3.8 RS engine builder

[Marv's3.2six]

Are looking for a engine builder to take my 95 993 3.6 to 3.8RS track ready engine. I have been emailing and talking to Steve@Rennsport and I am very impressed with his knowledge and what he is proposing.

I am however looking for a "gut check" here, I usually don't buy without some comparison shopping.

Any recommendations from Pelicanites for another builder with track credible references?
I am in So Cal and are not opposed to shipping the engine to wherever.

Thanks in advance, Marv

[Scott at Pelican Parts]

You'll have to look really hard to find more respected 3.8RS builders than the Big Block guys in Portland: Jeff Gamroth and Gordon Ledbetter (the builders I assume Steve is referring to).

[randywebb]

I suppose you could talk to Jerry Woods and/or Henry(Supertec), or ask Bill V. what he did to his motor.

Or just ask Steve who he'd tell you to talk to.

Just like a surgeon, a top builder will likely have no problem with a 2nd opinion.

I suspect you'll find that each has a core of similarity. And each has some things they prefer or ways to do things they prefer. Also, each may have tricks they don't want to share.

But my question is: do you know enough to be able to pick the best one (assuming there is a best one out of the above)?
Again, at this level, it's like you kibbitzing on various surgical procedures. Each might have an advantage over the other, but a lot of testing will be needed to find out. Eithe clinical testing on patients for the analogy, or dyno and race testing on the motors.

I'm not saying any of these guys have the same level of training as a surgeon (just to stop the hate mail ahead of time...), but there are some similarities between surgeon and most patients and race motor builder and avg. 911 owner.

[Marv's3.2six]

Scott at Pelican Parts: (the builders I assume Steve is referring to).

Steve is referring to Steve, no one else.

randywebb: do you know enough to be able to pick the best one (assuming there is a best one out of the above)?

Nope I don't. But the really good guys will IMO be similar in techniques and similar in $.

I just want todo a little comparison shopping. Thanks for the replys.

[randywebb]

OK - I don't think you'll do any better, tho the motor might have some differences in it. All the above will do a top job and are probably similar in price. You might save on shipping since you are in SoCal. You might ask if they do the larger engines much - I've heard some rumors that the PNW is 'home to the big motor crowd' -- might indicate a little more familiarity with them by Gamroth/SW.

Mine was done by a friend or associate of Steve's.

[Scott at Pelican Parts]

Marv,
My comment was based on my assumption that Jeff (and Gordon) were still associates of Steve and that they worked together. I wasn't aware that Steve personally rebuilt the motors. But it wouldn't surprise me, as Steve is a wealth of knowledge and somebody I've known since the late 1970s.

The bottom line is that if you get your motor rebuilt by one of the Portland Big Block guys mentioned above, you should be in good shape.

[earlyapex]

Steve W. also recommends Jerry Woods.

[rdane]

I'm in the PNW and have a "big" block. But from my search a few years ago there were a lot more reputable folks doing transplants in S Cal than there ever were here in Seattle or in Portland. (both communities have had their share of 3.6 transplants) The NW "big block" home is purely a car magazine writer's fantasy.

When Steve set me up for a test ride in a 3.6 it was with Gamroth driving in one of Gamroth's cars which generally have either an engine or gearbox or both, actually built by Ledbetter.

My 3.6 was originally installed in S. Cal for a good deal less money than I was quoted in the NW. There is a lot more experience/competition/demand/availability in your area for the 3.6 and 3.6 transplants was my take on it. Jerry Woods and Henry(Supertec) would be my go to guys as well.

The 3.8 RS is a factory parts and spec. conversion. Should be easy to shop that pricing with any of the better builders.

[scottb]

If you're in SoCal, give Dave a call at TRE. If he can't do the work, he'll give you good advice!

[fastbacker]

I don't have personal experience but have talked to people who do and, in the SF bay area, they say Jerry Woods is the top Porsche engine guy.

[Scott Clarke]

Marv-
Steve won't do wrong by you. It will be Ledbetter that will do the work, and he can do it in his sleep. Having some experience with Steve/Jeff/Gordon, I know that they are extremely fair and honest, and will not do what is unnecessary, and not cut any corners on what is necessary. They don't like compromise solutions. This means that the motor may be more money than others, but I think that you will get your money's worth nonetheless.

-Scott

[Az911]

Speak with Bob Holkham in AZ he has built many 400+HP 3.8 club race engines. He also knows how to tune motec systems

[JeremyD]

You have Henry at Supertec just down the road (Fallbrook, CA) . talk about an easy solution - Henry will make it look purdy too.

[Plavan]

Alan at Aase Motors in Fullerton has done that many times. I would take it there. They do excellent work and the cost is very reasonable.

That is who builds all of our families and friends race motors.

[gumba]

-1: Supertec. 3.4 twin plug n.a. race motor

+1: JW 3.5 twin plug turbo street motor. Rebuilding 3.4 twin plug n.a. race motor.

[Mahler9th]

If it is for racing, stick with pedigree. Gamroth et al in the Pacific NW. Here in the Bay Area, it is hard to beat Jerry, who has very deep roots...

I have heard great things about Holcomb and once spoke to him and found him knowledgable.

Best bang for the buck may be Mat Lowrance at Sporthaus in Reno. Knows at least as much as the others, is very practical, and does great work. He built and maintains my 3.8... no disappointments whatsoever.

Some of the others here also have great reputations as well. There are a lot of decent choices.

[jwerion]

I have used Peter Dawe and have been very happy with his work on my race engine.

[jorian]

The current excellence issue has an early car with a 3.8 in it built in Portland by Gordon Ledbetter et al.

[Turbo_pro]

Supertec built my turbo engine and it is flawless. 18K miles and counting.

[skinnerd]

I don't think it's possible to beat Weiner/Gamroth/Letbedder connection for these 3.6/3.8 Variorams.
They are incredible sticklers for detail.
I would really be surprised if anyone could exceed their quality.
As far as prices go, they aren't cheap, but you definitely get the best possible finished product when they hand it over to you.
I have driven and ridden in a couple of cars with their motors.
Breathtakingly fast and brutal....
BTW.....their engines look great when finished as well.
Everything replated/repainted showroom new.