Engine builder in Iowa

[Speedracer39]

I’ve seen this guy listing big block Chevy engines on Craigslist and he’s located in Bondurant Iowa has anyone bought from him or have any feedback. Thanks https://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts...417327702.html

[LockDoc]

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I don't have any first hand experience but I have heard pro's and cons. From what I hear though most that have had a problem have had pretty good luck with resolving it. I have been thinking about buying a 383 from them.

LockDoc

[Jcfcamaro]

What about Blueprint? Real close to you also.

[harleysandhotrod]

I purchased a Steve Schmidt 383 for my 64 Corvette, and love it, he is in Indy, take a look at his websight. Mine made 540 HP 509tq on dyno. Jackie

[Speedracer39]

This guy kinda sparked my interest if he had a reputable reputation 4,000 for a complete roller big block doesn’t sound bad.

[Rufas]

OK this engine builder is not in Iowa. Take a look at engines from Mark Jones of VortecPro. He's based in Colorado. He has good reviews over the the Chevelle forms. Engines are are covered with a 1 year top to bottom warranty. He's been building engines for years.

I purchased a 468 BBC (518 hp, 585 lb tq) with flat tappets from him in 2011 just before going on the Hot Rod Power Tour. Long story short all that HRPT traffic took a toll on the cam. Mark stood behind his warranty, but this time used a roller cam. That engine has been performing flawlessly since then.

He's not as cheap as the Craigslist guy, but builds great reliable engines. Call him and talk about what you need.

VortecPro

Here's the 468 in my 1967 Cutlass.

[LockDoc]

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For me the whole idea of buying local is that if I had any problems I could just load it up and drive 60 miles to their shop....

Here are links to their 383's.

https://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts...417328799.html

https://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts...417328482.html

Like Speedracer said, his prices are reasonable....

LockDoc

[Speedracer39]

If I didn’t already have a big block set up I would be all over the 383 with alum heads. When we get closer to spring I may see about a big block from him with the condition that I am there to watch the break in and than take it home —only 153 miles from me and a good reason for possibly a sick day from work.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Speedracer39

If I didn’t already have a big block set up I would be all over the 383 with alum heads. When we get closer to spring I may see about a big block from him with the condition that I am there to watch the break in and than take it home —only 153 miles from me and a good reason for possibly a sick day from work.

If you decide to do that let me know and I will meet you up there and we can go out for lunch.

LockDoc

[Speedracer39]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

If you decide to do that let me know and I will meet you up there and we can go out for lunch.

LockDoc

Sounds good we will have to do this

[Dieselwrencher]

The guy in Bondurant used to have a machine shop/performance shop on University Ave in between 14th street and I-235 in Des Moines. He then moved up to Ames and was up there for a while. Went off the radar and then popped up selling engines in Bondurant a few years ago. His name is Brett Meiers. (SP?) A friend of mine got a 406 from him and had it out 3 to 4 times before it was right. He got it about 3 years ago. It took over a year to get it right. I've heard other horror stories too but that could be BS. I've never met him or purchased any engines from him. Buyer beware IMO though especially if you're 2.5-3hrs away.

[Speedracer39]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

The guy in Bondurant used to have a machine shop/performance shop on University Ave in between 14th street and I-235 in Des Moines. He then moved up to Ames and was up there for a while. Went off the radar and then popped up selling engines in Bondurant a few years ago. His name is Brett Meiers. (SP?) A friend of mine got a 406 from him and had it out 3 to 4 times before it was right. He got it about 3 years ago. It took over a year to get it right. I've heard other horror stories too but that could be BS. I've never met him or purchased any engines from him. Buyer beware IMO though especially if you're 2.5-3hrs away.

Thanks for the heads up. I am always kinda skeptical about those who sell on Craigslist and the fact that he is not widely known especially because of his prices .

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Speedracer39

If I didn’t already have a big block set up I would be all over the 383 with alum heads. When we get closer to spring I may see about a big block from him with the condition that I am there to watch the break in and than take it home —only 153 miles from me and a good reason for possibly a sick day from work.

Don’t get hung up on that break in lingo.
It’s a hydraulic roller, no need for a cam break in.

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Don’t get hung up on that break in lingo.
It’s a hydraulic roller, no need for a cam break in.

True, but I'd want to hear and see it run too before leaving with it. It's a real kick in the nads to have to pull a fresh engine out when you light it off and find problems.