Experience with ATK Engines

[Mike]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd post a message about my experience with ATK Engines.

About 3.5 months ago I ordered an engine from ATK. I decided to use this company because I heard nothing but good things about their rebuilds. And, they also have a very good record because they actually TEST the engine before it leaves the shop. Good deal.

Anyway, they told me it would be about 4-6 weeks before they would ship it. No problem, that was a little late, but, it gave me sufficient time to remove and prepare the car for the new engine.

When the expiration date showed... no engine. So, I call ATK. Looks like they will need another 4 weeks to get it to me. Damn, I really wanted to get this thing running over the summer. But, ok... looks like I will be shipped off to Australia for business.

6 weeks in Australia... nothing. But, I do receive a call. They need another 2-3 months to get my engine. Crap.

So, now I'm still down an engine and my other Zed isn't getting any closer to a finish line.

Morale of the story.... Looks like ATK is no longer able to get the engine blocks for rebuilds... Unless this is just a phase, look elsewhere.

Hopefully it's just a phase.

[smg1404]

Mike... It seems like (unless they already got your money.) there is plenty of talent to get your engine built on this site... I do not know what you were looking for, but an engine rebuild is a relatively easy job... Provided you have the money.... If your options are open I can tell that there are several people on this site probably more qualified than I to do the job.... But even I could do it without any problem, and get it right... I have rebuilt many engines, the biggest issue is usually money, and time.

[Zvoiture]

Mike, have you checked with Paeco? I am sure they would be very comparable to (the engine company formerly known as) ATK. Also as mentioned above, there are plenty of good Z engine builders on the West Coast. I'm not sure what you are lookin for in terms of performance...and the more liberal your goals, the more builders available, obviously. Just check around with local club members or AutoXers. There are plenty of good engine builders around here, that's for sure.

Check with Paeco.

steve77

[Mike]

I'm more than willing to try someone else. I just decided to go with ATK because they actually test the engine before shipping it out to the customer. I also heard many good things about them. But, alas, I don't think they can get the parts they need for this project.

I'm thinking that this blue baby is probably more work than I have time for... so, I might be getting rid of the car so I can actually work on my yellow beast.

Or, maybe I should gut the 280z 2+2 and sell the parts? It would be a shame because the car is in excellent condition and only has around 70k original miles. It just sat for over 15 years and needs new things.....

[spudz]

Mike,

Are you back in Oregon again ?

If so I can probably put you in touch with

an engine builder with L Motor experience.

I know some of the main guys in NWDE and

also a few racers over your way.

[Mike]

Mike,

Are you back in Oregon again ?

If so I can probably put you in touch with

an engine builder with L Motor experience.

I know some of the main guys in NWDE and

also a few racers over your way.

Yep, I'm back in Oregon trying to recover from timezone drama. (jetlag)

Anyway, I'd love to get in touch with someone who can do this engine for me.

[ZmeFly]

a good friend who i know and is well knowledged with Z's has had nothing but heart ache from them

they will also not gaurentee what they build for you.

that doesnt say much about a company that wont stand behind there own product:finger:

[Zvoiture]

>>>>a good friend who i know and is well knowledged with Z's has had nothing but heart ache from them >>>>

I have heard these rumours too and I have never purchased anything from them. I suggested them because they SEEM to have pretty straightforward pricing and options in their cattledog. I feel they are probably not much more than a large machine shop which has specialized in import engines and turned it into a fairly nation-wide commodity. It's too bad they don't have it right.

steve77