Rec'd the 400E motor mid October. Smitty paid return shipping and it was crated very nicely. However,not all parts that were sent up with the motor came back. He acknowledged 15 October he forgot them and would ship them back to me within the next day or so. As of today I have not rec'd the parts (original air cleaner, windage tray, etc.). Emailed him asking if he was going to return them soon. As in the past, communication from him is reticent, if at all. At this point I can only hope he will honor his word. I will give a follow-up post on the motor when I know more about it. I cannot express the disappointment I feel with not only the 15 months but doing business in this manner. Some will say it's me, because I'm a nobody. I haven't been to Norwalk. Don't have a boatload of disposable income. I did make the trip to Lansing in 1997 for the 100th and met plenty of other nobodies just like me. Proud of our cars.

This Oldsmobile vendor/builder is someone of note. There will be written defenses and swear by statements from people that were happy with their outcomes. For me, personally, it was absolutely not a positive experience. Life goes on. I will keep my beloved 67 442 and eventually get it's original motor installed and running like it should, with the help of friends.


George in Alabama

 

This is a really bad experience George and if this is how he treats the regular Joe's then he is not the one I would want to work on any of my Olds!! This is really a bad way to treat someone! I truly hope your engine runs good and has NO LEAKS and holds up and produces the 400hp you wanted. It really is not hard to make a 400 to make 400 hp with the cams and heads we have available today! 1100 for pistons? I can get custom built ultra light forged pistons custom built for 800 a set. and then using stock rods when you did not mind to get scat??? I hope I see you at the Nationals next year!! The best thing to do is to put it behind you and mark it as a lesson and proceed to your goals without this as an anchor dragging you down! Good luck!!

 

Rec'd a box today with my borrowed air cleaner, My Dick Miller two piece windage tray, my pulley's, two cans of Bill Hirsch 67 bronze engine paint, and the oil pressure gauge sending unit with the brass block fitting. I really appreciate everyones help with this and thank Mark Smith for honoring his word and sending my stuff back. Merry Christmas to Classic Olds. Will post on ROP also.


Respectfully,
George in Alabama

 

Someone needs to relay your story to the Pope, cause you are a saint in my book. I am amazed at the level of patience you have shown along with the ability to discuss your issues without flaming anyone. Kudos to you, you are a true gentleman. Merry Christmas!

 

You got that right! George, my hat is off to you. Merry Christmas.

 

Glad to hear you got everything before the year was out, George. Best of the season!

 

Things are looking up George

 

Glad to hear the good news George and hope your having a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to your post and progress!!! Your a very patient man!!

 

Update;

Fixed all the mistakes and first fire up was last night. Engine is now a 425 (4.125x3.975) Made 414hp and 495 Tq on 91 octane with a QF 750 Slayer blowing thru W/Z manifolds and Magnaflow mufflers.
Had troubles with the stock Qjet, waaaaaaaay lean, and the Pertronix conversion was acting up as well.
Hope to go back to the dyno late next week and sort it all out. We'll keep you posted.

Basic specs;

RaceTec 4032 custom piston, 10cc dish, 1.5mm, 1.5mm, 3.00mm ring pack
9.7:1
Performer intake
Custom Lunati hyd flat tappet cam (234/240@.050, .541/.557 lift)
Stock pump and pan
Mildly ported C heads.

 

Sweet. Waiting for final results.

 

Sorry to hear about all your troubles with this build. No one deserved to be treated the way you were. Best of luck moving forward.

 

Should be receiving the engine any day now. Mark Remmel has been very good at communicating. More often than not, within minutes of an Email or phone call from me. Even though his plate was full he worked me in. Tried my darnest not to rush him. I know he wanted to get it done a lot sooner but there is only 24 hours in a day. Will let him post the dyno sheet if he sees fit. I'm sure he is satisfied with his results. I really hope this is the final build as I have right at 3 years waiting and $14,000 in this motor. Motor will be rev limited to 5300 and advance @ 32 degrees total. More interested in longevity than all out performance. Will be relieved and extremely grateful if: 1. Doesn't use/burn oil. 2. Doesn't overheat. 3. Runs till I expire. It shouldn't have been this darn hard.


In sackcloth and ashes,
George in South Alabama


PS: dread tomorrow (Election)

 

I hope that this unfortunate journey finally yields some joy.

 

Thanks for the kudos George. Yes it's been a long journey.
Here's the dyno sheet after the ignition was fixed and the carb was re-jetted more in the right direction. Amazing what a difference that made huh?

 

Great numbers George!!!!! Awesome job Mark! Looks like she's anther tire fryer!!!!

 

Wow those numbers look great. What inside the motor? Specs?

 

George-----How did it turn out?