Searching the internet seems to just find random engine builders that specialize in NEWER cars. I do not have a stinking' Toyota!!

I did locate some rebuilders,but then I see the business reviews on Yahoo and Google and Yelp and they look horrible and dishonest.

The guy I bought my Cutlass from says that when he sent the engine for dismantling that the engine shop STOLE the 455 because it was an unmolested block. He had to get the police to go with him to get the engine back. I do not want to go through that.

Any reputable, classic engine or Olds specilists in the LA area and beyond? I am in Ontario so I can go East or West or South, or even North if its over Mt Baldie.

 

Well you can contact one of our "in house" builder like Mark (cutlassefi here on CO). He built my 463, you can check it out in my signature line.
I highly recommend him. After shopping around and talking to a few well known Olds builders, I decided to go with Mark. No regrets, he is very knowledgeable and he makes sure that everything is 100% , even if it's at his own expense. From start, with sonic checking the block, to the dyno and shipping.

Or there is Bernard Mondello Racing Enterprises
(951) 371-1432
1520 Commerce Street, Unit A
Corona, California

If I had to do it all over again, I would go with Mark....again.

 

Don't know about LA, I have an excellent machine/build shop (engines and rear ends) up here in the Sacramento area. It's the only place I will take anything after a coulpe of bad experiences with other shops. The owner was a former Olds mechanic. PM me if you want the info.... might be a bit far away!

Bill

 

64rocket is in Sacramento area or close to. I would talk to him he might even help you out as I know he plays with them on the side
I would see who he suggest in your area

 

OH! Corona is CLOSE to Ontario! Excellent! Thanks guys. Though they might be out of my price range. Mark may be the best option

 

Bernard will definately set you in the right direction, however I do not believe he is building Olds motors anymore (besides heads.), but thats something you should ask him. I went through him for a build I did and he was incredibly helpful as far as parts and assembly as this was my first build.

He would probably be able to get you in contact with someone in the area who can assemble as well.

 

That may be useful for me later, I'm in Truckee. Can I get that info from you. Thanks
Tony

 

Prentice Automotive in Rancho Cordova. The owner is Jerry and the shop number is 916-852-1957. Good prices, knows Olds inside and out but very busy shop its a two man operation, so if your in a rush.... well lets hope not.

Bill

 

Full Race Supply in Yucca Valley, CA. They build and race Olds motors.

 

Hah. so far Yucca Valley and Corona are the closest to LA. All these Northern CA are basically another state sadly.

 

Just dropped the 4bbl quadrajet off at Carb Shop in Ontario CA. Very nice guys. Randy there took down the specs of the engine I'm building and they do full service and also Dyno test it on a setup at they shop. For more I could have had it recoated. But figure a good cleaning would be enough. Check them out. They are thinking $250. Maybe less. They used to have JET carbs working for them he said. My last new qjet was a Jet stage II and I was very happy with it, he said this rebuilt one would be even better.

 

Hi. I am in the middle of a 455 build and for machining I used Dougan's in Riverside. they have built ALOT of Olds engines for drag boats, Cars, etc. I'm not sure if they will do the complete rebuild or just the machine work but they can surely help. I had great results with them. 951-681-1961. Good luck!

 

X2 on Dougans

 

Hi Cuttyshark. I just spoke with Bernard Mondello yesterday and he gave me the name of someone who will completely build your engine for you. He also uses dough's for machine work. Try Grant Warner. 951-906-7951. I think he is in the Corona area. Good luck. Bill. WFG4U@aol.com

 

Sorry, Dougans!!

 

After interviewing all the suggested people I decided on the Yucca Valley Full Race Supply. This guy was the right combo of Knows Olds engines PLUS price quoted for the machine and rebuild. I had enough left over that I let him talk me out of using the J heads and getting the Speedmaster Procomp heads he sells. He picked it up and is dropping off since I'm basically close to his normal parts route.

 

I wanted to thank this forum and CHARLY9G specifically for suggesting my name as a contact to help CuttyShark with his 455 build. I do work with both Dougans Racing Engines machine shop as well as Bernard Mondello on a regular basis and have always been pleased with the results from both shops for my builds.
It has become a bit humbling to be referred by such highly respected entities in the Olds and performance engine community and I greatly appreciate it.
I did speak with CuttyShark briefly and reviewed some photos of his parts but after offering some build suggestions and general pricing, he chose another shop here in So Cal to assist him with his build. I certainly hope Dave with Full Race Supply who no longer races or participates as part of the Olds community, treats him as fairly as those who are actively part of the Olds community here in So Cal.


Thank you again,


Grant Warner