Looking for a good mechanic or shop to work on my vette. It currently has a 383 Stroker in it, but it just does not produce the power I want. The engine also needs some work at this point. The valves rattle like crazy, and it vibrates really bad around 4,000 rpm. The shop I have been using( I won't name names) has a great reputation, but I can't seem to communicate well with them that I want more power, more power, more power, more power!! All I get is excuses not resolutions. Hell, I have not even mentioned the word Budget to them! While my pockets are not deep, I am willing to spend what ever it takes to get the power and performance I want out of my engine.

So with that little rant taken care, I am looking for any suggestions on shops in the DFW area, that you guys have had good relationships with.

Thanks

 

with the issues you describe, possibly should fix it, fix it, fix it...first

 

I'd suggest posting a thread in the regional section:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/southwest-44/

 

A good street build stroker should be over 400 hp at the crank. What exactly is your goal? Drivability? Or all out assault? Sounds like you do not have an engine problem so much as a balance problem or out tune issue. Just remember the more hp you have the quicker you will find the next weakest link. I.E. trans, drive line. Or maybe you have already induced the latter.

 

Thanks for responding! Not looking to street race or hot rod it around, just wanting to have some fun with it. I purchased it with the 383 in it already and I was very disappointed with take off power or lack there off. I believe my wife's Honda Pilot would smoke it! I took to a reputable corvette shop and asked them to make it faster, what ever it needed. We replaced the carb to Holley 770, we changed the gears out from 3:08 to 3:55 and replaced all the fuel lines, filter, and pump. Then it developed a bit of a tick, actually sounded like an exhaust leak..BTW replaced the entire exhaust system as well. Had them look into that. They explained it was not an exhaust leak but the valves ticking. They told me it was normal for the 383. I stated I never heard that noise before, and they said they could adjust them. It didn't help and now I have this strong vibration at 4,000rpm! I asked them what is causing that now? They told me that 383's are externally balanced and would have to tear into the engine to figure out, but it was drivable as is. I said, well I want it fixed as well as the ticking..told I would do best to just put a new engine in the car.

So I am a bit frustrated, as I all I want it is my car to be drivable and have some nice power behind it. Just tired of the excuses from this shop and would like to find another one for their opinion.

 

Sounds like you need to look for a new repair shop. Each fix is escalating in price and brings on a new problem. Join a Corvette club and ask around about shop reputations.