Does anyone have recommendations on machine-shops in the CR/IC area that are easy to work with*? As I mentioned in another post specific to my 351M, I want to strip my block and heads, take everything to a machine-shop, and have them

1) Clean the grease, oil, etc off everything
2) Measure everything, check for cracks, etc. (Blueprint? Or something else?)
3) Tell me what machining NEEDS to be done to put it back together and make it run
4) Tell me what machining CAN be done to get various levels of enhanced performance
5) Tell me what parts need replaced to match the machining

I've talked to a few people locally, but they're all "Here's the engine, rebuild it, give it back to me when done", and I can't afford that. Don't particularly want to do it, even if I could afford it -- I want to tear it down and I want to put it back together.

I've got two engines, or will have tomorrow. The engine I have now, in the green truck, runs and I want to keep it as close to stock as possible. The one I'm picking up tomorrow, weather permitting, ran when the truck was parked, I'm told, but that was 7 years ago or so -- I don't particularly want it maxed, but I do want More from it.

(*Not a mechanic -- I can turn a wrench and put Tab A into Slot B, but knowing what performance I want and how to get it, forget it.)

 

Barron Motor has a machine shop that is pretty good, they are in CR and IC both, then in IC Lawrence Machine ahs done well for me in the past. May want to also check with Sadler Powertrain as well. Lawrence Machine used to build a lot of race motors. Check into Stewart's Performance, out near Collins Road as well, had them do some work in the past for me also.

 

Roger, you just know the people to talk to everywhere, don't ya? lol

 

well, that is my home turf.... had a lot fo work done over the years, and know many racers that have had work done, not to mention my best friend around there has a lot of work done as well. Just my area....

 

D'oh!

Barron does our heads -- I forgot all about them!

I didn't know Sadler's or Stewart did machining.

 

Sadler has a full machine shop, might be wrong on Stewart's

 

I've dropped at Stewarts a few times, but never really hung around to check out their set-up.

I always thought Sadler's was more axles and suspension. IIRC, they had the best price for leafs for our 3500HD (my boss likes Blow-ties), and if I don't do it myself, they'll be doing the seals and bearings in my differentials.

I'll have to give them a call next week.

 

A co-worker told me today that Stewarts does have a machine shop and is the place to go for Fords.