I have the original matching (born-with) L78 396 motor out of my 1969 Chevelle that needs a complete rebuild. Any suggestions as to whom I should get to do it?
I want it done properly and I'd like to have the car running for spring, 2014. I'm not looking for someone to do it for cheap... I expect to pay a fair price for a good work.
I'd appreciate feedback based on other members' experiences.
This is why I'm asking. I've heard both these names, but haven't heard any first-hand positive feedback. Anyone have first hand knowledge - good or bad?
This is why I'm asking. I've heard both these names, but haven't heard any first-hand positive feedback. Anyone have first hand knowledge - good or bad?
Well, I know they have built lots of engines here with many satisfied customers. Recently met a fella that had a big block stroker dodge put together there. Took it to a dyno and the pan leaked like hell. Called the builder they picked it up, replaced the gasket but charged for it. They said it was the poor quality pan gasket he provided them. They put on their gasket this time and it leaked like hell. Wouldn't return the money or help him out. In their defense the engine does seem fine so maybe it is just warranty issues that may cause grief later on.
D&W did a complete rebuild on a 350 for me about 25 years ago. We set it up to approx 300 HP (041 casting heads with hard seat inserts, new high-temp valves and an "RV" cam). It was set up specifically to run on propane - including recurved distributor. Broke it in on gas, then did the propane conversion. They did the work and/or I used shops they recommended. The work included mixture adjust and final distributor tweak under load on a dyno. it was not a cheap rebuild.
After a trip to the coast pulling a trailer during a hot spell, engine developed a miss. Took it in & it had a burnt valve and the seat was badly damaged.
They diagnosed the problem & replaced the head at no charge and I think we adjusted mixture. I drove the truck for about 10 more years with no problem. I sold it to a friend who drive it another 10 years and now his son drives it.
Based on my experience, I would happily recommend them, but after 25 or so years, I have no idea if it's the same people running it.
D&W did a complete rebuild on a 350 for me about 25 years ago. We set it up to approx 300 HP (041 casting heads with hard seat inserts, new high-temp valves and an "RV" cam). It was set up specifically to run on propane - including recurved distributor. Broke it in on gas, then did the propane conversion. They did the work and/or I used shops they recommended. The work included mixture adjust and final distributor tweak under load on a dyno. it was not a cheap rebuild. After a trip to the coast pulling a trailer during a hot spell, engine developed a miss. Took it in & it had a burnt valve and the seat was badly damaged. They diagnosed the problem & replaced the head at no charge and I think we adjusted mixture. I drove the truck for about 10 more years with no problem. I sold it to a friend who drive it another 10 years and now his son drives it.
Based on my experience, I would happily recommend them, but after 25 or so years, I have no idea if it's the same people running it.
I used them back in '01 to do some machining for a stock car engine I was building. No issues.
I send a friend over with his 383 from a '69 Road Runner. It cost him a lot of money, but now he has a lot of horsepower. No issues as far I hear. That was 3-4 years ago when they did the overhaul for him.
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"Repulsive since 1959"
2015 Camaro SS1 2014 GMC Sierra 1969 GTO 2005 Dodge Daytona Short Box Regular cab P/U 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix Enduro stock car
Kenny Gilmour did the 70 LS4 454 in my convertible 7 years ago - no complaints. It was basically a stock rebuild and I provided the valve train. He supplied new valves & pistons.
About the only thing I've heard is that special attention is required if you want the proper bolts in the proper places, etc. I didn't experience it, but I've heard of 1 or 2 proper valve cover bolts being misplaced, etc.
