Need machine shop in Michigan (SE)

[911SCfanatic]

Getting closer to doing an engine rebuild. I'm in the stage of gathering price info so I can finish putting together a budget (yeah, like I'm going to stick to that). I can't imagine that it would be cost effective to ship out basically my whole engine peice by peice to shops in, for example, LA. Anyone know of some good shops with experience on Porsche engines in Michigan? I want to make some phone calls to see what the prices are here compared to what Wayne lists in his Engine Rebuilding book.

[carmad]

LSM in Waterford have a good reputation, but have very little Porsche experience. They did my piston squirters and machined my gear selector shaft in the tranny. Other than that they once rebuilt a 928 engine.
I sent my parts to German Precision and EBS, either of these do quality work, yes it did cost a few hundred dollars, but I had piece of mind knowing it was done properly.

[911SCfanatic]

Yes, I'd definitely rather pay more and know that it's done right. It just is a little frustrating that it seems there's a lack of expertise in our area for Porsche-specific engine work.

[Tim Hancock]

I just dropped my SC heads off to a place that used to be called Mini-Performance (I think their name is now Autocraft). These guys have been doing bug engines forever. The local Porsche shop said that they send alot of their machine work to these guys. This place is in Toledo, Ohio just off Laskey Rd.

[F1BADUDE]

Bill: I'm at the same stage as you. Were darn near neighbors (Orion TWP). I'm really interested in what you find.
I'm not sure what their in-house machine capabilities are, but Eurotec in Ann Arbor seems to be a highly regarded engine builder.
(734) 973-6335

I was planning on checking out Mazuro Motors in Warren to see their spread too.
(586) 755-6620
http://mazuro.com/

I'm planning on joining SEM PCA before I dive in so I have some local networking.

Although, after doing web searches on prices, EBS seems to be very reasonably priced on most of their machine work. It may be just as economical to send it out to them.

Let me know what you find out?

[TimT]

Verdon Tool in NJ is just a USPS or UPS hop away....they know what they are doing....

Having said that Ted at German Precision has always been a stright shooter with me

[CreatuR]

Bill,

It's going to be pretty tough finding someone locally. I'm not aware of anyone here that I would feel comfortable with machining (or working on) my engine. Don't get me wrong, not that they are bad, we just don't live in the right "neighborhood" if you will. If we owned Camaros or Mustangs, it would be a whole different story

I would recommend starting your investigation with some of the professional shops out on either coast. I would highly recommend not making your decision based on shipping costs. We learned this lesson early on and since then have always shipped out our motors to machine shops that work specifically on whatever brand of motor we are running.

[F1BADUDE]

Originally posted by CreatuR
If we owned Camaros or Mustangs, it would be a whole different story

You Forgot a Mopar!

[F1BADUDE]

Originally posted by Tim Hancock
(I think their name is now Autocraft).

I talked to these guys back in the day when I was planning on building my 1.8L 4 banger in my 914. They wouldn't even touch my type IV. They said they do Type 1 only.
That was about 3 years ago. Maybe they have broadened a bit since.

They do build some bad@$$ type 1 engines though.
http://www.autocraftengines.com/

[911nut]

Originally posted by F1BADUDE
I'm planning on joining SEM PCA before I dive in so I have some local networking.

Don't bother.
Those guys are afraid of their 911's. When their cars need work they ship them out and happily write the check.
Even the old timers who have restored their 356's are scared stiff of the prospect of having to work on their 911's.
There's a PCA chapter more toward Lansing that's like GruppeB. Lots of hot rodders who like to tear into their engines (Rennsport chapter I think it's called). Join them.

[MotoSook]

Originally posted by 911nut
There's a PCA chapter more toward Lansing that's like GruppeB. Lots of hot rodders who like to tear into their engines (Rennsport chapter I think it's called). Join them.

WUF! WUF!

No really, check with the local shops. Hopefully they can recommend a shop, perhaps one they would use. Good luck Bill.

(I only too the engine yoke to Gingerman, the stand would have had to be towed behind the Fat Bastard. I'm sure you can find one one locally.)

[F1BADUDE]

Originally posted by 911nut
There's a PCA chapter more toward Lansing that's like GruppeB. Lots of hot rodders who like to tear into their engines (Rennsport chapter I think it's called). Join them.

Do you know anything about West MI PCA.
I'm looking to move to GR area in the next year.

[911SCfanatic]

Wuf! Wuf! Souk, you rock buddy! Thanks for the yoke. I plan on heading to Battle Creek to pick it up from Jerry this Friday.

911nut & F1badude, I'm actually in SEM and I am transferring to the Rennsport Region (RSR) out of Ann Arbor. I've emailed them a few times about my project and they seem very helpful. Haven't met anyone personally yet, but from what I have heard the RSR guys seem to be more my style.

Tim Hancock, keep us posted on your experience.

I contacted EBS early last week and they seemed great. I'll probably contact one or two more and then make a decision.