Is there any agreement out there about a trusted Vendor for long blocks??? I do NOT have time to rebuild my engine, and will keep it for spares, but I'd like to get a dependable stroker motor that I can reuse my Weber 44's on…..In California a plus, so I can drive there to pick up, rather then shipping costs. I'm in the SF bay area...
THX
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Did you not like the answers you got in the other thread?
The consensus answer is CB Performance. Pat Downs builds a solid long-block.
I've gotten longblocks from Chico Performance, the old Serrano (before they went supr-nova), and a couple of really nice engines from Blackline Racing. I'm a huge Blackline fan-- Justin is a very thorough craftsman.
This branch of the automotive tree is not like small-block Chevys at all. There aren't a huge amount of builders to choose from, and each has a distinction that makes them unique. I'd really, really beware of anybody that had a long-block on the shelf, waiting for you to buy it. This hobby just doesn't work like that.
lots of good clean fun on the 'newbies' posts. Now I'm rolling up my sleeves and going for some red meat…. There are a bunch of builders in calif and some in oregon and washington. most will build the 2110 I want to order, not 'off the shelf', I agree that has it's issues.
Has any one dealt with Powerhaus in Torrence CA.. ??? they have a "new heavy duty alum. case" for their strokers, and it sounds good, but, ???? or Strictly Foreign in grants pass Or. ??? Or any other west coast vendors that provide a good product…..I just checked out CB…they're in Farmersville CA….I will look into their LB's
THX
I have a CB. 2051. It pulls like a freight train.
Ditto for my CBPerformance (Pat Downs) 2332 c.c. Strong and reliable.
I understand Henry at Intermeccanica sources most of his air cooled engines from Pat Downs, and that's a strong recommendation.
Feedback on Strictly Foreign:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/for...rder=asc&start=0
Feedback on Powerhaus:
Pat at CB built me a 2110 with 44 Webers and it runs great. He used a new full flowed magnesium case as he said the oil would run 20 degrees cooler over an aluminum case.
Go talk to Ken Jansen, a local SF Bay area builder. He's been building VW air cooled engines, from mild to hot, for over 30 years and knows what he's doing. I've seen drag racing, turbo, off-road racing and hot street engines in his shop. He built a nice 2110 for me. Going to his shop and talking to him in person is the best way to deal with him. It's always nice to use a "local" builder because you never know when you will need additional help down the road. His prices are fair and he stands behind his work.
Here is his contact info:
Ken Jansen
Jansen Enterprise
140 Harbor Blvd
Belmont CA 94002
650-622-9785
Good Luck, Have Fun
THIS … is why I like dealing on a 'forum' of peers. NO 'sales' BS, just real people with real opinions . You are free to make up your own mind with input from others that have traveled the road you now face. I have heard good things about CB and about Powerhaus. I am leaning towards CB over in Farmersville CA. I will call them on monday and get a better 'feel' for them. I may be able to build on my short block, since it is only 21K miles old ??? but I will see what they say about THAT idea.
Thanks to all, and keep posting your recommendations, as I have NOT made a final decision yet…I have all weekend to sort it out, but want to hit the ground running on Monday, if possible.
I'll put in another vote for CB. I have over 41,000 miles on my 1915 and it runs as well as it did the day I got it. At least 13,000 of those miles are on the interstate running anywhere from 60 to 85 mph for hours at a time. The one engine problem that wasn't related to crap/ethanol in the gas or an installation error on the oil system hoses was fixed very quickly. I had a porous casting on the pedestal for the internal oil cooler that seeped oil and made a mess of the engine compartment for almost two years until I tracked it down. They sent me a new one and the problem was solved.
Lane---we have almost the same mileage on our Speedsters, 41,000. I love the long trips but not so happy about piling the miles on. I believe that except for anazing Jim and Jenny Ignatio I believe that we may have two of the highest mileage cars on here.
Although my car has a total of 41k on it , engine has "only" 15,000 or so on it.
We should start a new thread about accumulated miles for other's Speedsters here.
Done. Check out "How many miles do you have on your cars?" in the "General, non-technical" forum.
