[Tom Pugh]

I am discussing a new 400 stroker build with build with this shop that uses Facebook marketplace to promote his business. Anyone familiar with them?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ssenger_banner

[65madgoat]

You in Tennessee like this builder? Then just use Butler.

[Tom Pugh]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

You in Tennessee like this builder? Then just use Butler.

have you seen Butler's lead times?

[steve25]

Looks like he either collets or restores steering wheels also.

[chiefbigb]

See if they have any references and talk to them. I don't know that person. If your looking for someone local your options are probably limited.

[tooski]

I'm on a couple of Pontiac groups. I get his posts on my news feed frequently. Doesn't appear to be a machine shop. Looks like he just assembles them. My parts were about $8k (2012 prices) including rotating assembly, HR cam kit, KRE heads, etc. I did the assembly.

[b-man]

Originally Posted by Tom Pugh

have you seen Butler's lead times?

Get on the list, time’s a wasting.

Or gamble your money on some unknown guy on Facebook.

Unfortunately very long lead times have become the norm for good engine builders along with body and paint shops.

Last April I sent a 50% deposit to a guy in South Dakota on an engine build for one of my VWs that I was told would be a year out. I may have been able to get it faster for about the same price from one of the many local and fairly reputable builders near me but I chose this particular builder who does a low volume of engines for his great attention to detail, quality over quantity.

This particular engine is a 2180 cc 138 hp turn-key high-torque VW bus engine build that will arrive already broken in and tuned for 8k plus shipping, my savings on CA sales tax more than covers the shipping from SD. All my VW friends thought I was nuts but I had done my homework and I know the gentleman doing the build is amazing and had developed this special bus engine over the years so i knew it would be worth the wait.

As we get older (I’m 64 now) time is of the essence but money and time wasted on a questionable source for a new engine is even worse than waiting for the best builder to make it happen.

[i82much]

I would at least call Len Williams and Paul Spotts.

[b-man]

Originally Posted by i82much

I would at least call Len Williams and Paul Spotts.

Definitely.

I’d trust one of these guys who have a known history long before I’d trust a Facebook builder that nobody here has ever heard of.

Shipping costs are nothing compared to gambling on an unknown builder.

[Formulajones]

Get used to long lead times. Doing this stuff for a living has put a dent in things as parts becomes harder to get, and more expensive.
I assemble my own engines but it's the parts and machine work that are now taking the time. We have a current engine that's been at the shop since March last year, still not done. I was pushing the restorations out 6 months or more because it was taking me 7-8 months just to get simple things like fenders and quarter panels. So the cars just sat waiting.
In fact last weekend at Barrett Jackson I found it to be a better idea to just buy a crate engine from Blueprint. Not only because they had 10 percent off, but they had one done and ready fresh off the dyno. A 598 that made 786hp and 772 TQ, for $10,800 I can't build it for that. I said I'll take it. Done, no wait time and came with a warranty

[kingbuzzo]

Lenny has a good reputation....does BluePrint offer Pontipig engines tho? Curious...

[68WarDog]

This Troy Anderson contacted me several months ago about buying an engine that I had for sale. After agreeing to purchase the engine, a red flag went up when he couldn't come pick up the engine, arrange for shipping or send a deposit. But he said he would pay me for the engine on delivery. But was unwilling to compensate for my delivery expenses, about 4 hours away. He do advertises for complete engine repair and tripower restoration. I've PM him asking if he has a engine machine shop or engine rebuilding business. No response yet. BE CAUTIOUS.

[ftwmlp]

Originally Posted by i82much

I would at least call Len Williams and Paul Spotts.

X2 On Len Williams if he's still in business. Visited his shop when I took my 389 to him several years ago, he treated me honestly and fairly.
Mike Pearson

[grandam1979]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

Get used to long lead times. Doing this stuff for a living has put a dent in things as parts becomes harder to get, and more expensive.
I assemble my own engines but it's the parts and machine work that are now taking the time. We have a current engine that's been at the shop since March last year, still not done. I was pushing the restorations out 6 months or more because it was taking me 7-8 months just to get simple things like fenders and quarter panels. So the cars just sat waiting.
In fact last weekend at Barrett Jackson I found it to be a better idea to just buy a crate engine from Blueprint. Not only because they had 10 percent off, but they had one done and ready fresh off the dyno. A 598 that made 786hp and 772 TQ, for $10,800 I can't build it for that. I said I'll take it. Done, no wait time and came with a warranty

Went to Blueprints website is it the 598 BB? I see they are very vague on description of components used? Forged, steel, blueprint heads no flow numbers any idea what heads are on it? Definitely a good price for that much HP.

[Formulajones]

If you enquire they are generous with all the specs. I have the flow numbers, lobe specs etc... I can send you a pm if interested. Better yet send me an email and I can attach dyno sheet etc....
Block and heads are their castings done in house which is part of why they are able to keep engines in stock

[performerrpm]

Originally Posted by ftwmlp

X2 On Len Williams if he's still in business. Visited his shop when I took my 389 to him several years ago, he treated me honestly and fairly.
Mike Pearson

i just sold him a 400 a month ago, i think he did mention retiring soon tho

['ol Pinion head]

Spoke to Len early last week, still doing builds.
Plan is to see him before the end of the month, ESP if the weather stays decent.

[65 Lamnas]

He buys some stuff from a buddy of mine in the tri-power resto business. I've not had any direct dealings with him.

[Lee]

I'm pretty sure Troy got kicked out of some of Pontiac Facebook pages, last year. I don't remember details, but he seemed to rub a lot of people the wrong way. A few of the Pontiac FB pages have list of reputable engine builders, look in the "files" section of their main page (most people don't even realize such option exist on FB!).

[Tom Pugh]

Originally Posted by i82much

I would at least call Len Williams and Paul Spotts.

how do I get in touch with Len or Paul?