Recommendation on picking a short block builder / source

[tdskip]

Good morning and thanks in advance for the coaching.

I have a, cough cough, a 1974 Jensen Interceptor that needs a replacement 440 engine. Yes, I know, I know. This is a Dodge Charger forum, and that is an Engligh car. Insert warm beer jokes here:______. Ha.

The Interceptor runs a 440 / 727 combination however and the depth of expertise and knowledge on those engines here is impressive and this seems like a really helpful forum so I hoped it would be OK to ask for some help.

While I would love to try rebuilding my engine myself I don't have the time or skill at this point so I am thinking a short block would be a good option so I can re-use all the Jensen ancillaries and the 440Source aluminum heads I bought when I thought I "only" had top end issues.

My goal would be a warmed up, but not crazy, street engine with good idle quality and enough vacuum to run brakes etc. I don't need 500 hp etc, but that said more hp is better than less. Grin.

I am located in SoCal so either local Mopar specialists around here would be great, or I am OK shipping a short block from a known/trusted builder in another part of the country. Would a shop like Muscle Motors Racing in MI be a good starting point? Any known builders closer to home come to mind?

So, if I may ask, are there any recommendations or referrals that you could offer? Any tips on what to look for on picking a short block?

Thanks again for the help and being patient that I am asking about a different car.

[XH29N0G]

Welcome.  Interceptors are nice. 

Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you, but someone on the forum will. I bought a completed engine from Muscle Motors in Lansing Michigan and I found them straight to deal with. 

[tdskip]

Welcome.  Interceptors are nice. 

Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you, but someone on the forum will. I bought a completed engine from Muscle Motors in Lansing Michigan and I found them straight to deal with. 

Good morning, and thanks for the response. Have you been happy with that engine so far? Is it holding up OK?

Thanks

[XH29N0G]

I have been happy with it.  Mine is 383 that they put a 3.9 crankshaft in.  With forged pistons and a steeper ramp cam it is a little more noisy than I am used to, but it has run very well.  I have had it for 3 years and put about 3000-4000 miles on it so far.  Since it was a complete engine, I had them do the break in and dyno runs.  I believe others have had generally good experience with them but saw a recent complaint.  I think it is worth continuing to do research and they strike me as reputable and do good work.

My guess, however, is that you will find a builder closer to home with what the people on this forum know, and they will be able to advise more.

[Ghoste]

Best Machine in Farmington Hills, Michigan are one of the very best and are the place that a more than a few of the high profile F.A.S.T guys send their engines to.

[tdskip]

Glad you have had a good experience with that build, will call both shops references this AM.

Anyone know of an LA-based MOPAR specialist?

Thanks

[myk]

Where are you in SoCal?  I don't have a shop recommendation but I'd love to see that car at a show or cruise night...

[tdskip]

Where are you in SoCal?  I don't have a shop recommendation but I'd love to see that car at a show or cruise night...

Hi - I am in Orange County. How about you?

Would be happy to bring her out once I get the engine sorted out!

[heyoldguy]

You could try IMM (Indio Motor and Machine) there in California.

http://www.immengines.com/

Or we could do something at LaRoy Engines here in Idaho.

[tdskip]

You could try IMM (Indio Motor and Machine) there in California.

http://www.immengines.com/

Or we could do something at LaRoy Engines here in Idaho.

Thanka for the referrral, will give IMM a call.