Engine builder?

Simon · 12-31-03, 01:12 PM

Can anyone recommend an engine builder in the Essex/Kent/London area of the UK that doesn't charge an arm and a leg? Thanks
Simon

JOSEPH · 12-31-03, 02:39 PM

SIMON, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ENGINE TO REBUILD AND WANT A NEW ONE, FORD HAS COME OUT WITH A NEW SVT CRATE MOTOR. I THINK IT IS A 302 STROKED TO 347 AND IS RATED FOR 450 HP. IT IS SUPPOSED TO COME COMPLETE EXCEPT CARBERATOR. MSD, HEADS, INTAKE. FORDS CRATE MOTORS ARE UNDERATED SO IT PROBABLY HAS MORE HP. PRICE IN US $6,500. NOT BAD FOR DROP IN AND GO GO GO. JOE [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Bigend · 01-01-04, 06:00 AM

Hi Simon, sorry to be a bit negative, but if an engine builder does not cost an arm and a leg, then he is probably skimping on the pre-build preparation of the parts, which will undoubtedly be more costly in the end. Best to go to someone who is really good and recommended for his skills and reliability than one who is recommended for his cheapness.
Best of luck, Mike

Simon · 01-01-04, 06:07 AM

Mike, yes you're right, I didn't mean it to sound quite like that. I've already had the engine together and running once, but it has developed a slight noise that I'm not happy with so I've torn it down again. I'm looking for someone who'll reassemble it for me without thinking I'm made of money and can charge what they like.

Bigend · 01-01-04, 06:48 AM

Simon, I suggest you contact Malcolm Macadam, he will put you in touch with his builder.

Mike

Ron Earp · 01-01-04, 08:31 AM

I would avoid Ford's crate motors. Lots of folks have had problems with them and they have no warranty (go check the Cobra forums and www.corral.net). That being said, Ford has been pretty good about replacing some of them even though they have no warranty. They aren't all bad, it is just that a few too many have had spun bearings, improper torques applied to important bolts, that sort of thing.

However, for the money, a good builder can build you a better motor than what Ford supplies. $6,500 is a reasonable sum for a motor and it is more than I paid for my all new forged 342.

I've met Malcolm's builder and he is a good guy that knows what he is doing. He's knowlegable and cares about what he produces. If I were in the UK I'd certainly use him.

Dan Weilacher · 01-01-04, 11:23 AM

If you do buy a Ford crate motor follow some good basic rules. Pull the pan, take the rotating assy. to a shop, have it balanced with your flywheel, check your clearances and torque all bolts correctly . That should take care of any concerns and cost would be minimal. regards, Dan

mlevea · 01-01-04, 11:53 AM

Consider coasthigh.com

I've found they offer considerable bang for the buck. The cost saving may offset shipping. I received a 50K mile warranty with my stroker which I thought was quite substantial.

Marty handled my build and was always helpful when I needed extra information. I have no affiliation with these folks.

Mark

Ron Earp · 01-01-04, 01:03 PM

Forgot about that, good reason to use a builder - you've got to get it balanced. I just sent all my stuff before the build thus you don't have costs associated with assembly and disassembly.

Brian Kissel · 01-01-04, 01:40 PM

I don't know about Fords crate motors, but GM (Chevy) at one time had a lot of trouble also. When things were sorted out it was found that they were using engines or components of them from engines that had trouble on the assembly line. These were pulled off the line and were made into Targetmaster and then later crate motors. After considerable failures and bad press, the problem was corrected and it is rare to hear of problems with their crate motors. I especially like the new 720hp 572cu.in. crate motor just released.
Regards Brian

Simon · 01-01-04, 02:12 PM

Thanks for the advice guys, how can I get in touch with Malcolm Macadam?
I had all the rotating assy balanced when I had the block machined, including clutch and cover.
I'm in the UK so using an engine builder in the Us could prove a tad expensive.
Simon

Bigend · 01-01-04, 03:44 PM

Best way to get hold of Malcolm is to send him a private email via this board. He is the moderator of the GTD section.
regards, Mike [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

JP · 01-02-04, 08:27 AM

The same person who built Malcolm's engine also built mine. His name is Dave Millam of "She Devil Racing". His ability to build strong, reliable and very powerful engines is unquestionable.

He does a great deal of work for GTD club members. Knows his stuff!

His number 01892 661245

He offers good value.

I did look at crate engines, importing etc. I was not prepared to potentially throw money away. Dave builds engines to spec. I asked for a high reving 450hp unit. That is exactly what I got. Dynoed at 449HP. - 6800RPM.

Something else to consider. Someone like Dave Millam relies on reputation, not volume of sales. You therefore get a suberbly built engine. Not something that has been thrown togther on a "production line".

Can't say much more than that! Ring him! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Regards,

J.P