How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

How long did it take to get your motor order from order date until pickup ?
I paid extra for a short block to get shipped in 3 days once, but complete motors w dyno sheets takes more time.
THis could be a poll I guess but I'm not into that.

What is a reasonable time expectaion, or...
What would YOU like to see as an industry standard for a satisfactory build time?

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Your really into this engine topic... I have another 496mag HO with a whipple being rebuilt right now... He told me it would be 10 to 12 weeks. It has been 5 or 6 weeks as of now. We'll see how long it takes him...

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

i have seen engines go from in the boat,rebuilt, on the dyno and back in the boat in a week.... i have also seen guys wait 3-4 months, all depends on you engine guy and where you rank on his list.... :D

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Mine took 9 weeks and lasted 30 mins.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Months is not unusual :(

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Cam went flat on break in?
That happened to me on a 468, last flat tappet motor I'll ever build)
Spun a bearing?

I'm guessing that's the beauty in dyno tuning and break in before shipping.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I got my 540 EFI in about nine weeks, after having been promised four... My experience was that the builder couldn't seem to tell the truth about the current status of it either. I got a good deal, and it runs great, but I took a big risk by going with a builder a thousand miles away.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

This sounds like my story, except the runs great part. I had a rod shoot out the side of the oil pan.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Did you have any warranty,is the engine builder doing anything for you?Have you been able to figure out the cause of failure(misassembly,defective part,improper breakin,bad luck etc),Smitty

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I'll know in a couple weeks.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Started in November ...Builder had all required parts mid Jan. Mid Apr blew head on dyno....sent back to MFG for replacement head. STILL WAITING?!

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

waited 6 months -- motor lasted 40 hours

got a new one by mesa -- expecting great things now!

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

told me 2 weeks, took 4 but all he had to do was put it together,i installed it.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

You have some builder that are just F up's that just take forever .Then ya got the good guys that have to depend on the suppliers that don't have product. Like I have had to Wait on a cam for 2 months because they were out of cores .Same way with roller tappets now :eek:

I hate guys that handle a product that tell ya its the best and the only reason is its easy to get or they get a better deal on it :eek: When they dog one name brand then start handling it the next month saying its the best now :eek: Bull****ers

On the other end you have the builder that is waiting on the costumer to get there money together :( , and the builder has all his money tied up in parts and shop labor.

On a high performance motor People that dont dyno a motor for atleast just for break in and cking for problems is asking for trouble.Cheap insurance to me :D

I would think 2 months would be the limit unless there backed up real bad .

Rob :drink:

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Ordered my 2 new 572 cu in 725 hp from Laz Mesa and within 2.5 weeks they were ready to be installed in my Tiger.

Im completely satisfied with my whole experience with Mesa Balancing

Bob

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Thanks for the good word Bob that means more to me than any amount of money . The more I read these threads the more I see how many people out there are being taken for a ride it's hard for me to see how these people are able to run a business. Sincerely yours Laz Mesa

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

One thing everyone needs to keep in mind is unless a motor builder is so big that they can stock certain cyl heads,camshafts,blocks and cranks they are at the mercy of suppliers just like everyone else. I ordered my afr heads in october and didn't have them until January and that was off season. If parts are getting thermal barrier coated between ups and lag time at coater you can add 4 weeks also. If you want a true custom built engine find a supplier who actually has the parts on the shelf or you will end up mising the whole boating season this time of year,Smitty

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Now Laz thats getting them out the door!!!
:drink: You usally dont here about servive that fast. Keep it up Laz :D


rob

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

9 months later my engine was in, however it runs well. I'm still pissed

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Who did you use ????????

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

All I got was a custom con-job...

I have read/heard of several guys who have been given delay tactics on custom engine work---with lots of it ending up as bad product.

Nine months after I dropped my engines off to a couple of guys in North Carolina 1.5 years ago about 900 miles from where I live (bad mistake). I finally had to go rescue my engines when the B.S. became unbearable. Heck, the engines didn't even make it in the boat before I began to notice things wrong. It's a good thing I didn't install them in the boat because as we took them apart it got worse, and worse---they were a major disaster. Wrong size head gaskets---just all kinds of stuff wrong, and things I paid for that I did not get. I chose to ignor the red flag warnings in the beginning---so if you're wise stay well clear from Jack Bailey. Jack, and his son "T.J" are in the Charlotte, NC. area-----real smooooooth talkers. In the past Jack has even changed his name ("Bobby Daniels") on this website to keep people from knowing who he truely was, and will decieve you to get you to bring your engines or parts to his shop, and then he will pull you into his intricate web, turn it into a convoluted mess, and then pull the rug out from under you. Jack, and TJ even told me that Jack worked for Hendrick's Motorsports. :rolleyes:

No reciepts
No paper work of what was done or supposedly done
No spec sheets
No dyno sheets
Poor communication on their part
Poor machine work, and workmanship
Used parts not returned: 2 cams, 2-sets of Crane gold roller rockers, 2-sets of 4.500" pistons, flywheel, Fluid Damper

One thing is for sure---those boys are sure good with the smooth talk---- They have that down real good!!!

Unless you absolutely KNOW FOR SURE who it is you are dealing with, it is best to stay local with a reputable engine builder, ask around about the shop you intend to do possibly do business with, and where you can walk in and see your stuff and how it is coming along. Hope this helps someone out there.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I'm sorry for you,
That is so wrong and so unnessessary

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Well, I can certainly tell you this, the good thing is that at least my engines are in my possession.

Old news---maybe so, however there are times when other guys have warned others here on OSO about people who have ripped them off in the past as well in other threads. I don't believe I have seen you taking your pleasure in ripping into them over it. I guess my situation must be a special assignment for you.

Almost makes me wonder if you just might be a friend of Jack Bailey. (???)

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I'll tell you one thing Marks motors were done as soon as all the parts he wanted on them were here. Wesco turned mine around in less than a month....

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I wouldn't stop posting what a con-man Ol jack Bailey is,sound like a pos loser who takes peoples money.Keep warning people kaama so no one else gets the screws put to them. Maybe one of these guys who hides behind a anonomous name IS Jack Bailey,Smitty

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Well lchornet, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I can't let you scoot out of this one this time.

In one thread you were attempting to make a joke out of my decission to use crank triggers on my engines. Even though I didn't think you deserved an answer from me by the way you were asking, I gave you a straight answer as decently as I could. If you want to offer friendly advice---that's fine and I thought it may have been a fair question---but it was the way in which you asked it. Perhpas the crank triggers weren't totally necessary, maybe even a bit overkill...so what?---works for me! This is just a hobby to me---I try to have a little fun with it---nothin' for you to get your undies in a bunch over. So, I wouldn't worry about the crank triggers too much if I were you. Trust me, 100 years from now it won't be an issue. Sorry I didn't consult you before I bought them, but tell you what----next time I want to add a part to my engines, then perhaps I should ask for your expertise. I have noticed that you've been a member here since January of this year, coming on here and arrogantly ripping into a few people when it isn't totally necessary--- doesn't do the board any good. So, now I've got a question for you. TMP I know, JCPERF I know, Jassman I know,----but who are YOU???

By the way, I see that you are from the Lake Luzern/Lake George area---I know of a guy from that area. As matter of fact, I have reviewed some of your past posts in other threads and see that you have mentioned (joked) something about being bald headed, and that you own a single engine Formula with a 502 that has been modified to a 509 that makes something like 600+ hp. Funny-----you know that's really strange/ironic cuz I just happen to know of a guy from your area with the same characteristics as you and it just doesn't pass the smell test. His name is Doug aka "Zone5" head moderator on BoatFreaks---of whom I think Jack Bailey and T.J. Bailey are the owners. I don't think Doug would be that foolish to hide under another screenname on here so, I certainly could be wrong, but "I have to ask you" that wouldn't be you now would it Doug ol' boy???

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Lchornet,
Perhaps I could shed some light on this topic having supplied the cylinder heads and camshafts for Kaama’s engines. First, it was a pleasure to collaborate with both Dave Wesseldyke (Wesco) and Jim Valako on this project. Both are first class professionals and all goods and services were completed on time and to spec. For my part the AFR heads were custom pieces and took 9 weeks to deliver, also on time in the schedule of this build. The 9-month figure quoted here is misleading. Speaking directly with both Dave and Jim during the course of the build (Nov-May) there was never any sense of urgency due to the fact that there is very little need for marine engines in February in the State of Michigan. From the onset the timeline for completion was this boating season. Had there been a need, the timeframe for completion could have and would have been compressed appropriately to meet any necessary deadline. Point being that through the significant efforts put forth on Marks behalf toward this reconstruction project by Dave W. and Jim V., all of Kaama’s expectations were met or exceeded on all counts in a timely, professional manner. Any comparisons to these gentlemen with Kaama’s previous experiences in North Carolina are simply wrong and deserve correction.
Regards,
Robert Madara

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

lchornet,

Again, this is just a hobby to me. I am glad that I am blessed enough to be able to afford it to a certain degree and I like coming on here, and right or wrong I choose to volunteer some of my experiences that might be helpful to someone, and perhaps help them save a buck-----even warn them about some who ripped me off. I don't mind being corrected or questioned---but keep in mind that I am not trying to sell anything on here. The way you question, and comment on here are suspect to me. It almost seems like you enjoy going around on here carrying a hammer in your hand, and have a chip on your shoulder---besides not owning up to who you are. That's why I question your motives. Tell you what---BoatFreaks could probably use a guy like you over on its website.

Besides what "rmbuilder" has posted, maybe there were some other things like my family or even some medical issues I had to deal with---perhaps I had some other financial commitments that required my attention. I can tell you that my hobby certainly doesn't pay my monthly house bills or put food on the table. Or it could even be that Jack Bailey aka "Budah" aka "Bobby Daniels" (and who knows what other names he goes under or has gone under) ripped me off to where it cost me THOUSANDS of $$$----of which Jack Bailey got a portion of, and then also having to turn around to pay another shop to correct all of his foolishness, and deceptions when the engines were in his posession.

Anyway lc, I am certainly glad we got that cleared up! I hope you're satisfied----now you can go around with a BIG STAR on your forehead cuz you got to the bottom of your question.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I agree with Kaama in his assessment of the guys in N.C. While I wasn't jerked around as much as Kaama, my dealings with them were less than satisfactory. No bill of sale on an almost 6000.00 purchase, way late delivery to the point I started to think I had been ripped off, solid roller valvesprings on one head when I asked for hydraulic. From now on, I will use people within resonable driving distance so I can keep tabs on things or use national people with outstanding reputations. There is a lot of money involved in our hobby and it seems to attract a lot of con men.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

KAAMA may have mentioned this and I might have missed it. His engines were completed within 6 weeks of being dropped off at the michigan engine shop. It was KAAMA's decision to replace the cylinder heads and camshafts after the engines were completely assembled by Wes Co and ready for dyno runs. At that point rmbuilder and KAAMA, along with JimV and Wes Co, began the process of selecting cams and heads.
Some people on this board are still waiting for their engines from Bruce Dudley.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

A big difference in time is if the builder you use keeps parts in stock. Cranks, heads, pistons, blocks, and oil pans ( I know because we are 8 weeks out right now) can take along time. Especially if you order in the prime of the season. If a builder has the stuff in stock you should pay a little more for the parts because he/she has invested in that inventory dollar. If you want to save money then you can shop around but just understand that it will add to your wait.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Dropped of EVERYTHING in mid-March. Still don't have it, but it's next to dyno. The guy is local, has a complete machine shop, two different dynos, and would spec, balance, assemble and dyno, my combination of parts, rather than us debate each piece I chose. My custom motor was MY CUSTOM MOTOR; not his. So, he don't build crate motors for quick sale; or carry a lot of parts, but he WOULD do what I was looking for.

But, I don't car race, and it seems I'm just fill in work; two weeks has stretched to 14.

KAAMA, keep telling the story. People should know what they're up against.

ICHORNET, don't be such a drama queen. Ask questions or reply without sarcasm, condescension, dismissiveness, or just plain starting stuff; or pull up anchor.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

And like I said, I felt I have intially tried being straight in my answers to you before, but it doesn't seem to work for you. For the reasons I gave previously in another post you just don't past the smell test with me----I am highly suspect of you by THE WAY you ask your questions, and make your comments. I already told you who I think you are and you still haven't told us who you are.

By the way lc, I am running Holley 950cfm carbs, Crane ignition boxs, Scott plug wires, and NGK spark plugs, but I might change the plugs to a different brand-----hope that's okay with you!

Oh....and I am going to attempt to put my boat in the water for the first time of the season hopefully by the end of this week, but if I don't, and there is some sort of delay maybe I should call you, and report to you as to why it didn't happen.

To the rest of you guys reading this---sorry for venting on here. I just have had enough of this guy.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I know we have had some problems getting parts for our 496's and some of the problems just come from small parts suppliers who get to many orders and not enough raw materials or parts to keep up with demand. All engine builders have to spend too much time on the phone chasing details, but the big things are easy the work is in the details.
We have just finished three of our NEW HO600-496 motors and we started and completed in about six weeks on all three, but is was a challange! Two of these babies are what our customer is putting in his brand new 30 foot Shockwave. We call them the "Purple Monstas"!! They did a very respectable job on the dyno. 607HP at 5100rpms and 640 ft/lbs of torque at 4200rpms, with the torque averaging over 600 ft/lbs between 2500 and 5100 rpms. Kinda like a diesel except the torque stays flat to 5100. The HP was still climbing at a steep rate at 5100, so we know they will probably make over 625HP@ 5400 when we turn up the rev-limit on the ECM. We were using the stock ECM here with our new piggy back reprogrammer to recalibrate fuel and spark needs. works llike a champ. Think about it, a 600HP+ 496 EFI only engine that idles at 650 rpms and still has all the Mercury "guardian" features. The 496 is lookin Betta!!
Some shots attached!
Ray @ Raylar

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Those engines look sharp Ray. I like how your testing results turned out, and the part about the 650rpm idle---sounds smooth. Is that in gear or in neutral? I think there is a shop in the area that is doing some mods on a 496ho with your upgrade parts/mods. Should be interesting to see the results.

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

[ I think you protest too much? You keep asking me who I am, and what do I have to hide. I don't have anything to hide. But by the way you are replying, it seems that you do.


Please stop pissing all over my thread.


I wouldn't do that to you

(and before you start crying about Kaama again, at least he contributed something here)

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

I love that.

So what do a set of these bad boys cost, approximately, (if you don't mind my askin)?

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

The 650 rpm idle is in gear of course, the only one that counts. Thses bad boys have the forged cranks, our new Mahle forged pistons and H-beam billet rods with our 106 kit. These went for about 14K each complete less accessories, not bad for "Purple Motors."

Dregz: I hope we are not pissing on your thread, we were just trying to talk custom engines and build time. I think the thread got some real "interesting " comments on those subjects. Great Thread!

Ray @ Raylar

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Firing it up on the dyno Friday.

And quit deleting my posts about how you two NUMBER guys are mean and rude at YOUR empty website. I just asked that you be civilized ONE DAY...OH, and PULL ANCHOR; EVERYBODY SEE'S THROUGH IT!

Nobody likes problem-causing, phsyco-pathic, WEBSITE TROLLS!

Re: How long did you wait for your custom motors?
 

Nobody likes problem-causing, phsyco-pathic, WEBSITE TROLLS![/QUOTE]


Ignore the trolls, maybe they will go away