Engine rebuilds in Northern VA [Archive] (2024)

That Guy

21st February 2010, 21:22

Hey guys,

New to the Miata scene. I'm wondering if anyone's had their motors rebuilt in this area. I've heard of RP Performance, although they are a bit away, if I must, I'll go there. Trying to keep the cost down as I'm trying to focus more on tracking my bike, but I believe my Miata needs some attention. I figure I'd get the FM rebuild kit and new waterpump/timing belt and let them do the work. Thanks all.

vtbandit

22nd February 2010, 11:33

I'd recommend calling York Automotive in Mt. Airy Maryland and tell them what your needs and wants are. I was chewing on the idea of rebuilding my engine and talked to the owner several times. They are heavily involved with local SM racers and are very familiar with miata engines.

Why do you believe that your engine needs attention?

potentialmuscle87

22nd February 2010, 16:42

That Guy

23rd February 2010, 13:17

Thanks for the names, guys.

The car/block has 202k miles on it. And I plan on doing a few autox days, but also tow my bike to track days. It seems like the waterpump / seal went out the day I picked up the car (leaking coolant from the waterpump area), so I figure this ole block is on its way out as well. I'm just weighing out my options. Thanks.

PrintError

23rd February 2010, 19:44

You'd be surprised man, these motors are tough as nails. Change all of the fluids, drop in a new timing belt and water pump, swap the plugs and wires, and clean the injectors (replace the o-rings, trust me!) and call it a day. 155k on mine and I drive the freakin' nuts off of it without a single problem.

P.S. I have an injector cleaner that everyone is welcome to come use, cost is 1 can of SeaFoam (cuz that's what you use in the cleaner).

RacerJRP

23rd February 2010, 21:22

He speaks the truth. After a mis-hap with my good spec miata engine I pulled a 240k engine out of a rusted donor in my backyard...didnt touch a thing on it and dropped it into the race car. ran 5 or 6 races with it without a hiccup. was it down on power compared to multi thousand dollar race engines? yes. Did I still run top 3 and battle for the win? yes. These things are crazy!!

On another note, I know all the shops very well. WindsorCustoms would be my first choice, but if that not conveniant for you Ed York at York Automotive and Bret at RP are good people and any of the 3 will do you right.

Weekend Warrior

1st March 2010, 19:49

Where in VA are you? There is RP at Summit that you already mentioned, there is also CK Auto in Manassas Park as well. Kyle (CK) used to work with Bret at RP for a long time and recently went out on his own. I wouldn't hesitate to have either work on my car and Bret (RP) does alot of my work on my SM until recently when a new teammate came on board that is an ASE Certified Mechanic.

If you need to transport out to Summit, I am usually out there on weekends as I have a garage out there as well. I can load your car on my trailer and take it out to him for you. Give me a beer sometime and we call it even (no Miller-Lite though).......

Weekend Warrior

1st March 2010, 19:51

....compared to multi thousand dollar race engines?

I thought SSM was supposed to cure all that high dollar stuff? ;)

Lt. Dan

1st March 2010, 20:00

Weekend Warrior

3rd March 2010, 16:36

EMRA's Wreckerboy

4th March 2010, 16:46

Yeah, I've heard all about that "new" guy in the SP garages too... :) And the high dollar engine stuff may have been replaced by high dollar engine management stuff. Grrr.....

But seriously, any of the names listed are good people. I've got an Ed York built motor in the SSM and have no complaints. I'll be there in a few weeks to have said motor dyno'd and sealed for the upcoming season.

One last edit - Miller Light does not even qualify to use the word "beer" as an adjective. It's barely one step ahead of Coors Light, the original skunky beer.

<----- drinks Guiness

Weekend Warrior

4th March 2010, 16:53

Yeah, I've heard all about that "new" guy in the SP garages too... :) And the high dollar engine stuff may have been replaced by high dollar engine management stuff. Grrr.....

But seriously, any of the names listed are good people. I've got an Ed York built motor in the SSM and have no complaints. I'll be there in a few weeks to have said motor dyno'd and sealed for the upcoming season.

One last edit - Miller Light does not even qualify to use the word "beer" as an adjective. It's barely one step ahead of Coors Light, the original skunky beer.

<----- drinks Guiness

I knew there was a reason other than Jell-o that I liked you!

potentialmuscle87

4th March 2010, 17:19

i like real beer too :P

i think the new guy in reference here is a little further up the complex than rp around #3

Weekend Warrior

4th March 2010, 18:18

That Guy

12th March 2010, 02:11

lol dang, you guys are awesome.

I'm in Centreville. I actual head out to Summit for some karting, and plan on doing a Marc(?) motorcycle school.

I actually took it to PBC, got them to do the waterpump/radiator/tbelt...we'll see how she holds...signed up for L2 autox class, and plan on doing wdcr practice and AI's first event. All within a month of each other...that should be the real test. Hope to see some of you guys out there!

potentialmuscle87

12th March 2010, 07:47

Weekend Warrior

12th March 2010, 08:55

meyerweb

14th March 2010, 21:22

shuiend

15th March 2010, 09:57

PBC?

Performance Buyers Club out in Chantilly. They do work on Miatas and RX-7's. They are also forum sponsors.

yoderlm

22nd March 2010, 21:17

Weekend Warrior

22nd March 2010, 21:30

That Guy

29th March 2010, 22:21

Intensablu

6th April 2010, 10:12

Lt. Dan

8th April 2010, 09:07

Lt Dan, saw you @ the WDCR test & tune this past wkend. Actually, your plates anyways.

Yup, I was out there... I'll be at FedEx all day THIS sunday too!!!