Which is the best choice for getting a lt1 longblock?
Golen or VRE
Which of these is the better builder, longer lasting most reliable?

when comparing please add why one is better than the other.

does (blank) build better 383's where (blank builds better 355's?

please fill me in with all the info you have i searched and didnt find this?

 

Without getting into sponsor bashing, or anything that could be interpreted as such, I'd look for a reputable local shop to build you a long block.

 

i definitely second that. its alot easier for people to dick you around over the phone than it is to your face. plus its nice to be able to see some of the work being done and build a relationship with your builder.

 

I third it. Much better to deal with your machinist in person.

 

I can personally vouch for Victory Racing. They have always treated me well.

 

Another recommendation to support your local machinist!

 

I don't necessarily want to go against a lot of the very well informed opinions here, but I'll add another .01 to my .02. I've found that it is often better to go with a shop such as VRE that has years of experience with LT1s. In a lot of cases, local shops just don't have the experience with these engines to know about all of the "little things" that can make a good package great. This is especially true when you start talking about performance applications. Some of the shops that are offering LT1 crates have built quite a lot of each package that they offer and their combos have been tested in the field. With a local shop, you never know if you're going to be an unwilling guinea pig for their latest home brewed experiment. They'll certainly never tell you. Like I said, just my humble opinion. Of course, in the end, I would buy a GM crate engine over anyone else's stuff, but unfortunately GMPD doesn't offer any Gen II crates.

 

That's why the buyer should be well informed and do their homework which requires a great amount of research before buying. Any shop who is not able to give references to their builds should not be considered.

 

Agreed. Research is a bitch, but it can be fun if you want it to be.

 

VRE has only been in buisness for 3 years.
They opened up after the employees of a local shop that went under started their own buisness.
Their boss screwed ALOT of people out of ALOT of money, and while it was going down they both helped him lie to customers.

 

local shop, or VRE. Local would be my first pick. regardless of exp/ yrs in business.

 

Where do you live???? State??? Someone here might know of a good shop close to you...

 

i have a golen and love it. it has been in the car for about 4 years and has about 20k of hard driving on it. and with some le2 heads/cam and other goodies it runs a high 11 through an auto n/a on street tires all day.

 

Reputable local shop that has some experience, LTx's aren't THAT much different than a std SBC. If you want to use a vendor just call them up and talk to them over the phone and see who you feel more comfortable with and who will meet your needs.

 

I live in Compton, California.