Hi, new Chevelle owner in central Texas. Im looking for a good Engine shop to up-grade my 396. Im stuck in a military town (yea im in the army) and basicly the towns just feed off of us, and rip us off basicly. I know damn near what I want but the prices these people are asking is insane. Another problem being I dont know how to tear an engine down with-out an 80% chance of it not working again smile.gif So if anyone out there knows of a good shop, that wont kill me on price, or of a private person with great know-how that will work with me Lemmi Know!!!

How close are you to the Dallas/Ft Worth metro area? Kim Barr Race Engines in Garland is an excellent shop.

Im at Ft Hood, central Tex near Waco, Austin.

Hi KK

I'm in Waco and one very reputable engine builder in this area is in Axtell Tx. His name is Mike Banard (or Benard). I don't know about pricing but I do know he stays real busy and does top notch work. I can try to get you some contact information if your interested.

If you could please. Wacos about an hour from me, so thats NP. Thanks for the help much appreciated.

Sunset Racecraft in Lubbock. Nothing but the best, absolute first class operation. Can't say enough good things about these guys.

Originally posted by Clint44:
How close are you to the Dallas/Ft Worth metro area? Kim Barr Race Engines in Garland is an excellent shop. i second clint. i had a new 496 that some may recall had bearings ate up and way low compression for the cam and heads. kim rebuilt with new pistons, went throught the whole bottom, end turned crank. just got motor in and it is so smooth. pulls like a bull. i know its a lug from ft. hood but would be worth it. he is there on saturdays. only a couple hour drive. the bike shop i get my harley parts for is in axtel. i could call jim and get some feedback from him if needed. let me know. tommy

KK

I should have contact info tonight or tomorrow...There's another guy who frequently post here from arlington (Dragracer) who has done business with Mr Benard and might be able to give you some firsthand experience. I do know he does most all of the race engines in this area.

Yup,

Mike Barnard does top notch work. If Reher-Morrison wasn't 5 minutes from my house he would be doing my 18 deg. headed 445 SBC ($$). Then again he still might be.

The only negative is that he is usually very back logged, but that is usually the case for most good machine shops. Especially in an area where there are few good shops.

Give him a call. You won't be disappointed. Talking to him is worth the phone call at least.

Mike Barnard
Performance Automotive Machine
931 Bays Road
Axtell TX 76624
(254)822-1526