I am planning to build a speedster, and I am looking for input, opinion and experience that any of you might have about who is the best to do this work. Maybe there is not a clear "best" but several very good ones? Anyway give me your thoughts and experience on this please. It is an expensive and important decision. Please don't be afraid to give honest answers.
I should say that what I am interested in is just engine rebuilding. I already have a RAJO Kit from Mark Chaffin and a SCAT Stroker Crankshaft.
If you're looking for a "go-fast" engine, with OHV head and Scat crank, etc., Mike Bender in Tulsa does a lot of those.
tman1913@sbcglobal.net
Oops -- It took me a while to find Mike's email address, so I missed your second post.
Mike-
Who supplies the Crank and OVH head is not important. I am just looking for a good balance between cost, experience and good work. I have already been in touch with Mike Bender, and he is definitely a likely candidate. I would send the head and crank along with the engine to whoever does it and have them put it together.
You would be hard pressed to find anyone better than J and M Machine
http://www.jandm-machine.com/
They did my engine and Ive never had a problem. Full fledged machine shop,family owned and good guys...
Mike Bender would be good, another is Ford and More in Spokane, Washington. WWW.antiqueautoranch.com. Phone number 509-535-7789 or Toll Free 800-327-
Why not take it to somebody that is in your area?
That way you can save several hundred dollars in shipping costs.
Finding someone good in your own area is easier said than done....Thats why i shipped mine out of state to a sure bet rather than gamble to save shipping costs...
Dan McEachern and Vic Terrell are both highly respected & competent engine builders - both in your state !
I've spoken with a few engine builders, but they're a good deal east of you—but then again, that's UPS's problem.
I haven't been in touch with Tim Foye of Gen3 for a couple of years, but he was very helpful to me and I've heard very good things about his engines. His shop is in Massachusetts:
http://modeltengine.com/remanengines.htm
The folks who make the Tickin' Through Time turn signals also overhaul antique engines under the name of Ron's Machine Shop and their website is here:
http://ronsmachineshop.net/Home.html
I second Steve's suggestion re Dan McEachern, but he may well be booked up.