Cheap but good running 390-428?

Brent Mills · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-2003, 08:35 PM

Ok, I'm just giving it a whirl and asking even though I know the answer.

427 is being rebuilt for the 3rd time in under 600 miles (finally in good hands at the right shop; Gessford Machine), and I am afraid of going another spring/summer without driving the thing (driven only 1 month out of the last couple years).

So, I am trying to make alternative plans in the event that everything doesn't work out as expected (rarely does with me). Anyone have a good running and dependable 390-428 for cheap?

Thanks,

rlearp · #2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2003, 07:04 AM

Brent,

There was a 390 in the Raleigh paper last week, running (Can hear run), for around $500. Any interest and I can dig it up?

Ron

Brent Mills · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 12:06 AM

Thanks man. Probably posting for this here wasn't necessarily the best thing, because it would cost me as much to ship it as buy it.

I'll try to find something locally.

427 S/O · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2003, 02:45 AM

Brent, too bad you don't live a little closer, I really enjoy bolting them FE's up providing the machine work is right.
Makes me sick to hear about so-called
mechanics dragging folks through the mud.
It doesn't take long to tell the difference between, a mechanic and a parts changer.

Tom Wells · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 06:59 AM

Hey Brent,

Have ya got one yet?

What about this one?

rblt 390 FS

Tom

Brent Mills · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 09:51 AM

Perry, missed your post earlier....I wish I lived closer to you too, or that I trusted my own abilities to build an engine.

Tom, I did find an engine for my Cobra (temporary), but now I'm looking for something to put back in the truck it came with!

It's a 71 redneck truck, so I think I'll be able to find a decent running engine for it locally and cheap. Thanks for keeping your eye out though, and that looks like a good deal, I just don't think i want to spend that sort of dough on the truck.

Tony Ripepi · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 12:38 PM

Hey Brent,

Just tell George to hurry up....How about a banner at the top of the home page with a ticking clock/elapsed time meter for George and your engine.....

Squeaky wheel.....Oil......Visibility !!!!!!!!

Just a thought from somebody who believes that all things in good time but, right now is the best time !!!!!!!

Tony R.

Brent Mills · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 02:40 PM

Funny thought!

To be fair, it's not George being slow at all, it's me trying to scrounge up enough pennies to have a pro like George get it done right and correcting all the mistakes the other builder did. I just simply can't afford to have the thing completely gone through again after already spending 10k on the stupid thing. (crank problem, valve train problems, ring problem, a cylinder wall too thin, and random other problems)..... under 600 miles and all that BS to contend with adds up to a really healthy bill.

Clois Harlan · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 02:50 PM

Brent,

I just joined your club. The engine I bought last year from a "FE EXPERT" in Oklahoma City (1200 miles) had similar issues. Including bad crank turning, poorly sized pistons and rings. I am having mine redone as we speek. I bought a good standard sized blank block I am using my rods and having my crank turned by someone I know. Everything else will be new and done right. Line bored and honed, surfaced and decked. Internally balanced and everything sized correctly.

I didn't think I could afford to have these guys here in Tulsa do my engine last year but I guess I really could have after all. I checked with George Anderson and he was booked through next November. I just couldn't wait that long.

Good luck with what ever decision you make.

Clois

Tony Ripepi · #10 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 02:55 PM

Hello Brent,

Total sympathy here.......My first builder did me wrong the same way. Number 5 rod bearing spun at 1058 miles, new 428 crank, eagle rods , pistons, rings, etc. from George $$$$$$$$$$$$

Engine builder in Redding put it together.....cylinder liners, machine work George was great in telling this guy exactly what to do and how to do it$$$$$$$$$

Broke the top link in the TKO for 5th and reverse.

remove the engine..fix the transmission put it back in$$$$$$$$

I'm 4000 miles down the road since then and really happy with the car. It is worth it in the end.

I still think the Brent Mills Engine ticking clock banner is a good idea !!!!

Tony R

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 03:07 PM

What is the recourse when an engine goes bad with only a few miles on it? Can/will how do you make the builder stand behind his work?

Ernie

Clois Harlan · #12 (**permalink**) 03-25-2003, 05:19 PM

In my case, the guy I bought my engine from was going through a divorce (unbenounced to me) at the time I bought the engine. He is nowhere to be found now.

Lifes lessons sure get expensive some times. With my new engine builder I have a years guarantee as long as I run a rev limiter and don't race more than half of the time. He is also in one of our car clubs and has a very good reputation. The most important thing is I know him and about him.

Clois