Not sure if this is the right place to post this but I'm looking for recommendations for a good engine builder/rebuilder near Philly - I live north of Philly (zip 19438 - Harleysville, PA) and south of Allentown, PA.

I've got an 88 Iroc Convertible with a 305 TPI. It's got about 150K on the clock and wanted to get lined up with an engine rebuilder. I'm not looking for the cheapest, just someone who won't rip me off and reliable.

I'm not looking to do an engine swap, just wanted to get the motor rebuilt, probably swap in an LT1 Cam, Rockers, port the heads and install an exhaust (headers, Y-Pipe and Cat-back). I'm only looking for about 250HP - don't want to worry about going through trannys or rear ends.

I would prefer a professional shop (to hopefully get a warrantee) but I would even consider a good "backyard" mechanic as long as I can get some recommendations from this board. We can work out the details.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Talk to a guy named Damon. He's on here all the time. He lives in Philly and has been helping folks on this forum for a long time. He's a really good guy and will steer you straight.

PM him, he's listed in the member's section under Damon.

 

That's a little ways north up the extension from me. I'm actually closer to Wilmington, DE. I'll ask around and see if any of my buddys have a recommendation for that area. My favorite shop is Blitz in Kennett Square, PA. That's quite a ways from you. Besides, they're building me a 4.3L V6 to go import-bashing with at the drags this spring in a Fiero. So you can't have them now. Heh heh.

Shoot me an email. If I run across a good recommendation I'll get back in touch with you.

 

I live in Philly and asked the same question with some hot rodders down there. The only one I have come up with that seems to be any good (so far anyway) is Frank Bash. I got the name from a kid who had them build a 600HP 406 engine for his '57 Bel Air. I foudn this info on a Google search:

Frank Bash Engines
1907 W Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA 19047
(215) 750-1771

 

Hey, I'm from Harleysville myself, small world. Doug Meyers over in Schwenksville is the man to see in our area. He builds most of the circle track motors that race around here. His business name is Automotive Machine Services. His shop is right off Township Line Rd. I can get his phone# from my buddy who had his 302 SBF built by him. Another buddy of mine got a nasty 331 SBF stroker done by him. He's not the cheapest around but he really knows his stuff.

 

How much did he charge your buddies for their motors? I'm just looking for order of magnitude so I know how much I better start saving

Thanks!

 

The one 302 shortblock was about $2200 That included a pair of Edelbrock heads, Motorsport cam, balance & blueprint, bearings rings, gaskets, etc. The 331 stroker is total different story, that was about $5600. He originally took a 302 roller block to Doug & found it was cracked. He ended up buying a new Motorsport block, E-brock heads, Crower crank, rods, Probe pistons, yadda yadda, all new from scratch.

 

Rick - thanks for the info. Tough break with your buddy's 331 - ouch $5600

Did the $2200 include pulling the engine and putting it back in or was it just to assemble the engine? Kinda hoping it does but have a feeling not......

 

That $2200 was just for the parts & shortblock machining & assembly. Me & my buddy assembled the heads, valvetrain, etc. & installed it in the car.