Engine Builders - Who Are They?

[Jotronic]

With my current car running fine save for a mystery boost cutting out issue, I'm taking my time to have an engine put together. I've already spent time and money to get my suspension and brakes appropriately addressed but I have my eye set on the future with an engine build. I want to build a stroker motor or a full on 3.0 liter. I have a 3.0 crank and have my choice of blocks but the difficult part is finding someone reliable, but more importantly, available to build an engine. Seems like the ones I would want to build one for me are either retired or come out of retirement only for special ($$$) jobs. For instance, Jon Milledge is retired but I know someone that has him pulled out of retirement for a special build. Scott Gomes, retired. Michale Mount, does some work but not any full engine builds. So there is LR (no thank you), Albert (controversial) and Chris White. I just started talks with Chris but who else is out there that builds solid engines?

[Thom]

By engine builder do you mean someone who would provide a fully assembled, ready-to-install long block?

There may be enough knowledge on here to assist you with the assembly but you would at least need to find a machine shop familiar with these engines especially if you intend to retain Alusil and use new compatible pistons.

[blade7]

I just started talks with Chris but who else is out there that builds solid engines?

Reputation counts for a lot when it comes to rebuilding these old blocks right first time, why would you look any further. I'm not sure there's any durable Alusil compatible pistons available now anyway. So that option is probably off the table.

[Jotronic]

By engine builder do you mean someone who would provide a fully assembled, ready-to-install long block?

There may be enough knowledge on here to assist you with the assembly but you would at least need to find a machine shop familiar with these engines especially if you intend to retain Alusil and use new compatible pistons.

Hi Thom. That is exactly what I'm looking for. I'd absolutely love to build an engine myself. I love to tinker but my circumstances do not allow for such.

1. I live in an apartment with no private garage space.
2. Concierge would have my hide if I tried to build an engine in my parking spot.
3. I don't want to experiment with pricey engine components that might go boom if I do things the wrong way.
4. I don't have the tools nor do I wish to invest in them, above and beyond the cost of the parts I'm already going to be buying.

And yes, finding a machine shop that also knows what they're doing only compounds the problem:) I put on my business owner hat when it comes to such things and try to reduce a problem to it's fundamentals and then find the fewest points of failure and go with it. In this case, finding a builder with a good rep that can take care of it all for me, or most of it, like I would a good contractor for a project.

[Jotronic]

I just started talks with Chris but who else is out there that builds solid engines?

Reputation counts for a lot when it comes to rebuilding these old blocks right first time, why would you look any further. I'm not sure there's any durable Alusil compatible pistons available now anyway. So that option is probably off the table.

With regards to Chris White, it's because I'd like options that I can research before I commit. Ergo, the problem. There isn't a pool of several well regarded builders that I can choose from any longer. Chris White may be my only realistic option, but that is why I've posed the question. Who else is there? Also, I'm in Canada so while I would hope for a reputable builder here so as to remove any concern for customs and extra shipping costs, I'm not holding my breath, lol!

[Tom]

In addition to Chris, I'm sure Jerry Woods (JWE Enterprises) would build you a motor, as would Neal Harvey (Performance Developments). Both of those guys have big time race crew credentials and results that separate them from some of the others you've already decided against. They are also a lot closer to you. @michaelmount123 might have some suggestions too. When I talked to Jon Milledge several years ago, he referred me to Jason Lee at Heritage Motorsports in Florida, but he was elusive even back then, and seemingly gone now.

[Jotronic]

In addition to Chris, I'm sure Jerry Woods (JWE Enterprises) would build you a motor, as would Neal Harvey (Performance Developments). Both of those guys have big time race crew credentials and results that separate them from some of the others you've already decided against. They are also a lot closer to you. @michaelmount123 might have some suggestions too. When I talked to Jon Milledge several years ago, he referred me to Jason Lee at Heritage Motorsports in Florida, but he was elusive even back then, and seemingly gone now.

Hi Tom,

Thank you again for these names. I also found Protomotive in Arkansas who referred me to Ivan Arzola in Virginia. Have you heard of him? There is very little of him online but Protomotive spoke highly of him, referring to Ivan's 800hp 968 engine as a testament of his skills(?).

I'm also interested in your option of Comeau Racing in California, owned by Tim Comeau. Thanks in advance.

[944m3]

http://rprautomotive.com/

John Behe in Maryland. They build and tune engines for 944s among others.

[Jotronic]

http://rprautomotive.com/

John Behe in Maryland. They build and tune engines for 944s among others.

I forgot about John. We've been playing phone tag actually. Charlie at Evergreen Turbo recommended I speak to him about tuning my Raptor X.

[Metro951]

I am in the process of a 3.0 ltr build with Chris White at this very moment.
All I can say is extremely professional and let's me know every step along the way. Has answered any and every question I had, given me great advice and recommendations.
I would definitely recommend him. Not taking anything from anyone else, I'm sure they may also do great work.