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Having trouble finding a machine shop

peakandscoot

Well-Known Member
Local time
8:26 AM
Joined
Nov 12, 2015
Messages
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Location
Clearwater FL
I am having trouble finding a machine shop in the Tampa St.Pete area. Went to the first recommended place this Jerk Steve tries to tell me from his book they didn't make a 383 before 71. Then i give him my casting numbers he say that's a 361. I tell him that block was used for 383 as well. I try and show him my stamp number and he gets mad because hes the dumb ***. Went to two more recommended places. Both said they may be able to do but will not take the block or touch it for 3 months told me to check back next month. The last guy said all the machine shops are closing and hes to busy doing diesels which pay more. I have a 383 needs honing i'm putting a different crank in so i need the crank checked and balanced. and maybe a centerline honed if needed and decking. I would like someone who has worked with 60s mopar engines. I'm really frustrated.
 
Got to be some one on the forum that knows.....
Hell, Big $$ in the Fla area and there has to be lots of shops....
 
Gotta be someone, check local speed shops see who they're using.
 
There is a shop in Fort Myers that my car club buddies have used with great results, I will try to get the info for you.
 
I am having trouble finding a machine shop in the Tampa St.Pete area. Went to the first recommended place this Jerk Steve tries to tell me from his book they didn't make a 383 before 71. Then i give him my casting numbers he say that's a 361. I tell him that block was used for 383 as well. I try and show him my stamp number and he gets mad because hes the dumb ***. Went to two more recommended places. Both said they may be able to do but will not take the block or touch it for 3 months told me to check back next month. The last guy said all the machine shops are closing and hes to busy doing diesels which pay more. I have a 383 needs honing i'm putting a different crank in so i need the crank checked and balanced. and maybe a centerline honed if needed and decking. I would like someone who has worked with 60s mopar engines. I'm really frustrated.

Get a crate engine and get a warranty. In the long run you'll pay about the same, Lord knows how long you'll wait for a rebuild or what cheap parts they'll install. They're in the buisness of making money anyway they can and quality parts cost quality dollars. The people who build crates use the "latest and greatest machines", not some old Rockford that they've had for 50 years. They work on a tried and proven formula when it comes to building engines, hence the warranty. Just what will you do if you have a leaking rear seal right off the get-go which Mopars are noted for?
 
Time to expand your search parameters !!
 
why would i throw away a beautiful 55 year old block out of the car my parents brought me up from the hospital with so i can spend 10,000 or more on a crate motor. With that logic i should **** can my 62 fury and buy a new Dodge neon something nice and new
 
Get a crate engine and get a warranty. In the long run you'll pay about the same, Lord knows how long you'll wait for a rebuild or what cheap parts they'll install. They're in the buisness of making money anyway they can and quality parts cost quality dollars. The people who build crates use the "latest and greatest machines", not some old Rockford that they've had for 50 years. They work on a tried and proven formula when it comes to building engines, hence the warranty. Just what will you do if you have a leaking rear seal right off the get-go which Mopars are noted for?

Most of my equipment was bought new in 2012. My Bridgeport ('80s), FW grinder ('94), and brake lathe ('95) are older, but certainly not 50 years old. I also have news for ya; crate motors can be **** too, even GM ones. I take my time, do quality work, and have quite a lot of customers. The other shops in town do some of my best advertising, lol... I also only use quality parts in my engines. I do NOT shop for the lowest priced parts to maximize my profit. My prices reflect the time and quality of parts invested in your motor. Not all shops try to do what you say, although, I do know some...

Just my 0.02 on the subject.

Dave Moore
Precision Machine Service
Whetstone, AZ
 
If I was the OP I'd look into shipping to Arizona !!
 
I use brevard cylinder head here in Brevard county. He's a mopar guy and drag racer, been in business for a long time. Work is on time and as good as it gets.
 
Call Paul Grasso, Grasso's Garage in Stuart, (772) 341-5396. He's a Mopar guy. Not sure if he does his own machine work but if not he'll know someone good. Tell him Abe from NJ referred you.
 
You might go to the drag strip & watch for the good running BB Mopar guys & ask them where they got the engines done. My first builder did not do his own machining, but he had the machine shops that would meet his very critical expectations. Look for that.
 
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