Should I rebuild or buy a long block?

I've been here almost 5 years and would say the same thing.

 

Yeah, get a compression test gauge and do a compression test. That will tell you what kind of shape your engine is in. It is a very easy test that even a beginner can do;

Warm engine to operating temp and turn engine off, disconnect coil from distributor, remove all spark plugs(keep track of where the wires go if you're not that familiar with taking wires off and where they go afterwards, a piece of masking tape with cylinder number on wires works as a great reminder), hook up the compression gauge one cylinder at a time and crank engine over about 3 to 5 times with the throttle wide open so air can get in and get compressed in the cylinder being tested. Go to next cylinder and repeat until you have tested all 8 cylinders with your new gauge.

While you are doing the test make sure you write down what the reading for each cylinder is, the psi reading isn't as important than the difference between the cylinders is(unless all of the readings are to low). You don't want the PSI reading to be off no more than 15% between all cylinders, if one is a bit low maybe as much as 20% lower, not really that big a deal, same thing if there is one above the rest around 20% higher.

 

You don't trust any shop in San Antonio?

 

Maybe there are some machine shops south of the border or left of the border in your case? I wonder what they charge over there?

Anyway, Dave is in Goodrich Michigan, he's about 30 miles from me. If you want I can PM you his phone number. If you Bing Dave Harmon of Enginecraft in Michigan you can find a bunch of forums that he has done work for people that post their builds.


Derek

 

Depends on what for. For my daily driver I use the dealer. For my other cars, I do the work myself or with help from guys in my Pontiac car club.

 

That would work. I could give him a call to see what he says.

 

What are you thoughts on Borene Stage Kustoms,Blackjack, Alamo height garage and Outlaw Paint and Fab?

 

Here is the link for the place that sells the pistons;

http://www.buyracingparts.com/

Here is the direct link for the sbb 350 piston and ring kit that can be ordered to work in a stroker build;

http://www.buyracingparts.com/pisto...totec-forged-350-buick-dished-piston-kit.html



Derek

 

No idea, not used any of them for anything. Blackjack is Tim Duncan's place, I drive by it often, mainly see trucks there.

Depending upon what you are trying to do, I might have a suggestion.

 

I called Alamo heights this morning. This how the conversation went
Me: I have a Buick 350 that I possibly need rebuilt or worked on
Lady: you just need engine work done?
Me: Yes ma'am
Lady: we just don't work on engine
Is it just me or this doesn't sound right. If I only need motor work done why I got to get something else done?

 

Sounds odd. She might not understand.

 

It does sound odd. I asked her about working on my motor and she refused stated they just st don't work on Engines.

 

If all you are looking for is engine work, I would try Westside Performance and Machine in Houston. (715) 465-7996

 

So for you San Antonio TX guys, I called Duffin engine yesterday afternoon;

http://duffinengine.com/

And asked them if they could grind a sbb 350 stroker crank, add .140" of stroke and grind the rod journals down to 1.850" and they said yes but they would have to get $250 for that job. IIRC they do standard regrinds for $175, wish they were up here to get a stroker crank for that price!

Called Hill County Performance as well, will have to call the crankshaft shop they use on Monday if I can remember the name! DOH! I remember its "something" auto parts in San Antonio that grinds their cranks for them, I'll do a search, I'll know the name when I see it.


Derek

 

I found it, here it is;

http://missionauto.com/

I knew I would remember if I seen the name!


Derek

 

Interesting, there was a guy in the Pontiac club by the name of Chuck Duffin. Not sure if he is related to Duffin Engine.

 

Jim Burek did indeed build a near 1000 hp (supposedly) 350 for Rob Margel. It seemed to have some metal in the oil filter deal and ROB sent it back to Jim to be corrected.It turned out to be a huge debacle.. I ordered a Bullet cam ftom Jim at the time and was warned that I may not see it. I received the cam and lifters and can honestly say I had good dealings with him..

 

That engine that he built is still running strong today...

 

I was there when Rob started it up and in my opinion,it was a strong motor..I think Rob overreacted in the deal

 

Like I mentioned, I think talking with him on a build to see what he can do for the price mentioned. Which is a pretty good price.
Pretty sure he would like positive comments about his business.