I have a 1960 Super 88 with a 394. I'm having trouble locating a machine shop that will rebuild my motor because they say they cant locate any parts for the rebuild. Do any of you know of a supplier in GA that may have the rebuild parts for this motor, and a good machine shop that can rebuild?

thanks in advance
Tom

 

I think I've been through every machine shop within a 60 mile radius of Macon and can tell you a lot down this way NOT to use. My luck is that I have problems with the ones that other people have found adequate. I guess it comes from being picky and checking all my stuff when it comes back rather than just accepting what they say. R & D Machine in Milledgeville is the only one that's ever been able to make me completely happy on high perf stuff. They are somewhat limited in their capabilities, for instance don't grind crankshafts in house, but balance, bore, do heads, etc. Cassidy Machine in Macon has been around for at least a couple of generations now, maybe a 3rd. I have never had a bad experience there and people frequently are referred there for older hard to find stuff. It would be worth a phone call to see if they can help with older Olds parts. I'm sure they can do the work, just not sure about the availability. They may be listed as Cassidy Auto Parts, not sure.

 

I hear from my friends that this company is highly regarded.

McIntosh Performance

McIntosh Performance specializes in race car parts, custom fabrication and high performance engines. It is family owned and operated, located on Performance Drive just off Piney Grove Road in Cumming.

5114 Performance Dr, Cumming, GA 30040
(678) 513-4500

• Hours: By appointment

• Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 6pm; Sat, Sun, closed

• Accessible: yes

And


Thomas Racing Engine

1970 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040 770-887-1050

Although they are mainly geared towards racing, they have the tools and the skills to build you whatever you want. Even as close to stock as possible or name your number. Whether that number is money or HP more HP = more money. The parts are out there, as the 394 was usually preferred with drag racers back in the late 50's and early 60's. And are making a comeback with the nostalgia crowd. I would talk to them over the phone first and tell them what you have, what you want and if you should buy the parts. Unless of course you've never built a mil, sometimes it's better to buy the parts after you get the engine machine work done, get a book and phone a friend. The 394 is not a hard engine to build.

 

Kanter has the parts.

 

Thanks gentlemen these are good leads. Cumming is in my backyard so I will certainly give them a call. I'll keep Cassidy in mind too since I go to GA central tech for training now & then.

Cheers,
Tom

 

One other one that comes to mind in your area is Lamar Walden Automotive in Doraville. I've always thought of them as being just 409 gurus, but he recently did a smallblock Corvette engine restoration for a friend who was very pleased with it.

 

Good advice, Lamar Walden is one of the best in the world when it comes to 409s and 348s as well as just about any period mil out there including the 394 and his price reflects it. Don't get me wrong, but you pay a premium for excellence and meticulousness. He can do it all if he wants to, the question is will they tackle a 394 Olds?