Golen motors
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
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Another recommendation for local builder! I almost went Golan but everything I wanted on my shortblock, he wanted extra for, so I spent the time searching for a local machinist and I ended up saving money. Best thing is the machinist I found locally is well known in LT5 circles so I was able/am able to see some really cool projects, warranty issues are just a 5 minute drive away (but there were no warrantee issues) and he built my engine IAW the specs I gave him using the parts I wanted for less money.
Mike
Mike
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 113
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From: Crestview Fla.
There are a couple of shops around me that build but I not sure if they know much about the LT1 motors. The closest place around does alot on LS motors but I don't know if they know LT1's. So that I have to work with.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
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My machinist had never done a LT1 before but I had a list of specs I wanted and he did it. So I ended up with a skosh over 12:1 compression 32 thousandths piston to head clearance for a good tight quench and my engine runs great on pump gas.
Since he's used to building high reving LT5s he did a great job on balancing my rotating assembly. So find the shop that the local racers use, it probably won't be the cheapest shop in town but it will probably be the best. The downside is the best shops usually have enough work that you may have to wait in line for your turn but it is worth it for quality work.
Mike
Buff..
A very likely source of oil consumption could be the valve stem seals.....on the "non Golen" CM heads your friends motor has.
Certainly possible to be ring seal, broken ring or "out of round" bore. Compression test would help "point" to the bottom end vs leaking valve stem seals.
Like any shop Golen can make mistakes in machining and assembley resulting in problems. My personal experience with them has been good.
As mentioned in this thread having a local builder who does good work has its benefits....but the original ? was specific to comments on Golen short blocks.
A very likely source of oil consumption could be the valve stem seals.....on the "non Golen" CM heads your friends motor has.
Certainly possible to be ring seal, broken ring or "out of round" bore. Compression test would help "point" to the bottom end vs leaking valve stem seals.
Like any shop Golen can make mistakes in machining and assembley resulting in problems. My personal experience with them has been good.
As mentioned in this thread having a local builder who does good work has its benefits....but the original ? was specific to comments on Golen short blocks.
I'll have to ask him if he's done a leak down or compression test yet.
Teching In
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21
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I'd go down there and just start poking around. Tell them what you're interested in doing. Pay close attention to the upkeep of the shop. If you go inside and find that a barnyard is cleaner than the shop floor then run away. The couple of machine shops I've dealt with also had references from other customers upon request.