Any Reputable Engine Builders?


Pete180

Lost in dreams..
Joined
Apr 13, 2012
Messages
1,574
Car(s)
EM1 Coupe
Hi guys,

Looking for a bit of advice and recommendations on what to do/possible engine builders to contact. Basically got a built engine that's begun knocking bottom end :( ran perfectly fine sensible driving until it got pushed on the dyno. Suspected bearing clearances incorrect since they're aftermarket ACL bearings (was not built by me). Possibly looking to salvage the head as it's ported/polished and has skunk2 parts.

I've contacted a couple places such as R-motion, TGM, Reidy racing etc. Just waiting on some replies and weighing up my options. I could get a used replacement but need to see it running, almost don't trust any engine now with my luck. I've received a decent quote from Reidy racing however there's no warranty with it and I'm worried if something goes wrong after. Anyone had experience with them or can recommend others to check out? even members on here etc. I don't have the tools/experience to tackle it myself and don't wanna screw it up. I'm in the midlands area so nearer the better.

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Had a reply from Rmotion and their items come fully warranted which is good. However bottom rebuild cost would be around 3000 and they don't have any bottom ends in stock unfortunately.
 
3 grand to rebuild a bottom end seems a bit extreme to me. Would really depend on whats being done and how bad the damage is. From what you describe I don't see there being any issues with the head. Whats putting you off having your current knocking bottom end rebuilt?
 
3 grand to rebuild a bottom end seems a bit extreme to me. Would really depend on whats being done and how bad the damage is. From what you describe I don't see there being any issues with the head. Whats putting you off having your current knocking bottom end rebuilt?
Yeah I thought that too mate. Can't tell till its opened up I suppose. Besides a good clean of the head I hope to reuse it. That is what I'm going for mate :) having this knocking bottom end rebuilt but I don't have the tools/skills to do it myself so after any recommended places. I got a quote of 1000 from reidy but that's without warranty.
 
Gotcha. Only thing being I'm unsure how anyone can quote for a rebuild without having stripped it down. You mention it's on ACL bearings so there is the possibility that the crank has been ground before and there is only so much you can take off before it is for the bin, same with the block. I'd be inclined to have it stripped down and checked before you commit to building it again or starting a new bottom end. I know of a smokey b18c for sale on ebay, finishes tomorrow but it's cheap. Probably a good base for rebuild but still a bit of a gamble.
 
Gotcha. Only thing being I'm unsure how anyone can quote for a rebuild without having stripped it down. You mention it's on ACL bearings so there is the possibility that the crank has been ground before and there is only so much you can take off before it is for the bin, same with the block. I'd be inclined to have it stripped down and checked before you commit to building it again or starting a new bottom end. I know of a smokey b18c for sale on ebay, finishes tomorrow but it's cheap. Probably a good base for rebuild but still a bit of a gamble.

I said this. Quoting without having the engine in bits and measured is just a guessing game and throwing random numbers about.
I can understand why these shops have done it as otherwise they'd get very little work.
I'll bet the crank is damaged and if it's caught one bearing the rest are likely to have caught aswell if clearnace was the issue.
 
Gotcha. Only thing being I'm unsure how anyone can quote for a rebuild without having stripped it down. You mention it's on ACL bearings so there is the possibility that the crank has been ground before and there is only so much you can take off before it is for the bin, same with the block. I'd be inclined to have it stripped down and checked before you commit to building it again or starting a new bottom end. I know of a smokey b18c for sale on ebay, finishes tomorrow but it's cheap. Probably a good base for rebuild but still a bit of a gamble.
Yeah I can see your point mate and can't tell till its opened up. Just getting quotes for worst case scenario really and having a rough estimate of cost going from what I can describe so far. Just a ball park figure, plan for the worst hope the best. I'll see what I can do and what help I can get about getting it stripped down, just a bit difficult myself that's all. Yeah engines seem a bit of gamble I can see. Cheers bud
 
Last edited:
Yeah that price would be for a worst case scenario rebuild. No one can accurately quote you without seeing the engine and stripping it down.
 
Yeah that price would be for a worst case scenario rebuild. No one can accurately quote you without seeing the engine and stripping it down.
Yeah I understand that mate. Any other reputable builders to contact though? For if I go down the rebuild route
 
Bit far but there are some legendary builders up here in Scotland. Jem Engines, Agra Engineering, Browns of the shore, Engine Services.
 
Back
Top