I'm having a hell of a time finding a local shop to do the machine work I want done...to the quality level I want...for all I know there's one in my backyard, but I haven't found them yet.

I have an iron LQ4 block. I want to have it bored and honed to 4.030", I want to make SURE the bores are straight, square, in the right place in the block, and have the correct surface finish, and I'd really like to go with a shop that hones the block hot.

I also need to have it decked very squarely, with what I consider to be an adequate surface finish (very low Ra...not ground, machined, probably like a 16-20) to run with MLS head gaskets. I'm going to run a lot of boost through this engine, and I want a high quality deck surface.

I'm on the fence about buying billet main caps as well...and I probably will just buy them, which I believe also means I also need the mains bored/honed.

I'm considering o-ringing the block/heads, I think I've seen VA Speed can double o-ring, and I've also researched pyramid rings...not sure what I need.

It's going to be a 370 cubic inch engine when it's done, I already have the JE pistons, and Callies Compstar crank/rods, it's going into my 95 Caprice, and I have a very high power goal for that heavy chassis...so I am very concerned about things being cut to the correct dimensions, things being straight and square when they need to be, and in the right place, with quality surface finishes...so if you have a suggesstion for a shop, I'd like to hear it. Please don't just say "I went here, they're great"...I'm looking for actual feedback, why they're great, what you asked of them, what they were able to do, how much the machine work cost you (bearing in mind, I'd like to do all the final assembly myself, including fitting the rings myself).

I live in Mass, but I'm willing to bring the block pretty far to find a good shop. I can ship it if I have to, but I'd be nervous about it coming back without damage. I've seen a few friends order EXPENSIVE bottom ends from very reputable companies, only to have the company handling shipping do something dumb like smash a forklift through the pallet and scratch the blocks deck...or leave the pallet on a loading dock in the rain...and I know you can insure shipments...I just don't want to deal with the hassle...so I'd prefer something I can drive to (willing to drive probably 6-8 hours each way) and handle shipping myself.

Thanks for any feedback you can provide.

 

Thought I'd bump this to the top as I posted it on a weekend, and I'm hoping some sponsors (who probably weren't working this weekend) will comment on what they have for block machining services/facilities.

 

talk to HKE. they will take your block and send you one already done.

 

Virginia Speed is another good shop and can be reached in 12 hours driving if you want to take the block down there. Slowhawk uses them a lot and may be able to advise on shipping.

 

I have dealt with HKE alot and Erik has taken care of me.

 

No sponsors want to comment on this...let me know what they have for capability, and thus give me a reason to spend my money with them?

 

I have no experience with anyone other than my local shops Budlongs (budbombs, they'll blow your **** up) and AMS (top ****** notch), but I have heard nothing but EXCELLENT things about HKE...

 

Not sure where in Mass you are, but so far I haven't found anybody on the western side of the state that's all that familiar with these blocks. The local guy in Pittsfield that comes very highly recommended doesn't have torque plates, though I may use him anyway. I'm at the point where a guy's reputation, skill & honesty is looking like it's worth more to me than a torque plate.

 

I'm in Worcester...so a bit east of central mass, but I'm willing to drive anywhere...I'm all over New England all the time for work anyways...but no matter how honest and skilled the guy is...he can't "distort" the block the way head bolts/studs will without a torque plate setup...the temperature thing I mentioned is a minor deal, torque plates would be major to me.