Engine Builder
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,065
Likes: 1,615
From: Seattle
C&D Engines Chuck Dubois
https://www.cdengines.com/#
But, dang that would be a long drive. I'm sure there are some in Spokane and likely Boise Idaho. Here's two names that have been around a long time in Spokane.
These guys do crate engines including FEs.
https://www.sandjengines.com/
Or if you want yours rebuilt and want it a little different than your average crate engine.
https://www.gibsonperformanceengines.com/
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Vale, South Dakota
Yes, TA455HO, that's too far. We have a machine shop here, but I haven't been able to find any recommendations for them. Honestly I don't know if I have to worry about it or not. In the book How to Rebuild Big Block Ford Engines, author Charles Morris has some scary things to say about taking your engine to just any machine shop or rebuilder. I'm not looking for a race engine, maybe a little more than stock. The reason I'm asking about this is there are silver slivers in the oil pan.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 971
From: Tri Cities, TN
If you want to keep your engine because it is original to your truck. I would think your local shop would do just fine for a stock rebuild as long as you are just doing mild performance up grades. There isn't anything special about machining on an FE other than it weighs a ton.
If you take it to a specialty rebuilder your wait to get it back could be many many months. You should just go to your local shop and talk to them. Ask them for a price list for their services and the lead time to get it back. That way you will know what the worst case scenario might be so you can make a plan. At the very least you will need to bore the block, turn the crank and re-bush the rods. Plus what ever head work it needs.
If you take it to a specialty rebuilder your wait to get it back could be many many months. You should just go to your local shop and talk to them. Ask them for a price list for their services and the lead time to get it back. That way you will know what the worst case scenario might be so you can make a plan. At the very least you will need to bore the block, turn the crank and re-bush the rods. Plus what ever head work it needs.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 610
Likes: 42
From: Lacey
Most important thing I'd ask your local guy is if they have a torque plate for FE. If not, don't use them. Boring or even honing with a torque plate is vital on a FE due to core shifting. If you don't have Barry Rabotnik's books on the FE, get them. He's by far the authority on FE.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 971
From: Tri Cities, TN
Using torque plates while honing the cylinders is a good thing. The theory being when the heads are torqued it distorts the cylinder wall a little and the cylinders will be more concentric. But in reality the factory never used torque plates and they produced millions of engines. The machine shops do charge extra for that service. I've had engines done with and without and honestly I have never seen any difference between the two except it cost more. Also the head bolt bosses in an FE block are no where near the cylinder wall.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 610
Likes: 42
From: Lacey
All true points. Just a factory freshen? Don't bother with them. Mild or hot performance? Don't go without. It's purpose is to "square up" the block during machining which in turn puts the rotating mass in a position to NOT put any odd angles (stress) on the bearings. Don't have the budget for any additional cost, no biggie I suppose.
Anyhoo, asking that innocuous question of your machinist will give you the idea if they've dealt with FE builds before or not. That's my point plain and simple.
Anyhoo, asking that innocuous question of your machinist will give you the idea if they've dealt with FE builds before or not. That's my point plain and simple.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 272
Likes: 24
From: North Jersey
It looks like it would be about 16 hours one way but these guys know FEs and do really nice work. Almost all Sunnen equipment for the heavy stuff. They do still send out crankshafts to have them turned and polished if needed, but they do everything else in-house that I know of.
C&D Engines Chuck Dubois
https://www.cdengines.com/#
But, dang that would be a long drive. I'm sure there are some in Spokane and likely Boise Idaho. Here's two names that have been around a long time in Spokane.
These guys do crate engines including FEs.
https://www.sandjengines.com/
Or if you want yours rebuilt and want it a little different than your average crate engine.
https://www.gibsonperformanceengines.com/
C&D Engines Chuck Dubois
https://www.cdengines.com/#
But, dang that would be a long drive. I'm sure there are some in Spokane and likely Boise Idaho. Here's two names that have been around a long time in Spokane.
These guys do crate engines including FEs.
https://www.sandjengines.com/
Or if you want yours rebuilt and want it a little different than your average crate engine.
https://www.gibsonperformanceengines.com/
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Vale, South Dakota
Vandy23, the 390s S&J has listed on their site do not mention 3 point motor mounts. Is that going to be a problem?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 272
Likes: 24
From: North Jersey
I purchased new motor mounts just to replace the old, but I believe the 352 and the 390 bolt up the same. I would give them a call and discuss exactly what you are looking for. I went with an upgraded cam which wasn’t on their site but was offered after I explained what I was looking for.
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