Totally Dissapointed!!!!!

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Sorry to hear it's bad news. But, at least you know. The KBs are fine, as long as a few things did NOT happen. If the rings broke, I would replace the pistons. If any ring lands broke as a result of the rings themselves, I'd replace the pistons. If there are any marks from damage in the skirts, I would replace the pistons. Trying to buy one or two pistons will cost close to a full set. I would stay with what you have for a design. You dont need or want 11:1 compression. You can make 400hp easy with 9.5:1. This is your chance to take the reigns(sp?) in your build, and get the parts that will work for you, installed the correct way. Sounds like the shop will be doing it's part.
 
I agree with moper on the 11:1 compression deal. A whole lot of pain for not much gain. Sure you can always spike the tank with a couple gallons of 110 at home, but what a PITA on a road trip. Most FBO's wont allow you to pump avgas into your car anymore (fuel tax issue). Also, the 11:1 pistons will most certainly have a dome, which isnt especilly good for flame front travel in the chambers. You'll make more power with a flattop and small chamber for a given compression ratio.

Now, if I had to guess, you are going to find broken rings. Most likely due to too small an end gap (KB specifies a fairly large gap due to the high top ring placement). If the rings broke, then the lands in the pistons are probably beat out. I wouldn't be surprised to see scratched bores either. So, you are looking at new pistons (whatever you chose) and having the block re-bored and honed. Plus, the cost of having the heads cut on both the deck and manifold surfaces as well as custom short pushrods. And since the engine will be apart, new main and rod bearing inserts. Re-balance etc...

Here's my suggestion (and it's just that), put a 360 shortblock under the 360 heads and put up with more power than an 11:1 318. The cost of having a 360 crank resurfaced will be quite a bit less than a head shave, and most all other costs will be the same regardless. You will need to buy 340/360 motor mounts, and a weighted flexplate to make the swap. You can always sell the almost new SFI approved flexplate and damper off your 318 to offset those costs (you DID put a new SFI approved flexplate on that 318 didnt you?)

Just a thought.
 
Great thoughts guys and now here is what i think. First the shop has not contacted me so let's not refer to them as reputable. Up to this point i haven't mentioned the name of the shop but in doing research and talking with them and being more than fo i will let the cat out of the bag. I will with the help of some very inteligent club members redo the motor myself. I will leave the motor in the same build spec and just use it as a driver rather than a ground pounder. I'm building one in the shop now. 500 HP 440 built by the same guys( wish me luck) setting on the cradle. I'll keep you posted on what we find when we open it up. The name of the shop that built this motor and won't fix nothing is Hood Performance in West Plains, Missouri. Alan Hood is the name sake on the sign and Dennis Franks is the owner. Alan is a great guy but Franks holds the purse strings and IMO Alan is under contract to stay for an undetermined length of time. I'll keep you posted. Thanks all of you.
Bill Stone
West Plains, Mo.
 
Well, it sucks when businesses cant take the medicine for the disease they create. It's a wide spread problem, and not limited to small shops. You would be doing yourself a favor by at least pulling a head and a piston or 2 in that 440, just to check for proper setup. I'd rather find issues before it's running, than install it and find them. Knowledge is power, if you have it, it works for you and the shop, if he has it, it can be made to work against you and you pay for the pleasure.
 
Moper: I'm taking your advice. The same guy that will redo my 318 will tear down the 440 before we crank it. The old buddy that works out of my shop had an issue with a motor builder and didn't feel comfortable with the guy and they did just that. Tore it down and checked all and put it back together. Runs well but i will do that teardown on the 440. Thanks for the heads up.

Just talked to the guy tearing my motor down for a schedule and he said to pull it and get it to him. He'd tear it apart on sunday and have it back to me by tuesday. I can't waint to see what's in there. Naturally if machining is needed it will take longer.
 
I called the shop today cause they didn't call me and told them the motor was coming out and we would know the problem by Monday morning and would let them know. Denny said let them know what we find. Not all bad. Told them depending on what we find we might take the 440 down and examine it. They said why would i do it. Told them i can spend $1000 easier than i could spend $5000.

Pulled the 318 this evening and will take it up tomorrow. Will know more Monday and will post results.

Thanks guys.
 
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