When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1. I've recently recieved a substantial chunk of money
2. My 88 with 94K miles is no longer my daily driver
3. I want to have the engine (and all encompassing parts) rebuilt
Here's my desired out-come with this project:
1. New engine (using same block...bored-out)
2. 400+ hp/tq (383 or larger)
3. Longevity with the engine (I will only be driving the car on the weekends...I would like this thing to last for a while)
Here's my dilemma:
1. I have a mechanic who could physically build this, however, he doesn't have experience with corvettes (chip burning, timing, potential problems, etc.)
2. I need the car finished in about 2 months
Does anyone know any place, or better, any particular person who could rebuild this? I've checked with a place in San Antonio (Fuel Injection Specialties) to get an idea.
I live in the Austin area. However, I am willing to take my vette anywhere from Houston to Dallas.
If the "chunk" of money is big enough,
why not upgrade the whole car. Perhaps
a Grand Sport, Collector's Edition, a Ruby,
or maybe a C5? Just wondering... :seeya
the place that i use does a lot of vettes and im gonna get mine rebuilt there when i get some money....., they do lots of custom work (drag racers, street rods, hotrods, etc.) and i can name quite a few badass cars in shows around houston that were done there. Not to mention they have some of the best paint and body people ive ever seen.
heres the number if your interested.....
Lakewood Car Clinic
11406 Louetta
Houston, Texas 77070
281-320-1195
ask for steve and tell him brandon with the red 89 vette told you about it. :cheers:
The "chunk" needs to do 2 things....(1) Investments and (2) put about 6K into the engine.
I've put some money into the '88...kind of attached to it. Since it is paid for I would rather build it up instead of making payments on another (the chunk isn't large enough to cover the cost of a C5!)
jwade91 - actually, I've stopped by and spoke with Austin Corvette before, seems like a pretty decent place...never priced anything though; I just wanted some insight whether or not it was a respectable business.
Dave,
Austin Corvette is very reputable, but I wouldn't have Gary build a motor for me. They do great regular maintenance, but if you want a motor built, take it directly to the man who does the machine work.
Follow my signature link and look at my motor modifications. They were done at The Cylinder Head Shop in North Austin (by LakeLine Mall). Dave & Daniel know their stuff when it comes to building a motor. They have done many FI engines (including a LOT of Mustangs) and really pay attention to details. Wait until you see some of the projects in there! The time period really depends on parts availability for them. If there isn't a problem getting the parts in, he'll have it back to you fairly quick. We've been waiting for crank, rods & pistons from Crower for my 427 SB now for over 6 weeks.
He should be able to get you there without going to a 383. Mine is there already as a 355, and that will leave you plenty of material for future rebuilds. If you want, send me an email. We'll talk off-line.
I use 2 places here in SA- one for inexpensive bulky labor, and another for expensive sensor/computer stuff. Neither would do a rebuild like that. I know...uh, is it Chris? You know 2FST4U... He has a shop in Houston and does lots of vettes. He'll probably respond soon, if not, try to reach him on the forum. Good luck- John
SATYR,
I have known Chris (SDM) for some time now, and if I remember correctly he sells parts that would help in a project like this. I do think he could recommend some places like MTI (usually only do '92 or newer stuff), Velocity Motorsports, Westside Machine for machine work, and probably GTP for the headwork. I think that this guy is looking for someone to take the car and return it driveable with a rebuilt motor for the sum of money. It can be done, but I don't know what he would get for $6K.
I think turnkey 400 RWHP with a rebuild (removal, machine, modifications, new aftermarket performance parts, build-up, and tuning) may take a little more money, but I may be wrong.
But, I do think that there are a number of good shops in Houston (and probably Austin, SA too) that could turn out what he is looking for.
There is a place here in SA Called "Performance Restorations, Corvettes and Camaro Specialist". I took my car there to get some new parts installed and they did a great job...plus they arent that $$$. their # is (210) 599-8377