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Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:02 am
by 351cmach
Looking for recommendations for an engine/trans rebuilder. I have search a bit but have not found anything to current. I'm located in the Northeast but am willing to ship or drive. I have a list of different shops (feel free to add to it) Pros, cons feedback of the different shops. TIA
Pats Restorations
Joe Bell
J and M Machine
Rons Machine Shop
Lilleker Antique Auto
KMW Ford Antique Engine Service
Kevin Prus
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:21 am
by Fire_chief
I currently have 3 totally rebuilt engines done by Kevin Prus. Great running engines. I would definitely recommend him. Well worth the drive.
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:38 am
by TWrenn
Everyone of course has their preferences and your list includes all good rebuilders. But I would be remiss of course if I didn't toss my hat in Joe Bell's "ring"! He's done all of my engines, like 4 of them and are great and he doesn't break your bank account.
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 12:53 pm
by Mopar_man
I had a great experience with J&M Machine. Those guys are great. They make their own Model T drums! Go give them a visit you will not be disappointed. Now I will tell you this they found a lot of things wrong with my transmission (hidden cracks) but I'm sure glad they did. Can you imagine paying all that money and your T blows up? Now for the good part. After I got everything back from them I had a million questions. Not only did they answer them they called me to check up on how I was doing.
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:09 pm
by Greg sarky k
It’s difficult for me to imagine any engine builders that would be more comprehensive in their knowledge of the Model T engine and transmission than J and M Machine,Southboro Ma . I say this as someone who is not easily pleased. I also say this as the son of a life long Model T collector who rebuilt engines and restored everything on his cars but the upholstery. The Gulbankian brothers,Mike and John have rebuilt four engines and transmissions for me. I do all ground up Stynoski level restorations .
Their work is complete and correct. Since I live close to their shop, I had the good fortune of being able to drop in daily to see the progress of the engine rebuilds. Truly remarkable how they are so precise in all the details of the rebuild. State of the art equipment and tools insure they get it exactly right. They explain everything thoroughly and will not cut corners on any element of the rebuild even if you were to ask them to.
They are rare in that they are a top tier machine shop with an extensive knowledge of the Model T engine and transmission. Michael Gulbankian even rebuilt the rear end of my 1912 Torpedo and did a beautiful job .
I don’t know the other builders mentioned, I only know that if you don’t want to worry about it being done correctly,then you should contact J and M. Some photos of their work on my 1912 Torpedo..
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:13 pm
by Greg sarky k
Some more photos of J and Ms work
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:25 pm
by Mopar_man
Greg sarky k wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:09 pm
It’s difficult for me to imagine any engine builders that would be more comprehensive in their knowledge of the Model T engine and transmission than J and M Machine,Southboro Ma . I say this as someone who is not easily pleased. I also say this as the son of a life long Model T collector who rebuilt engines and restored everything on his cars but the upholstery. The Gulbankian brothers,Mike and John have rebuilt four engines and transmissions for me. I do all ground up Stynoski level restorations .
Their work is complete and correct. Since I live close to their shop, I had the good fortune of being able to drop in daily to see the progress of the engine rebuilds. Truly remarkable how they are so precise in all the details of the rebuild. State of the art equipment and tools insure they get it exactly right. They explain everything thoroughly and will not cut corners on any element of the rebuild even if you were to ask them to.
They are rare in that they are a top tier machine shop with an extensive knowledge of the Model T engine and transmission. Michael Gulbankian even rebuilt the rear end of my 1912 Torpedo and did a beautiful job .
I don’t know the other builders mentioned, I only know that if you don’t want to worry about it being done correctly,then you should contact J and M. Some photos of their work on my 1912 Torpedo..
Thanks Greg!! That is exactly how I feel. What a great team thay are!!
Re: Engine Rebuilders recommendations
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 1:41 pm
by BigAl
I would highly recommend Joe Bell, in Ohio, he has done many of my friends engines and rebuild my late 1911 engine and transmission. He even ran my engine, on an engine stand, as a final check/confirmation. You will not be disappointed dealing with him. Great guy and excellent work.