Any advice on what to look for or what questions to ask an engine builder that would make the task of choosing the right one easier?

I've got some prices on getting the block machined...anyone have a price range on what I should expect to pay for getting the block magged, baked, bored .30, line honed w/torque plates, stroker clearanced, assembly balanced etc....? Also what's the average price for splayed main 4 bolt caps and getting then installed?

Can anyone recommend any good engine builders in the Chicago/Illinois area????

Thanks,
- Joel

 

When i chose a machine shop, the most important question i asked was:

Can i see some of your previous work? Talk to some of your previous clients?

Look at it and ask yourself, "Would i put this under my hood?"

 

Go hang out at your local circle track. Buy a pit pass. Talk to some of the guys that are winning, and find out who does their work. Go there andpay what they ask (don't try to chisel them on their price), and you'll probably get the best possible bang for the buck.

 

Like already said, go to the local tracks and see who those guys use. That is the best way to see what kind of shop they are, is if guys who rely on that stuff use them. The local circle track or drag strip should be your best bet!!!

 

WHat they said!!!!!!!!!

 

Joel- you're getting good advice. I'll just add that you should always BUY LOCAL! Too many mail-order horror stories.

Like Mario Andretti says: "If you have a problem you can take it back where it come from because you know where it come from."

 

That's AJ Foyt in the Craftsman ads.... let's hope neither he nor Mario is a regular on this site!!!

 

True true true. It was AJ, not Mario. Mario doesn't talk like a good 'ol boy.

 

If anyone needs an engine builder in the Pennsylvania area, Ray Lombardo.