Motor needed soon. Who would you buy from?

[Frank]

My 90k mile original engine is starting to make clicking noise similar to fuel injectors. Ruled out torque converter, valves, bearings, etc., so only way to find out for sure is to tear it apart. Noise does not start until engine warmed up (takes about 5 minutes or so) and really doesn't get any louder than the injectors. Still drives OK (except for excessive knock count at WOT).

The engine was torn apart due to ring problems at about 60k. Reassembled with stock parts. Run fine until recently when I started noticing a knock problem with Diacom. Then the noise started.

I have a few options:
Continue to drive it until something really breaks then
Buy a used engine
Rebuild current engine.
Buy a new engine.

Since I will be attending Nationals in KC, I am doing nothing until I get back. Am trailering the Ty to KC anyway. Will be interesting to see what happens on the track but I suspect knock retard will result in high et's.

I am leaning towards buying a new engine sometime after the Nats (winter project) rather then rebuilding my existing engine.

My question is who would you buy a motor from and what would you get. Do not want to spend more that $5-$6k for the motor so my options are limited. Some of the vendors I have heard of are McCoy, Rockford, RaceProven Motors and maybe even Precision Engineering (PTE).

Would appreciate any comments on engine builder, quality of the motor and the actual build especially from those of you that have already replaced motors. Appears that no-one offers a "warranty" so I would like a motor that has been known to last.

Thanks

 

[bdubb]

Personally, If you are going to the nationals i'd talk to the vendors and see who you feel good giving money with, and talk with others to see who they have had good luck with. If you're not sure with who, find me. i can point out to you who has what, since i know mostly everybody.

IMO, My first choice would be Mike Lee with RPM, i've know mike for years and seen his work, and his engine builders work. Just beautiful work, and they pay close attention to fine details.

 

[nick041881]

i would find a good local guy and become friends with him. i had my motor built by a local guy that has built some fast local buicks. eagle rods, srp pistons, oliver 4-bolt bottom end, headwork, and lots of other stuff for 2700$.

good deals are out there you just have to ask around to find them.

 

[Pittman]

speaking of vendors

speaking of vendors

I dont think McCoy will be at the NATS

 

[DanenGraham]

do it your self, even if u dont know crap.

Thats what i did, and now i know a lot more about the truck than i ever would have if i just bought one.

 

[Loeryder]

I'd say go with someone local so you can stop by and check out the progress.
That way you get to see what parts go into the motor instead of finding out later when you end up having to open it.

If I had to order one to be shipped asap I'd call RPM.
Based on opinions of customers I know opinions and I have had good luck dealing with Mike.