Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
02-10-2002, 03:13 PM
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Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
I need an engine rebuilder who won't rip me off and has a good reputation. I’ve been searching about a month now for a reputable shop to rebuild my stock 305 TPI engine from my 89’ IROC Convertible, it has under 130,000 Km. I’ve gotten quotes ranging from $1600.00-$2500.00 (including the taxes) for a 305 freshen-up (stock rebuild), and prices starting at $3600.00 to $5000.00 (including taxes) for a fresh 350. My budget is $2000.00, plus $400.00 extra for unexpected parts (i.e. hoses, new oil pan, etc).
I’m still deciding whether I should stick with a 305 or go to a 350, but that’s just indecision on my part. The real problem is finding a good reputable shop in Southern Ontario who will actually do what they say. Every time I visit a shop and speak with either the owner or the engine rebuilder they run through a list of things that will get done to the engine, and from what I hearing no two shops are alike. One shop will replace the bearings if necessary; another will change it regardless. One shop will sonic test the block, the other doesn’t mention testing for cracks. Warranties, they seem to range from 3-months to 3-years, does anyone stand behind their work anymore?
I need recommendations from members who have gotten work done and are satisfied with the job. What’s a reasonable price to pay? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
I’m still deciding whether I should stick with a 305 or go to a 350, but that’s just indecision on my part. The real problem is finding a good reputable shop in Southern Ontario who will actually do what they say. Every time I visit a shop and speak with either the owner or the engine rebuilder they run through a list of things that will get done to the engine, and from what I hearing no two shops are alike. One shop will replace the bearings if necessary; another will change it regardless. One shop will sonic test the block, the other doesn’t mention testing for cracks. Warranties, they seem to range from 3-months to 3-years, does anyone stand behind their work anymore?
I need recommendations from members who have gotten work done and are satisfied with the job. What’s a reasonable price to pay? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
02-18-2002, 06:32 PM
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OH MY ***!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Man you are seriously gettin played here. I mean 3500 - 5000 for a fresh 350? Are they crazy? I am assuming this is a ZZ4 short block with some FI heads on it!!!!!
I mean come on! This must be including labour i hope?
I would definetly be looking into a 350 at a bare minimum but DEFINETLY NOT at those shop!!!!
Get in touch with some of the local Z guys & have them show you too a reputable shop!!!! You definetly get what you pay for but those prices are ridiculous.
I dont know anyone out near you but here in Ottawa i could recommend some people.
Good Luck and GEEZ watch it!!!!!
I mean come on! This must be including labour i hope?
I would definetly be looking into a 350 at a bare minimum but DEFINETLY NOT at those shop!!!!
Get in touch with some of the local Z guys & have them show you too a reputable shop!!!! You definetly get what you pay for but those prices are ridiculous.
I dont know anyone out near you but here in Ottawa i could recommend some people.
Good Luck and GEEZ watch it!!!!!
02-18-2002, 09:16 PM
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Stroked-Z, you smell familiar. Are you from that http://www.midnightruns.com site? Their's some tool with the same screen name over there.
02-18-2002, 10:49 PM
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Didn't we respond to this one already? You're just gonna have to choose a shop. Of course every shop is going to be different. I gave my suggestion the first time you posted.. LOL
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02-19-2002, 12:55 AM
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Sorry for the duplicate post guys but this was actually my first draft. The one that everyone has responded to was written after this thread was somehow lost in cyberspace!
I spent 15 minutes writing this original post, getting my thoughts on paper (10 minutes was spent checking my spelling and grammar!). When I went to view the post under the posts submitted by a member screen (the may not be the exact title of the page but it was similar) a message popped up saying that there was an error with this thread (or something to that affect) reach ThirdGen.Org. Of course I never did, I just rewrote the darn thing and submitted it again. This time after I “Submitted” it, it was accepted and took me to my new post for all to see. I just thought that my original post, like a fart, vanished into thin air!
As far as choosing a shop, it’s down to 2:
A A Engine Machine
180 Wilkinson, Unit-23 Brampton, ON L6T 4W8
(905)459-7488
Recommended by Sleeper
Crosstown Engine Remanufacturing
27 Musgrave Toronto, ON M4E 2H3
416-691-2355
http://www.crosstownengines.com
AA Engine is small local shop who has almost all of the equipment needed to rebuild an engine on the premises. They farm out the crank to be machined. The price of the rebuild is $1450.00, and the labor rate is $500.00. With a couple of extras (spark plugs, wires, etc) It should cost around $2500.00. They offer a 1-year 20Km warranty. I visited the shop and am impressed with the work that goes on there, though it would be nice to hear from others who have used or have heard of this shop!
Crosstown Engines is a shop that I stumbled upon while searching for engine rebuilders on http://www.yellowpages.ca . The price of a rebuild is $1450.00; the labor is $850.00. With the usual extras and taxes I’ll be over my budget by a few hundred dollars. They offer a 3-year 60Km warranty and belong to the AERA Engine Rebuilders Association, http://www.aera.org/main.htm . I have yet to visit the shop, though I am planning to go down Wednesday morning and check the place out.
If anyone has any comments or has heard any stories about either of these shops your input would be greatly appreciated! It may come down to flipping a coin.
I spent 15 minutes writing this original post, getting my thoughts on paper (10 minutes was spent checking my spelling and grammar!). When I went to view the post under the posts submitted by a member screen (the may not be the exact title of the page but it was similar) a message popped up saying that there was an error with this thread (or something to that affect) reach ThirdGen.Org. Of course I never did, I just rewrote the darn thing and submitted it again. This time after I “Submitted” it, it was accepted and took me to my new post for all to see. I just thought that my original post, like a fart, vanished into thin air!
As far as choosing a shop, it’s down to 2:
A A Engine Machine
180 Wilkinson, Unit-23 Brampton, ON L6T 4W8
(905)459-7488
Recommended by Sleeper
Crosstown Engine Remanufacturing
27 Musgrave Toronto, ON M4E 2H3
416-691-2355
http://www.crosstownengines.com
AA Engine is small local shop who has almost all of the equipment needed to rebuild an engine on the premises. They farm out the crank to be machined. The price of the rebuild is $1450.00, and the labor rate is $500.00. With a couple of extras (spark plugs, wires, etc) It should cost around $2500.00. They offer a 1-year 20Km warranty. I visited the shop and am impressed with the work that goes on there, though it would be nice to hear from others who have used or have heard of this shop!
Crosstown Engines is a shop that I stumbled upon while searching for engine rebuilders on http://www.yellowpages.ca . The price of a rebuild is $1450.00; the labor is $850.00. With the usual extras and taxes I’ll be over my budget by a few hundred dollars. They offer a 3-year 60Km warranty and belong to the AERA Engine Rebuilders Association, http://www.aera.org/main.htm . I have yet to visit the shop, though I am planning to go down Wednesday morning and check the place out.
If anyone has any comments or has heard any stories about either of these shops your input would be greatly appreciated! It may come down to flipping a coin.
02-19-2002, 08:03 PM
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I did call him up and get an estimate/qoute (whatever you want to call it) over the phone. After i heard $3000.00 plus labour plus miscellaneous parts plus taxes plus this plus that (for a stock 305 rebuild) i kinda tuned out. I'm not going over my budget......or atleast i'm going to damn well try not too!
Last edited by chubb rock; 02-19-2002 at 08:07 PM.
02-19-2002, 08:38 PM
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Try giving the APA a call. THey have that show on CP24 on Saturday nights. If you tune in this week you can get the number. They might be able to give you any info that you require about these shops, or recommend others.
02-20-2002, 07:41 AM
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I'll tell you what i think a stock rebuild shouldn't cost, and thats $3000.00 (plus the labor, plus the taxes, etc). I've been looking now for a couple of months and i've talked to many shops. I realize these rebuilders have to make a living, but i'm not talking about making 400Hp or adding a supercharger or wanting the best of the best parts put in the engine. I just want it to look and run as good if not better then it did when it came from the factory. The shop who can do this for my budget will get my money, the ones who want me to pay off they're M3, mortgage on there house or cottage, or next stash of weed can kiss my ***.
02-20-2002, 10:40 AM
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I'm not impressed with that quote at all. Hmmm, it might had been different if I could have talked to him. One thing I can guarantee though is he does quality work and won't rip you off.
01-09-2013, 10:21 AM
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
My fellow brothers and sisters, if you are ever in need of an engine rebuild for your car, truck or boat, I will forewarn you to please never, ever do business with Crosstown Engine Re-builders located on Musgrave Street in Toronto!!!!
I placed my trust into this engine rebuilding company to rebuild an engine for my Chevy truck and almost ten thousand dollars later I've had nothing but on going mechanical related problems ever since the engine rebuild and they refuse to admit any fault!!!
Check engine indicator lights turn on daily, the vehicle will not pass emissions, it leaks oil and they tried to scam me on parts. They also stuffed an over sized radiator into the motor cradle and secured it with household grade wood screws!!! They were also much too lazy and cheap to even change the fuel filter after the motor rebuild!! The work invoice they concocted at end the of it all was so highly vague in description, it didn't even provide a formal itemized cost breakdown, just a big number at the bottom of the page!!
Mr Jim Mangov, the current owner of the shop who got lucky to have this already established business handed down to him by his father, is nothing more than a lying, deceitful, greedy, untalented little con artist. Jim is a real pro at flapping his mouth at incredibly high RPM,s to con people into hearing what they want to hear and unfortunately I fell victim to his deceptive miss leading sales tactics. What he promises and what he delivers are two very different things.
For all you gear heads out there in search of the ultimate performance engine builder for your Camaro, Corvette or muscle car, stay the heck away from these grease ***** if you know whats good for you. There are plenty of reputable engine rebuilding shops out there, so do your research!!!
Again, do your research on engine rebuilding companies and never do business with these crooks...trust me!!!....Learn from the burned!!!
Best of luck!
I placed my trust into this engine rebuilding company to rebuild an engine for my Chevy truck and almost ten thousand dollars later I've had nothing but on going mechanical related problems ever since the engine rebuild and they refuse to admit any fault!!!
Check engine indicator lights turn on daily, the vehicle will not pass emissions, it leaks oil and they tried to scam me on parts. They also stuffed an over sized radiator into the motor cradle and secured it with household grade wood screws!!! They were also much too lazy and cheap to even change the fuel filter after the motor rebuild!! The work invoice they concocted at end the of it all was so highly vague in description, it didn't even provide a formal itemized cost breakdown, just a big number at the bottom of the page!!
Mr Jim Mangov, the current owner of the shop who got lucky to have this already established business handed down to him by his father, is nothing more than a lying, deceitful, greedy, untalented little con artist. Jim is a real pro at flapping his mouth at incredibly high RPM,s to con people into hearing what they want to hear and unfortunately I fell victim to his deceptive miss leading sales tactics. What he promises and what he delivers are two very different things.
For all you gear heads out there in search of the ultimate performance engine builder for your Camaro, Corvette or muscle car, stay the heck away from these grease ***** if you know whats good for you. There are plenty of reputable engine rebuilding shops out there, so do your research!!!
Again, do your research on engine rebuilding companies and never do business with these crooks...trust me!!!....Learn from the burned!!!
Best of luck!
01-09-2013, 06:15 PM
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
My fellow brothers and sisters, if you are ever in need of an engine rebuild for your car, truck or boat, I will forewarn you to please never, ever do business with Crosstown Engine Re-builders located on Musgrave Street in Toronto!!!!
I placed my trust into this engine rebuilding company to rebuild an engine for my Chevy truck and almost ten thousand dollars later I've had nothing but on going mechanical related problems ever since the engine rebuild and they refuse to admit any fault!!!
Check engine indicator lights turn on daily, the vehicle will not pass emissions, it leaks oil and they tried to scam me on parts. They also stuffed an over sized radiator into the motor cradle and secured it with household grade wood screws!!! They were also much too lazy and cheap to even change the fuel filter after the motor rebuild!! The work invoice they concocted at end the of it all was so highly vague in description, it didn't even provide a formal itemized cost breakdown, just a big number at the bottom of the page!!
Mr Jim Mangov, the current owner of the shop who got lucky to have this already established business handed down to him by his father, is nothing more than a lying, deceitful, greedy, untalented little con artist. Jim is a real pro at flapping his mouth at incredibly high RPM,s to con people into hearing what they want to hear and unfortunately I fell victim to his deceptive miss leading sales tactics. What he promises and what he delivers are two very different things.
For all you gear heads out there in search of the ultimate performance engine builder for your Camaro, Corvette or muscle car, stay the heck away from these grease ***** if you know whats good for you. There are plenty of reputable engine rebuilding shops out there, so do your research!!!
Again, do your research on engine rebuilding companies and never do business with these crooks...trust me!!!....Learn from the burned!!!
Best of luck!
I placed my trust into this engine rebuilding company to rebuild an engine for my Chevy truck and almost ten thousand dollars later I've had nothing but on going mechanical related problems ever since the engine rebuild and they refuse to admit any fault!!!
Check engine indicator lights turn on daily, the vehicle will not pass emissions, it leaks oil and they tried to scam me on parts. They also stuffed an over sized radiator into the motor cradle and secured it with household grade wood screws!!! They were also much too lazy and cheap to even change the fuel filter after the motor rebuild!! The work invoice they concocted at end the of it all was so highly vague in description, it didn't even provide a formal itemized cost breakdown, just a big number at the bottom of the page!!
Mr Jim Mangov, the current owner of the shop who got lucky to have this already established business handed down to him by his father, is nothing more than a lying, deceitful, greedy, untalented little con artist. Jim is a real pro at flapping his mouth at incredibly high RPM,s to con people into hearing what they want to hear and unfortunately I fell victim to his deceptive miss leading sales tactics. What he promises and what he delivers are two very different things.
For all you gear heads out there in search of the ultimate performance engine builder for your Camaro, Corvette or muscle car, stay the heck away from these grease ***** if you know whats good for you. There are plenty of reputable engine rebuilding shops out there, so do your research!!!
Again, do your research on engine rebuilding companies and never do business with these crooks...trust me!!!....Learn from the burned!!!
Best of luck!
I'm afraid your advice is about 10 years to late
Originally posted on 02-10-2002, 09:13 PM
01-09-2013, 09:52 PM
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01-12-2013, 01:53 PM
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Car: 89 IROC-Z CONVERTIBLE
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
Try engine technologies in Cambridge Ontario. Very decent guy to deal with and reasonable on price too. has extensive chevy knowledge. been in business for years.
520 Collier MacMillan drive 519-622-8080
Don is his name. i reccommend this guy because he has built small blocks for me and a number of my friends.
hope this helps!
Cheers,
Chris
520 Collier MacMillan drive 519-622-8080
Don is his name. i reccommend this guy because he has built small blocks for me and a number of my friends.
hope this helps!
Cheers,
Chris
01-14-2013, 03:27 PM
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
Highly recomend Dale Stroud in Coppins Corners.
01-14-2013, 04:14 PM
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01-14-2013, 05:05 PM
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
DSE Performance (905) 957-8880
9558 Silver Street
Caistor Centre On L0R1E0
He has extensive experience with all motors. I think most of the latest HEMI crate motors were sent to his shop for Dyno and final setup from the factory.
Built a lot of CASCAR motors. All work can be done in house including motor Dyno. Any and all work on cars also.
If you call please mention you got his contact info from Doug Phillips.
9558 Silver Street
Caistor Centre On L0R1E0
He has extensive experience with all motors. I think most of the latest HEMI crate motors were sent to his shop for Dyno and final setup from the factory.
Built a lot of CASCAR motors. All work can be done in house including motor Dyno. Any and all work on cars also.
If you call please mention you got his contact info from Doug Phillips.
01-14-2013, 05:20 PM
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01-14-2013, 05:26 PM
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
Brand new GM 305 for $2000
GM 350 for $2000
GM 350 $1800
While shipping from Summit maybe expensive to Canada, any GM dealer should be able to order it for a similar price. The first 350 may have vortec heads I forget, you can get teh edelbrock/SDPC tpi baseplate and it will bolt up fine. New they are around 400, used I see them in the 200's. I'm pretty sure the second 350 isn't a roller cam, but its a roller block and has std heads. The first 350 will give you the best performance.
-Jim
GM 350 for $2000
GM 350 $1800
While shipping from Summit maybe expensive to Canada, any GM dealer should be able to order it for a similar price. The first 350 may have vortec heads I forget, you can get teh edelbrock/SDPC tpi baseplate and it will bolt up fine. New they are around 400, used I see them in the 200's. I'm pretty sure the second 350 isn't a roller cam, but its a roller block and has std heads. The first 350 will give you the best performance.
-Jim
01-29-2013, 01:47 AM
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Re: Need an engine rebuilder wwho won't rip me off.....
Benson Auto Parts Main Branch East Parts
1487 Cyrville Rd Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3L7
613-746-5353
Ask for Crazy Pete, he rebuilt 305 LO3 in my truck for about 1400 minus the heads.
Lots of advice when it comes to my Z28 engine and mods which I will get him to do, hopefully this spring.
Greg
1487 Cyrville Rd Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3L7
613-746-5353
Ask for Crazy Pete, he rebuilt 305 LO3 in my truck for about 1400 minus the heads.
Lots of advice when it comes to my Z28 engine and mods which I will get him to do, hopefully this spring.
Greg
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