SE Wisconsin Engine Builder?

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gzig5

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The only shop that I'm aware of that speaks fluent Mopar is Kilpatrick's in Waukasha. I haven't heard anything bad about him and he seems to know his stuff. Is there anyone else in the region that can be trusted for the machine work, head porting, and maybe assembly for a 450+-ish HP 340 small block? I'd be willing to drive a couple hours for the right shop but closer is better.
 
The only shop that I'm aware of that speaks fluent Mopar is Kilpatrick's in Waukasha. I haven't heard anything bad about him and he seems to know his stuff. Is there anyone else in the region that can be trusted for the machine work, head porting, and maybe assembly for a 450+-ish HP 340 small block? I'd be willing to drive a couple hours for the right shop but closer is better.
West Tech Silver Lake Wisconsin tell build you one hell of a motor
 
I have a 360 LA block at West Tech, now, being repaired so I can build a street motor out of it. Seems like they know they're stuff. Their were some big buck cars in their when i was their, just before Memorial Day weekend. They are close to me (15 miles). Silver Lake is in Kenosha County, on county Hyw B, just south of Wis State Hyw 50, about 20 miles west of I-94. Anyone wants they're phone #, just send me a PM.
Dave
 
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@krazykuda (Karl) is in the Chicago area and he would know. I know it would be a little bit of a drive but Karl's da man. He'll know somebody........
 
The only shop that I'm aware of that speaks fluent Mopar is Kilpatrick's in Waukasha. I haven't heard anything bad about him and he seems to know his stuff. Is there anyone else in the region that can be trusted for the machine work, head porting, and maybe assembly for a 450+-ish HP 340 small block? I'd be willing to drive a couple hours for the right shop but closer is better.

@krazykuda (Karl) is in the Chicago area and he would know. I know it would be a little bit of a drive but Karl's da man. He'll know somebody........

I use a guy in Dearborn Heights, MI... He does great work at reasonable prices... He is a retired Chrysler worker that worked at Trenton Engine plant and has a very strong machining background... He can build and machine any engine...

It's a little bit of a drive, but he does great work... I've recommended him to other members here and they were happy with his work...

PM me for his info if you are interested....
 
Anyone know anything about Bob Lusardi, Cylinder Heads Exchange in Milwaukee? I just bought a block from him. He seems to specialize in aluminum block and head repair, but used to build a lot of street and race motors. Interesting guy to talk to. Shop is a bit of a mess, but I think what I saw was the storage area. He's been there about 40 years.
 
The only shop that I'm aware of that speaks fluent Mopar is Kilpatrick's in Waukasha. I haven't heard anything bad about him and he seems to know his stuff. Is there anyone else in the region that can be trusted for the machine work, head porting, and maybe assembly for a 450+-ish HP 340 small block? I'd be willing to drive a couple hours for the right shop but closer is better.

There's Opel automotive engineering in Streamwood, IL
 
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I have heard Motor Masters in Hartford, WI is really good. Uncle has had 2 motors built there and was very happy. Also, Jeff Wick in Fond du Lac, WI.
 
I have heard Motor Masters in Hartford, WI is really good. Uncle has had 2 motors built there and was very happy. Also, Jeff Wick in Fond du Lac, WI.

I also heard a good recommendation for Motor Masters this summer. They are on the short list. I'll look into Wick. Hoping to find a shop that will do a good job on the machine work and help guide part selection, but allow me to screw up the assembly. Partly to save a little money and mostly for the experience.
 
MM and Kilpatricks seemed confused and that I was wasting their time when I asked basic stuff like square decking, cylinder bore spacing (after sonic checking wall thicknesses), quench, etc...........I just got the impression of guys stuck in the 70's that just "take 'er tirty over and clean up da deck".......
Goodwin up in Omro seemed to "get it", but they pricey.....
When Aloha existed in Port Washington, they TOTALLY "got it" - there you TRULY got a blueprinted block, they would even make bellhousing and crankshaft CL concentric so you wouldn't end up having to use goofy offset dowels, etc......
 
Goodwin does some amazing work...
 
I also no way would trust those guys (MM&K) on part selection!!!!!!
In my experience they are simply not in tune with anything latest and greatest.
I've never personally dealt with Jeff Wick, but have heard very good things about him.
Around here (SE Wi) my brother (he builds motors on the side, knows what he's doing and is cheap) and I have found the best thing to do is buy the parts yourself, farm out the machining (with EXACT specifications, etc) and assemble yourself.
 
Yeah, other than the cam, I'm pretty well set on what I want my build to look like. I'm just looking for a shop that does good machine work with attention to detail, like hitting the deck height and getting the alignment and diameters right. I haven't put a motor together from scratch, but I've tore down, aligned, and rebuilt manufacturing equipment that is much more sophisticated than an internal combustion engine. I'm pretty confident that with the reference material and experienced help I have, I can get the motor together correctly. I want the experience and the satisfaction of the build and hopefully to revel in the results.

I'll figure out who/where to go for the cam and potential head work when the time comes. That doesn't really need to be local, but would be great if it could be.
 
I have to check my notes. I think I did talk to Don’s. If so I got the referral from another member. The schedule on the motor build got pushed back due to unforeseen expenditures on the car’s body and frame.
 
Have you tried Don's Auto in Kenosha? They are working my 340 now.

I second Don's in Kenosha. I have had a great working relationship with them. Tony is the owner. They did a bunch of block and head work for us at my previous company.
 
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