Engine shop in Los Angeles

[spacepirate]

Hey guys,



I have been looking at getting a 383 stroker to stick into my 68 Camaro and was curious if you guys knew of a good reputable shop in the Socal area. I went to a guy today who was trying to upsale me to a 502 saying it would cost about the same. Is this true? Also he wouldn't let me buy the parts and said everything would have to come from his suppliers. I understand that to a degree but I think some parts I could find for cheaper. So back to the original question. DO you guys know a shop that can install a complete setup? I would like to stay in the $6-7k range.

[theRG]

I am moving to LA and have been looking into this too. From magazines (Hot Rod, Car Craft, PHR, etc.) and forum searches some names I keep seeing: JMS Racing Engines in El Monte, Jim Grubbs Motorsports in Valencia, Joe Sherman in Santa Ana.

What are your power goals and intended use for the engine/car, also what trans and gear are you going to be running. That will be the biggest factor determining price.

[spacepirate]

I'd be doing a 700-r4 and not sure on the rearend. Basically, I want something in the 400HP range that I can enjoy driving on the weekends. I've looked into the LS swap but everything has to get changed over and I just can't go that route at the moment.

[Vegas69]

What about a GM crate 383? I know a great engine builder in Hesperia, CA but he is likely out of your budget.

[spacepirate]

Yeah Hesperia is a bit too far from me.

[Cris@JCG]

QMP in Chatsworth..

[Ron.in.SoCal]

QMP in Chatsworth..

x2! I'm on my 3rd engine w QMP. Owner's name is Brad. He's smart, cool, and a good businessman. He's also very well known in the racing community. They do everything from NA, blown, turbos, LS, boats, etc. Full machine shop and Dyno facility.

[spacepirate]

Thanks Cris. I'll check into them. It seems weird to me that as big as LA is, every good race shop is an hour outside of it.

[kryptik]

Try ARE Performance & Machine in Simi Valley I was referred to them.

[Mkelcy]

Hey guys,

I have been looking at getting a 383 stroker to stick into my 68 Camaro and was curious if you guys knew of a good reputable shop in the Socal area. I went to a guy today who was trying to upsale me to a 502 saying it would cost about the same. Is this true? Also he wouldn't let me buy the parts and said everything would have to come from his suppliers. I understand that to a degree but I think some parts I could find for cheaper. So back to the original question. DO you guys know a shop that can install a complete setup? I would like to stay in the $6-7k range.

I've had three engines built by JMS: two 383 SBCs and an LS1. In each case they told me the prices at which they could get parts and encouraged me to buy direct if I could get a better price. (I was using all high end, brand name parts; I don't know how they'd react if you wanted to use a lower quality knock-off.) Other than a minor oil leak with one of the SBCs (which could have been my fault because I let the built engine sit for almost 2 years before firing it) I've had no issues with any of the engines they built. I don't have the LS1 on the road, but I put over 20,000 miles on one of the SBCs - including lots of fast, 3rd and 4th gear mountain cruising and some autocross and road course time - with no issues at all.

Greg (IIRC), the counter guy, is very helpful and knowledgable.

[spacepirate]

Thanks guys, I'll be checking into all of your recommendations as soon as I get my tax money back!

[Pro Stock]

Hey guys,

I have been looking at getting a 383 stroker to stick into my 68 Camaro and was curious if you guys knew of a good reputable shop in the Socal area. I went to a guy today who was trying to upsale me to a 502 saying it would cost about the same. Is this true? Also he wouldn't let me buy the parts and said everything would have to come from his suppliers. I understand that to a degree but I think some parts I could find for cheaper. So back to the original question. DO you guys know a shop that can install a complete setup? I would like to stay in the $6-7k range.

Call Bob or George Vrbancic, Vrbancic Bros. Racing. They are great guys and honest, they have a full dyno facility and also own "The Carb Shop" and will treat you right. The phone number is 909-930-9980, tell them that Dale sent you. You will make an easy 400 hp from a 383, more like 450-475hp

Dale

[spacepirate]

Do you guys think its possible to get a 502 for the same price as a 383?

[spacepirate]

I called QMP and they are putting a quote together for me but they don't do installation. He suggested you Cris.