I think it is about the relationship and open communication. The vibe I get is Troy is your man, you seem really happy with him. What your trying to do is not difficult per say. Your looking for a turbo big block engine for a street driven Camaro. Your not looking to qualify #1 at a heads up drag race event. So I think that should help you narrow your selection down. If I was in your shoes I would talk to guys who have done what you want in your area. Mike Norris in Indy would be a good contact. He knows what he is doing and lives in Indy which is the Motorsports central for the north. My guess is Troy will be building the headers and exhaust for your narrowed subframe. So you have the fab work covered. More then likely you will buy a manifold. So find a semi local guy who has good recommendations. Ask for customer references, I want new customers to talk to the usual guys, helps the new guy feel comfortable and helps me sort out the losers.
I think your contract will scare off a builder who is having to rely on others to supply parts. I would not sign that contract until ALL parts where in my shop. Let the builder buy all the parts, he needs to make his margin. Go visit him regularly and check to see if he is doing what he says and buy him lunch and let him buy you lunch.
Really at the end of the day whatever you want to build cannot be that tough, my buddy just destroked a 726 nos engine to a 588 on methanol that will spin to 10k rpms. They think it makes 3500hp with twin 94's. Something like that takes a while and the right guy.
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