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Need an Engine builder recommendation

Husqy510

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We just purchased a 26 Howard Cat and I'm looking for a shop to go through a naturally aspirated 540 that we plan to install.

We had this motor built about 12yrs ago for a v-drive but never installed it, so it's literally brand new. I'd like the shop to tear it down, check all the tolerances, install an appropriate cam and Dyno tune it. I'd also like a shop that can complete this by October. We're located in Ventura County,but not against traveling for a good shop.
 

Bpracing1127

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We just purchased a 26 Howard Cat and I'm looking for a shop to go through a naturally aspirated 540 that we plan to install.

We had this motor built about 12yrs ago for a v-drive but never installed it, so it's literally brand new. I'd like the shop to tear it down, check all the tolerances, install an appropriate cam and Dyno tune it. I'd also like a shop that can complete this by October. We're located in Ventura County,but not against traveling for a good shop.
Teague
 

hallett21

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X2 for Boostpower


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Jonas Grumby

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Teague if norm is still working. Bring lots of $$$$$$$$$
 

rivermobster

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We just purchased a 26 Howard Cat and I'm looking for a shop to go through a naturally aspirated 540 that we plan to install.

We had this motor built about 12yrs ago for a v-drive but never installed it, so it's literally brand new. I'd like the shop to tear it down, check all the tolerances, install an appropriate cam and Dyno tune it. I'd also like a shop that can complete this by October. We're located in Ventura County,but not against traveling for a good shop.

@bonesfab might know someone out your way.

But having it done by October? I wouldn't count on that...

If you want it done right, but without the rush, you probably should talk to @obnoxious001
 

Husqy510

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Thanks for all the recommendations. I went by Jim Grubbs and they are booked about 7mo out, which is a bummer because I was really impressed. It's a small operation, but seemed like great guys.

Alexi is out of the country for a couple weeks, but his shop is down the street from my house, so I'll swing by when he returns.

Not sure about Teague, I have a feeling they won't want to mess with my small project. Like I mentioned the motor is done, but it was set up for a v-drive so I just want someone to double check everything, install the appropriate cam and Dyno tune.
 

Hallett Dave

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You never know, call Teague and explain what you have going on.
They took in my 77 Hallett mini cruiser for a custom stainless exhaust system for my Foxwell engine a few years back.
Yes it is jet boat and they loved it. :)
 

brgrcru

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QMP Brad.
in Chatsworth. but I'm sure he is back logged. but money talks.
 

Headless hula

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Thanks for all the recommendations. I went by Jim Grubbs and they are booked about 7mo out, which is a bummer because I was really impressed. It's a small operation, but seemed like great guys.

Alexi is out of the country for a couple weeks, but his shop is down the street from my house, so I'll swing by when he returns.

Not sure about Teague, I have a feeling they won't want to mess with my small project. Like I mentioned the motor is done, but it was set up for a v-drive so I just want someone to double check everything, install the appropriate cam and Dyno tune.
I'm my limited experience Teague has gone above and beyond in the customer relations department.
Expensive as fuk, but delivers....


Do what you want, you will anyway....
 

4Waters

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Boostpower or Teague, dont waist your time with QMP. Jason Pettis is on top of the list but he is out by Hemet possibly duttweiler in camarillo
 

RiverDave

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Boostpower or Teague, dont waist your time with QMP. Jason Pettis is on top of the list but he is out by Hemet possibly duttweiler in camarillo

Isn't Duttweiler crazy money?? You don't hear his name very often in the marine world, but huge in drag racing.

RD
 

4Waters

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Isn't Duttweiler crazy money?? You don't hear his name very often in the marine world, but huge in drag racing.

RD
Never used him but yes expensive and very well known, but to just go through an engine not a full blown build he might be reasonable, it won't cost anything to call him and he is local to the OP. One thing for sure is it will be correct when he is done with it.
 

Husqy510

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Thanks for all the great recommendations. I don't think their is anything difficult about our build, but I do want a shop that can Dyno tune it in house
 

twingnut

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You can try Dustin Lee Racing Engines in Lancaster . You can look him up . I know he works for Mountain View racing too.

Office - 661-723-8920
 

ELCHINGONROGERS

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You can try Dustin Lee Racing Engines in Lancaster . You can look him up . I know he works for Mountain View racing too.

Office - 661-723-8920
Dustin Lee racing x2 he is a good dude knows how to build one hell of a motor
 

rivermobster

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Thanks, no dyno here, my stuff has been going to Westech for dyno. October should not be much of a problem since the machine work and balancing has been done, unless something needs correcting.

As it should. Love their Instagram pages.
 

Bigbore500r

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X5 for Boostpower. They are in Newbury Park. Dyno and tune in house. He even has a prop dyno and can test the motor in the boat
 

Jonas Grumby

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Thanks for all the recommendations. I went by Jim Grubbs and they are booked about 7mo out, which is a bummer because I was really impressed. It's a small operation, but seemed like great guys.

Alexi is out of the country for a couple weeks, but his shop is down the street from my house, so I'll swing by when he returns.

Not sure about Teague, I have a feeling they won't want to mess with my small project. Like I mentioned the motor is done, but it was set up for a v-drive so I just want someone to double check everything, install the appropriate cam and Dyno tune.
Teague does small stuff, norm built my short block, I did the rest, installed motor and rigged, Bob shook it down at castaic.
 

rrrr

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As it should. Love their Instagram pages.

When I was a teenager hanging out at Albuquerque Dragway, Westech's Steve Brule was in his early 20s and working for an outfit called McClintic Racing Engines. They raced a mid 60s Corvette, I think it was in B/G. The thing was a screamer.
 

getreal

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Todd's Performance
1080 Aviation Dr # B-110,
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
(928) 230-1904
 

jbird

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As many have said already @BoostPower will do you right. Alexi is in your neighborhood and will be worth the wait for him to return.
 

Ricks raft

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Thanks for all the recommendations. I went by Jim Grubbs and they are booked about 7mo out, which is a bummer because I was really impressed. It's a small operation, but seemed like great guys.

I've had 2 built by them after recommendation from B&M. Seem honest, fair priced. Wow 7 months, had one done 2 years ago, they said they were slammed and only took 4-5weeks. I believe the owner does all machine work. Must do something right with people willing to wait months




Alexi is out of the country for a couple weeks, but his shop is down the street from my house, so I'll swing by when he returns.

Not sure about Teague, I have a feeling they won't want to mess with my small project. Like I mentioned the motor is done, but it was set up for a v-drive so I just want someone to double check everything, install the appropriate cam and Dyno tune.
 

BoostPower

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I'm my limited experience Teague has gone above and beyond in the customer relations department.
Expensive as fuk, but delivers....


Do what you want, you will anyway....

Be happy to show you around when I’m back. Thanks


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BoostPower

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We just purchased a 26 Howard Cat and I'm looking for a shop to go through a naturally aspirated 540 that we plan to install.

We had this motor built about 12yrs ago for a v-drive but never installed it, so it's literally brand new. I'd like the shop to tear it down, check all the tolerances, install an appropriate cam and Dyno tune it. I'd also like a shop that can complete this by October. We're located in Ventura County,but not against traveling for a good shop.

We can prop Dyno or engine Dyno whatever you need. Thanks email [email protected]


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BoostPower

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We just purchased a 26 Howard Cat and I'm looking for a shop to go through a naturally aspirated 540 that we plan to install.

We had this motor built about 12yrs ago for a v-drive but never installed it, so it's literally brand new. I'd like the shop to tear it down, check all the tolerances, install an appropriate cam and Dyno tune it. I'd also like a shop that can complete this by October. We're located in Ventura County,but not against traveling for a good shop.

Send pics of what you have to that email. I’m overseas but can respond no problem thanks


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CLdrinker

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Boostpower or Teague, dont waist your time with QMP. Jason Pettis is on top of the list but he is out by Hemet possibly duttweiler in camarillo

Pettis isn’t in Hesperia anymore? Him and his dad were always very helpfully.
 
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Don Johnson

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I am a big fan of TCM and they may consider this project. Mercury is always best resale but TCM brings the highest resale as far as aftermarket goes IMHO so that might be a consideration for your choice.

One other name that has not been thrown out there is Pete Fleming. Pete does have an in house dyno and this kind of project seems like might be right for him.
 

CLdrinker

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Where is he
you said Jason was in Hemet.

I haven’t been buy the shop in Hesperia in years. His dad was up there in age back then.

My old boss built some nasty 632’s with psi blowers for a formula back in the day and used the Pettis dyno quite often.
 

Bpracing1127

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I am a big fan of TCM and they may consider this project. Mercury is always best resale but TCM brings the highest resale as far as aftermarket goes IMHO so that might be a consideration for your choice.

One other name that has not been thrown out there is Pete Fleming. Pete does have an in house dyno and this kind of project seems like might be right for him.
I have had nothing but bad experiences with Fleming
 

Don Johnson

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bummer to hear. Pete did 2 pair of heads for me on my old boat and the work was awesome, fair and they ran strong and lived. I know Ron at Bad Attitude has used Pete on many projects with good success.
 

socalrzr

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Good info. I am going to review this thread sometime soon as it is about time to refresh my Teague 800. Would love to have TCM do it but as stated earlier they are defiantly on the high end.
 

Don Johnson

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Yea that’s who referred us to Pete, after we had a new motor built by him. We found we had, used pistons some without all the rings in. Two different heads, different push rod lengths. The oil pump wasn’t even on tight. He wouldn’t stand by this and refused to make good on the motor he built.

wow, that is horrible.
 

Chris Lapoint

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Heath @ Advanced Racing Engines
12311 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA 90242
(562) 842-7928
Has built quite a few killer motors and has a in-house dyno.
 

New to boating

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We just purchased a 26 Howard Cat and I'm looking for a shop to go through a naturally aspirated 540 that we plan to install.

We had this motor built about 12yrs ago for a v-drive but never installed it, so it's literally brand new. I'd like the shop to tear it down, check all the tolerances, install an appropriate cam and Dyno tune it. I'd also like a shop that can complete this by October. We're located in Ventura County,but not against traveling for a good shop.

If you are willing to drag the boat to Havasu Tom Orseno at Pro Marine is as good an Engine Builder as you will ever find and an honorable Guy who stands behind his work 100%. Also a pleasure to deal with, ZERO ego, in-house DYNO etc. 928-505-3966
 

Rayson1971

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I myself and four other friend use and have used Pete and have not had any problems . Has my goto guy
 

Husqy510

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Thanks again for all the great recommendations. I'm currently talking to Barry at Obnoxious, who has helped us in the past and never disappointed. I'm also talking with Alexi at Boostpower, which less than a mile from my house.

I'll keep everyone updated.
 

Sigus

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Don Bonahom does some work for Barrett and is one of the best for what your after. Give AJ a call
 
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