Who to Build 408 Stroker???

Phoenix

Member # 013
Location
Saint Louis
First Name
Karl
Last Name
Schoenefeld
If I provide the block, who locally would be a good builder for a 408 or 427 stroker? What would be the approximate cost for a short block with good internals?
 
A decent reference may be Roush - go to Roushperf.com
Subtract 2000.00 from each price that they list - to find a decent price.
I attribute the extra 2K to the warranty and name brand mark-up.

I don't know a builder locally.

But, I would consider Roush (even though they are a bit high) because:
1) Arrives basically ready to go
2) Built with good stuff and tested/dynoed before it leaves
3) Has 2 year warranty - that can be serviced locally.

The cost of your block is not a large amount of money in the total cost of the build - 2K tops - guessing.

Tell you what though - several members here are excellent builders.
I KNOW Mike W could do it reasonably.

Also, consider replacing the clutch with the new install.

Chime In MIKE W
 
I know a couple of local builders in my area that build dragster engines and race engines. One of them has an engine dyno. I've heard good things about the dyno guys shop, but I've never used him. I looked at him when I was going to build my own cobra. He has a website with prices found under the Services tab. It might be worth looking into.
http://www.morleyperformance.com/AboutUs_MPRE.html
 
Locally I would not know, but...My 3 top choices would be:
RDI Engines www.racepartsdistribution.com/Engines/RDI_Engine_Frame.htm
Keith Craft www.keithcraft.com
T & L www.tandlengines.com

Roush has the name but I have read in a few forums more complains about them than any other combine. Seems like they are now selling the name and just mass producing mediocre products. Do not get me wrong I drove a Roush 427 in Georgia, drove like a rapped ape ! ! ! You could not shift below 2500 RPM or the thing would stall... My .02 cents.
You should be able to get a 525 to 575 HP 408 for under 9K. I would recoment T & L out of the 3.
Orlando
 
Thanks for the info, guys. T&L does seem to be more reasonable. I have heard complaints about everybody -- except RDI, and they are VERY expensive. Most recently a Keith Craft engine was assembled with a faulty oil pump and was putting out about 300 PSI. Blew two oil coolers before it was properly diagnosed and the oil pump replaced.

I will also contact the guys in Fenton. Close is nice. Saves shipping charges.

Boy, did I ever get sunburned on my trip to Nebraska. There may be permanent damage and scarring.
 
Dean Lampe used the local engine builder named "Lumpy" in Greenville, IL to build his GT40 powerplant. He has also built a few engines (390 FE's) for a couple friends of his. Dean knows him personally and I plan to pay him a visit this summer. Very reasonable prices but no warranty.

PM me if you want me to dig up the info.....I have around here somewhere :eek:
 
warranty

reason he does't warranty is because some parts out there not quite up to par. you can find this kind of stuff on ebay be very careful. remember 1 rod braking can kill alots of parts. blew up a super stock 288 cu in small chevy took out block cam crankshaft 5 rods oil pan and pump and 1 cylinder head was new rodak block total cost 17 years ago was around $7200.00 that included all machine work. nobody in right mind will warranty a racing motor. nhra pro stock engine builders lease motors for a week end. if it breaks its covered unless person leasing causes failure. I have very good freind thats the mid-central regional manager for manley performance products i truely beleive they make best valves, rods, pistons and push rods. yes they are pricey but its just like a repair good work is not cheap and cheap work is not good. and they do stand behind their products www.manleyperformance.com
 
I needed the warranty. I did pay extra for the good parts, and a warranty. Glad I did. Needed it twice. It's worth it. These cars hemorage cash - just don't tell the wife.
 
I do agree with the "no warranty" opinions. It is a risk. In talking with the BDR dealer in Cincinnati, he said that he is actually having more issues with the Roush engines than KCR or Performance engineering.

Regarding the Roush engines being tough to keep going under a certain RPM level, they created the SR (street rod) set of engines with a TW cam (twisted wedge) that make it more use friendly. They are listed on their website as a 402SR/TW or 427SR/TW. As Reg from BDR told me "you can drive the car to get your groceries but when you need to get on it, its all there"
 
When you start talking about warranty's, I think back to the movie "Tommy Boy". Lumpy is the ONLY choice for me. I doubt to many guys run there cars as hard as I do and Lumpy at Performance Motorsports Systems builds engines that don't break. You don't need some paper to get a guy to stand behind his work if he is a man of integrity. Also, don't just buy the least expensive. You will get what you pay for. Please, before you decide, talk to Lumpy and tell him you got his name from me before you through good money down a hole just to get someone's name carved into your valve covers! His number is 618 664.4767

P.S. Mike, I still owe you a distributor or what ever part or cash, you decide and let me know.
 
Tommy Boy - " A warranty is just his way of guarantee'g you he sold you a piece of sh$t":D and when talking about quality of brake pads, "you can stick your head up a bulls a$$, but wouldn't you just want to take the butcher's word for it?" :D However, what type of warranties are really available for high performance engines? I think MOST engine builders will repair your engine under "warranty" IF you didn't cause the problem. Engine builders usually get business by word of mouth. A bad word and no work.
 
When you start talking about warranty's, I think back to the movie "Tommy Boy". Lumpy is the ONLY choice for me. I doubt to many guys run there cars as hard as I do and Lumpy at Performance Motorsports Systems builds engines that don't break. You don't need some paper to get a guy to stand behind his work if he is a man of integrity. Also, don't just buy the least expensive. You will get what you pay for. Please, before you decide, talk to Lumpy and tell him you got his name from me before you through good money down a hole just to get someone's name carved into your valve covers! His number is 618 664.4767

P.S. Mike, I still owe you a distributor or what ever part or cash, you decide and let me know.

Dean-O sent you a PM.
 
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