Ok..here's the details. I'm getting a 350 engine put in for $1500 bucks with a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty from Thunderbolt Motor and Transmission" Now, is there anyone here from the Houston area? If so, you'll recognize the whole "We put the yeeehaa! back in your motor and transmission". Well, if so, does anyone have any opinions on this company? Good and bad takes welcomed.

 

my friend knows one of the mechanics and he says it is a good reputable place

Brett

 

Thanks Brett. I talked to them again, and we're probably throwing in the engine first thing in March.

Steve

 

i just got done pulling my motor out of my 86tpi transam and i am going to finish making my other 355 complete to throw in there. what part of houston are you from??

 

I'm in the Willowbrook/Klein area. I saw a very nice trans am yesterday, and at first I didnt like transams....but this car made me change my mind. Transams look really nice when they're fixed up.

 

hey m.black,
I live in the Sugarland area and I seen that dam commercial for 25 years. I am restoring an 85 IROC and I have been looking into Precision Engine off 45N and 610. I vistited them and they have a good range of performance parts / engines for a good price. You may want to call them too. I cant afford a mortage, car payments , wife and kids and a 3k motor. (Cost for a good 350 built from the best). I would trust them.
What kind of 350 are they droppin ?

 

As far as I know, its a bone stock 350. These guys from Thunderbolt are pretty good and very nice. They are going to throw in a rebuilt 350 with new heads, use my old intake manifold, valve covers, etc...since I'm coming from the horrific LG4 305. Also, when I talked to them, they mention that while out they would inspect all other parts of my engine components, (radiator, water pump, tranny, etc.) just to make sure everything will run smooth. These guys have been around for a long time, and I'm guessing becuase they have good business and a great reputation.

As for Precision Engine, I havent heard of them till now. I'll look into it tomorrow. Those guys have good prices? Most of the parts I'll need when I throw in the engine, (I want to dress it up before they slap it in with chrome accessories), I'll have to get shipped from Summit, Jegs, and other places. If I can get my parts locally from those guys, I'd surely go with them.

Steve

 

Precision has a several 350 engines to choose from. I think you can get a slightly modified 350 installed for around 1700. I was looking at a 305 "HO" installed for 1500.00. However I want a 350 and it will be a little more without a core to turn in. They have stock 350's and Modified 350's. I would call them just to ask some questions and check out the website @ www.precisionengine.com They also have a year warranty to match what your looking at. I am replacing all accessories with new ones (water pump, power steering, radiator.....) So I am not sure on how closely they check.

 

Alright. I'm checkin out that website now. Was 1700 the price with the core or not? If not, what was the core charge for the 305?

 

I was given the price for the 305 HO installed for 1500. To upgrade to a 350 was a difference in that they could not give me the core charge credit. So I would have to pay outright for the 350.

 

Alright. Just talked to them. Thanks for showing me these guys!

Well, I was told that a 350HO engine with core and with installation would cost $1804 plus tax. Which is pretty good for an H.O. engine. I was going to go to Thunderbolt, but they're chargin me somwhere around 2000 dollars for a stock 350 installed. So...looks like I'm heading to Precision. You wouldnt happen to know how much horsepower a 350 H.O. engine comes with would you?

BTW...this quote was for the 80-85 350 H. O. engine.

 

they do really good work so I think you will be happy with their quality. From what I understand the heads have better flow and the cam has a little lift to it. You would have to ask but I would say 230-250 at the flywheel. Thats about 190-200 RW HP. Not bad compared to the 120 RW hp that you currently have. Let me know how it goes. I will be doing the motor last. I am currently installing Baer 12' brakes on all 4 and rebuilding the front end and rear suspension with all aftermarket / HP parts.

 

Yea. I'm probably heading to them. I'll be installing the engine early March. I'll probably add a few mods soon after I get the engine. New air cleaner, better intake, new ignition ...stuff like that.

I've been looking for a place that sells Baer brake kits for our cars but still havent come across one. Who did you buy from? Are you using those sweet four piston calipers?

 

You buy them direct from Baer in AZ. I just called and ordered. Its steep (1800 bucks) but thats one upgrade that I couldnt skimp on. www.baer.com

 

Sorry, I didnt answer your question. The brakes are the "track kit" that has 2 pistons. the 4 piston are mega bucks and unnecessary for a daily driver. If I was rich I would but them for kicks.

 

Let me know as soon as you get those installed. I really want to convert all brakes on mine cause as you know, the stocks are terrible.

Have you ever bought from Spohn?

I'm going to be redoing my suspension very soon, and I'm planning on heading on Spohn subframe connectors, trailing arms, sway bar, LCA relocation kits, Eibach Sport-Line lower kit, probably also rebuilt the front steering components also. I want everything converted to polyurethane. What do ya think?

 

I am purchasing (tomorrow finally) front end rebuild kit from PST (159.00) , and then to add new bearings, idler arms, inner tie rods, centerlink and adjusting sleeves. This will cover my entire front end(156.00). The rear suspension has a new panhard bar, LCA (Spohn, 105.00), and shocks / struts (Tokico 290.00 from SHOX.com), and Sub Frames. I am having the front end and brakes installed by a speed shop in North Houston. Hes charging about 500 labor. I actually have the ability to do the rear suspension myself. I would follow suit with replacing all possible componets in the front end so that it will never have to be done again. I plan on making mine a daily driver so I want it to last. You are on the right track !
If you dont want to drop the 2k on the brakes Year One has a front disc upgrade kit for 250.00 that replaces the hardware, pads and rotors with a plated / slotted one. I considered this but I can sqeak the Baer so I am doing it. I have 140k on the body so it needs the upgrades.

 

Mean Z,
I am looking for a paint shop that can paint my IROC this summer. The body is 95% perfect. I just need a good job but I am only going to be able to spend around 1200.00.
Any one you know here in Houston ?

 

Hmmm. Earl Shibe...lol. Just kiddin.

But seriously, I'll look around for you. I'm being taught currently from the head painter of Awesome Transformations, a shop off of 1960 a little west of highway 249. I'm painting my ride black, and I'm probably going to do it myself. If I can't find you a guy by then, and I paint my car, and it comes out looking great, hey, never know! If I picked up on painting well, I'd happily paint any thirdgen for a tiny bit over cost. But that's just if I'm good at it. lol.

I have bad news though. My boss at work the other day backed into my ride in the parking lot. My whole cowl from Summit is ruined, so it my front nose, and a fender. The insurance adjuster was supposed to come over and check it out and cut me a check today, but that fell through. So now I'm waiting. I was hoping to get in touch with you guys this weekend and cruise too. But I'm set back. You can't imagine how badly I wanted to cuss out my boss, but it doesn't take a genious to figure out that that would be a bad idea.

Conversion kit from year one huh? Isn't year one an online company? Do they have a rear drum to disc conversion kit?

 

By the way, who is PST?