I've been searching for a replacement engine (crate) and have finally found the one I want. Now I need to find a place to do the work! As much as I would love to do this (or do it with someone who could help me - I just don't have the space).

So, I have two questions:

1) What are the key things to look for when hiring a place to do this kind of work?

2) Anyone know of a good place in the NJ/NY/CONN area?

|UPDATED|4/24/2004 7:36:03 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

There's a shop on campus that'll do the work for yah if you're desperate Eric... ...course getting your car back after its chopped and sold might be tough

Are you doing a similar motor replacement or are you putting a larger motor in place of the factory l-82? (eg 454 or other big block?)

If its the same size I'd say look for someone that has worked on Vettes in the past(a lot) and who can demonstrate happy customers. (Ken Styer?)

If its a very different motor I'd look for a shop with all of the above, and experience with size swaps and the associated challenges.

Scot

Paragon75Ray said: There's a shop on campus that'll do the work for yah if you're desperate Eric... ...course getting your car back after its chopped and sold might be tough

Oh sure - sounds just perfect!

I'm going with a higher HP SB Stroker. I hope to do this before the end of the summer in time for the C3 Event in Bowling Green!

BTW - I sent you some email

An engine swap in a C-3 is fairly simple, no worse than in anything else. It should be done in less than a week by a good shop. Ask around for a good word-of-mouth referral. Try to find someone with some experience out in the "country" if there is any "country" in your neck of the woods. One hint... I can't tell from your picture if you have glass T-tops or not. It is always a good idea to remove the T-tops or at least unlatch them any time you jack up the car to get under it. I have seen the bending stress bust glass T-tops when the car is jacked up.

Dave

Thanks for the advice, Dave. That's exactly what I'm looking for - word of mouth advice - but so far, no luck. I've even tried contacting local Corvette Clubs - and not a single one even responded about membership! Sheesh! Must be all those C5 owners.... ooops! Did I say that outloud? heheh (KIDDING!)

So I keep searching....

Oh - and no, no glass T-tops on mine. Enough problems getting the ones I have to stop "talking" to me as we cruise down the highway....

I know that this suggestion may send chills up one or two spines out there, but here goes: Have you talked to a service manager at a local Chevy dealership? Preferably one with a LARGE service department?

I don't know if there are any racing teams in your neck of the woods, but we have an over-abundance down here. Yeah, I know, big surprise. I know three guys here who do engine swaps with their eyes closed. And, yes, one of them is actually named "Bubba." Nevertheless, if there is a track/strip within fifty miles, go there and ask around. Since the C5 upper crust won't help you, try a different social stratum: RACERS.

ATTENTION C5 OWNERS: that was HUMOR! No lawsuits, please.

Good luck.

John

The only shop I can recommend is the shop that's installing my new engine. Its Dragon's Breath Performance in Knoxville, TN. Here's their number if you want to give them a call. (865) 577-1990
The owner is Bob Moss. If he can't persuade you to drive down hopefully he can recommend someone good in your area. I think he's got 7 sharks at his shop right now including mine.