Engine builder thread, good? bad? what is a good time frame???
 

With all the threads I see with horrible reviews on engine builders I am just curious, who are some good solid builders that are not praised enough? we all know Teague, RM, Marine Kinetics, Young and such are great guys, any more that should be praised there should be a post to help these guys that seem to have issues with blowing things up, taking forever to build and such.

What is average timeframe ? I hear so many guys say "I missed 2 seasons waiting" that would NEVER happen to me, I would find a new person or have a lawsuit, to me a timeframe should be in contract if you are building some engines and there may be issues with timeframe.

There are 2 sides to every story, so I try to give benefit of the doubt, lots of guys complain it takes forever to get engines done, but leave out that they do not buy parts, or pay in a timely manner, but super quick to bash here on OSO.

I use Victory Engines in Cleveland Ohio, small shop, been machining for me for over 20 years with zero issues with work or timeframe, in a pinch Ray has dropped what he was doing to full machine 2 engines for me and did it in a week or so to get me back on the water.... I assemble so that saves time.

if you are looking for a local guy in Cleveland Ohio give Ray a call, https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...83339334,d.cGU

I have used Gellner once for headwork and had zero issues with them so far and had my heads in 2 weeks.... Dean will get backed up and take forever on engine work but he is a good builder and I known him for 20 years also, there has been time issues with him, but again that can be a 2 sided story....so I have no comments there, Dean has ALWAYS taken time to chat engines and help me with advice for years....

So who are some of the good guys here????? what is a "normal" timeframe to expect?

:food-smiley-007:

Don't know about time frames but Potter Performance (Ron Potter) is high on my list...

Trying to do a good thing LOL, I know it will turn into a mess maybe, but I think more smaller good guys should get name out there, too many horror storys!!

To me one big issues seen is cost, guys want engine work for very little money, well you get what you pay for, good work is not cheap, guys want a 540 for magazine price I looked around and then talked to Victory and said this is what I "could" buy, he did everything in his power to get me closer to crate prices, at least this way I know EXACTLY what I have and know the machining is right, not slapped together type of work, that's what I am replacing right now.... the engines that failed me were built for a buddy and I bought them thinking they were good, NO NOT EVER let someone recommend Neal Vance Racing in WV. doubt anyone ever heard of him, but if you do don't even think about it!!

**** storm by page 3. In on one like yellowbullet lol
I use precision racing engines in dighton. Not always the fastest but definitely the best within 5 hours of me. Last I knew they were doing all of outerlimits rebuilds, and the owner built his nephew a pair of 580" whipple charged motors for his outerlimits. Over 1400 on pump gas with a hydraulic roller was reported back. They were not dyno'd in house so I can't 100% confirm that. They are very open to ideas and always willing to research a new idea. I also do my own assembly, and double check everything, never once been off.

One thing to consider when talking about a completion time frame is the lead time to get parts. I have had times that it takes 6 weeks just to get a crankshaft, others where I can get on next day. Also, shipping can be an issue to. If you are on the east coast and you order a set of total seal rings it WILL take at least a week and a half before you receive them.

I could go on as it is my largest frustration as a builder.

Thats good to hear! and yes this will be a ****storm, but maybe a few good guys will get names out there a little bit!!

That is VERY true, but what about a year? 2 year? I see so many storys with guys saying how many seasons missed due to builders....I know a 1200 hp engine is not gonna get done in 4 weeks, but a year is insane unless everything is custom made and ordered with no actual plan.

I've used Laz Mesa of Mesa balancing in Miami for some marine and import car stuff I've done. Always up front with timing and price. Also he does about everything in house including crank repair. http://mesabalancing.com/

I also use Gellner for machine work and balancing. I've known Dean and Carol for 20+ years an have never had an issue with their work. A little slow sometimes but they always get stuff done when they say it will be done. I've won countless offshore races in multiple boats using Gellner engines.

yes Dean builds some great engines, no doubt... there are MANY boats with good running Gellners out there.

I'm not going to dip my toe in this one, but;

Tim, you have an advantage that you do all of your own assembly, and I assume, rigging. That's pretty huge. I don't know all of your details, but it sounds like you use your engine builder to basically machine then advise on parts, combinations, and so forth. A big difference between that and paying someone to start from scratch, source and purchase all parts, rig fuel, oil, and water, bellhousing, starters, electrical, etc., then dyno.

My point being is you do alot, if not, the majority of the work. Very smart and you can save both time and money, if you are capable, and have the tools & facility to do so.

I would probably not tackle custom built 1000+ hp units that cost a bunch only to sling a rod or something stupid after a few hours. Do I want to? Yes because I like that stuff. Is it a smart decision for me? No.

Granted there are resonable time frames for everything, and I agree, you can go as far as a contract that spells everything out. I guess I still believe in "handshake deals", and paying on time.

I too am interested in hearing about other capable builders for high end stuff with good customer experiences. I hope this thread doesn't turn ugly, please make it positive and useful for other members.

Everybody has there favorite but since we are talking time frame here are 2 examples...
Potter did mine in about a month in a half last winter, and that was with the Holidays thrown in there as well.... my buddy dropped his fountain off at Potter last summer and flew back in 3 weeks and picked it up.. see his & my testimonial below!!

http://www.potterperformance.com/STEVEDALY.html

http://www.potterperformance.com/PATDOLAN.html

I totally know your situation, and agree, many things come to play, thats not always the case, Dean can build one hell of an engine, no doubt at all... I am in no way trying to get a bashing thread even though thats gonna happen, just trying to get some little guys some credit so less guys get screwed. I do however chose my own combos and parts, I am also not building crazy engines for my boat and that helps, Ray is very good at combos also, but he has not dont a ton of boat engin es either, yet he has built some very good reliable marine engines, there is a ton that goes into 900HP and up engines and that takes LOTS of boat engine experience that Dean does have, Freds Nortech made 1590HP with Gellner builds, boat runs EVERY weekend..... no issues... that takes amazing talent!

Yes I would love for this to stay on a positive note.....there are enough bashing threads on engine guys...

My drag engine builder was KTR race engines, but he has since gotten away from engine building. As stated, people want something for nothing, that's why he has left the engine market.

I have since switched to Paul Pionessa. He has his own shop locally and also is a machinist at J& L Performance. He has some 30 years experience. He did all the machine work on my 355 block and is going to set up my bearing tolerances so I can reassemble with no issues.

Personally if I were to shop around for a shop I`d avoid the one`s that look like a bomb went off.. clean shop would be a good indication to me.

Check out Performance Marine and Jason Saris.

As much experience as anyone in the industry. Outstanding work and a straight shooter. I highly recomend anyone looking to have work done give them a call.

I don't have much boating experience so my experience with the industry as a whole is extremely limited. I have however had one engine built by Ron Potter as he is local to me. Cleanest shop I have ever seen, very professional and worked within my timeline. The engine has performed flawlessly and the whole process was seamless. He even called me the evening of the day I was to take my boat out for the first time to make sure all was well. My engine was a mild build by comparison and he treated me as I was spending big money.

He called you because the guy cares about his work and your satisfaction more so than bending you over and bleeding every penny from you. These type of people are getting harder to find.

Ron Potter.

Best in the business.

I only bought some parts from Ron Potter but he has taken my incessant phone calls, questions and me pestering him endlessly like an absolute gentleman and professional. I have found him to be extremely knowledgeable, courteous and incredibly responsive. I wouldn't hesitate to do anything with him..

One thing to consider is resale value if you were to sell your boat.
I'm using victory engines out of Cleveland Ohio and wouldn't go anywhere else. While he's not known as a "marine" specific shop, he's an endurance shop that does lots of high end circle track stuff. You don't want a guy who build drag racing stuff to work on your marine engine.


That said, a big name shop engine / engines will help to sell a boat if that time comes.

My engines were done at Goodwin competition in WI. Pretty simple stuff for them. Pair of 725hp 598 big block carbed motors. As I recall his work was about 1.5 months. Great to talk to and I could call him and if not avail he would call me back at the end of his work day. No complaints about their work.

Its pretty hard to make money and keep people happy with the rebuilding and selling new engines. If they think another engine shop will do it cheaper they are gone. And in the long run they aren't happy!
And one more thing the customer wants to help :stooges:!

Although not a builder I have to say the same thing about Bob Madara @ Marine Kinetics. I've spent countless hours on the phone with the man in the last few months about technical things. He has gone above and beyond with customer service.

I was on the phone with Bob the other day for a solid 1/2 hour to 45 Minutes... talking heads and cams, giving me solid advice, that helped me a ton and hope I can do what we talked about, his info was great!! Excellent conversation...!

+1.. have also spent a lot of time with Bob on the phone getting advice and picking his brain... another great guy!!

This is really an apples to oranges comparison but I was a heavy repair auto technician for 20 years. I rebuilt many engines within one week. That's complete rebuilds. Blocks would be sent out for boring if there was any cylinder wear, and there usually was. Heads would either be sent out or I'd grind the valves and seats myself. Now, of course, when we are talking about a high output marine engine then much more time must be spent on details and exact tolerances but this could still be done in a matter of weeks and not months and certainly not years. WTF? Years to rebuild an engine? Really?

Next time you talk to him ask him about his rod bolt calculator.

Stop bothering Bob on the phone he has engine work to do! lmao

i believe bob is building engines now

Dave wessledyk at wesco racing engines in jenison mi. Honest as they get, and a great guy. No bullchit when it comes to Dave

??

Has anyone tried this ""Shooter" outfit. I got a PM from him a few days ago. Great thread.

http://www.motorsbyshooter.com/

My engine is at Champion Performance in Centerlie MI right now. Just beginning the rebuild process for the first time. Wish me Luck!

+1

I think you enter # of cylinders and it spits out how many rod bolts you need. :ernaehrung004:

Liked reading Dean Gellner posts "MR Horsepower" I think.
Where did he go and why?

A number of people should post regarding this outfit. I'd wait for their posts is my recommendation.