Hi!
Short story, I need a 6 bolt block because I am pushing water, also scuffing pistons with 4"stroke with LQ9 block.
Running a Magusson 2560 and got 1260RWHP, I know its to much for a stock block. Was fine on dyno, but on track it pushed water both sides as expected..

Back to my question, why so big price diffenence? And does anyone have experience with sellers and this short blocks?
Is it just better parts in the more expencive blocks? recommendations or other short blocks?

ATK 1500hp rated block at $7699
ATK SPE3881500 Dart LS 388CI 1500HP Short Block (high-performance-engines.com)

Thomson 1500hp rated block at $10576
Dart Eliminator 388/427 1500HP (thompsonmotorsports.net)

Borowski 1000+hp rated at $12723
Dart SHP Pro Short Block - Callies Magnum CCW, Ultra Rods, Diamond Rac | Borowski Race Engines

 

Looks like Borowski is using premium components through out hence the price.
I don't trust Thompson, they had a lot of serious problems in the past, not sure how they've been lately and I don't care for King bearings.
I think a member here@Mr. Black recently bought a 408 short block from ATK and has been very happy with it.
I'd look at Texas Speed as well, they do a lot of stuff for Cleetus and he abuses the crap out of his engines.

 

Where you located Rambo?

I'd put Baker Engineering in the mix too, they are in Michigan and build all of Dave Adkins and J Capizzies engines.

 

Looked at ATK but their reviews are still crap after all these years.

Went with AMS Racing in Shreveport La. Awesome company to deal with and they will pretty much build whatever you want and component prices that can't be beat.

My second choice would be Texas Speed. For me it just wasn't in the budget cards this go around. No regrets on AMS racing.

 

What head studs are you running on the LQ9? I feel like you can fix the water issue unless your way up at 40+ lbs of boost or something crazy like that. Guys make a lot more power than your making on stock iron block. Are you machined for 1/2” studs?

 

Hi! Thanks for all the replys. I live in Europe so I will b using my shipping agent anyways, so it does not mather much where it is. I will check them out

 

Using normal ARP stunds, was thinking of going 1/2" stunds, but find mixed experiences after some research. I actually have Tick Performace 1/2" drill tool. But I need new pistions anyway because they are to much scuffed, this is my my second set of pistons in this block because of this. I think the pistons are scuffing because of 4" crank and the bottom of piston are to far down in the bore? Thats also a reason to just get a shortblock with pistons and all.

I like Borowski, products and reviews looks good, but I cant get much reply from them. I sent 2-3 contact forms without any reply

 

TJ's email is:

TJ.Grimes@bakerengineering.com

My rule of thumb. I don't chase a company to give them my work.

I don't care for some of the shops you listed, TSP has gone through an ownership change.

I also suggest Kurt Urban, Scoggin Dickey Race Shop. His email is:

kuperf@aol.com is his personal email I don't have his work one handy he said you can use this one to start.

 

Borowski does enough business they can be picky about what jobs they want hence you may not hear back because they're building $30K engines instead of short blocks.
I'd check out AMS at Mr. Blacks Suggestion, also check out HED Harrel Engine and Dyno, he's really popular with the small tire race crowd and seems to make great stuff.
He has a youtube channel as well, Real Good at Doin Stuff.

 

Steve at RED once told me I would do better using the more expensive custom aged 625 arp studs rather than using 1/2".. no machine work and they have quite a bit more clamping power. Food for thought.

 

Rambo you have 6 bolt heads?

 

Yes I have PRC 6 bolt heads.
Also have dragonslayer crank and ultra rods, so I am starting to think I may just build it myself. Order a Dart shp block and new pistons, but still need work done if I am going this way. Prepping and honing for the new pistons, and I like to do it the same place as I order the block.

If I get the same pistons part number as the rotating assembly was balanced with, should I need to balance it again?

 

The Borowski has much better components

enforcer rods, magnum ccw, and the pro shp

 

I have a TSP short block going on 4 years now without issues. I didn't know there was an ownership change and if quality or service has declined or not. Local friends use LME and Mike Lough and are happy with both. I wouldn't judge price just by components as some builders cost substantially more even when using the same components, but you can 100% count on their stuff. I agree with others I will not mention names, but a few guys would never reply back so I took the hint they didn't need my business. Use someone with a quality reputation that actually wants your business.

 

I have TMS 416ci and will tell you customer service was so so.

Quality control mediocre.

I posted some pics of what I got on there FB page when they were bragging about the quality control and care they take..... they deleted my posts lol. Just my two cents.

 

Another option is Stefan Rossi. ACE Racing engines in Torrence California. He builds quality stuff too

 

Zero first hand with the builder listed below but I have researched them several times over the last 20 years etc. Have met folks that used their products. I've had four engines professionally built by local builders. Three were excellent and one POS. The Doug Herbert 383 motor was a total POS. Two motorsports friends did my 383 LS1 & Dart SHP 400, very happy with both for years! Both moved on to bigger and better motorsports work etc. The last engine was an ERL 416 also very happy. Anyway had some experience "shopping ' 🛍 ...LOL!
Take my comments with that in mind please.

ATK - keeps the reputation for poor quality. Wouldn't own a vehicle if it had an ATK engine in it personally.

Thompson - had a reputation for quality but lost it. Acquitance had a built Thompson 346 that didn't last as long as his stock LS1 w/same blower 😳 making a mild ~530 whp. Various others on this forum had mixed results. Some very good and some bad. Big roll of dice 🎲 . Ask yourself if you feel lucky...

TSP - great if you have the clout if you are a high profile customer or have deep pockets. If your budget, it may be hard to afford what's needed. Seems to keep the overall good reputation...for 20 years on internet so they must be doing something right! No idea about ownership details.

AMS - Based on what I've read, prime contender for my next engine build.

Paragon Engines - Based on what I've seen, discussions with shop owner, prime contender for my next engine build. Check out their YouTube to see machine work in process and diligence to details etc.

BES - Based on what I've seen over the years, prime contender for my next engine build plus fairly close, same state. Local folks I've talked with were happy with thei engines but that was before Covid.

My opinion, is usually a local builder that meets ones engine build needs is a good starting point.

Best wishes with your engine project.

 

Dont think I have ever seen anything negative about SDPC either. I believe Vengeance Racing uses proline and they have a great rep as well.

 

Friend of mine has has good luck with a borkowski 427

 

Is CNC Motorsports up there in the short block builders? Seems like they have lots of options.