Recommendations for Engine Builder

[jcblade]

I know there are tons of threads on this but hopefully you can help me out. My son has a 1987 Grand National with 44K miles. We just had a lot of work done to it. Here's a list of the major things:

- TE67GT Turbo
- 60# injectors
- stretch intercooler
- Alky/meth injection
- Fuel pump & hot wire kit
- 3" Terry Houston downpipe
- RJC power plate
- built billet trans with Art Carr 9" TQ

After this install, the mechanic (highly recommneded on these web sites)noticed that the crankshaft clearance was way above tolerances and recommended an engine rebuild. He suggested looking at Weber racing. We received a couple of estimates from them including their stroker build up. Please bear with me, because I am not a mechanic and don't understand a lot of this. We are looking for a car to run in the mid to low 10s on 93 octane. The car will probably be raced at the track at least twice a month, so we want a strong reliable build.

So far we looked at Weber Racing and I just sent an email to Dan Strego at DLS Engines. I'm in New Jersey and I saw there's a guy in Clark, Jack Merkel Performance. I don't think I've heard of him mentioned on here at all. Do any of you know him or about him? Is he someone I should consider? Another name was Rob from Stage One Automotive, I think in Pompton Plains NJ. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JayC]

Anderson Performance in Baltimore would be my recomendation. If you want to go farther, Bryan at Weber is great to deal with as well.

 

[GNBRETT]

RPE is in Connecticut and is within easy driving distance for you.

860-953-1342 his name is Bobby. RPE, Anderson, DLS, Webber, etc... are all good and will also have a long wait. You get what you pay for tho.

 

[Roger]

Wildcat Performance in GA

 

[JayC]

Forgot all about RPE.. another good guy to deal with.

 

[Blazer406]

Russ Merritt (board member) isn't too far away...... He has a shop.....and knows his way around a DD capable (full weight) car that has run 9.94 on pump gas and alky..... with a stock location intercooler...

I'm sure he'll be glad to talk to you...

 

[wickedtt]

Dan Smith right in Camden NJ

 

[nick s]

i talk 2 jack merkel he sounds like he nose what he is talking about

 

[turboculosis]

Jack Merkel

+1 Jack Merkel. He'll take care of you if you decide to go to him. The other engine builders mentioned earlier are are great too and pretty proven. But since Jack is close to where I live I went to him. I've had no issues w/ his motors. The only issues I've ever had is with "my" crappy tune.:redface: I've been dealing with Jack for a while now and will continue to do so. Can't go wrong with either engine builder, it's up to you.:wink:

 

[jcblade]

Thanks for all of your recommendations. By the way Dan Strego called me within a couple hours of sending the email. What a great guy he is. Very informative and helpful. I like what he had to say.

The question I probably should have asked in the beginning was , do you think I need an engine build because of the crank shaft play? Will we blow up this engine by taking it to the track and seeing what it can do with the mods we already have? I'm getting different opinions on this and am a little confused. Once again, I thank you all for any input. It's amazing how much info you guys have and are extremely helpful.

 

[GNBRETT]

If money was no option I would opt for a DLS buildup with one of his custom grind cams and all of his other goodies. Can't go wrong with him for sure.

 

[ChevMCarlo84]

Dan Smith right in Camden NJ

+1

He built the motor that's in my car now.

 

[V8Assassin]

If money was no option I would opt for a DLS buildup with one of his custom grind cams and all of his other goodies. Can't go wrong with him for sure.

Absolutely!

I'm adding Don Cruz to the list, he does have the fastest stock block around!!!! :biggrin:

To answer your question, I say send it down the track and see what happens. That's what I did and the next phone call was to Florida!!!

 

[bosted86]

Dan Smith right in Camden NJ

+1

 

[GlockandRoll]

Can anyone recomend a GN specialist in Austin, TX.. DiscoStew is out of the business and no longer even reachable for recomendations here?
I killed my stocker it would appear. sigh.

 

[turboclam]

Contact Nick Micale of Arizona GN or TA performance.