Where to buy a built motor? - Honda Prelude Forum

camarokiller · 10-15-2006, 04:18 PM

I'm considering just buying a built H22 instead of giving up my car for 4 weeks to have the motor rebuilt. The only problem I can think of is if there turns out to be anything wrong with the engine. I'd have to pay all labor to pull it out, ship it back, then pay labor again to reinstall it. What do you think? Thanks.

Solid · 10-15-2006, 05:05 PM

There used to be a builder on ebay that sold built H and B series motors in various stages. They were called pocet rocket motors or something like that. You could check google. They sold a h22 bored to 2.3,2.4,2.5,2.6,2.7. They classesd the motors from Stage 1 - Stage 6+.

Just test the engine before you put it into the car.

ChrisRicketts · 10-15-2006, 05:08 PM

^^^^i've heard bad things about pocketrockets.

ChrisRicketts · 10-15-2006, 05:08 PM

not to mention they are extremely expensive.

Solid · 10-15-2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisRicketts

not to mention they are extremely expensive.

yeah I think I remember seeing them range from 5,500 to 9,000+

71dsp · 10-15-2006, 05:12 PM

You have links to said rumors? Is this someone you know personally that had problems with an engine build?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisRicketts

^^^^i've heard bad things about pocketrockets.

Artifex · 10-15-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarokiller

I'm considering just buying a built H22 instead of giving up my car for 4 weeks to have the motor rebuilt. The only problem I can think of is if there turns out to be anything wrong with the engine. I'd have to pay all labor to pull it out, ship it back, then pay labor again to reinstall it. What do you think? Thanks.

The only good reason to rebuild a motor is if you are making a big N/A motor. It's a complete waste of time to rebuild one stock.

By far the best option is to source a JDM H22A and drop it in. I believe LA has no emissions, so you are set.

McLude · 10-17-2006, 10:37 AM

1) NOT IMPORT BUILDERS

2) Miamisburg Ohio? You're right next door! Have you tried colletti motorsports? He had my integra back up and running in about 3 weeks, and he is building my turbo 5th gen right now. I also bought my built turbo H22 ERL block from him. (ERL is in indiana right accross the border from lexington.) Although I brought them my block to get built, i'm sure they could source a core for you. I guess the answer really depends on your goals, which you havent stated yet.

71dsp · 10-17-2006, 10:46 AM

Please do tell more about IB.

McLude · 10-17-2006, 01:20 PM

hahaha, I should just write a BOOK. Long and painful PERSONAL experience. Here are the cliff notes:

Bought a "Killer H" turbo block package. (Sleeves/pistons/rods/bearings...)

Sent my H22A4 (open deck) to IB.

He claimed that it was mysteriously stolen en route via Fed Ex

Claimed that they left the box on his door and contained used computer parts instead of my H22A4. Said he had pics, never sent them despite requests. Claimed his computer conveniently crashed. So he sourced a JDM H22A core (closed deck) and charged me $400. Fed Ex denied the claim because of the circumstances.

8 MONTHS total wait time. Numerous excuses blaming others for the delay. Not given any phone number to call despite requests for vocal communication. E-mail ONLY, very frustrating. Never got any invoice/spec sheet/ or any documentation on the services/parts sold besides the e-mail exchange. As consolation, gave me ARP head studs free of charge. Nice, but nowhere near covers what I would ultimately lose.

Block comes back, paid to get installed and tuned at CFT (SC-61 turbo Kit).

Born/tuned at CFT on a Mustang/Loading Dyno and Wideband O2 with a Microtech standalone ECU and very experienced boosted honda tuner (11 psi/ 11.9 AFR) conservative until I was ready to go big.

Block lasts about 1000 miles before it starts knocking a rod and oil light flickering at idle (game over). Miserably fails compression and leakdown tests.

*tear down*

Blown COMETIC 030 headgasket due to sh!tty SINKING sleeves. Noticable sinking, easily over 010-020.

spun a MAIN bearing due to oil starvation. (Less wear closer to the oil pump). Found RTV in and around oil passage to the mains (instead of the proper gasket.)

Precision SC-61 Turbo eaten ALIVE by main bearing material that spread through the motor. Sent back to Precision Turbo for rebuild (cost almost the same as brand new).

I ask for money back. He insists on sending a re-sleeved core to help out. And offers to give me some money back. I ask for cash USD, and he says he can only pay me in GOLD thru some complex transaction with some shady bank I never heard of... who the **** does that? wtf mate?

IB sends a sleeved core (thanks guys, still out about $6,000+ in parts and labor and tuning, etc...). New sleeves not step decked and prone to sinking (liners only, not interlocking)... Gutted that pos and replaced with ERL's sleeves which was like night and day. Got an professional invoice w/ Spec Sheet w/ clearances... Currently being assembled.

Like I said... cliff notes. If you want more details, PM me.

71dsp · 10-17-2006, 01:23 PM

Wow, I was just curious. I remember when those guys used to bag on Larry W. I dealt with Larry many times and had nothing but good experiences, although I never had him do any headwork or anything like that for me.

McLude · 10-17-2006, 01:34 PM

I have no idea who Larry W is. I only dealt with Jeff. I don't know who else works for/ with him.

71dsp · 10-17-2006, 01:37 PM

Larry Widmer of Endyn fame.

McLude · 10-17-2006, 01:39 PM

Oh yeah, I always heard there was beef there. HA, I can't imagine IB having the right to dog on ANYONE. Thanks for the future ref bro.

camarokiller · 10-17-2006, 08:21 PM

Man, Smiley from Colletti Motorsports told me a story about a guy who had problems with sinking sleeves that blew the motor, I guess that was you!? Anyway, that is absolutely horrible, I'd lose my mind if some f*cked up **** like that happened to my baby. This is EXACTLY what scares me about trusting someone to build an engine for me. If I can get a few people to vouch for Colletti, than maybe I'll trust them, but they'd have to guarentee their work.

If I had a local shop build the engine, what are we talking about for total labor cost to pull the motor, rebuild the engine with parts I supply (pistons, rings, seals, bearings, valve springs, retainers, cams, etc.) plus a valve job with minor porting, plus reinstall? Just labor only, I supply all parts.... maybe $3500??? Thanks guys.

Solid · 10-17-2006, 08:28 PM

^That sounds like what kingmotorsports charges for a build. They don't pull the motor for that cost though. Everything with them seems to be high to to their association with mugen parts. I havn't heard of anyone that has used them though. I have seen some of their project cars which look great though.

ludehawk · 10-17-2006, 09:19 PM

smiley loves me

McLude · 10-17-2006, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarokiller

Man, Smiley from Colletti Motorsports told me a story about a guy who had problems with sinking sleeves that blew the motor, I guess that was you!? Anyway, that is absolutely horrible, I'd lose my mind if some f*cked up **** like that happened to my baby. This is EXACTLY what scares me about trusting someone to build an engine for me. If I can get a few people to vouch for Colletti, than maybe I'll trust them, but they'd have to guarentee their work.

If I had a local shop build the engine, what are we talking about for total labor cost to pull the motor, rebuild the engine with parts I supply (pistons, rings, seals, bearings, valve springs, retainers, cams, etc.) plus a valve job with minor porting, plus reinstall? Just labor only, I supply all parts.... maybe $3500??? Thanks guys.

Well, although ERL built my turboH22 block, I got it at Colletti's and Colletti's team hand built my B18C1 GSR block w/ type R internals for my RHD Teg and so far its been great. 170 whp on a conservative all motor tune. All oem besides I/H/E. They also just built an F22 for an SCCA 4th gen lude that is running his best times ever. Brian Duncan is also from Dayton, he bought an ERL turbo block through colletti and colletti's team assembled it and put it together. Now he's pushin 367whp at 13 psi. I can personally vouch, and I know a few others that can as well. In my experience, he stands behind his work and I have had ALOT of work done there. Although I'm not sure, I think you could probably get that labor done for less than $3500 at Colletti's. You should PM me and we'll set up a time so that we can go down there together so you can talk to steve about your goals and he'll work up a quote for you. Or if you call or talk to Steve, be sure you tell him Mario reccommended you! Again, this is all dependant on your goals... what are they?

ludehawk · 10-17-2006, 09:22 PM

and I wouldn't have them build an h22

McLude · 10-17-2006, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludehawk

and I wouldn't have them build an h22

Dang... Bad personal experience? Please share.