Rebuilding a big block in the UK

John W · 07-16-06, 05:27 AM

Hi all,

I'm rebuilding an original 68 side oiler, and having a few difficulties trying to source parts.

I can buy all I want in the US, but am unsure what the story is regarding import duty, shipping costs, etc.
This is all for big bulky / heavy stuff like heads, manifold, etc.

Has anyone else been here, and have advice as to the best way to go about this ?

I've tried a few 'american engine specialists/suppliers' but all seem a bit unreceptive when I say its a BB FE engine.
I suspect if I went to the US and brought all the bits back in a suit case I might get stopped at customs

LeeA, I saw from your thread your putting a big block in your Tornado.
can you pm me your email address if possible please, as I'd love to have a chat with you regarding your engine.

Cheers,
John.

Colin Artus · 07-16-06, 07:22 AM

I rebuilt a side oiler back in the 80's and imported parts from the US. Pm me and we can chat.

Ron Earp · 07-16-06, 07:57 AM

Hi sfm6s - without a Display Name in your profile, people don't have anything to click on to PM you. Have a look at JohnW and my own, we have display names that can be clicked to contact us.

Ron

Colin Artus · 07-16-06, 10:09 AM

Sorted. Thanks

fostereast · 07-16-06, 10:45 AM

Not sure if this helps, but there are some good FE shops in the US,

Gessford, Kieth Craft are several. You can find links for these and maybe others in the club cobra forum. They might be doing work for people all over the world occasionally. Also there is a great FE forum, http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/ That many "back in the day" guys participate in. In this forum are several people from European countries that may be able to help you.

John W · 07-17-06, 04:19 AM

Thanks guys.

Colin, I will give you an email in a minute.

fostereast, I've looked at both Gessford and KiethCraft. I contacte Keith and he has been very helpful.
I've also looked at Summit who have most of what I want.

I've brought stuff into the UK from the US in the past, and got absolutely hammered on import duty. That's why I asked how others go about this, as I can't be the only one trying to do this. I have wondered if the likes of realSteel in the uk are cheaper than the diy route.

I did also put a post on the FE forum some time ago and got no responses at all. I suspect this was their way of saying 'do a search first', or rtfm. Trouble is I did, and couldn't find the answers...
I'll try again though

Thanks all.
Any more suggestions / contacts, please keep em coming

PaulB · 07-21-06, 11:47 AM

Hi John,
When I built my last 427, I imported the parts myself, it was far cheaper than sourcing them here in the UK, even taking the freight and duty into account.
Another thing worth considering is shipping you block to someone like Keith Craft and having them rebuild it for you. That's what I was planning on doing. The 427 is a specialist animal and I'm not aware of anyone in the UK that has sufficient proven experience for me to entrust them with the task. The person I used last time is no longer in the business.
When I checked with Keith Craft, it actually worked out that I could get the rebuild for free, when compared to importing the parts myself.
I hope that helps.
Paul

Chris Salmon · 07-21-06, 12:07 PM

Hi,

I have imported a lot of parts in the past, Chevy though not Ford.

For mechanical engine components you should be paying 2.5% import duty, on top of that you will pay 17.5% VAT (yes that does mean VAt on the import duty!!).

Some electrical components can attract a higher rate of duty, but if included in the larger order for engine components then it will usually be the 2.5%.

Regards
Chris

John W · 07-22-06, 05:01 AM

Thanks Paul, nice to see your still checking in on here

I agree, finding a big block 'specialist' in the uk is tricky.

The guy I have selected to do the engine seems to know his stuff, and is well known by several of the GTD owners on here / in the uk for small block work. He has done big blocks before, though not sure he's done a side oiler.
He also knows Mathwell very well, who builds and maintains the original GT40 engines, among others.
I know its a risk, but I don't have the time / facilities to do the full rebuild myself, and don't really want to ship the block overseas.

Chris, thanks for the info, its handy to see exactly the level of duty I should expect to pay. Given that most parts have a 100% premium when brought in the uk, paying 25% for duty, vat & shipping is much more bearable

Another question, is one courier better thn another in terms of checking for duty, or hold ups at the airport ?
I recall one checks everything (fedex / ups / dhl ?) but others may not if its sent to a private address, but I can't recall which is which...

Many thanks,
John.

chuck smith · 07-22-06, 08:48 AM

I have found Gessford Machine to be the best and most prompt in delivering parts for my 427SO. George will always help out and answer questions.

StuartB · 08-03-06, 06:46 PM

John, before you go shopping I'd recommend getting a copy of `Big Block Ford Engines` by Steve Christ.
It covers just the Ford FE motors and is an exellent reference for parts interchange, what works, god combinations, build dos and don'ts etc.
The ISBN 0-895-86070-8, what sort of build were you looking at doing?
I know a guy with a pair of mint, unused (SK number) fully built aluminium heads and a matching manifold that may be for sale, but, I've an idea he knows what they're worth so it does depend on what sort of build you are looking at.

StuartB · 08-03-06, 06:47 PM

I forgot to mention, the FE top end mentioned above is in the UK.

John W · 08-04-06, 02:43 PM

Stuart,

thanks for the book info.

I have several books here, one of which is the one you mention (full title is "how to rebuild Big-Block Ford Engines").
I knew very little about the Fe engine when I brought it, except it was 'special'.

I'd be very interested to hear about those heads and manifold, specifically what make and spec they are (chamber size, port height, valve size, spring rate, single 4bl holley mount ?, etc)
you can give me an email if you prefer with the details and your number, and I'll give you a call.

I was about to order the heads and manifold, so this is very timely.

Cheers,
John.

John W · 08-08-06, 04:29 PM

Hi Stuart,

any news on details for these ?
I'm sure I sent you a PM last week. I just tried to send you another PM and got told you'd exceeded your quota, which is why I'm posting here

I'd really like to hear details, so if you can find out for me that would be great.

I'll try to send you an email, if it will let me...

All the best,

John.