Any good crate engine rebuilders?

[OM617YOTA]

Will be replacing the 7.4l Vortec in my pickup truck and am exploring options.

My preferred shop likes Jasper, but I've heard hit or miss things about them.

Anyone have any experience with others?

I'm also looking at local rebuilders and other shops that will do the R&R + rebuild in-house.

 

[fantastic]

Looks at the warranty differences between ordering & local but there is something to be said about having a local shop that's reputable rebuild it in case something does go wrong perhaps you'll have that local support. I'm sure there will be others that can comment on other companies. Jasper seems to have a big market for whatever reasons I'm unfamiliar with.

 

[Trav]

Anything Jasper is like playing Russian roulette with 5 bullets in a six shooter.

 

[tedsweet]

so who then

 

[burbguy82]

Unfortunately, I think all options are hit and miss. I explored a rebuild with my 4.0 Jeep, and decided to run it until it explodes.

 

[Trav]

so who then

That is the question. Around here all the good machine shops are long gone and there were some really good ones, we still have one for Subaru only, the guy does beautiful machine work but doesnt do anything domestic. I have used GM new crate engines with good success but they were LS engines for project cars.
In the OP's situation I would yank the engine, strip it to the block and heads and find a well regarded automotive machine shop.

 

[meep]

My boss has had 2 jaspers. The first one that grenaded in 3 months and the second one which ticked and leaked.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Anything Jasper is like playing Russian roulette with 5 bullets in a six shooter.

I should say, my preferred mechanic likes dealer engines.

They have to use Jasper.........

 

[meep]

OP whereabouts are you located?

 

[OM617YOTA]

OP whereabouts are you located?

Oregon. Updated my location info in my profile.

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

There's very few machinists/rebuilders left that are worthwhile. I know in my area there is a total of one in about a 100 mile radius. I watch a lot of JAMSI on YouTube. However, they are in Colorado.

 

[Zee09]

A great machine shop is no guarantee as the parts have been junk lately. Most outsourced to the lowest bidder...

 

[NOTEVIL81]

Neighbor replaced a 2004 5.4 in his f150 4x4 at a shop built by jasper 2 years ago . shredded a cam chain this summer at 16000 miles. Unknown status at present.

 

[GON]

Oregon. Updated my location info in my profile.

Have you ever looked into Utah's largest engine builder, Dave's auto in the greater Salt Lake City area. Dave's machine shop looks very modern and impressive. I am also impressed in the testing Dave"s does after a build.

The question I would ask is it worth spending an additional 2,000 USD for a engine that provides significantly greater confidence than Jasper? @mrsilv04 has numerous stories of his Jasper builds.

 

[mrsilv04]

Did someone mention me, LOL...
I suffered through 3 Jasper engines in less than one year in a 2004 Silverado. If they can't reliably rebuild something as common as a 5.3 GM engine, then there's a huge problem somewhere.
Not only me, but my mechanic, and the shop also got to deal with this mess.
Worst $4600 I've spent in my life.
Never again.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Thanks folks. Jasper is off the list.

Please keep the input coming.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I put a few GM 350 crate engines in trucks years back. Dunno what they are offering nowadays. Good luck.

 

[TomYoung]

Jeg’s ???

 

[clinebarger]

Jasper is horrible & I don't have good things to say about ATK or LKQ remans.


GM crate L29's dried up long ago, You might be able to get a short block....GM 454HO part# 19433375, Same short block except for the mechanical fuel pump boss which you will need to block off.

Have your heads rebuilt....Guides, Valves, Springs, Surface. Use OE L29 head gaskets & head bolts....Or you can use ARP bolts. Use Lifter & Retainer kit part# 19540280.

Reuse your camshaft, A OE Timing set, pushrods, & rocker arms would round it out.

​

 

[joekingcorvette]

I would rather have a brand new engine or one out of a wrecked vehicle that has low mileage.