Justhereforinfo

iTrader: (2)

I found the shop online, and see they have a good reputation. Or at least I havent heard anything bad about their work. Which is good. I'm just looking for reviews from people who have actually used this shop.

I called up Mike a couple weeks back and he was a nice guy and took time to answer my questions. While he suggested that he primarily doesnt like to reuse stock rods and pistons, if I was doing a budget build and assembly myself, he would suggest a finish hone on the cylinders, (since I want to stay with the stock pistons), light hone on rods big end, polish the crank (since I noticed some very light discoloration on two rod journals, block wash, and freeze plugs. That would run me $250.

I mentioned to him that two of the rods looked to have pinched the bearing and had a tiny sliver of metal wedged into the cracked cap joint on the back side of the bearing. This looked very minimal, but still a concern. He said that he can't resize the stock rods because they are "cracked cap" rods, and no one makes an oversized bearing. But that he could do a light line hone on the big end and make sure they havent egged.

Now I find this info to be false, and that oversized bearings are common. Before I call him back to clarify, I figured I'd see what my peers think about his work.

Does anyone have any experience with Total Engine Concepts?

Thanks

think47

iTrader: (24)

When it come's to ls motors or anything in general he is one of the best you can use.

3fingas

iTrader: (16)

Mike is giving you some good advise. forget the stock crap and let him get you a rotating assembly.

Justins00ss

iTrader: (18)

Had this same discussion with Mike in person a little while back when I went to pick up my heads.
He did a nice clean up job on my heads. Great guy!!

Justhereforinfo

iTrader: (2)

I'd love to, but I can't drop $2500. Stock stuff will work for my LS6 silverado.

Thanks for the responses. Are you saying you had the same conversation about the rods? I was hoping it was just me mis-understanding him...

Sofls1

iTrader: (16)

Can't speak from personal experience, but he does have a good rep in south florida. I would consider using him, if I needed to do a short block and wanted to stay local.

What are the details of your build? If budget is a big concern maybe it would make more sense to grab a boneyard engine. Lotta people making good power on sbe 5.3s

GTFORMULA

iTrader: (94)

Ive used him for all my ls builds on the shortblocks. Never had an issue or problem. Even helped me out and met him at his house a few times. I wont use anyone else.

Racer383

That would be a crap load of motors

GTFORMULA

iTrader: (94)

I think he did two stock ci ones and my 408 that lasted so well it was in 5 cars. Seriously-5 cars and still going for my friend Mike.

Justins00ss

iTrader: (18)

Yup. It was about the rods. He said some people will do it, but he will not build a ls with stock rods/pistons. What he meant about the oversized bearing is that know one makes one for a ls1 rod. Not sure about that myself but he told me the same thing. If you end up honing the big end too much then the cap wont fit together right.

I ended up just finding a low mileage ls1 and going that route.

If you know how to put a motor together and he is will to clean up the rods/crank then go for it. If not then just find a used short block.

Justins00ss

iTrader: (18)

some good info here on part#s for oversized ls1 rod bearings.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...d-bearing.html

Justhereforinfo

iTrader: (2)

Good to hear. This is what I was hoping for, a unanimous answer. I built my last sbf stroker and it made good power and its still going, so ill be doing the assembly myself.

This ls1 short block will get 243 heads, ls6 intake, and an FTI cam from Ed. It's going to be a replacement engine for the 4.8 in my 03 rcsb silverado. Nothing special, just a home made ls6.

Thanks for the part #s!

Justhereforinfo

iTrader: (2)

I got the 5.7 for $400 from an 02 camaro with 75k, and it looks like its in great shape. I probably could run it as is, but its not too much money to machine it and put new rings and bearing in it.

Street Racer

iTrader: (65)

I Dont use anyone else in Florida as well !!!!

Justins00ss

iTrader: (18)

Good luck with the build. Post some videos after your done!!!

NitrOmm

iTrader: (1)

You are n good hands with Mike !
Trust every word.

maxgee

iTrader: (5)

Mike from TEC is great guy, did my machine work. He also does work for big shop in Orlando, won't say names as I was sworn to secrecy. You can't go wron with him.

Justhereforinfo

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for all the replies. I dropped it off at TEC this weekened and should have it back in a week or so. Very nice guy with a busy shop. Thats a great sign if you ask me.

I'll post pics once I pick it up and start the build.

Street Racer

iTrader: (65)

TEC is like good **** !

Justins00ss

iTrader: (18)

quote of the month right there!!!