Engine build time
 

Hello!

I have a pretty simple question. If I cut the check (the day you read this), what would be the approximate backlog/time on building a turbo motor?

Thank you!

Got a response.

3 months backlog, but tempting.

Do it. I'd love to buy one of these motors.

because race season?

Among other things, yeah. Main bearings on backorder, machine shop only works so fast, etc.

Calico Coatings has coated ACL race bearings in stock just so you know

This post was made on 08-22-2013. I placed a order on 08-13-2013. One week before you asked this question. I was told the same 12 weeks for delivery.

My motor was to be delivered on July 7th, 2014. I actually sent a flatbed to the trucking company on July 2nd to pick it up.

So, my motor took 47 weeks instead of 12. Add to that TSE wanted me to use his break in oil that arrived a week after the motor means that the motor was fired up on July 11th when the oil arrived.

Was it worth it? Frustration, no. Performance, too soon to say.

47 weeks?!?!
hell no.
sorry.
that's 40 weeks too long!

Sorry, Frank. We blew the ETA on your engine big time. A lot of the delays were caused by factors out of my control (sourcing an MSM core took until 10/22, Christmas season meant machine shop wasn't able to get the engine back to me until late February, incorrect oil clearances meant the crank had to go back to the machine shop which added ~3 weeks). My own hectic schedule during March/April compounded the delays. We try to allow for enough slop room to absorb small issues, but your build had a couple of big ones and it pushed the ETA way out. Hopefully the performance of the engine is able to counter a small part of your frustrations with the build process.

My build overshot the agreed-upon ship date as well, although not by that much - IIRC, somewhere around a month and a half.

However, for what little I've managed to drive in the engine (Still am at < 100 miles, so early break in) I'm super-impressed. It was well worth the wait on my end, major props to Andrew on the build.

From june to mid september last year... so you'll probably miss one season

I don't know about you guys but I decided to start sourcing a second motor assembly in preparation for the build.

I figure this way I don't have to have the car down for long, it will be a simple swap and I have a spare motor in case something happens to my built motor. I realize it costs money but I am at about $475 for a MSM block with VVT head (cores).

Hey Andrew,

I figured it was time for a update. Motor is in and running great. I ran the car for a couple of weeks at wastegate pressure (~10psi). After a couple of oil changes it is slightly turned up to 13psi. Probably close to 250hp. I still feel my goal is about 330hp. I think my limiting factor is the 6speed transmission. I even have a solid idle without hunting. Amazing how much easier the tuning is with a fresh motor.

To the forum, if you have the cash and the extreme patience it is worth the wait.

Frank

Shit happens. My 6-8 week turn about time turned into 9 months. There were various machine shop fuck ups (yay valve seats), and someone putting a TSE rental car into a tire wall. Some of the delay let the 949 crank damper come out and be added. Shit all adds up. The frustating part was hearing the words, "we're going to assemble it next week" for about 25 weeks in a row.

And what was this about TSEs own break in oil? I was just told rotella non-synthetic.

Maybe it's Rotella infused with some special essence of Andrew. I'd like to buy a few cases of it if so.

I agree the 'next week' was the worst part of it because you make plans that have to be changed. And being part of a car club the other members are constantly asking for updates. You can only tell them what you are being told.

I received a pdf for his recommended break-in period. The first 50 miles were with Amsoil SAE30 break in oil followed by 250 miles of Rotella 15W40 non-synthetic. The Amsoil was in a box shipped to me after the engine arrived. I think that could of been shipped weeks earlier and been sitting here waiting for the engine to arrive. After the engine arrived I called a dozen places in my area and no one had the Amsoil. The Rotella oil was at my local O'Reilly Auto Parts.