[AussieCamaroOwner]

Hi All. My search for a Big Block crate motor for my street driven 68 Coupe has turned up T & L Engines (http://www.tandlengines.com/chevy_big_block1.html). They seem very reasonably priced and have responded quickly to any questions and feedback I have had thus far. Has anyone here had any experience with this company?

Also, they offer 2 different Big Block Stroker packages, both the same price. From what I can tell the only difference appears to be the heads, Edelbrock vs. Dart, which results in different HP/Torque outputs. Curious to know, which one would you choose?

[GreyShadows]

I have been looking into them as well .. of course they are ALOT closer to my location than yours..I was just wondering ... are there no engine builders for foreign cars in Aussie?

[AussieCamaroOwner]

There are some world class engine builders in Australia, unfortunately I couldn't get the calibre of engine such as that which T&L offer for less than double the price. A stock rebuild of my tired old 454 would be more than what I could get the T&L crate engine on my doorstep, especially as the Australian dollar is now worth almost as much as the US dollar.

You Americans really know how to offer bang for your buck....

[Strick]

I have a T & L 408 and am 100% satisfied. You get a complete diary of build sheets with all specs, tolerances, and torque, a printed dyno sheet and even a DVD of your motor on the dyno. And yes, it was definitely my motor because the AED carb (box) I purchased to go on the motor was sitting on the dyno room bench. Lloyd (the owner) is very easy to get in touch with and deal with, and their tech service after the sale is 100%. I will probably buy other motors from them.

I would go with the Dart heads.

The way the motor is crated is pretty impressive as well. The only negative with T & L is their build time is a little slow, but at the prices they charge and the quality it is worth the wait. Mine took nearly 12 weeks from deposit to delivery.

[keypilot]

do a search for them here. there are some positive and some very negitive ones.

[mstehle]

I purchased a 540 from T&L engines earlier this year. I personally went to the shop for the dyno test. They have a great shop and I believe they build a very good motor. The build time was good at about 6 weeks. Unfortunately after that the motor sat on the dock for another six weeks at least until they shipped it. Not sure why this all happened. I also had to push them for my build sheets and dyno sheets. They finaly got them to me.

My motor was all Dart, block and aluminum heads. They will build to suit your specs too.

My take is great motors, good price, hopefully their other services will pick up. I have been dealing with Rob and he has been more responsive.

You may want to contact someone in the Charlotte area to help with personal contact and to go to the shop. There are some pics of the engine in my photobucket in my signature.

Good luck

[GreyShadows]

ooooo a blue block .. me likey!!! my camaro is blue and my current engine is blue and my new engine will be blue and might be from T&L

[johnnyk31]

Hey Aussie,
I second what Strick said. I finally got my 408 from T&L yesterday. I did get the luxury of watching them dyno it. It was well worth the wait. Took 16 weeks from order to delivery. I will recommend them to anybody.
Johnny K

[mstehle]

Originally Posted by GreyShadows

ooooo a blue block .. me likey!!! my camaro is blue and my current engine is blue and my new engine will be blue and might be from T&L

Yes Kyle the Chevelle this is going into is a very dark blue metallic too. The block is actually the same color as the seat belts and dash pad will be dyed so it should look good all together. Can't wait to run that baby down to road.

[AussieCamaroOwner]

Thanks for all the feedback, team. I am pretty satisfied that they seem to be a worthwhile choice.

Now to which engine. What is your feedback regarding the difference between the 2 as per http://www.tandlengines.com/chevy_big_block1.html given that they are both the same price? I think I am probably leaning towards the A-2 with the Dart Pro 1's.

[Strick]

I like your choice.

[Vegas69]

I have had a bad experience with them. Do I think I have a quality engine setting in my garage? Yes Am I unsatisfied with the whole process? Yes I am. My engine showed up 3 months late missing the flywheel and with a ford starter, also no papework whatsoever with specs,etc. I called, emailed, sent letters with no luck getting a credit or the parts I paid for. My brand new fabricated aluminum valve covers were scratched up by them at there shop. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in North Carolina and now they have contacted me through email and promised a paypal credit but I haven't seen it. They also said they sent out the specs via mail. I hope it does show up. It's about $400 but they have owed me for 2.5 months. When I fire it up I will probably forget about the whole deal but I have a really bad taste in my mouth right now. If you decide to risk it get a finish date in writing and make sure your money is refundable if they don't meet your agreed date. Also I wouldn't give them more than half.

[GreyShadows]

I believe that to be sound advice and I will definately try to negotiate that with them or whom ever i purchase my engine from.

[AussieCamaroOwner]

All good advice, thanks guys. Particularly as it will be shipped halfway across the world....

[Vegas69]

I have recieved my credit and paperwork. I am impressed with the quality of parts and the specs.