Machine shop and tuner near Rancho Cucamonga? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

gmendoza · 07-20-2009, 01:14 PM

So my brother's GTA needs an engine rebuild. Can someone recommend a fair reliable machine shop near Rancho Cucamonga?

Also, is there anyone locally that tunes or are we stuck burning our own proms?

And lastly, your input on building a budget-minded, smog-legal TPI would be very much appriciated here:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tp...nded-smog.html (Proven budget-minded smog-legal TPI build?)

Thanks.

Kevin91Z · 07-20-2009, 06:07 PM

Dyno Don is the best thirdgen mechanic around here, but as such his wait list is a mile long.

The only place I know of in Rancho Cucamonga is Don Lee Auto: http://www.donleeauto.com/ The 4th gen guys like him but I dont know how his thirdgen knowledge is.

As far as custom chips, that is my speciality.

A budget engine?

350 block
Stock heads with Manley spring/retainer/rocker stud upgrade
Manley valve upgrade
LT1 or ZZ4 camshaft
Port-matched stock TPI intake
Hooker 2055 or Dyno Don headers
Magnaflow cats

gmendoza · 07-21-2009, 09:30 AM

Thanks Kevin, I'll guess I'll be using your services in the near future.

Also, about what will a combo you described put down power wise? By upgrading the valves, bigger or just stainless?

Kevin91Z · 07-23-2009, 01:26 PM

With the LT1 cam I'd say about 230-240 RWHP.

With the ZZ4 cam I'd guess 250-260 RWHP.

I'd suggest using Manley street-flow 1.94/1.50 valves like Julie has. Part number 10721-8 and 10722-8. You could upgrade to 2.02/1.60 but I wouldnt recommend spending the money to have the seats upgraded on stock heads.

gmendoza · 07-28-2009, 10:14 AM

Thanks Kevin. I think we'll go with a ZZ4 cam.

gmendoza · 08-01-2009, 02:59 PM

Would Vortec heads/base with minor port matching and siamesed runners flow that much better over ported,worked TPI heads/base and siamesed runners to justify the extra cost of new heads and base on a ZZ4 cam?

Thanks

Kevin91Z · 08-07-2009, 12:38 AM

It depends on whether or not you want the extra hassle of getting an aftermarket Edelbrock intake and running an exhaust tube from your headers to the EGR port on the back of the intake.

Don made some nice horsepower with Vortec heads and a ZZ9 camshaft. I cant remember what those numbers were but he went 13.01 @ 101 at Fontana.

My best with Corvette heads and a ZZ4 cam was 282 RWHP and 380 RWTQ, and 13.23 @ 107.50 at Carlsbad.

gmendoza · 08-07-2009, 08:25 AM

Thanks Kevin. Thats the reason I'n not too sold on the Vortec heads; the EGR hassle. Did you do anything to the L98 heads other than springs and valves?

Kevin91Z · 08-14-2009, 04:48 PM

Yes, they were heavily ported. Now they're on Julie's engine.