[LOADED 70 JUDGE]

Can anyone recommend a machine shop in Mobile Alabama / Pensacola Florida area? I am putting together a 1972 455ho engine and I would like to get it done right the first time. Thanks Ken

[Singleton]

I have a 455 currently being machined at Competition Head Services, 913 Butler Dr, Mobile AL.

This is the first time that I have used them, so I can't comment on the quality.

They came highly recommended by a local racer that I know, (chevy guy). Been in business there since the 70's, so I guess they're ok. Owner is Dewey Miller, gotta be in his mid-late seventies I would think. They have a lot of old school equipment, like a caustic bath to clean blocks, which is pretty rare these days.

Used to go to Nine Mile Machine in Pensacola, but they shut down recently.

There's not much to choose from around here, and not many Pontiac enthusiasts. Where are you located? -Tony

[LOADED 70 JUDGE]

Tony thanks for the response. I live in Mobile on Dog River. My shop is very close to the dog track. I have used Competiton Head Service before. while Dewey is a nice guy with great intentions the results are not always the same. Good luck with your build. Ken

[Singleton]

Did Dewey do some bad machine work for you before? I have to admit that I wasn't filled with confidence when I spoke to some of the employees when I dropped the block off. He's had it the parts for a long time too. I wish Nine Mile Machine was still around.
Building a 495, with a 4.5 stroke.

I'm in Robertsdale by the way. Corner of Beach Express & hwy 90.
Work at a chem plant down on Rangeline.

[LOADED 70 JUDGE]

you work right down the street from my house. I live at the end of Higgins rd which is off Rangeline. I know several people who work at that chemical co. Anyway lets just say that I had some less than stellar work done there. Dewey did his best to correct the problems but when I have to pull the motor out twice that makes me unhappy. I would rather pay more and get it right the first time. Not a condemnation just my thoughts.I am thinking about bringing my engine to Butler Performance but I figure that would cost a cool fortune and take forever. Ken

[57Charley]

You might want to ask the guys on Dragcoverage.com, there are a lot of local drag racers on there.

[Singleton]

Originally Posted by LOADED 70 JUDGE

you work right down the street from my house. I live at the end of Higgins rd which is off Rangeline. I know several people who work at that chemical co. Anyway lets just say that I had some less than stellar work done there. Dewey did his best to correct the problems

I work at the Mitsubishi polysilicon plant, just behind what used to be called Degussa.

What exactly was the problem with the motor? Bad machine work, or did they assembly the motor for you and mess something up?
I'm having the block bored, align honed, and the rotating assy balanced. Going to assembly it myself

[LOADED 70 JUDGE]

things may have changed because he did not have any way to balance rotating assembly when my engine was there a little over a year ago. That's where my biggest problem came, when I installed motor he built and assembled it was badly out of balance. I do not want to bash Dewey because I like him. My last comment on him, a friend works for the city of Mobile maintenance dept and he told me that he was off their list because of bad experiences. If Dewey himself does the work on your parts I would not worry about it but if one of the other knuckleheads do it I would worry a little. Please don't tell Dewey what we talked about but he is 74 years old and probably needs to give it up.Good luck on your build.