For future reference, I wanna find out if there are any GOOD machine shops near here to have a block machined. The last thing I want is to be next in the line of those who trusted a shop only to get back a gacked block and a simple "too bad". P.S. the only shop I heard of is Caldwell's in Springfield, but some of the reviews on em make me think to look elsewhere.
It's a bit of a drive for you, but I used Somer's Machine in Vancouver. The guy that runs the place has a minor tendency to be a little crusty, but he does good work.
I am building a /6 for a fun street car. Emphasis on torque not HP. To work a slant head, need is for a LOT more intake improvement than exhaust, which is the reverse of most engines. The guy wanted to....discuss.....that decision. I explained what I wanted and why, which brought the conversation to a conclusion. The work was completed on time and on budget. I would definitely use them again. I realize slants are far less pupular than a V-8. but still this is a good shop.
okay I just wanted to find out about any caveats. I was looking at an engine, and I know it'd be a ways out, but wanted to narrow in on what good shops were anywhere near our area. I'd found a similar engine to it, but the guy says he had it machined at a shop in Portland but the reviews on the shop he mentioned were concerning. Not gonna take a chance on a crap shop screwing up a block and wasting my money.
Also a drive, but Kellers in Medford did my motor. They did good work. There is also Lindvig and Bullet. I haven't used either of them, but have been around for a long time.
Caldwell in Springfield machines most the graveyard car engines. I had Steves Performance in Dexter build my 273 and it’s a pile of shit. Taken heads off twice have had broken valve springs and pushrods less than 500 miles. Might be worth to travel to Portland. Dustin
ok so I have choices of a shop up in Vancouver, and another down in Medford (a bit of a drive). Doesn't appear to be any solid prospects right in the area then
I used toms performance and machine in vancouver for the motor im currently putting together. Im pleased so far, looking forward to firing it up.
I got the motor all together, decks were straight, rod and crank all measured evenly, nice machine work all around. Hopefully fire it up in a week or so.
Good to hear! As for me, my nephew talked to his machinist friend and said Southworth in Eugene is a good shop. Looked em up and their reviews seem to check out, so I at least got a good lead, especially one that's close! Good too, because if things feel legit and this deal works out, I may have a block soon.......
Hey, if you don't mind traveling to Vancouver WA, I agree that Tom's Performance is about the best we have here. I used them on my 318, and have no complaints. They have a dyno in shop too, in or out of vehicle.
So I have ERD, Southworth, and the Carquest out in Junction City as local options (although according to my uncle they're taking awhile with his hemi). If it weren't for these, I'd consider the trip up to Portland/Vancouver
I like Andy and Gary and Mike out in the JC carquest. They're good guys, but yeah, it might take a little bit of time, they are a little backed up.
