Southern Automotive engines. Does - Page 4

BB427 · #61 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 07:30 AM

I do not have a SA engine so I can not speak for Bill personally, however, I do know the Weavers and if they trust Bill I would too.
You will not find anyone more customer oriented than they are and they would not throw 30+ years of reputation out the door by dealing with someone that could ruin that.

Have a good one,
Brent

TerrysSPF · #62 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 07:35 AM

You can please some people all of the time, you can please all people some of the time, but you CAN'T please ALL of the people ALL of the time. -Even though, if you own you're own business, you should TRY. Been there, done that.
Usually, it's not a lack of "trying" to please a customer by most vendors here that get them in trouble. There are just some folks out there (you know who you are) that no matter what you do as a company, you will not please them. Period.

I have a SA 427SO in my SPF. The engine was built for my buddy who was the previous owner of my car, and he had requested a few specific items that he wanted done to the engine, which Bill did (including helicoils in all bolt holes - which is a pain for the builder). Everything was done to my friends spec's. and the engine has always run very strong. When I bought the car, there was a small oil leak coming from the passanger side, rear of the engine where the intake and head meet. I know this is a area known for leaking so I called Bill P. looking for some advice on gaskets, silicone, and tearing it apart and putting it back together. He told me if I could get the car to him he would be happy to fix it for me, and I'm not even the guy who bought it from him! Since I live in Chicago, I decided to take it to my local builder (who'm I've done business with in the past) and Bill told me to make sure my mechanic calls him when he's ready to do the work. I've also spoke with Bill on advice about changing my oil pan. He has always taken the time to speak with me (or call me back when he has time) about any questions I have on my engine. Super nice guy (IMO) and he knows his $hit when it comes to FE's. I wouldn't hesitate to give him my business.

I don't have anything against the Ford crate engines (although, unlike coloradocobras experience, everyone I know that has one has had problems - especially the early 514's and 392's). I think they're a lot of bang for the buck, ......BUT, with builders like Bill P., Gessford, Eric @ PE, Keith Craft, etc..... why not put a custom built motor in your Cobra and get more peace of mind.

JMHO.

Cracker · #63 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 08:10 AM

Further Gasman juvenile drivel: (it never stops

) "Oh BTW, We'd love to see some track times on that engine stand. What would you know about reliability with an engine that isn't in a car?"

I won't stoop to you're level. But why, outside of spite, would you talk about an engine that isn't even an SA piece - I didn't? Is this an invitation to talk about viable builders other than SA? You need to think before you type - typical bulldog, can spotem' a mile away, smellem' too.

However, since you asked. My engine has never broke down. I get great gas mileage. A big plus is, I don't have to look like an idiot defending my "loved one's" with reckless claims, and besides I bet my engine stand is faster than yours.

Get over it Steve.

Heck, in every post in this thread I'm sending people to go talk with them - wake up!:confused, as I said before, "I wonder about you! :

Gasman · #64 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 08:21 AM

No need for you to stoop, you surpassed me long ago.

Cracker · #65 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 08:33 AM

Now I know at least you could double as a comedian. But then again, I already said you make you laugh.

GeorgiaSnake · #66 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 08:38 AM

Crackers cause Gas

The thread is dead - move on - Gas go drive your car - Cracker go rev your engine

Randy

Johan · #67 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 08:52 AM

The Parhams are great.
I just dropped off a Boss 302 block for them to build for me. Seems like when someone has a complaint about a SA engine there is a "middleman" vendor that is both picking the base engine and then jacking up the price. I'm sure that a new old stock sideoiler block costs more from SA than a repaired used block, and if the decision maker is a middleman who then jacks up the price, then that might explain the disparity in opinions.
Again, after reading this thread, I still dropped off the Boss 302 block and have absolutely NO DOUBT that I will be satisfied with my engine when they are done with it.
The Parhams are the best !
Johan

Tony Ripepi · #68 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 10:26 AM

Hello All,

As stated earlier I own CSX 4264 with a SA sideoiler, built for and sold to the original owner of the car, I bought the car complete with 900 miles on it and was very pleased with the car, engine, performance etc. etc.

I had a problem last summer with a crack in the block,coolant leaks and oil leaks I called Bill and he suggested that I use a ceramic sealing agent in the coolant to attempt to seal the crack and pointed out that the engine was out of warranty. The car was in a local shop here in California that has great reputation and a standard of work. I had them do as Bill suggested and it seemed to fix the problem, I did not contact SA again. I now have some additional issues with the leaks and the engine has 4300 miles on it. This situation prompted me to publish my negative feelings for SA. I still have issues with the engine and will work through them over the next few weeks.

Bill called me yesterday and we spoke at length, SA has stepped up to providing a safety net to me at their cost and will provide a years warranty for the rebuild if that is necessary. This is above and beyond the call of customer service and from my conversation standard procedure for SA.

My problem was my issue in assuming that I was stranded with no recourse and not talking to Bill Parham in detail. I am not a newbie to a tool box or the Cobra community and retract any negative comments I published earlier in this thread. We tend to bash the perceived bad vendors but, not hold up to the light and positively endorse those that have integrity and stand behind their products.

Best Regards,

Tony R.

GeorgiaSnake · #69 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 11:14 AM

Tony,

Your positive comments put a smile on my face. Thanks for giving Bill a chance and posting the results, that is the Bill I know.

Randy

Excaliber · #70 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 11:19 AM

Well done Tony, I really appreciate a balanced review! My hats off to SA for keeping their cool under fire.

I also support those with opposing views based on freedom of speech of course!

Gasman · #71 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 11:19 AM

Its amazing what can happen when people talk. Cracker and I had a good dialog via PM. He is a good man.

LateApex · #72 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 11:36 AM

Sadly, free speech also means people with absolutely no experience with a vendor or an event can post on a thread that has nothing to do with them and talk out of their ass.

BB427 · #73 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:22 PM

Kind of like you on a Cobra website.

Brent

LateApex · #74 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:30 PM

Brent, you still have that nice looking Unique I saw at a Gadsden car show?

Gasman · #75 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:30 PM

Brent, I think he meant that in a positive way. His previous comments were highly complimentary of SA.

BB427 · #76 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:42 PM

Steve,
I know his comments were positive about SA. My post was merely a joke. I just felt left out of all this love that has been shared over the last few days. I think he knew that (I hope).

I think when the weather gets right and we can all get out of the house and play with our toys the attitude will get ALOT better.

Lateapex, yes I do still have the car. Can't wait until May to go back to Unique and see all of my friends again. Once a year is just not enough.

Sorry this post is off topic. Just trying to lighten the air a little.

Brent

LateApex · #77 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:47 PM

Brent, I obviously took no offense as you saw. I myself just had my fill of one person's stuff all over this forum and lashed out. Shame on me for stooping down to that level.

Allan Brewer · #78 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:47 PM

I've got the 427 s/o from Bill with the 510in stroker crank. I've also dealt with MANY automotive companies that represent all types of exotic vehicles along with machine shops and engine builders.

Personally, I found Bill and Susan to first rate and VERY knowledgeable about their product. Billl is a 427 specialist, and if you know the right questions to ask, you'll see his expertise. Also, I know from personal experience that he absolutely stands behind his product. You might think I'm getting paid for this review, but the truth is Bill built one of the finest engines I've sat behind(that includes Daytona Ferraris' to 427 Vettes).

Tony Radford · #79 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 01:00 PM

OK, now the thread is shifting too far to the positive side of the spectrum. Let me get us back on the negative track by stating I remember how much Bill abused me for insisting on SA building me a Chrome motor for my Unique. "That's a damn hotrod motor, not a Cobra motor"! He also didn't like my tag frame with the dual snakes. See, he has a mean side as well. Of course, I did get my chrome motor and the tag frame was still on the car when I picked it up.

patrija · #80 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 01:15 PM

No ONE tells my spark plug wire story ....