OriginalDart
Well-Known Member
Any good ones around the sf Bay area?
I have heard the same thing. So for my second engine, I stopped at Morgan’s (I actually work two blocks away). When I inquired about his services, I had to go through his counterman. Talking to him was like talking to a wall, couldn’t get an idea how busy or backlogged he was, would not discuss any prices. He asked me what my project was, I told him I was restoring my car, needed my engine to be machined. He said Morgan would machine it but then would have to assemble it for me, it was the only way he would warranty his work. I walked away.I have used Morgan’s machine and speed in Walnut Creek and had good results. He has been building race hemis for boats since the late 70’s/early 80’s.
I saw this thread and was wanting to know the same thing, is there a trusted machine shop in the Bay Area, Northern California area (preferably Mopar experienced) that we can go to. I contacted the following shops/people recommended in the previous posts and here's what I came up with:
(all were contacted last week and this week)
1. Steve Wann- spoke to Steve directly, he no longer builds engines for others or on his own time. Too busy with his current business/employer.
2. Mopar Engines West- went out business years ago
3. Dave's Engine Machining (Newark) Dave Timmons & Angie from MEW, answering machine message said that they are no longer in Newark and call back for appointment only. Message box was full.
4. Morgan's Machine & Marine (Walnut Creek), read the Yelp reviews, nothing posted in 2020 but read the ones posted in 2019. Called and got the same poor attitude. No thanks
5. Victory Automotive (Santa Clara). Some older Yelp reviews were poor but you have to take those with a grain of salt, not sure who's right who's wrong. Knowledgeable and will keep them in mind.
6. Joes' Engine Shop (Concord)- very knowledgeable and informative, will consider them for my 340 build.
7. Loge Stein Racing (Brentwood)- called and left message, no return call yet. Steve Wann referred me to them.
If anyone has more information or details or can recommend anyone else please let us know. Provide details and references if possible, not hearsay "someone said". Thanks!
I remember Hubard's shop from back in the 70's when I lived in Hayward. They always had some hot stuff in the parking lot back then.hubard machine in hayward . wades been there , forever . married vic hubard's daughter . been running the shop for 50 years . wade and jimmy run the shop .
Not to be a bust, but a strictly "mopar machinist" to me wouldn't be a good machinist. Midway engine builders in Salinas, Ca. are great with a great reputation. They're an all around machine shop that know their ****.
I went with Loge Stein Racing in Brentwood. They are currently finishing my 270 Dodge Hemi and will be doing my 340/416 stroker build soon. I went with them because not only is everything done onsite, they have an in house dyno room as well. After it’s built it’s put on the dyno to check for leaks and tuning. Randy races his 72 Duster with a 340 so that was another plus. By the way, he builds all types/brands of engines. As with any shop, ask questions, get deadlines agreed upon, get all your builds specs in writing and follow up regularly. For my Hemi build I had 95% of parts purchased ready to go and had him to tell me what size rings, pistons and bearings to order. In my opinion, I’m paying for labor on the build, not phone time. Will they have to call and order parts, sure, but for a unique build like mine I did all the homework.
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