Lets talk Engine Builders...

URCLEVER

URCLEVER

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So the season is just about over for me or our group. I heard a lot of horror stories of numerous engines blowing up in different ways and some common ways. I have already had my engine completely rebuilt within 1st year and knock on wood, I have been fortunate to be still running on all 8, but if I was to build a replacement engine where do I go now. There are the usuals I know of.
1. Redline
2.CBM
3.Alper
4.Danzio
5.CNG
6.Hustler
7.Turnkey

Who builds a reliable sand car engine - blower or Twin turbo.. I know they are racecar engines but damn no one wants to lose time in the toy box because of this a detonated engine or poorly put together engine.
 
URCLEVER said:
So the season is just about over for me or our group. I heard a lot of horror stories of numerous engines blowing up in different ways and some common ways. I have already had my engine completely rebuilt within 1st year and knock on wood, I have been fortunate to be still running on all 8, but if I was to build a replacement engine where do I go now. There are the usuals I know of.
1. Redline
2.CBM
3.Alper
4.Danzio
5.CNG
6.Hustler
7.Turnkey

Who builds a reliable sand car engine - blower or Twin turbo.. I know they are racecar engines but damn no one wants to lose time in the toy box because of this a detonated engine or poorly put together engine.
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I think you have to worry about it when the time comes. All the above builders have good and bad reputations. I'd definitely add Adam @ Kali Kustoms on that list. Let's face it.... all it takes is 1 little mistake to have an engine problem. That, I can accept.... BUT.... It's how you handle the problem that matters. With that being said, I'd never have Redline build me another engine.
 
Love these threads. Especially when someone will badmouth a particular builder based on a 'buddies' experience.
 
It seams all the big HP cars that run twin turbos all migrated to Redline and Danzio over the past few years.
 
I think you also have to factor in if you are dealing with an existing car/engine or if building new. For new builds, I believe it is imperative to use an engine builder that your car builder is familiar with and has a good working relationship with. This helps to avoid unexpected surprises.

I had a CBM built N/A LS3 in my last car. It wasn’t anything fancy by any means but that engine never once gave me one bit of trouble. I was second owner. I’m still in touch with new owner and it’s going strong with no issues to this day and car is 10 years old now.

My new car is getting a C&G engine. It’s nearing completion so I can’t give any real feedback yet. But I will say that Gary at C&G has been fantastic to worth with thus far. We had lots of challenges with Whipple getting a blower. Gary stayed after them relentlessly until we finally got what we needed.
 
My favorite is MotoIQ Garage, but that's because I know the guy assembling these is an anal retentive bastard who was an engine builder for 80s/90s Toyota Motorsports IMSA efforts.

Mainly: these motors are stressed. A lot. Keep it oiled, keep it cool, be reasonable with the boost, and pay attention to it. Moody himself could build your motor with Isky and Edelbrock watching... If you don't listen to it, you'll blow it up too and there will be another horror story for people to share.
 
I've had Turnkey motors in 3 of my cars and never had an issue, I've worked with CBM over the years, and they did a killer job on stroking my LS2 to a 402 in my SCU.....ran great for many years. My new car (Extreme Performance) Allan has and builds his own motors, and many have commented that he builds a solid motor....I know Nick @ Hustler is doing lots of good things these days as well.....I'm sure you can't go wrong with most mentioned. But I do agree with Dockmaster in going with who your car builder works with if building a new car, they will have the most insight on what kind of service to expect if something goes wrong.
 
L.R.S. said:
Love these threads. Especially when someone will badmouth a particular builder based on a 'buddies' experience.
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I'm not bad mouthing anyone (if the statement is directed towards me). I will never use Redline again based on my experiences. (And i know they won't lose any sleep over it)
 
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I have used Nick at Hustler for 2 engine rebuilds, both were boosted motors and nothing but great things to say about him. He went way above and beyond on the one he just did for me after a major parts supplier sent him parts that were not correct and he had to tear the motor back down after it was almost fully assembled. He saved my new years trip and I was very grateful for the work he put in
 
L.R.S. said:
Love these threads. Especially when someone will badmouth a particular builder based on a 'buddies' experience.
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I agree Adam at Kali Kustoms is solid af and does quality work.

Now for me to be the a$$hole and just keep it real.

I have experience with more numerous builders and I am definitely not the key board warrior type and definitely do not have an issue saying anything to anyone's face (good or bad) and I expect us men to do the same.

Now back on topic. if I want to build a reliable motor and have no issues and have someone or company stand by there work. Who do I need to talk to, because 30+k $$$ is a lot of money and I want a reliable motor to enjoy my time in the dunes.
 
URCLEVER said:
I agree Adam at Kali Kustoms is solid af and does quality work.

Now for me to be the a$$hole and just keep it real.

I have experience with more numerous builders and I am definitely not the key board warrior type and definitely do not have an issue saying anything to anyone's face (good or bad) and I expect us men to do the same.

Now back on topic. if I want to build a reliable motor and have no issues and have someone or company stand by there work. Who do I need to talk to, because 30+k $$$ is a lot of money and I want a reliable motor to enjoy my time in the dunes.
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Redline.
 
Meter Tech said:
I've had Turnkey motors in 3 of my cars and never had an issue, I've worked with CBM over the years, and they did a killer job on stroking my LS2 to a 402 in my SCU.....ran great for many years. My new car (Extreme Performance) Allan has and builds his own motors, and many have commented that he builds a solid motor....I know Nick @ Hustler is doing lots of good things these days as well.....I'm sure you can't go wrong with most mentioned. But I do agree with Dockmaster in going with who your car builder works with if building a new car, they will have the most insight on what kind of service to expect if something goes wrong.
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Thanks for the feedback, some great info.

I am looking to build a new long block for my car and as @Dockmaster said build the engine with the builder of a new car, as I am considering to build a new car to replace the G52. Reliable is very important to me. And I do know it is hard to have in a race car.
 
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