Reputable Machine Shops near NE Ohio

[Darbshaw]

Does anyone have a lead on tried and true machine shops near NE Ohio? I’m potentially going through rebuilding an engine after mine windowed the block.

VAC Motorsport is within a reasonable driving distance, but I’ve heard mixed reviews on their parts.

Partee Racing: I haven’t called them but I’d imagine they’ll stick strictly with fully built engines

The closer the better, having a torque plate on hand is a plus. Most of the shops near me deal with a lot of domestic, so ideally I’d goto one that others have used in the past for our cars

[bigjae46]

It is incredibly difficult to find a good machine shop. I've learned that some machine shops are better at certain things that others. I'd almost say you need two machine shops. One to do the work and the other to double check/verify. You're effed if the motor blows up soon after the rebuild. All you'll get is a lot of finger pointing. I lucked out and lived in Wichita which has a lot of aerospace industry. So I'd maybe look at a shop in an area that has aerospace or some other industry that has high precision requirements. I think you get people who worked in that industry and then branch out.

It will be way cheaper and less riskier to throw in a lower mileage used motor that hasn't been opened up. Rod bearings, vanos, CPV ring, OFH gasket, and valve job. Send it.

Nothing against Partee Racing and only time will tell...but there are quite a few of these BMW engine builders out there and were out there that start strong and then end up as trash. Lang Racing anyone?

[Darbshaw]

It is incredibly difficult to find a good machine shop. I've learned that some machine shops are better at certain things that others. I'd almost say you need two machine shops. One to do the work and the other to double check/verify. You're effed if the motor blows up soon after the rebuild. All you'll get is a lot of finger pointing. I lucked out and lived in Wichita which has a lot of aerospace industry. So I'd maybe look at a shop in an area that has aerospace or some other industry that has high precision requirements. I think you get people who worked in that industry and then branch out.

It will be way cheaper and less riskier to throw in a lower mileage used motor that hasn't been opened up. Rod bearings, vanos, CPV ring, OFH gasket, and valve job. Send it.

Nothing against Partee Racing and only time will tell...but there are quite a few of these BMW engine builders out there and were out there that start strong and then end up as trash. Lang Racing anyone?

I'll give that a shot and see what I can find around here. We have NASA and a few aerospace manufacturers so I may take a crack at that if possible.

I'm still leaning towards refreshing a running engine like we talked about. Although the only difference from what you mentioned is I'd likely do a head gasket as well. This first engine had one blow on me when I made this post I found someone willing to sell me an old engine needing rebuilt for DIRT cheap. Figured I'd atleast see if there were any promising offers out there. At this point I'm actually looking at just buying and parting out a cheap running example to make recoup some expenses.

[bigjae46]

I'll give that a shot and see what I can find around here. We have NASA and a few aerospace manufacturers so I may take a crack at that if possible.

I'm still leaning towards refreshing a running engine like we talked about. Although the only difference from what you mentioned is I'd likely do a head gasket as well. This first engine had one blow on me when I made this post I found someone willing to sell me an old engine needing rebuilt for DIRT cheap. Figured I'd atleast see if there were any promising offers out there. At this point I'm actually looking at just buying and parting out a cheap running example to make recoup some expenses.

I'd maybe do the head gasket if its higher mileage. Then you should also do the timing cover seals and front main. Should also deck the head or at least check it.

Me? I'd send it. It is super easy to yank the front end which makes the job MUCH easier. Takes me about 10 -15 minutes.