Small Block Crate engines

I use a local machine shop for all of our machine work. One thing to remember Crate engines are mass produced. clearances are checked on the first build. After that they are all assumed to be the same. ("Why check valve to piston clearance the last one was good")and so on.
When picking a machine shop a couple of questions should be asked.
1. walk the shop and look at his organization of customers parts. Are finished parts and motors bagged and in a clean order. If you see machined parts goin out the door not in a plastic bag don't look any farther.
2. make sure everything is done in house and none of their work is sent out. balancing etc.
3. ask if they have a rottler or simular block machine. if not walk out.
4. Look for new head machines that do all the work in one machine so all installed heights are identical. Sonic testing is a must.
5. the machines should be newer and cleaned. If you see a machine that isn't being used that wasn't cleaned they don't respect they're own tools. they are probably out of tolerance. I have delt with several shops in the north east. I found HTA machine shop in Wiesport pa to be the best for me you need to find someone near you using the info above . I have seen Crosley motors there from england. from Indian motors to blown Hemis to Tractors and big diesel's , This is the type of machinest you want building your motor. Crate motors are like M&M's you never know whats inside. Build your own. Hughes engines is also high on my list as is Barton racing Engines. Its just that HTA is good and they are closer and prices are reasonable. He just finished our super charged omni motor, were you ever in a omni that goes to 7800 without a balance shaft and not vibrate the dash. I didn't think it was possible. some shops are really good at what they do. you just have to find one for yourself.