engine swap... who's got the best shortblock?

[marshall13]

I'm getting ready to do a complete engine swap in my 98 GST. It already has a 6-bolt swap with a lot of work done to it, but it's someone else's work and I hate not knowing every little thing that my car has in it.

I have been looking at and pricing many different shortblocks, heads, and other parts as well. I'm pretty decided on the AMS Stage 1 short block with the AMS Full race head so I can get a few extra RPM's out of the deal. Before I get into it, though, I would like some heads up on anything that might be better out there.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

[iwannagofast89]

If you dont like other peoples work then why would you want short block. Just rebuild you motor...It would probly be cheaper also

 

[blcknspo0ln]

There is really no such thing as "better" than another. Engine's are always built with an end purpose; hence the choice of piston/rod/bearing/bolt etc combos out there. Why are you not happy with your current shortblock? is there something wrong with it? If it's a good engine (no problems) then strip it down and freshen it up. This way you can rebuild the engine as you see fit without incuring a 2+ thousand dollar price tag.

 

[marshall13]

Well, the engine that is in it is from a 91 Galant VR4, and it had about 115,000 when it was put in the car. It was freshened up then, but has had about another 100k put on it. A good amount of that was on the drag strip with about 30psi. Also, the engine has gotten pretty hot a couple times, and there are a few problems with it that I can justify just starting over with a new motor.

As far as not liking other people's work, I didn't say I don't like other people's work, though people who have ever worked on my cars are few and far between, it's just that I don't like not being involved in the work and not knowing what someone did. By getting a shortblock, though, I can be involved as far as what parts are selected for the build, what the specs are, etc.

I'm wondering what a lot of you guys are using and what the general concensus says works the best. 50 million Elvis fans can't be wrong kinda applies in this case, I think.

 

[iwannagofast89]

yeah the only place I've seen is slowboyracing and I think nippon-motors.com

 

[blcknspo0ln]

JAM, SBR, car king, custom, FFTEC, FFWD, there are hundreds of builders out there. Do your research and TALK (as in, call the people!!!) to various engine builders and pick whoever treats you the best and gives you the best price.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

I'd call Darren King over at FFWD Connection. He is a really good guy, and very straight forward. Im getting my engine from him, and he talked to me on the phone for all the details, he put it good idea's that I didnt think about, and he kept in touch with me via email. Plus you cant beat not having to send in a short block so minimal time out of your car (just the time to swap the motor).

 

[cruisintalonawd]

If you dont like other peoples work then why would you want short block. Just rebuild you motor...It would probly be cheaper also

I would just do a rebuild on it. See if there any of your friends that have done a rebuild before.

 

[16g-2ndgen]

IMO i think if yuo have the money for a ams short block and head, then do it, but if you only got a grand then build it your self

 

[tsidrift1]

Get a hold of mitch at Home. He built mine and did an exceptional job. The thing was flawless!!


Anthony

 

[turbolover10]

I'd go with jnz, great people but everyone has there own opinions so your going to have a thread full of vendors.. ..
Like said above call a few different places and see who gives you the best price.