Re: Parts store rebuilt engine/trans vs having a shop do it

Unless you are getting a new crate motor I would opt for the machine 
shop that is local as you know what you are getting.  When you go for a 
rebuild from a parts store they are usually the cheapest components that 
an assembly line can install.  Cast pistons and the like.  Your best bet 
is get a motor that you know ran prior to teardown and use that as the 
foundation of your rebuild.  If you go to a wrecking yard and get a 
motor you will need to see that it runs and does not get hot or have 
other problems as these will cost you when you have it rebuilt.  If the 
engine overheats it could be cracked heads or a cracked block and you do 
not want to spend the money to do a rebuild just to find that you and 
the machine shop missed the crack in the block.  Heads are different as 
there is much more time spent with checking out them for cracks.  If 
they are cracked you will be paying for another one until you get a good 
one for rebuild.  I assume that you will be getting a 350 chevy as that 
is what most use for a hotrod?  Your best bet is to go to a wrecking 
yard and find a Z28 Camero and get the engine and transmission with all 
the *****sories that you saw run and drive for the donor.  This way you 
know that all the rotating parts work together and you will not have a 
balance problem with the rotating assemblies.  This includes the 
driveshaft.  In recent times chevy has done some interesting things with 
their external balancing like the flexplate or flywheel.  So, just be on 
the lookout for things that work together.  If you are going big block 
chevy a 396 balancer does not work with a 454 and the like.  Hvae fun 
and enjoy.
cu
Von

Doc wrote:

> Does anyone have a comparative experience getting a rebuilt engine or
trans
> from a parts store -vs- going to a local machine shop or trans shop to
have
> it done? There are a couple of shops in this area - a transmission and a
> machine shop who have great reps. The parts store units (Advance
Discount
> Auto Parts) are cheaper, but wonder if there's a reason. They claim to
do
> all the same things as the machine shop - new pistons, reground crank,
etc.
> 
> The particular units in question are for an '89 Cressida.
> 
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