Parts are starting to arrive. Still probably 2-3weeks on machine work though :mur:
But I thought I would update with what engine kit I got and my experience with them.
I did decide to order from abilene machine. They had a deal going on for free shipping if ordered before noon on 1/31/15. So I called and ordered that morning after dropping off the block, crank, and head at the shop. One of the things I asked was what brand they carried. They sell both reliance and advantage kits, but unsure which one would actually be sent to me. Thus my asking earlier.
I called the S. Carolina store as the hedquarters wasnt open when I was ready to order, and wanted to get to bed (nightshift).To my surprise, the prices he gave me were even cheaper than online. The major overhaul (out of frame) kit was $427, and to add the valve kit was $72, so a total of ~$500. No one else was even close for a full kit with bearings and valvetrain stuff + shipping.
Also had to order a cam and lifters as mine were pretty bad, and worn through the parkerized finish. Wanted a second opinion from the machine shop and they agreed to replace cam and lifters. Was seeing cam+lifters online for anywhere from $150-$200 online. So I inquired with abilene machine and they were ~$138 for the kit. So I ordered that too.
So far all parts have arrived except the cam/lifters, and so far everything is marked reliance with the exception of the cam bearings, which where just in little plastic protectors that had a part number but otherwise unmarked. So far so go.
But the issues, and reasons why I would be unsure if I'll order there again:
Monday morning I saw a CC pending charge for an even $700. (Should be $638 or so). I call to inquire. Was informed that the order hasnt processed yet, thats just a pre-approval and the amount will be correct when finished. But the guy was unable to open the order to verify because someone else in the "system" had the ticket open. I was advised to call the HQ in KS to confirm. Didnt have time, had to sleep and all. Yesterday evening I checked, The $700 was indeed a pre-authorization amount, but the final amount posted for $668 instead of $638. By this time in the PM the SC store was closed so I called HQ in KS. They charged me freight on one of the boxes but they couldnt do anything I would have to call SC store back. Which I will do here shortly. Just a big hassle.
Second issue, and probably even more annoying, this stuff wasnt supposed to be shipped to me. We dont have a machine shop on every corner, and even fewer good ones. So, needless to say they are an hour away. The plan was to just send them the stuff so they can properly size pistons to bore, install cam bearings for me, and check out valve to guide clearance and re-work if necessary. So that cost me an unnecessary 2-hour round trip to drop the parts off.
May seem like minor issues, and I am sure this will all get resolved, but does kinda leave a bad taste in my mouth for my first time doing business with them.
But kinda hard to take to the shop.