There is a guy local to me that does awesome engine work and makes big power. He is on the higher end of things, but does work for lots of knowledgeable guys that have the money to go any where. Terrible Herbst Boys and Jesse James.

Jim Watkins in Bakersfield, 661 861 9898. Watkins Engine Development.

Bako is not that far from Vegas.

Rodger

Todd, your garage and motor looks way to familiar. The last few trips that I've taken since the new engine helps to put all the pain of dealing with the last idiot behind me. Good luck and I hope you can find a reputable builder. We thrashed on mine two weeks before Goodguys, had to pull the motor out and replace a bad rear seal the week of the show. Ended up with a Goodguys builders pick and it all seemed worth while. THATS HOT RODDIN!

It looks like you did the right thing pullin it out when you did.

Jack

Todd, have you looked into Wegner Motorsports? (I do believe Frank Prodigy sells some of their LS engines.)
They did an engine for Jason Stavola and his '69 Camaro, that DSE had built.
http://detroitspeed.com/projectpages...vola_main1.htm

You got that right Jack. Glad to hear you are back on the road and knockin peoples socks off. You are right, it was time if I want to salvage any of the parts.

Wegner is a great builder but they are way to far away. I'll never do that again. I also want a builder that builds big block chevys on a regular basis. I've got it down to two builders in California. They both have killer reputations. I'll be driving to California by the end of next week with a bed full of parts.

Very cool.
Good luck bud!:cheers:

Todd
The name escapes me right now.... but that dyno tuner we both used, does he not have any connections to quality local builders? He talked the talk of a lot of badass Vettes rolling in and out of his shop?

Sucks!
 

Todd did some reading, sorry to see the engine problems, thats an awsome car & I'm glad to see you using it for what's built for. Good luck with getting the engine staightened out.




Randy(D&Z Customs LLC.)
[email protected]
1-262-347-9741

the main focus of his builds are lsx... he out sources the machine work and builds them in house. Im sure he could build it for todd but i dot believe he knows BB builds like the back of his hand and thats what todds looking for.

Right the BB, forgot about that lack of progression.....:unibrow: :willy:

Sorry to hear about the motor. I'm sure you will get it rebuild and it will be better than ever :thumbsup:

:lol: :lol: good one!:rofl:

Todd --

I've talked to and spent some time at Speed-O-Motive (LA)... They do TONS of blown stuff... and looked to be a very well run and organized shop...

Just my two cents...

Very funny, an LS is looking really cheap right now. :lolhit:

Yeah and not that big of a deal either....just have to replace EVERYTHING from the radiator to the driveline! Trust me I have thought about it...but Jody and my wife talked me right out of those crazy thoughts!! :willy:

There is always a 555CI, seen this Todd?
https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=24109

Those LS motors are the easy way out. :D :rolleyes: Anyway, it would really be cheaper to slap an LSx in there and redo a bunch of crap than what I have floating around in my head. Not going to happen. I like it old school under the hood.

Yep, I just looked over the thread. I can do it cheaper since I already have Dart 325's and a intake. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Funny. I have heard nothing but TERRIBLE reports about Speed-O-Motive... doing such a high volume of motors translates into inconsistent assembly and results is the consensus I have read about. No personal experience though.

Todd, let me know when you are coming out to Cali.

Glad you are on the case so quickly with it. It should be easy to make the power numbers you are looking for with those heads and another cam--and keep it streetable. If you need some running around done for you in terms of shop selection, let me know--i've dealt with quite a few of them and am glad to help you out.

June is coming buddy--

Doug

The beauty of these forums... you post something up - and people with more / different / better info add what they know... I wasn't saying that I KNOW they do good work - was just putting the name out there... So I'm glad you added your knowledge!!

:lateral:

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. I sure did the first time around. When I ordered that motor I wasn't planning to race much and was fairly green on good big block combinations. I was never disapointed with the power but the rest of the experience was the worst part of my build.

This time around it's all about quality of the motor and the builder. I've learned my lesson on the engine shops that crank em out for little profit. If you have to build more engines to achieve the same profit, then they probably aren't that sought after. That also opens them up for more mistakes. Sure I could hot tank the block, bore it .060 over and get off fairly cheap slapping it together in my garage. Knowledge is a double edged sword. How much more money do I want to dump into a 489/496 GM block? At the end of the day I want something that is going to make killer power and stay together with the torture I plan. This is my one mulligan to build it right. At this point it's doubtful it will stay a 489/496. I need to buy a new crank and pistons anyway. I'm going to take my time and find the right situation and combination.

http://www.nelsonracingengines.com/

:yes: :yes:

yawn. Might as well just buy a 5th gen ;)

X2 I think your search should stop right there Todd:lateral:

I called and never heard back.........

Thats frustraiting !! I can't understand why a buisness can't at least give a call back. Not good, really no excuse for it!!!

Sorry about your engine Todd..I can remember when you first told the story about the wrong dizzy gear being installed..wow...:wow:

I had a good buddy of mine get a rotating kit from these guys..he did a BB 540 and had great service.

http://www.ohiocrank.com/chevbb_rotate.html

Good luck with the new build!

:thumbsup:


-Jim

Toms a busy guy. I've dropped by his shop before. Hes pretty much a one or two man operation. Great guy and AMAZING work. Maybe give it one more shot, tell him you're calling from Lateral G.

Dane I understand exactly what your saying! But you stil have to find time to call your customers back!! I was plowing last night for 4 hour came in my shop a little after 7 pm 6 calls 6 returned calls you have to do this it's customer service something we don't have much of anymore. I plan on using Tom for my project but I will not tolerate poor customer service..

I talked with Todd a few days ago and the 2 guys he has narrowed his selection down to are both amazing. He will be in good hands which ever way he goes.

That's good to know Rodger. It will be nice when he can get it back in the car and have all of the confidence in it staying together.:cheers:

Yep, Rodger is right on the money. I'm impressed with Jason Pettis and his attention to detail and looking forward to speaking with Jim Watkins over at Watkins Engine Development in Bakersfield next week. I'll seal a deal with one of them in the next 2 weeks.

Some of Jim Watkins work...900 hp small block
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy616V8M-mY&feature=fvw


Some of Jason Pettis's works, the black mustang that destroys the trans pan.
http://www.vimeo.com/2040153

I would say either guys will be do just fine.

Rodger

Drifting a Trophy Truck on blactop sure looks like a good time!:drive:

And that silver ChevyII was getting some serious hang time under those front wheels.

Cool videos Rodger, thanks!

I've reached a deal with Pettis Performance in Hesperia, CA. www.pettisperformance.com They have been around since 1975 and it's a Father/Son operation. Everyone has said great things about them. I'm headed down Thursday to drop off some parts and write him a check. I'm pretty damn excited about it! :thumbsup:

VERY COOL!!! Merry christmas to Todd......:D

So what is the build plan? You can't say "I don't know"....you're going to write a check in a couple days!! :rofl:

My lips are sealed:D It's going to be good!

Don't tell him....

Glad you're happy Todd!! Shop looks great! Anybody that can make 1000 HP on motor from a sbFORD has got to be good!! :rofl: :rofl:

Oh man!! You need to understand Todd. This waiting is almost painfull. Like a 6 year old window shopping at Toys R Us. :rofl:


I know it will be good. There are very few cars on here that I have followed as close as yours. When something is going on with one of them I go nuts and want all the details. Yours, Karma and a couple others. I just gotta know!!!:willy:

Greg, you are not helping me here.....

Oh its good, don't worry