I haven't rebuilt a motor in about 10 years. I used to get my rebuild stuff from PAW and POWERHOUSE. This was before the internet explosion and I was ordering thew catologs but it seemed like there were more options. PAW had like 3 or 4 kits and you could upgrade your kit with stuff like moly rings and HV oil pumps and even drop stuff that you didn't need or do stuff like add a cam and lifter kit. Really helped you get exactly what you needed and all at some of the best prices around. WHAT HAPPEND??? Well I guess not so much what happened as much as were do you guys get your rebuild kits? I'm trying to put a rebuild kit together for a 283 sbc I have had for over 10 years and am finaly getting to it. I already have the valve train for it. Now I need to find a kit with rod/main bearings, good gasket set, cast rings and possibly a HV oil pump for a resonable price. Nothing crazy. Any pointers?? Thank in advance
Northern Auto Parts has always been known (in my area) as a good resource for engine rebuild components/kits. They have good options and use name-brand parts. Example of what you are looking for: http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=280 Malcolm
The best source for engine parts has always been just about any engine machine shop for me. Most typical engine machine shops know where to get what they need to provide the best service to there customer and I find they are considerable cheaper for quality parts than the auto parts stores. I go to my machine shop for all my flat head needs and within a couple of days have every thing I need.
I've had good luck with Northern autoparts for late model stuff but I don't know about early engine pieces. Early being pre 60. I don't buy through machine shops because they charge full list price with no discount in this area and I can get the same price they pay at a couple of parts houses. The machinist I use most of the time isn't connected to a parts house and so far hasn't dinged me because I bring in my own parts. I've also had good luck with Johnny Loper's old shop in AZ when he had it but haven't ordered anything from them lately. Top rate parts at a good price and shipped quickly. I got one engine kit out of them for "warehouse" or better pricing and it beat the warehouse prices I got when I worked for a parts house up here. Depending on which price sheet (green, blue, yellow or pink) a counterman shows you he can make most guys thing they are getting a big discount when they are actually paying more than the regular retail price in some other stores. I used to have guys walk in and pick up parts that they had bought through another parts house in town at a "great deal and discount" and didn't have the heart to tell most of them that their great deal was higher than our everyday retail to any guy who walked in the front door and wanted the part.
I just used Parts America Duluth Minnesota 1-888-399-7278 got a complete overhall kit for a 302 bearings gaskets, rings, cambearing, reman crank ,timing set, oil pump freeze plugs ect for $277 +$30 freight I think they sell some stuff on ebay also,were nice to deal with.Joe
Don't know about engine parts but I have been pricing rear springs for my Stude and Kantner was $80 a pair higher for mine than anybody else online and I thought the other's were too high.
last time I got parts from Kanter the were plain white box cheap imported crap. Maybe it's just the Nailhead stuff, but I won't go back. And they definitely are not cheap.
Every time I've called Summit and ordered parts, the prices are lower over the phone than in the catalog. They have their own house brands on some things. I ordered parts to do a complete 350 except for the rods and pistons and other goodies that I really didn't need and still didn't spend a ton.
Have a friend that builds 350s to sell and he also uses Northern. Good quality brands and VERY reasonable price. AND, they know what they're selling....... he doesn't have time to explain to some dummy behind the counter "what kind of car did a 350 come in"........
If you're doing something other than stock, the mail order kits are great. If you're doing something stock, log into one of the major parts chains site and start adding individual parts into your "cart". The other mail order houses have provided you with a nice list to reference from for price comparison. You just might find it's cheaper, and no shipping charge when you go pick it up at the local store.
Well, mostly 'cause I don't toot my own horn, and I do not know which vendors sell shiverlay parts, it certainly ain't me....and unless your finger is broken it takes about 3 left clicks to find the list. By the way, Why didn't you list them??? Gary
Northern Auto Parts is good. They have really good package deals especially if you know you're going to want stuff like forged pistons as part of the kit. Better prices than Summit even. Summit's okay too with good customer service. Kanter has stuff for older engines that some of the other companies don't carry.
I always give the machine shop a shot at it. If I tell them I'm ordering a kit for x dollars, and can they come close, they usually do. If they're in the ball park, I get the kit from them. If there's a problem with parts or machining, there's no finger pointing.
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