Southern automotive

Frank Giustinia · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 06:48 AM

Is anyone running a 351w stroker crate or any small block from Southern? I was considering coast high, but i'm getting a bad feeling. The other eng. builder i'm looking at is The Engine Factory in NJ. They all sound good but it's a hard choice. E-mail me if you like. Thanks .....Frank

Back in Black · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 09:53 AM

*Southern Automotive* and Coast High Performance* ...there are several threads with customer feedback on these companies

From everything I have read here on CC..you will get a great motor from Southern

terry lee · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 10:53 AM

Frank,
You have mail.
Bill and Susan Parham are great people, and highly respected here on CC.

Tony Radford · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 01:25 PM

Frank,

Southern built my Windsor. It's really a sweet engine. Idles great, sounds awesome, no problems and with 400+HP, a perfect propellant for my little red snake. I agree, Bill and Susan are extremely nice folks. They have a great shop in South Atlanta with a full-service machine shop occupying the same building. Can't go wrong.

TR

chopper · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2002, 06:46 PM

Frank:

I sent you an e-mail. Hope that info helps.

purepop · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 06:59 AM

I just purchased a 427 side oiler stroked to 462 from Southern and Bill Parham even helped with ordering my car and delivered it. His motors are top notch and his service and customer support are second to none. I wouldn't buy a motor anywhere else!!!!

ToyCollector · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 09:18 AM

I judge business on service after the sale. In that regard, I have never had a better buying experience than at Southern Automotive. They are role models for what can make business in America great. Their business is a reflection of the great people they are.

Homewrecker · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 11:55 AM

Dealing with Southern Automotive was a great experience. They delivered everything as promised & were a pleasure to deal with. They are also very supportive after the sale. They take pride in everything they build. They told me that every motor they build, they treat as one of there children. I believe them!

Great Asp · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 05:41 PM

Bill Parham is first class.

Eric Brown

aumoore · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 11:16 PM

IMHO the best companies in the Cobra Business are the following in no particular order:
Hunter kit cars
Finish Line
Southern Automotive
Unique
ERA

All except ERA are located in the south but that is probably just a coincidense.

rbrunckhorst · #11 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 05:33 AM

I've had my Southern Automotive engine in my car for about three weeks. So far it runs like a Swiss Watch! My son and I actually drove down to Bill's shop from Ohio to take delivery. We met with Sue, Bill, and Louis. They are very nice and informative. We did the installation ourselves. We've had some small oil leeks form the Canton oil pan (see other threds). One thing to consider though, particularly if your not mechanically inclined, the distance from your engine builder. If you do have a problem how easy will it be for you to get help from your builder short of pulling the engine out and shipping it to them. If you have a local shop install the engine they might be willing to trouble shoot for you as well (for a small fee!). Eric of Perfomance Engineering of Ross, Ohio has been very helpfull to me even though they didn't do the install. Best of luck.

Chaplin · #12 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 08:19 AM

To those of you that have motors from Southern Automotive, can you answer a few questions. I've got a quote from them and other places for a 428 and I am trying to compare apples to apples, but I can't figure out brand of parts Southern uses in their motors. For example, what pistons, bearings, gaskets, cam, manifolds, etc. do they use?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

ToyCollector · #13 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 08:33 AM

Q. "For example, what pistons, bearings, gaskets, cam, manifolds, etc. do they use?"

A. The kind that works and goes fast

Seriously though, I would ask them. My motor was built mayn years ago and I would not want to comment for them as they may have changed since then. Best to go right to the source.

Dave Rodak · #14 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 08:46 AM

Chaplin (Mike),

Just call the Parhams and ask. They use different components depending on the build specs.

Bill and Susan Parham are simply the best, as are their engines IMHO.

Trust them to make your cobra dream come true and you will not be disappointed. You'll become part of their extended family ( and it's good to have the experts in your family! )

Dave

Ikestaa · #15 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 09:41 AM

We are taking delivery of our Southern 427 SO sometime within the next week or so. The Parhams have been extremely helpful and intuitive throughout every step of the way. We have yet to see the finished product but I am sure we will be very pleased.

Jack21 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 10:05 AM

There's always one in the bunch, right? But is seems to me that there are perhaps a half dozen, to a dozen good hi po engine shops right on Long Island within 45 minutes, at most, from where you live. Make a few phone calls and see. Find out what kind of warantee, and service after the sale they offer.

excelguru · #17 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 10:58 AM

Chaplin,

I only have the best things to say about Southern Automotive. They are truly first-class people who stand behind their product.

I would imagine that the components will differ from engine to engine based on the customer's wants and needs. My specific engine has Eagle H-Beam rods, Wiseco pistons, Dove roller rockers, Edelbrock heads, Edelbrock water pump, Reed cam (I think), and Holley carbs. I can't remember the manufacturer for the bearings.

Keith

Geary L. Sarno · #18 (**permalink**) 10-15-2002, 10:16 AM

Bill Parham is a true "Southern Gentleman". I bought my LeMans crank from Bill and received help on my numerous FE engine building questions. Looking back, I will never consider building another engine when Bill can produce excellent engines at very resonable cost. My wife's 68 Mustang has a tired 289 and I am looking forward to replacing it with one of Southern's 351 Cleveland's. 470 Horse, run-in for two hours, ready to drop in and go, warranty and all, for $4900 - Exceptional Deal.

- Aggressor

Bruce Botti · #19 (**permalink**) 10-16-2002, 12:19 PM

I've done business with Southern Auto on three replicas. Two were 406's and one was a 351. I will not hesitate to use them again or to recommend them highly. They stand 100% behind their work and are as great to work with after the sale as they are before the sale! You won't be disappointed!
Bruce

patrija · #20 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 12:40 PM

After everything's that been sent here, I hope you're confident in a decision with SA. The SA Team is truly top notch, please feel free to contact me for any references.

Jason
patrija@hotmail.com