Grooms Engines

[Marc87GN]

This is the first engine swap I have done on my own personal car and I think that Grooms builds a great shortblock. I purchased the Level 3 109 shortblock with RJC Girdle and the wait was short and I had great communication with Grooms before, during and after the process. When it arrives, it looks like a brand new engine. I finally started the engine on Saturday, 10-22, and it smoked and sputtered about 2 minutes and then it ran fairly smooth for 30-35 minutes. With only 30 miles on the engine, hot idle is 20-22 psi oil pressure and the engine runs well.

The only comment I will make is that I wish the front office and the back communicated a little more. I mean this in terms of specs on the engine. If you ask the person selling the engine, they are not 100% sure of exactly what goes in it in all aspects. Other than that, they were great to deal with and I would most certainly recommend buying an engine from them if I knew someone that needed an engine.

 

[KevinB]

If you don't mind me asking...what it cost ya??

 

[JC Turbo]

If you don't mind me asking...what it cost ya??

Ditto was wondering the same thing.

 

[Marc87GN]

I don't mind answering because it is a legitimate question. I actually had to pull the bill so I could provide accurate numbers.

Level 3 Shortblock - $3,295
Short block core deposit - $600
Shipping to residence - $206.01
total $4,101.01

 

[KevinB]

Thank You! Please keep us informed on how the engine performs! Sounds like a great deal

 

[Marc87GN]

No problem. So far with 30 miles on the engine, there is zero smoke out of the tailpipes, it idles excellent and the oil pressure is a nice 20-22 psi at hot idle with the original pump. I just hope it keeps running this well.

 

[WH1]

I'll give a second nod to Groom's as I bought a Level 2 engine from them in Febuary. Mine has around 1400 miles on it and runs great. Mac, in the back, is the guy you want to ask for if you call.

 

[Marc87GN]

I'll give a second nod to Groom's as I bought a Level 2 engine from them in Febuary. Mine has around 1400 miles on it and runs great. Mac, in the back, is the guy you want to ask for if you call.

Agreed! Although he hasn't called me back yet. I will try him again tomorrow.

 

[49-blues]

Is the new motor a .040 over? did that have a bearing on the price? would a .005 , .010 , .020 be all the same price? Do you get your own block back or someonelses?

 

[Marc87GN]

Is the new motor a .040 over? did that have a bearing on the price? would a .005 , .010 , .020 be all the same price? Do you get your own block back or someonelses?

I honestly don't think it has any impact on price. It is .040 over and I still have my original block.

 

[turbot2496]

Very nice.... whats the specs on a level 3?... Didn't see it on their site.

 

[Marc87GN]

Very nice.... whats the specs on a level 3?... Didn't see it on their site.

The Level 3 comes with RJC girdle, TRW forged pistons, Turbo Crank, 2 Dot rods, H210/205(.456/.440) I believe Lunati cam, Double roller timing chain, & all ARP fasteners. It looks like new when it arrives. I hope that shows in the pictures. They also use a good sealer between the girdle and block. It's a Toyota sealer that's about $26 fo 3 ounces. So far I have put 18-20 psi through it and no leaks anywhere. I just found a little oil by the dipstick because I don't have a grommet on it yet. I also installed the RJC deep pan while I was at it. The idle is not as smooth as stock in closed loop, but the lowend power is awesome and the highend pull is strong as well.

 

[vacuum 6]

No problem. So far with 30 miles on the engine, there is zero smoke out of the tailpipes, it idles excellent and the oil pressure is a nice 20-22 psi at hot idle with the original pump. I just hope it keeps running this well.

How is it running?

 

[Boost231]

wow looks nice and it sounds like a awsome motor. cant wait to get my motor back from zimmermans.

 

[excobraguy]

How is it running?

Hey, I actually own this car now. I bought it from the guy that had originally bought it from Marc in Jan of 2007. The car is running OK. Right now it has a noisy lifter problem I am trying to track down. I just hope it's not a wiped cam lobe. I haven't had time to check anything out yet but will this weekend. It's a Lunati cam, anyone have any bad experiences with them???

I called Marc about 3 weeks ago and talked to him about the car. The guy had a lot of work and $ into the car. I ran it at the track and it ran a 12.6 @ 111 mph on street tires, running only 18 psi. This is a girdled block and it has lots left! I just got my Razor alky kit to put on the car but I am waiting to see what I find out with the lifter issue........it's a nice car though!

 

[bison]

Why did they use a .040 over block for a girdle build? Did you request this? Seems like a waste if anything happens to any of the cylinders. You will need another block and machine work or a sleeve . Just curious since std. blocks are everywhere for $300 or less and they charge $600 core charge. Even though its a long block charge.

 

[Grumpy]

arn't all their motors .040 ???

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Maybe..

Ask Chris Garrett about Grooms engines, steel shot, noises.....

 

[artrenee10]

Ask Chris Garrett about Grooms engines, steel shot, noises.....

Ditto that 2x....plus you gotta remember this was 2 yrs ago.....

 

[chrisgarrett]

I'm glad you're having a good experience with your Grooms engine. The truth is I a jealous. My experience with them, as Chuck alluded, was a nightmare. The first engine they sent me had steel shot in the oil passages and the block looked crappy. They sent me another one. When it arrived, it was sitting on the crank in the delivery truck. There was not bottom end on the crate they shipped it in. The second motor began producing false knock that I was never able to track down and cure. I searched for the cause of this false knock for two years. Checking and replacing everything imaginable. I convinced it is the bottom end of the engine causing it.
I also agree with you that it was impossible to get any spec info from Grooms after the motor arrived. I have said it over and over again. I will never buy another engine from one of these mass producers. I know some guys have had a good experience with Grooms-not me. I would rather spend the money with one of the know pros.
You're engine looks beautiful and I'm glad it worked out for you.