

"1141 colfax benton harbor MI 49022, The name of my company is Matthew Race Engines. You have my phone number, but if youd like it again its 269-927-1594. "


This was part of the PM he sent me.

ploegi if you can help me that would be increadible. The deal seems great and I really don't wanna pass up a good deal. If you know of this place, or can talk to buddies to see if they know.

I know it is a lot to ask, but could you give me a number to any one of those things you recomended to call. I guess I can look them up online, but I wouldn't really have any idea where to start to look, i guess google.

Anyways thanks sooo much for any assistance. THX again

Don't take his SS#. That could lead to accusations you don't want with the way identity theft is these days.

Ask for a contract with everything in writing. The parts to be used, cost for those parts, and labor. Review it and sign it, have him sign it. If he wants your business there shouldn't be a problem with that. If he refuses the contract, walk away. Include payment instructions also, warranty, and anything else you can think of. That way if there is a problem, you have a contract that can be used in court. $6300 is a lot of cheese.

That's EXACTLY what i want. Something I can use in court if worste come to worse.

I will def tell him about getting something typed up, even if it not 100% pro, checked out by a laywer. Just a parts list, labor list, warranty and how I would get the engine back to the builder if there is ever a major problem. And of course on of those statments that makes us both agree to the deal, and signatures as the most important part.

I will run the idea by the builder. I think this sould solve any problems

WWW: http://www.michiana.bbb.org
Email: info@michiana.bbb.org
Phone: (574)277-9121
Fax: (574)273-6666
207 Dixie Way North, Ste. 130
South Bend, IN 46637 -3360


Here is the information for the BBB serving this area, according to the BBB website. Searching their online database showed no results. Not sure if that is good or bad. Google search turned up nothing. Give the BBB a call, and see what they have to say.

Contract, or written estimate, sounds like a good plan.

Wow, thanks for all the help ploegi. Great help. And yeah, the contract that is signed by him seems to be a good way to go. I am not sure, but I think the buisness is not very old yet, so it might not come up anyplace yet. And yeah he doesn't have a web site.

Man if there was a website I would probably say it is all totally legit right away. Just a suggestion. Pictures are worth a thousand words

Website doesn't mean anything. As far as the BBB, either he hasn't registered or there have been no complaints. It is possible that it is a new business and he is a heck of guy to deal with(or the opposite). Just remeber to ask lots of questions and get a written estimate/contract for the service.

I know website doesn't mean much, but piece of mind. Most people that are gonna scam you most likely won't set up a website with details on parts and dyno sheets and stuff + you get a face to attach to the builder.

Anyways, I am having him send me a contract with a list of parts and work, not to mention his signature.


I think it is all workedout, I talk to him quite a bit now.

The only thing to consider, if you get a warranty, is that you'll have to ship the engine back. If he can recommend a local engine builder to handle any warranty claims, you're golden, otherwise it's useless, as you'll be shipping at $200 a pop.

yeah i know, thats ok. If you look into warranties there really isn't much to them. I am getting one from this guy, but look at other racing engine sites. None will pay for towing/removal, or re-instalation of the motor. Most won't even pay for the new part that is needed. All they do is pull the bad part and put the new one in for free. Big wup. I can have any place by me do that. The 200 shipping really doesn't phase me too much at all. I honestly don't think I am gonna be running the car that hard that I am gonna be poping pistons.

Take a look at Shafiroff race eng. thay have a 434 for $2700 more it comes with an after market block and intake and valve covers.It also makes 95hp more than the 383 you are talking about. A friend of mine used one of there eng. with great results and was very happy.This is just another option you may want to look into.

That sounds really really cheap. Any list of parts/phone #/website....anything, so i can call. I am gonna be making my final decition this week. Please help thx.

Just type in Shafiroff racing engines and just so you understand I was trying to say is there engine is $2700 more than your first post of $6200. For a total of $9000.00

Ooohhhh.... hehe. I thought you ment there was an engine on that site at that price. Cuz I checked and thought you had no idea what you were talking about. Anyways, I can't afford that now, but thanks for the heads up on that site. They look lke they really know what they are talking aobut.

I am buying the motor this week, I will keep you guys updated.

I'm going to move this over to the Mid-West board, I'm sure someone there has heard of these guys and/or can help you out.

sure if you want to. I am gonna buy the motor, this week, and post how it is in the next month. I guess my posts will help them more.

if you didnt buy the motor yet why not try golen engines. talk to chad over there. they are like 45 mins from boston. he built a 383 for me and i love it. i have no complaints whatsoever. their number is 800-591-9171

I have looked into it.

What kind of power?, was the motor complete?

Their motors are quite a bit more expensive and as they come, not forged.