New to the boards/ New Project

[Robudda]

Just wanted to say Hi and introduce myself. I found this group from a signature link over on thirdgen.org, then chatted back and forth a bit with snakebite. I also met Pam, Dave & Cam68 (Sorry I caught the online name but not his real name) I have loved cars and Drag Racing since I was 14 when my Dad and I started a 71 Ford Torino project. Currently My son and I also race Karts out at Deseret Peak Complex and cannot wait for the new track to be finished.

I picked up a 1986 Firebird with a seized MFI V6 for $285. The body is straight with no rust so looks to be a good project to start. It was planned to be a strip car only, however my wife loved the 80s and just loves this car. So now it is to be a street/strip car. The V6 is in the process of coming out and the new V8 block is about ready to go to the machine shop this week. I was worried about emissions, but spoke to the county emissions people and was told since a 4 barrel was offered with a V8 all that is required is:

1. Smog Pump.
2. Catalytic Converters
3. Fuel restrictor tube in the Gas tank.
4. New under the Hood Emissions sticker.
5. Pass the sniffer.

I think this can be done.

My initial plans are to basically get it registered and running this summer. The first engine build will be a simple and budget minded build to get rolling. I plan on waiting on interior and such until  everything passes emissions/safety. If for some reason I cannot get it to pass, I will then strip it and make it a track only car Once everything passes the suspension, interior and extrerior will be done. Then once the remaining is done the I will start the 383 build to drop in the mix.

So my first 2 questions for all of  you.
1. Machine shop recommendations. I spoke to Kirk at South Valley Machine and he seemed willing to take the time to discuss plans and seemed reasonable on price. However I wanted to hear if anyone used SVM or have had some good comments about some other machine shops?

2. local shops--Is there any local shops or online shops that the club members like to support?

Thanks and sorry for such a long first post. 
I hope to meet more of you at some upcoming events this summer.
Rob

[DaBo_Z28]

Welcome ! 

[SSxzangel]

Glad to see new people are still joining!  Welcome to the club! 

[IROCZMonty]

You may want to try RAMCO machine located at 3601 so 300 west.  They are very knowledgeable in what they do and are very well priced as well.  You might want to give them a shot they're located in salt lake.  Plus, welcome to the club.

[Snakebite]

Hey Rob,

Glad to have you aboard!
I have used Glegg's Machine in Orem before. They rebuilt my 455 and my cousins 400. I don't know how advanced they can get though.

L8R,
Keenan

[BadSTSpony]

Glad to see you got on Rob. It was nice meeting you at the car show and we'll probably see ya sometime soon since you live up by us!

Looking forward to seeing that car out on the streets. Take care.

[Extinct86]

I used to work at a shop and whenever we needed machine work done we would take them down the street to Hunter Machine. Its off of 3500 South and about 5100 West. You mentioned this was going to be more of a budget/overhaul type rebuild, you might also want to try NAPA, they have a good machine shop and do a good job.

[Robudda]

Thanks all for the replies and recommendations. I have also had a few off the boards of various locations so the thumbs up that there is more then one place in the Salt Lake area  that people seem to like. After talking to a few places they all seemed pretty close on machining prices, but South Valley Machine 1. was closest to the house 2. really spent the time with me planning what would be a good combo and will keep me on budget. So I dropped off my stuff and will let everyone know how they did.

I will start a engine build thread in the tech section and give some details and how South Valley Machine did with my stuff for future reference, and on how my build goes..

Thanks Again,
Rob

[Batman]

Welcome to the Board!