TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:04 pm

I need to find a reputable VW engine builder here in San Diego. Anyone out there have some suggestions?? let me know . Thanks!

Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:02 pm

VW Paradise in San Marcos.

Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:33 pm

Try Art over at ACE http://www.aircooledengineering.com/
I know they are not in San Diego, but are one of the best in the business and you can't go wrong there.

Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:34 pm

Therre must be a dozen good builders withing driving distance.

But Art built my engine and I can't say enough good things about the experience.

Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:38 pm

Glenn wrote: Therre must be a dozen good builders withing driving distance.

But Art built my engine and I can't say enough good things about the experience.

They will be building mine as well. I have been to several VW shops ( AZ, CA and UT) during my military days and his shop is 100% hands down the best. The quality and attention to detail is top notch.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:32 pm

thanks alot for the heads up on the ACE shop. I wish I was closer to Salt Lake. that place looks seriously skilled.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:35 pm

SAW wrote: thanks alot for the heads up on the ACE shop. I wish I was closer to Salt Lake. that place looks seriously skilled.
Art ships using UPS Freight. It cost me $200 to ship a long block from SLC to Long Island.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:38 pm

SAW wrote: thanks alot for the heads up on the ACE shop. I wish I was closer to Salt Lake. that place looks seriously skilled.

The internet, phone and shipping makes you as close as you want to be. :)
Honestly, you can not go wrong with an ACE built motor.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:09 pm

Why have it shipped when you have one of the best engine builders right there at your finger tips, down the road in Orange County, DRD another great engine builder does everything in house, why go out of state. :roll:

Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:13 pm

CJG wrote: Why have it shipped when you have one of the best engine builders right there at your finger tips, down the road in Orange County, DRD another great engine builder does everything in house, why go out of state. :roll:

DRD makes some nice stuff. However after seeing all the resent reviews and posts about people waiting 2-9 months it made me nervous.
The saying is perfection takes time, but not that much time.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:21 pm

Why not VW Paradise then,they do great work and do everything in house also.

Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:34 pm

VW Paradise is good, they are located in San Marcos.
I got my engine from Kline VW repair, and they are in east county in Lake Side. I have gotten two engines from Kline and my buddy did also. My buddy's car is a daily driver, and he has put over 20K miles in driving it these two past years. They have good prices. Search the name on google maps and it will give you all the info. Check out his shop and everything that he has and talk to him. He's a nice guy and has very good service. After installing your engine, he will tune it for you and also provides warranty.

Sat Mar 01, 2008 2:24 pm

DO NOT use Vw Paradise.

They are on the low end when it comes to customer service and they are on the pricey side.

Sat Mar 01, 2008 3:44 pm

ArtistAntonio wrote: DO NOT use Vw Paradise.

They are on the low end when it comes to customer service and they are on the pricey side.

I have heard that as well.

Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:54 pm

On a related San Diego question: I'll be in San Diego next week. Are there any local car meets, drive-ins, etc?

Thanks!

Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:56 pm

SLC62Ragtop wrote: CJG wrote: Why have it shipped when you have one of the best engine builders right there at your finger tips, down the road in Orange County, DRD another great engine builder does everything in house, why go out of state. :roll:

DRD makes some nice stuff. However after seeing all the resent reviews and posts about people waiting 2-9 months it made me nervous.
The saying is perfection takes time, but not that much time.
My friend got a DRD 2276 in just a few months. Darren did a great job.... it's a beast.

Sat Mar 01, 2008 6:20 pm

Glenn wrote: SLC62Ragtop wrote: CJG wrote: Why have it shipped when you have one of the best engine builders right there at your finger tips, down the road in Orange County, DRD another great engine builder does everything in house, why go out of state. :roll:

DRD makes some nice stuff. However after seeing all the resent reviews and posts about people waiting 2-9 months it made me nervous.
The saying is perfection takes time, but not that much time.
My friend got a DRD 2276 in just a few months. Darren did a great job.... it's a beast.

I agree with you on how their stuff performs. I had a buddy that was in the military with me that had a 2276 from them that ripped. It took almost 5 months to get though and there seems to be more and more people postng about how long it takes while others seem to get things fast. For me that makes me uncomfortable because my money spends the same as anyone elses.

Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:49 am

5 months of agony :twisted: thats too long.hope darren can reduce that agony. :wink:

Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:49 am

Here is someone steve tims (909) 689-7475 call and talk to them honestfair and good work. :roll:

Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:27 am

i know this thread is a litle old but and i recently took my aluminum case to kline vw in lakeside and asked them to clearance the case for a 82 crank, 94 pistons, gusset the roof on top of #3 and #1 cylinders, and fill in behind #3. well the wedl job was completely horrible :!: they were cold welds that looked like bubble gum and some sections they had huge gaps and totally missed te case and just welded the gussets. now as far as the clearanceing they had almost a 1/4 gap from the smallest clearance from the rod to the roof of the case which in turn caused 3 holes on the roof of the case :evil: they tried to patch 1 hole by welding this huge gob of weld on it. now they gave it back to me like this not seeing the other 2 holes :!: :!: :!: i put the case halves together and measured a 32 thousandths gap in between :shock: needless to say i gave up on that case. i can say he was understanding and a good person but i ended up leaving a NEW alum. case and walked out with a USED as21 case and a $300 refund. so for anybody looking for machine work in so. cal. i would suggest you stick with best and think twice on kline for any machine work.