Best choice on a built engine?

[SPEEDingTicket]

As some of you may have read in my other thread or on chat the other night, I ended up with a pretty big crack under my oil pan on the block and I am now forced to explore my options of a rebuilt engine. At some point in the future if I keep this car I will put an S4 in it and have some fun on the autox track.


I have been in contact with @wetzMS3 and have received a $6500 quote for a new long block with forged pistons and rods. Can any of you comment on the work done by SluntWorks? Seems to be a pretty decent engine and he appears to have a good build reputation.

Another builder i've been looking at is speedperf6rmanc3 and their "stage 1"(whatever the heck that means) long block. With a core charge of 1900 i'll likely end up paying about $6000. 500 cheaper than sluntworks.

I have yet to reach out to relentless or edge but after looking at edge's site and pricing i doubt i'll end up buying a custom built engine from them. A third option of mine is to just buy edge's remanufactured MZR longblock and skip the turbo and auto crossing for a bit. Money isnt super tight and either way this is going to cost me more than I want to pay, but 4 grand is starting to sound a lot nicer than 6 the more I think about it. Figured i'd gather input from those of you who may have been down the same path as me in the past.

Thanks
Chris


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[monkey.bones.007]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket As some of you may have read in my other thread or on chat the other night, I ended up with a pretty big crack under my oil pan on the block and I am now forced to explore my options of a rebuilt engine. At some point in the future if I keep this car I will put an S4 in it and have some fun on the autox track. I have been in contact with @WetzMS3 and have received a $6500 quote for a new long block with forged pistons and rods. Can any of you comment on the work done by SluntWorks? Seems to be a pretty decent engine and he appears to have a good build reputation. Another builder i've been looking at is speedperf6rmanc3 and their "stage 1"(whatever the heck that means) long block. With a core charge of 1900 i'll likely end up paying about $6000. 500 cheaper than sluntworks. I have yet to reach out to relentless or edge but after looking at edge's site and pricing i doubt i'll end up buying a custom built engine from them. A third option of mine is to just buy edge's remanufactured MZR longblock and skip the turbo and auto crossing for a bit. Money isnt super tight and either way this is going to cost me more than I want to pay, but 4 grand is starting to sound a lot nicer than 6 the more I think about it. Figured i'd gather input from those of you who may have been down the same path as me in the past. Thanks Chris Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can vouch for @WetzMS3; as I have turned wrenches at his place many times. He does a great job and lives with part of the DM crew. Much of the testing for DM parts have been done on his car. I believe he also built @Micha;s motor. I'm glad he is starting to offer his services as I am now tempted by this possibility.

tapatalk, it sucks

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by monkey.bones.007 I can vouch for @wetzns3; as I have turned wrenches at his place many times. He does a great job and lives with part of the DM crew. Much of the testing for DM parts have been done on his car. I believe he also built @michas; motor too. I'm glad he is starting to offer his services as I am now tempted by this possibility. tapatalk, it sucks

Wont ever be worth it for 6500 though. Im trying to convince myself to be wasteful


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[monkey.bones.007]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket Wont ever be worth it for 6500 though. Im trying to convince myself to be wasteful Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The motor in his car has seen 500 plus hp and he built it. It's never worth modding, we don't do it because it's worth it.

tapatalk, it sucks

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by monkey.bones.007 The motor in his car has seen 500 plus hp and he built it. It's never worth modding, we don't do it because it's worth it. tapatalk, it sucks

Well sure sometimes we can convince ourselves on the track it was worth it...with the wife, okay thats a different story.


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[Micha]

@WetzMS3; didn't build my current motor. But he will build my next motor which I will shoot for 700 with.

He did build his own motor and has ran a best of 11.682 in his car on a GTX3076r on an ATP flange. Runs the hell out of his car too.

[KiwiFlavor]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket Wont ever be worth it for 6500 though. Im trying to convince myself to be wasteful Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I believe that is the price for the new block, head, and internals. You won't need a core which i think is a pretty damn good deal. Them Illinois people are something else!

@WetzMS3;

[WetzMS3]

@SPEEDingTicket;, as I mentioned via PM, it really comes down to determining your end goal.

If you don't plan to push for much power, a remanufactured block from Edge is your cheapest and most reliable option. Those guys are great to work with too. If you want to be able to beat on the k04 early in the powerband or go with a larger turbo down the road, building something with forged internals is the way to go.

If I can answer any further questions to help you determine an end goal or what route you want to take, feel free to reach out via email or here.

Hopefully you're back up and running quickly no matter which path you take.

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 @SPEEDingTicket;, as I mentioned via PM, it really comes down to determining your end goal. If you don't plan to push for much power, a remanufactured block from Edge is your cheapest and most reliable option. Those guys are great to work with too. If you want to be able to beat on the k04 early in the powerband or go with a larger turbo down the road, building something with forged internals is the way to go. If I can answer any further questions to help you determine an end goal or what route you want to take, feel free to reach out via email or here. Hopefully you're back up and running quickly no matter which path you take.

Sent you another email my dude! I cant imagine you offering any sort of warranty on your built blocks no?


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[MD1032]

Also get a quote from EBTec. They do good work and I believe are cheaper than SP63 to my knowledge, who I would never recommend.

https://www.facebook.com/ebtecautomotive/

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by MD1032 Also get a quote from EBTec. They do good work and I believe are cheaper than SP63 to my knowledge, who I would never recommend. https://www.facebook.com/ebtecautomotive/

Have never heard of EBTec before on MSF, is the builder a MSF member or can anyone else on here vouch for them?

And @MD1032; why is SP63 not a recommendation of yours?


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[MD1032]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket Have never heard of EBTec before on MSF, is the builder a MSF member or can anyone else on here vouch for them? And @MD1032; why is SP63 not a recommendation of yours? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@JgamB; and @bcmurphy87; can vouch for EBTec.

If you want more information about SP63, ask around in the community, particularly at meets. I have not had any direct dealings with them, but personally know many who have. Many have had success with them, many have not. I would definitely trust Wetzel's backyard over SP63 believe it or not.

[r3d]

Mazda dealer quoted me a brand new pu long block for 4k picked up down here in fl, just fyi.

[KiwiFlavor]

Originally Posted by MD1032 @JgamB; and @bcmurphy87; I would definitely trust Wetzel's backyard over SP63 believe it or not.

And besides you know what else happens in his backyard

[JgamB]

EBtec has churned out quite a few MZRs - they've got to be at ~10 or so that I'm aware of. I also haven't heard of anyone having issues, and quite a few people pushing big power.

10/10 would trust them again.

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by JgamB EBtec has churned out quite a few MZRs - they've got to be at ~10 or so that I'm aware of. I also haven't heard of anyone having issues, and quite a few people pushing big power. 10/10 would trust them again.

Price on a longblock?


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[MD1032]

His had custom headwork - not typical. Call them up. For your run of the mill build with Manley rods/pistons it's probably a lot cheaper than Jgamb's

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[JgamB]

I'll just say extremely reasonable - my OEM engine was still in the low mile range (41k) but I was pushing a good bit of power. I waited for Black Friday to get the best possible price, traded my OEM long block back to them, and because I saved so much, I said fuck it - port that head!

[nindoja]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket As some of you may have read in my other thread or on chat the other night, I ended up with a pretty big crack under my oil pan on the block and I am now forced to explore my options of a rebuilt engine. At some point in the future if I keep this car I will put an S4 in it and have some fun on the autox track. I have been in contact with @WetzMS3 and have received a $6500 quote for a new long block with forged pistons and rods. Can any of you comment on the work done by SluntWorks? Seems to be a pretty decent engine and he appears to have a good build reputation. Another builder i've been looking at is speedperf6rmanc3 and their "stage 1"(whatever the heck that means) long block. With a core charge of 1900 i'll likely end up paying about $6000. 500 cheaper than sluntworks. I have yet to reach out to relentless or edge but after looking at edge's site and pricing i doubt i'll end up buying a custom built engine from them. A third option of mine is to just buy edge's remanufactured MZR longblock and skip the turbo and auto crossing for a bit. Money isnt super tight and either way this is going to cost me more than I want to pay, but 4 grand is starting to sound a lot nicer than 6 the more I think about it. Figured i'd gather input from those of you who may have been down the same path as me in the past. Thanks Chris Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here's my thoughts on SP63. I've heard too many horror stories to ever recommend them to anyone for anything other than their fan controller (because Ant designed that, and it's supposedly solid). Regarding costs, their Stage 1 build is rated for less than 425whp. There are plenty of people running over 425whp on stock block now, so why spend that much for so little gain. Their Stage 2 build starts to look promising, but that's almost as much as a Sluntworks build.

As for @WetzMS3;, I would have him build a block for me in a heartbeat. He knows his stuff and is a great dude. And that $6500 cost is with no core. So if your bottom end is good, you could sell that for $1000-1500, if not more to bring the effective cost down to $5k.

EBTec is building stout motors, and their prices are good too. We've got a local getting a block back from them hopefully in the next 2-3 weeks that will be 700whp capable, and that's their standard build. They don't cut corners, and only do things the way they know work, so that's good.

FJ Performance built my engine and I'd recommend them too. Their basic build is rated for ~700whp and is stout. I'm only running an S3 on my MS6, but the engine takes a beating and likes it.

[Djohns]

I can also back @WetzMS3; I've turned wrenches with him before and he's helping me every step of the way with my engine build. Great guy and knows his stuff.

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by nindoja Here's my thoughts on SP63. I've heard too many horror stories to ever recommend them to anyone for anything other than their fan controller (because Ant designed that, and it's supposedly solid). Regarding costs, their Stage 1 build is rated for less than 425whp. There are plenty of people running over 425whp on stock block now, so why spend that much for so little gain. Their Stage 2 build starts to look promising, but that's almost as much as a Sluntworks build. As for @WetzMS3;, I would have him build a block for me in a heartbeat. He knows his stuff and is a great dude. And that $6500 cost is with no core. So if your bottom end is good, you could sell that for $1000-1500, if not more to bring the effective cost down to $5k. EBTec is building stout motors, and their prices are good too. We've got a local getting a block back from them hopefully in the next 2-3 weeks that will be 700whp capable, and that's their standard build. They don't cut corners, and only do things the way they know work, so that's good. FJ Performance built my engine and I'd recommend them too. Their basic build is rated for ~700whp and is stout. I'm only running an S3 on my MS6, but the engine takes a beating and likes it.

Thanks for taking time to type that out friend, thats the summary I needed and honestly probably could of found myself had i done some deep searching. Just more confident about spending 5-6grand on something built by someone who is backed by a community as bright as MSF.


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[maddocx240]

I got my motor built by sp63 last summer. And I have had no issues. I couldn't pay them in full due to a compliment action and they let me take my car home; (car was paid in full a month later) not many shops would do that. So I can definitely vouch for them. Everyone experience is different with many different shops. My advice would be to find a place close to you that you can do and check on the car and make sure everything is smooth @SPEEDing ticket;

[btstarcher]

Or you could take a look at mine. Sleeved long block, refreshed head. Already broken in with about 30k miles. $4500.

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by btstarcher Or you could take a look at mine. Sleeved long block, refreshed head. Already broken in with about 30k miles. $4500.

Rebuilt with forged internals or OEM? Link?


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[btstarcher]

Still waiting on Chris to finish assembly. It's the engine in my sig.

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[btstarcher]

Here are some pictures we took during assembly. No signage, because at the time I had planned on keeping it. If you're interested I'll finish assembly and post appropriate pictures with signage.

[blackms3_71]

Jordan keefover is another person for a built motor. current in c.a

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by btstarcher Here are some pictures we took during assembly. No signage, because at the time I had planned on keeping it. If you're interested I'll finish assembly and post appropriate pictures with signage.

Can not tell much by looking at the pictures, i don't know engines well enough yet. What else can you tell me about it? No on the forged internals?


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[btstarcher]

Forged rods/pistons. .020" overbored, so 88mm pistons, high compression ratio 10.5:1, custom Wiseco's (designed by Posifab). Rods are Molnar. Sleeves are LA Sleeves. All valve clearances have been checked and are comfortably within spec.

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[SPEEDingTicket]

Still dont quite know which route im going. Anyone have any other shops worth giving a ring? Called EBTec, spoke to some asshole that couldn't give me any information about the engines they build because he wasn't the right guy to tell me everything. Asked for a call back, he said he wrote down my number, never got a call. Guess they dont want to sell an engine that bad. Anybody know if FJ Performance is still selling builds or building?

[nindoja]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket Still dont quite know which route im going. Anyone have any other shops worth giving a ring? Called EBTec, spoke to some asshole that couldn't give me any information about the engines they build because he wasn't the right guy to tell me everything. Asked for a call back, he said he wrote down my number, never got a call. Guess they dont want to sell an engine that bad. Anybody know if FJ Performance is still selling builds or building?

That's odd. I've only heard good things about their customer service. Maybe give them a call back and give them a second chance?

FJ Performance is still doing builds as is @WetzMS3;.

[WetzMS3]

I've only heard good things about EBtech, surprised you had a bad experience. I've replied to your email.

Let me know if I can be if anymore help.

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[bcmurphy87]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket Still dont quite know which route im going. Anyone have any other shops worth giving a ring? Called EBTec, spoke to some asshole that couldn't give me any information about the engines they build because he wasn't the right guy to tell me everything. Asked for a call back, he said he wrote down my number, never got a call. Guess they dont want to sell an engine that bad. Anybody know if FJ Performance is still selling builds or building?

Sorry you had a bad experience but we take care of all of our customers. Best of luck with your engine.

[08cosmic3]

I'm running a EBTEC built long block. They are a small company, stay very busy and require patience but they have yet to have a MZR built motor fail. Most in the southeast are going EBTEC built. I went built before venting my block so I had a core to trade in which meant I got a built LB for a little over 4k, Mainly rods and pistons. Have 12K on the new motor with no issues, running a GT3071 with Meth for around 440whp.

[Djohns]

*cough* sluntworks *cough* *cough*

[GroceryGtr]

I have one of the last customized builds before SP63 went the stages route. I was very happy with the pricing and options back then, but I probably wouldn't do one of their stage builds. If I'm building the block I want to pick the features, not be told what I should need.

Gave them a short turnaround time, but they delivered ontime. They did build it with a bsd, even though I specifically said I was re-using my balance shaft. Not a huge deal, but it was a waste of 45 minutes as I had to slow cut the tops of the rod bolts off without putting heat into them. There was a small ding at the very top edge of cylinder #2 , again not a huge deal as it was above the piston travel and was easily smoothed out with a ballpeen and deadblow, but again annoying. I called Miguel to discuss both and was promised pics of the pre-shipped block(so I could take it up with UPS) and an aluminum balance shaft for my troubles. Never got a call back, the euro shaft, or the pics.

All that aside thus far I've been very happy with my purchase. I have zero cold start slap or smoke with my 2618s which is a testament that whoever they use for machining does a good job. Comps were good the first round, I'll have a second round here in a few weeks, but I don't have any reason to suspect they wont be good. I did read some bad things about their head work, so I did have that done elsewhere, but I have nothing bad to say about the actual performance of the shortblock. Communication left a lot to be desired, but that's par for the course with small shops.

The remans from Edge are a hell of a bargain. The warranty was stellar and from what I remember you could upgrade it to a no questions asked warranty for around $100. The builder they use is a large scale operation that does a ton of platforms and has a good reputation. Unless you plan on making big power that would be the way I'd go. Bolt on the oil pan and valve cover and call it a day.

If you plan on doing big power then I'd avoid the companies that only do stage builds and find a local reputable builder to tailor something to your specific desires. You may pay a little more, but whats a few extra hundred bux in the grand scheme of things.

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by bcmurphy87 Sorry you had a bad experience but we take care of all of our customers. Best of luck with your engine.

Wasn't a bad experience, check for my 541 number laying around on a post-it note somewhere. Like I said, i tried very badly to get in contact with someone that would sell me on an engine. You guys might "take care" of all your customers, and thats great, but im not your customer. I COULD have been a customer of yours but the gentleman on the phone simply put just did not care to get me to an actual salesman.


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Originally Posted by Djohns *cough* sluntworks *cough* *cough*

When I have the cash.


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Originally Posted by 08cosmic3 I'm running a EBTEC built long block. They are a small company, stay very busy and require patience but they have yet to have a MZR built motor fail. Most in the southeast are going EBTEC built. I went built before venting my block so I had a core to trade in which meant I got a built LB for a little over 4k, Mainly rods and pistons. Have 12K on the new motor with no issues, running a GT3071 with Meth for around 440whp.

GT3071 or bnr4?


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[MD1032]

Originally Posted by SPEEDingTicket GT3071 or bsr4?

He has a GT3071...where the heck did you get a BNR S4 from?

[SPEEDingTicket]

Originally Posted by MD1032 He has a GT3071...where the heck did you get a BNR S4 from?

I didnt get one. Perhaps I will buy a BNR when I put a built motor in. Or were you being condescending? I'm sorry you didn't understand my short 3 word question, but I was asking if he would choose a BNR over a GT3071 or visa versa. Have looked at mapping for both and am still very confused as to my big turbo options. GT3071 has a slower spool yes?


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[WetzMS3]

Turbo choice really depends on your power goals and how the car is driven or raced.