Pro Engine Builder in LA Area?

I'm still in the research phase of sorting out a new Speedster build and am strongly thinking of using a professional engine builder to supply a 1776 or 1915 for my turnkey. The names on my list so far are:

CB Performance
Strictly VW's
JCS
JVD

Should I be considering anyone else?

Thanks!

Jerry

A lot of people will tell you to go with CB performance.

I second Lambros' suggestion, CB Performance.

I'll third that.

Fourths and fifths....{hic.}

OK, CB it is then. Thanks guys. I'm calling today to see what I can find out. I'm assuming that CB can coordinate with VS or JPS.

regards, Jerry

Pat Downs build a great motor at CB Performance. He has the fastest, not that fast matters, DRKC motor he built for my buddy's car.

Rick does a great job a CB to try and take care of his customers. That is my experience. If Pat it too busy for you timeline, there are a few other builders.

They're all good as is Chico Performance; top notch and reasonable; check out their website:

http://www.steelbuggin.com/

I would NOT recommend German Auto Supply in Santa Fe Springs.

I believe SCAT is in Torrance
They do lots of motor work.
Pick up a Hot VW magazine as there are a couple more.

As I recal Pat at CB did the build on George Browns engine. Seeing Georges car In post from Henry during the build told me enough.

CB supplys motors for IM. I picked up a turn-key 2110 from Pat about a month ago. My motor now has 700 miles on it and I'm nothin' but pleased!
Here's Pat with my motor on the dyno.....

CB Performance Products, Inc.
1715 N. Farmersville Blvd.
Farmersville, CA 93223 (Farmersville is a few miles northheast of Bakersfield)

(559)733-8222 or http://www.cbperformance.com/default.asp

SCAT Enterprises
1400 Kingsdale Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (Redondo Beach 405 Freeway south of L. A. International Airport)

(310) 370-5501 or http://www.scatvw.com

http://www.mapquest.com

Thanks guys, this is great info. The only dilemma now appears to be that VS is not comfortable with the idea of installing a third party drivetrain. Apparently they had done this in the past, but not in the present.

I guess it is because they give you a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty when buying the turnkey from them. Years ago Kirk would give you a 2K credit if you didn't get the engine from them; it seems that things have changed. Since that's the case your best bet would be to just get the basic 1600 cc engine with your order and then tear it down and build it up after the warranty period expires. You'll not only save money now but you'll be able to at least use the case, heads, fan, alternator & sheetmetal. When upgrading change all the internals, pistons and cylinders, get your existing heads ported, get better carburetion, ignition and exhaust and you'll be set.

Jerry -

See if you could get Kirk to install one of these for you for a few bucks more...

TILT !!!

Now thats' more engine Than I ever need to have. If I had that you may as well name me the grave digger and pick a plot.

Power in the low 300hp range is more than enough for a respectable 356 street replica.

And still might get you in trouble if you don't respect it

Don't get me wrong, I LIKE IT! But realisticly Its to much. for a standard 356 kit car You better have a race framed car. with race quality brakes and steering.

Ernie how much did it cost? Im thinking about following your lead how tame is it and what is your present fuel milage. if you hadit to do again would you go a schose bigger? Im thinking 2165

Hey Barry....
5K was the majic number for me because I bought turn-key. Having been down this road before, I really wanted to get it right the 1st time.
Seems that Pat has built over 6000 motors and CB is located just 3 hours down the valley from me. So I had him build me his standard "IM style" mid-range engine. It dyno-ed out at 140 HP and 137# torque. Plenty of power for this ol' geezer. I'm getting just over 20 mpg in stop and go traffic. Haven't made a road trip yet. What I really like is how smooth and quiet it runs with no oil leaks!
BTW>>> Pat also builds IM's 2332 hi-end motors if you want more power!

Thank you Ernie, I have the 5K now So that problem is solved If i don't go bigger than you did.

In discussion today after completing a dismantle of a old vw 4 speed at Mr Vestal's and Some more bartering,and some web surfing to find a bearing parts suppliers.

We finally got around to this subject.

I had pictures and spec's for Cb, 2165. Conway's dad, even a older fart than us. Had concerns about the life expectancy of a turbo engine stating more power equals a shorter life span. Truly I think he was worried for my saftey. because of its 300 + hp output rating . but his concern does have meret. In both cases.

But Im asking you now , How long do you think it would hold up?

AND as vaction a trip car how big would you realy want it to be? would you go a schose bigger maybe something like a 2110 build.

I have to do something And soon then their the east coast, west coast problem to get it here.

I've contemplated the turbo route too and was wondering if heat was a factor with those things? I mean, considering these things are air cooled, can you still have a stop and go traffic, turbocharged speedy without increasing your worries of heat etc?

Heat is a issue with any air coole engine.

In my last conversesation with Scatt Racing In reguards to their split heads they said the heads would over cool. and were a waist of $$ for a smaller build. and recemended the D ports for turbo aplications or a much bigger build.

A very ineresting responce . that varies greatly for what someone else said recently..

Cb designs their engines to try and get the head temp in the sweet zone for best milage. If you look you will see head temps posted on their engine dyno charts for the turbos.

But want know how well they hold over a long period of time Like five years or so . If well mantained?

Heat is a issue with any air coole engine.

In my last conversesation with Scatt Racing In reguards to their split heads they said the heads would over cool. and were a waist of $$ for a smaller build. and recemended the D ports for turbo aplications or a much bigger build.

A very ineresting responce . that varies greatly for what someone else said recently..

Cb designs their engines to try and get the head temp in the sweet zone for best milage. If you look you will see head temps posted on their engine dyno charts for the turbos.

But I want know how well they hold over a long period of time l,ike five years or so . If well mantained?