Tech

We hear the stories about people buying motors from people across the country and having problems the buyer steadfastly claims was not due to their own negligence. Normally, we only hear about these issues when the builder and the buyer can't reach some reasonable agreement on how to resolve the issues.

What about the rest of you that buy motors and don't have any problems after you've put a few thousand miles on it? Or even those of you who had issues that were rectified to your satisfaction. What did you buy and who did you buy it from?

I'm debating whether to buy something and have it built/assembled/shipped ready to install, or to buy the block and have someone local finish and assemble it. Both options seem to have their own benefits.

TIA

realcanuk

I bought a short block from LME and had no issues, but my first choice would always be a local builder. Much easier to resolve and problems, and they do happen.

Tech

Why did you decide to order from the states then? Seems like you could have saved some hassle and maybe some money doing it all in ?

realcanuk

Couldn’t find someone I trusted to build what I wanted. I’m kind of fussy. 😂

Unreal

Livernois short block. Almost 30k miles at 1000+hp and ZERO issues. Flawless experience.

Tech

Anybody else?

chpmnsws6

Why not take yours to Venom next door to stg?

Tech

I'll likely have them resurface my heads at a minimum. Chatting with CBI now about what to do with the engine. Seems like selling my LS7 shortblock and starting from scratch makes those most sense. In that case, I might just order everything from one place already assembled and ready to go.

ysb02

I haven't heard of issues (well a lot of issues) from people ordering new setups from big name vendors like Texas Speed, LME, Katech. Now buying someone's used motor is a different story. I've heard multiple horror stories of that.

Tech

Katech and Venom won't use a re-sleeved GM block. I'm not looking to build a 1500 rwhp motor, and I don't want to pay for one either.

Unreal

Check Thompson. They do good stuff for the price. Otherwise HPR would be top of my list. Those guys know their stuff and price seems great.

Tech

HPR has been the best to deal with so far. Both of their cranks appear to be custom (or at least not regularly stocked), so I suspect the build time will be longer. TSP was not a great experience until I got ahold of the right person.

The resleeved blocks are about the same price as an LSX. And the Dart iron block is only a few hundred bucks more. And an aluminum aftermarket block is only ~$1500 more.. it's a vicious cycle of "it's only a few bucks more".

realcanuk

How much power do you plan to make, and how ?

Tech

I have no plans to upgrade my blower. I think I'd have to upgrade too many other things. So, I'd guess ~850ish.

realcanuk

Any block will be fine for that. Just a matter of how much you want to spend for overkill.

Tech

A few of the places I've talked to have scoffed at re-sleeved blocks, so it's that FUD factor that is making me consider alternatives.

realcanuk

I wanted to stay aluminum and just used a brand new LS2 block. Not very expensive and will be the last thing to have problems at that power.

Tech

I obviously don't have that luxury without deterring people from buying my car when I get tired of it.

realcanuk

I figure that ship sailed the minute I started modifying my car. I don’t do anything thinking resale.

chuntington101

You could go LSA block if you wanted a bit more reasurenece. Or if you could stretch a LS9. People have made a **** ton of power out of both with a good bottom end.