Just my 2 cents.
If I'm a good engine builder I probably already have a ton of business. If someone comes to me with a contract they made up I am going to probably say no. Maybe you are someone who is setting me up for a lawsuit etc. A headache I can avoid by just saying no.

The guy that will sign the contract might be the guy that really needs the money because he is lousy at what he does.

Something that may be getting lost here is that the "contract" doesn't need to be some 32 page legaleze document a lawyer draws up. It can be as simple as a Purchase Order document stating what you are ordering and a time for it's delivery. If the builder will acknowledge that P.O and take the order, that is now a contract. Simple.

Todd you no I always value your opinion ! To answer your question about a contract for my business its simple for me. I DON'T EXCEPT ANY MONEY UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!!! That's my contract the money is my motivator!!! The car has to go or I don't get paid. I don't use other peoples money to fix other peoples cars that way! My father in law ran his shop like that for 65 years and I continue to run mine the same way..
Charley you do bring up a valid point.
Chad I think that's a great way of putting it ''CONTRACT'' may be the wrong word here . I would say more of an'' agreement''.

I 100% agree with this. I work with one of the premier LS builders in the world and I would tell you thanks but we don't need your business if you wanted a contract demanding delivery dates, we would certainly give you our best guess on completion but no guarantees. There are too many things out of your control with the delivery of parts when you get into a custom built engine, some of the parts can't even be ordered until the engine is partially assembled and as far as buying your own parts as Todd suggested, don't expect any durability guarantees if you start specing out the parts that's what you're paying the builder to know.

BTW what type of motor is this going to be? I am assuming Twin Turbo something? LSX or BBC or ?

Most reputable engine builders are going to have a progress/payment schedule and require some money upfront to get started. I assume your looking for a big cube twin turbo LSX motor. I am in the market for the same, but am trying to stay around $30k or so.


Contact stevemorrisengines.com as they can give you a detailed quote for an entire package. I am leaning towards their iron block lsx 427 with twin 67s. It is hard to find a complete TT LSX motor package from one vendor, and this one looks pretty good.

Good Luck!

Big block 540 TT. Steve Morrison has quoted me $51.000.00 it looks like he's going to be the guy I'm going to go with at this point. Very detailed on what I'm going to get and when!:)

51k! :confused59: :G-Dub: :headspin: :disgusted:

Can I go for a ride? :Tomcat:

Wow bold statement!!! So your telling me to go pound sand if I asked for agreement on when I was going to get my engine?? There was a time I thought in my business I was the best collision shop around until I had no cars coming through my doors and I was humbled real fast my friend. Trust me one day you'll think twice about that statement.

Chad I'll come get ya!