Engine Builder Questions

53az · 11/15/15, 3:55 PM

I'm sure this has been talked to death, forgive me. For a single engine/car team starting out that doesn't a have huge budget (but isn't shoestring either) does it make sense to dedicate a large chunk of upfront budget to a big name builder versus money spent elsewhere. Do you really get what you pay for? Those with a Gaerte, Ott, Shaver etc... Are you really satisfied with your dollars spent? Could that money have gone to a local builder, get a durable (albeit less hp) motor and spread the difference around? Thanks.

PIT CART · 11/15/15, 4:16 PM

I have seen claxton engines run with all of them.

Bad Dad 54 · 11/15/15, 4:19 PM

Kercher Racing Engines is another one

Kart#51 · 11/15/15, 6:32 PM

If you don't know what to do with your race car then no elite motor will help you. Learn your car and setups and then get horsepower.

Can26 · 11/15/15, 6:59 PM

Strpko Engineering makes this old, fat driver look good on the odd occasion. And best of all for next to nothing. I got lucky finding Mark!

badcoupe · 11/15/15, 7:11 PM

The hp can almost be overcome with driver and car setup. Or buy a used big name motor and have your freshening done locally. It's very prevalent in the tqs. Many nights the new 4 valve motors will run behind because of setup driver vs a motor that's down 30hp but is setup well with a good driver

jballou12 · 11/15/15, 7:35 PM

Don Ott's are very reliable and run great! 13 Wins on USAC national tour this year.

mcveyracing · 11/15/15, 9:56 PM

I think Williams Precision Engines does really well at making reliable power within your budget, and provides great support as well.

treecitytornado · 11/15/15, 10:44 PM

Mark Cummins Racing Engines does one heck of a job and has a full machine shop in house too! He does a lot of block repair for Donovan and many other race teams and is a former Sprint Car driver himself along with his son, Kyle. 812-386-7691 is the shop number. Give him a call and tell him J.T. sent you!

53az · 11/15/15, 11:34 PM

I appreciate the feedback. I'd like to hear from any teams that have gone both routes, (ponied up the coin for a "name" builder versus going local). I suspect it depends alot on personal budget comfort/size. You have "X" amount of dollars to build a car, Team A: decides 70% for engine. Team B: 50%

11/15/15, 3:55 PM	#1 Engine Builder Questions
53az Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 9	I'm sure this has been talked to death, forgive me. For a single engine/car team starting out that doesn't a have huge budget (but isn't shoestring either) does it make sense to dedicate a large chunk of upfront budget to a big name builder versus money spent elsewhere. Do you really get what you pay for? Those with a Gaerte, Ott, Shaver etc... Are you really satisfied with your dollars spent? Could that money have gone to a local builder, get a durable (albeit less hp) motor and spread the difference around? Thanks.

11/15/15, 4:16 PM	#2
PIT CART Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 8,433	I have seen claxton engines run with all of them.

11/15/15, 4:19 PM	#3 Re: Engine Builder Questions
Bad Dad 54 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 717	Kercher Racing Engines is another one

11/15/15, 7:11 PM	#6
badcoupe Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,000	The hp can almost be overcome with driver and car setup. Or buy a used big name motor and have your freshening done locally. It's very prevalent in the tqs. Many nights the new 4 valve motors will run behind because of setup driver vs a motor that's down 30hp but is setup well with a good driver

11/15/15, 9:56 PM	#8 Re: Engine Builder Questions
mcveyracing Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 41	I think Williams Precision Engines does really well at making reliable power within your budget, and provides great support as well.

11/15/15, 11:34 PM	#10 Re: Engine Builder Questions
53az Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 9	I appreciate the feedback. I'd like to hear from any teams that have gone both routes, (ponied up the coin for a "name" builder versus going local). I suspect it depends alot on personal budget comfort/size. You have "X" amount of dollars to build a car, Team A: decides 70% for engine. Team B: 50%