For those of you who have 355's, 383's, 396's who built them? I am skeptical about having a company that I only through online build an engine for me. Any ideas?

 

you could always just find a couple of local people that really know what they're doing. It would save you tons of money if they'd be willing to help you for really cheap. I have a local buddy that helps me do work on my car all the time. He drives an hour to my house, I supply the beer and taco bell... we get the job done.

 

I'd talk to some of your local speed shops and see who they recommend.
Word of mouth can be a really good thing.
Just make sure you ask a few different places before making a decision.
Some of they guys just name the guy down the street without ever actually dealing with them.

Good luck.

 

Cool, I will def talk to some speedshops. Labor is what is going to kill me, I would love to do it myself if I could get some help, I wanna learn how to do more stuff myself.

 

Go local if possible. Noting too mysterious about rebuilding an LT1, it's basically a SBC (from a mechanical point of view).

Rich

 

I had mine built in Glenside. The name of the shop is E.C.A.M. (East Coast Auto Machine). The owner's first name is Joe, and he does all the work himself. He's been in buisness for over 18 years building motors. I checked out several places when I was having my stroker LT1 built. While talking to him he mentioned that "Horsepower is better than puss*" That sold me

He does a lot of engines for guys that "race" in the Philly area. Feel free to tell him that Pete (Black 383 solid roller Z/28) told you about him.

Pete.

 

do you have number for this place?

 

I also highly recommend ECAM. Joe's a great guy. I've not had any engine work done, but have had various other things (pressing reluctor rings, messing with shock bolts, etc). He's always been a great guy to talk to, and knows what he's doing.
Number is 215-885-3510.

 

For those who used ECAM, how much did they charge to build the engine?