need an engine builder in south FL.
 

Who can recommend a reasonable(pricewise), and honest builder to do a somewhat over stock rebuild on a 454 for my buddys scarab??

I called MESA, and left a message, but no return call yet.

Chief

Talk to Ron Potter. He is over in Sarasota. Before he went out on his own he built all the Nor-Tech engines. He is one hell of and engine builder and a super nice and honest guy.

Agree. Ron has done a great job for me.:D

Bob

I would talk with Tommy at Chief. Nice guy and does great work.

I've heard nothing but good things about Patrick Sullivan and he's not far from you.

Chief of course would be my first choice, if it were for me, and budget was not an issue, will Ron Potter do a slightly over stock rebuild, or does he just build the crazy suff, and does anyone have a # for him?

Does anyone have a # for Patrick Sullivan, and where is he at??

I knew plenty of shops that would do it when I lived up north, but dont know too much down here, since I dont do the car thing any longer, and my boat has an outboard, this is for a good friend, he is not cheap, and wants it done right, but doesnt need 650HP, its going in a 23 Wellcraft concept, ran fine with only 220 hours, but the oil pan was rusty, so we pulled it to replace the pan, and decided to rebuild while out, and try to get a few more ponies out of it, just looking for cam/head/intake/carb type upgrades. If I can find a guy to basically build me a short block, I can do the rest.

smitty @ carolina racing, he's a good local 954-791-6867

Performance Marine 954-973-8888
He's in the Pompano area.
He won't be the cheapest but I think ,at least to a point, you get what you pay for.

Here is Ron Potter's web page.
It has all his contact info.
http://www.potterperformance.com/index.html

Call back LAZ... and keep on him.

You might also want to talk to Tom over at Flagship Marine in Punta Gorda and I hear good things about the guys over at Innovation in Sarasota also. I think we've about covered most of the good ones here in this thread, good wishes on your future rebuild!

Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

All the names mentioned are good, but you may want to talk to Russ at Russ racing engines in Hollywood for what you've described.

I recommend Innovation in Sarasota.

Solid guy from Wisconsin/Mercury.

All good names as far as Im concerned. I would try Laz again due to your budget.

The Innovations in my Formula are 21 years old, and still running strong.

yeah,

but you have only used the boat like 3 times:D

Isn't there a post about the Cobra guys doing the right thing? Sounds like a logical phone call.

Call Reggie Tiedeman at Austral Engine (954) 587-2476.

He's building a 400 Pontiac engine for me for my 1969 Firebird Ram Air III car.

Does great work at a good price. Everybody sends him their heads.

Tommy at Chief is pretty busy with his really big stuff, so I doubt he would fool with a 454. I wanted him to do a 396 for me years ago and he booted me out of his shop. (Kidding).

Got a guy in Jacksonville area. He used to work down in Miami and is VERY knowledgable and thorough. His name is Bob Beaury and if you are interested send me a PM and I will give you his number. I bet he can beat anyones price especially for a mild upgrade over stock and warranties for a year unlimited hours. Just have to get the motor up here, JAX is about 4-5 hours from Boca. Come up for the Gator Bowl and drop it off, you won't be disappointed.

One thing to consider.....all of us that have go fasts have been thru this at one point. When you consider your "budget" don't forget to consider the cost of "cheap" workmanship. What really is the cost of a rebuild if you have it done by someone cutting corners, just to have to do it again shortly later ??

For my dollar, I would only consider Tommy at Chief. I've had by 675's from him for 5 years now and still running great with a less than 8% leak down at last test. And I run the hell out of them.

And I personally went thru several "budget" engine builders prior

Just a thought

One of the best signs at Tommy's..... Cheap, fast or reliable, pick any two.

He is the most honest I can tell you that. He has done 7 motors for me and always stood behind evrything.

Carl

K,
Sent you an email, can't send you a PM.
Thanks,
Dean

:D

all great names but i would definitely go with either tommy at chief , steve at progressive , randy at cobra, or laz at mesa racing engines. all great engine builders and local.

Another vote for Innovation.