Southern California Area Southern California Members.

Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 2, 2015 | 11:56 AM
  #1  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

I have some 305 heads I am thinking of doing, getting ported etc, and swapping out my cam, and new intake gasket needs done, basically get the top end redone. Besides Dyno Don( he is currently overwhelmed with work), anyone have any suggestions?

I looked around the site, but really didn't see any good or solid info, so if you have a link to another thread that would be great.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2015 | 10:34 PM
  #2  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

I was also thinking, instead of getting 2k deep into my 305, to do a 350 swap, I can't afford a LS swap...I don't think, I have no idea of the costs, as I would have to pay someone to do it 100%
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2015 | 05:03 PM
  #3  
thtanner's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Also interested to hear who does a good rebuild in case Dyno Don isn't available. My L98 needs a rebuild as she's developed a knock.. (bummer, right?) I want to keep her stock boringly enough, so I guess it's time to call around.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2015 | 08:20 PM
  #4  
Dyno Don's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,703
Likes: 132
From: Orange, CA
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Mike:
I have a used 350 long block that would just need rings and bearings. ('92)
I could probably find time to freshen it and install.

Which car ...the '86?
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2015 | 09:09 PM
  #5  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Originally Posted by Dyno Don
Mike:
I have a used 350 long block that would just need rings and bearings. ('92)
I could probably find time to freshen it and install.

Which car ...the '86?
Hes alive!! lol, yeah the 86, that sounds good, send me a PM with the details when you get the time. I am curious as to the details and estimated cost Thanks

Last edited by ledman66; Jul 3, 2015 at 09:47 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2015 | 11:36 AM
  #6  
thtanner's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. I'm wanting to get my rebuild done by the end of the month at the very latest, and Don seems quite busy.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2015 | 10:18 AM
  #7  
thtanner's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

I'm going to start calling around at 9. Will post up any relevant info I find in case anyone else is looking for a rebuild as well.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2015 | 03:18 PM
  #8  
Kevin91Z's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Don is one of the best thirdgen/TPI mechanics in southern california, so yes he is busy.

I have a couple customers of mine who might be able to help though.

L & R Automotive

http://lnrengine.com/index.html

Tell Derek that Kevin from Manley sent you.

Also Redline Engines: http://www.redlineperformanceonline.com/
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2015 | 06:36 PM
  #9  
thtanner's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Just a follow-up to this post. I had Coast Motor Supply in Canoga Park do the rebuild for me. They had the car since last Wednesday and finished her today; I pick her up in the AM.

It wasn't a cheaprebuild, but definitely necessary as I had a cracked cylinder head I found out. It was done right with ACDelco parts, except for the IAC which I opted for a house brand for budgetary reasons.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2015 | 08:55 PM
  #10  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Originally Posted by thtanner
Just a follow-up to this post. I had Coast Motor Supply in Canoga Park do the rebuild for me. They had the car since last Wednesday and finished her today; I pick her up in the AM.

It wasn't a cheaprebuild, but definitely necessary as I had a cracked cylinder head I found out. It was done right with ACDelco parts, except for the IAC which I opted for a house brand for budgetary reasons.
Thats cool, good to know, glad you got it done so quickly
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2015 | 10:14 AM
  #11  
Dyno Don's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,703
Likes: 132
From: Orange, CA
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Originally Posted by ledman66
Thats cool, good to know, glad you got it done so quickly
Mike:

I have this 350 I am putting together for you, do you still want it for the '88?
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2015 | 01:00 PM
  #12  
thtanner's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

I took my rebuild out last night and she ran GREAT. No odd leaks, noises, anything.

Two big thumbs up for Coast Motor Supply.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2015 | 09:49 PM
  #13  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Originally Posted by Dyno Don
Mike:

I have this 350 I am putting together for you, do you still want it for the '88?
Sending you a pm Don
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2015 | 05:57 PM
  #14  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Well I'm guessing I'm stuck with my 305 I don't think I can afford to swap my car from TBI to TPI. Don says its allot of work and costly.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2015 | 06:14 PM
  #15  
Long Beach Z-28's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Fulshear, TX
Car: 89 IROC Z-28
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: A4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Originally Posted by ledman66
Well I'm guessing I'm stuck with my 305 I don't think I can afford to swap my car from TBI to TPI. Don says its allot of work and costly.
Perhaps, buy well worth the money and piece of mind that it will be done correctly as Don always stands behind his work.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2015 | 07:14 PM
  #16  
ledman66's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
Car: '85 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LG4 4BBL
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Good engine builder, machine shop in OC?

Originally Posted by Long Beach Z-28
Perhaps, buy well worth the money and piece of mind that it will be done correctly as Don always stands behind his work.
Well Dons work isn't in question its if my bank account can handle it
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
italiano67
Tech / General Engine
8
Dec 11, 2016 09:21 AM
IROCZ1989
North East Region
7
Jan 24, 2016 03:55 PM
sailtexas186548
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
8
Jan 19, 2016 12:21 PM
db057
Tech / General Engine
4
Aug 22, 2015 08:17 PM
bradleydeanuhl
DFI and ECM
4
Aug 12, 2015 11:48 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:41 PM.