Hey i have a 455 that i need to do a more powerfull stock rebuild on so i can drop it into my skylark. Looking for one in the midwest (Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, N. Dakota, etc....) if anyone has experience with anyone or has heard good things about any of them please let me know. I know Tri-Shield is up near minneapolis, but it looks like they do alot of higher performance engines and those are mainly out of my price range. thanx all. Nate
I've heard that Eric Ruge is a prodigy. I know of a few racers that wouldn't take their business anywhere else, and they know WAAAY more about it than I do. I trust their opinions enough to say that when I have the cash, I'm sending my engine his way. He's in Central Kansas, and he's on this board. Do a search for him. - Freed
Nate, check with AMT Performance, in St. Louis. 314-522-6222 Ask for Doug Albietz, the owner. You might have to leave a message for him to call you back. If you do have to leave a message, tell him I referred you to him. He is a good friend of mine and I have sent alot of Buick guys to his shop.
I highly recommend Eric Ruge also!! He has built one of the best motors I have ever had in my car. He is a TA distributor so parts are no issue either!!
Tri Shield JW will build what ever you want . It doesn't have to be a race engine . A stock rebuild is on the menu ! Give him a call ........ Why not keep the money in the family ?? o No: Good Luck ! :laugh: :3gears: :TU:
Eric and his dad have been building engines before JW was out of diapers sorry to have to say that rudely but Eric's dad was one of the first buick racers I ever met that built and raced a nailhead successfully in the 60's. If I remember it was in Ill that he raced. Anyway I would say Eric's ability to build an engine is as great as anyone on this board. He put my 535 back together after I spun a bearing in it. And now I have over 100 passes on it with little to no problems. and I have 12 pulls on dynos now also (and we all know thats hard on the motor too!!) You can be at Eric's shop in 4 hours from Ames Since I can be there in 2 hours from here.
I did a little checking around after meeting Eric at our regional picnic and talking to him on the phone. He is VERY good from what I have been told and heard. Not just from Mike, but other customers of his too. There is a HUGE difference between a machinist and a engine builder, in my opinion. Eric is a machinist. I haven't ever had him do any work for me, but when I need some done that I can't do myself, or don't want to try, it will be Eric that does it (period) . later.....................
thanx for all the help guys. i will have a talk with this Eric guy, sounds like he is the best, anyone know how much i should expect to pay for this rebuild. it will be mainly stock with a better cam. i am not looking for tons of power, just better than stock, and one that will be fun to cruise around in, but will have power to back up the smack i will lay down when those ricers say crap about my tri shield. thanx for all the help again, all you guys are the best.
My last motor was not quite $1200 and was needing a turned crank, valve job, and balanced using its current cam and pistons. We also had file fit rings, hi volume oil pump kit, and the usual rings bearings and gaskets. I reinstalled it in the wifes car and it seems to be fine turning about 5500 all day long in the wife's car!!
I have used Barons in Cedar Rapids for several engines, including a 3.8 Turbo, they currently are doing my 455. In all cases the work was fantastic!!!! Jim and Jeff Hamblin in CR are the mechanics who have put the engines togeather for me. Both of them have about 40 combined years of hi performance Buick engine experience, and are some of the best turbocharged engine people in the region. JIm has raced his 455 Stage1 one for years, and knows how to get every drop of power out of that block.call them @ 319-365-3112
Ruge Automotive I too have had Eric build about 3 different combos over the last 10 yrs. Was very happy with all of them. If you know how you want your car to perform but don't know exactly how to get there Eric can really help you out. Ask Racebuicks how many people he has told to go see Eric and they didn't and went somewhere else , only to come back whining how their stuff is junk. Don't spend your money twice. If you chose someone else make sure they are in the Buick community someway, or else they might know how to build a big chevy but they can really screw up a buick, nothing against anyone else mentioned. Sounds like they are all in the family somehow. Owning a buick is kind of like the old story of the young and old bull standing on top of the hill looking down at all the cows. The young bull (imports) wants to run down and jump one. The old bull (buick) will just cruise down and take em all.:Brow:
I will second that on Jim Hamblin! Great guy, with years of Buick knowlege! I know him personally, and he is honest and does a great job! Mike
