Who sells rebuilt 1608 short blocks?

[ScoopMan]

With IAP gone, I was wondering if anyone knows who sells rebuilt 1608 short blocks these days. Vick's lists a shortblock for the 1995 only, though they do list 1608 long blocks, but they are expensive. I might call them to see if they can do the 1608. I am assuming that the Vick motors should be OK, but from what I have read here, not everyone likes the pistons they use. I was wondering if anyone knows any other reputable vendors.

Reason I ask, is that I am about to buy a 1971 Spider with a very decent body but a cooked motor. I am pretty sure it ran without oil, as compression is low, power is nil and it sounds terrible, especially when under load, so I assume everything below the cylinder head is fried, pistons, rings and bearings. I did not know the motor was bad when I went out to look at it, the seller claimed it was fine, but I sure found out when I got there. As a result, I am picking it up for a very good price, but I was not really planning on a big project. I do not want to get into a total part-by-part rebuild of the original engine, for all I know I would need to replace all the internals anyway. I would rather hope to fine a decent complete engine, lightly used, and just swap it in. Used engines are listed out there, but it seems like a crapshoot to get a good one. Failing that I would like to get a rebuilt short block and reuse the original cylinder head, following a valve job, of course. That would be much more economical than a rebuilt long block for $5200... Ouch.

[narfire]

Where about's are you?
I have a 1600 sitting in my parts car you can have cheap. I'd re-build the thing before putting it in a car though.
I'm near Penticton BC and have a shop here with a hoist and engine lift you can use to get the thing out.
Chris

[ScoopMan]

Thanks for your reply narfire, but I would have a ways to get to you from here in Connecticut! For all the major PITA it is to pull an engine and put it back, I would not want to waste this time on a motor that has seen its better days. I would want something pretty fresh, if not completely fresh, but I do not want to do a total teardown and rebuild myself to do it. I would probably die of old age before finishing... Anyway if I was to have someone do the rebuild for me, I already have the lump. Of course I could find out that the crank and rods are toast. The pistons probably are.

[Exit98]

Scoop,

Get hold of Danny at Fun Imports. He is an excellent source for all of us and will be able to help you out.

http://www.funimported.com/

[ScoopMan]

Holy smokes Exit, I just got off the phone with Danny, and he is awesome! I can't believe I did not know about him already, as I have had my 1979 for 5 years. Thanks so much for that tip!