Austin, Texas Engine Builders
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Round Rock TX
Austin, Texas Engine Builders
I recently purchased a 1991 L98 automatic with 221,450 miles from a forum member. I'm starting to plan for the rebuild of this engine. I would like to stroke it to a 383. Is their a recommended shop in Austin, Texas? I would need them to remove, machine, reinstall and tune the engine. Also , I am open to any suggestions that should be included with this rebuild. :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,627
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From: Houston Texas
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
One group NOT to use is Autotek. They did a stroker motor for me in 2000 for my C5, re-used cam bolts which are stretch bolts and my motor came apart about 2000 miles later.
Snowman
Front of the cam showing what happens when bolts loosen and shear off
Inside of timing chain cover...see where chain scarred the lid
Wow those valves don't like it when the timing chain breaks
The offending bolts or what was left of them
[Modified by Snowman, 9:55 AM 11/20/2002]
Snowman
Front of the cam showing what happens when bolts loosen and shear off
Inside of timing chain cover...see where chain scarred the lid
Wow those valves don't like it when the timing chain breaks
The offending bolts or what was left of them
[Modified by Snowman, 9:55 AM 11/20/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,627
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (Snowman)
There is a fellow named Chris whose shop is in back of Elite Motorsports I believe. He has done some great work. Don't have his number though...sorry. Someone will post it.
Doug
Doug
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From: Round Rock TX
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
I just contacted Scoggin Dickey about some alternatives to building my existing engine. They have a Vortec TPI crate engine that puts out 357 hp and 405 ft/lbs. Has anybody used this crate motor before? Is Scoggins Dickey a reliable/ Knowledgeable firm? The cost for this engine is $3,400 + headers and custom burned chip. Besides the removal of the old engine and installation and intake swap are ther any other foreseeable costs? :confused:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,316
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From: Houston, TX
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
I have no personal purchase experience with the guys from Scoggin Dickey, but they have been around for a while. I have talked with them a few times and they were always courteous and helpful. There are always extra unforseen expenses. Coolant, new heater/radiator hoses. I would have the radiator cked to see if it needs repair with 200,00 miles on the car. How is the suspension, ball joints on the car, wheel bearings? A high mileage car is not necessarily bad, but it will need to be maintained and may need some of the items I have mentioned if they have not already been serviced/replaced.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Round Rock TX
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
Has anyone used Austin Corvette? I have talked to them and they seem very knowledgeable. The Owner indicated that it would be $6-7,000.00 to stroke the motor and tune. Any help please.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: All in!
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'10
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
I've only used Austin Corvette for a few small repairs on my '80, but they have always been very courteous.
I've never heard anything bad about them except maybe price, but you pay for good work. :yesnod:
I've never heard anything bad about them except maybe price, but you pay for good work. :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
I just contacted Scoggin Dickey about some alternatives to building my existing engine. They have a Vortec TPI crate engine that puts out 357 hp and 405 ft/lbs. Has anybody used this crate motor before? Is Scoggins Dickey a reliable/ Knowledgeable firm? The cost for this engine is $3,400 + headers and custom burned chip. Besides the removal of the old engine and installation and intake swap are ther any other foreseeable costs? :confused:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
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From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (Chris Fowler '80)
Chris, Austin Corvettes are courteous. But they did charge me $160 for the fuel pump and 2 hours labor to replace it. Granted it was done right, but from that alone, I doubt I will ever go back.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 570
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From: Las Colinas, Texas
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
Not Austin but not too far to leave your car. Call 21st Century Musclecars here in Carrollton, Tx at 972/417-7177. This shop is Lingerfelter authorized builder. good luck. :smash:
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From: Round Rock TX
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
I decided on a fast burn 385 crate motor. It is scheduled for delivery on Wednesday. I have also ordered the miniram III for Fastburn heads and a 58mm throttle body. As I'm waiting for all the components, I keep kicking around the idea of removing and replacing the engine myself. I have been reading the Haynes manual and it appears to be a straight forward removal and installation process. I have some previous experience on none electronic control vehicles. Is this something that is recommended or should I spend the $1,300.00 to have someone install the engine?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Houston Texas
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (newowner'91)
Depends on whether you want to tinker or drive it. My vote, pay someone good to do the whole thing soup to nuts.
Doug
Doug
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
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From: SoCal
Re: Austin, Texas Engine Builders (Snowman)
Snowman, those cam bolts can be reused many times. Autotek either didn't apply locktite, overtightened them, or undertightened them, but reusing them wasn't the flaw. Wish you'd asked around before you chose autotek, there's at least 100 people in austin that are doing all they can to steer people away from there because they got burned.
