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guenther Samba All-American

Joined: November 05, 2003 Posts: 125 Location: Between corn and bean fields
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Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:01 pm Post subject: Engines by serrano |
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I keep looking at a 1914 longblock built by Serrano. I did some seaching but couldn't find any info good or bad about his motors. Price looks good but I wanted to know if anyone has had dealings with him. I've looked at building a 1914 myself and I can't do it for that kind of money. Should that concern me?!?!?! Here's link to the ad.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=91994 _________________ OG JHC
Low_Slow wrote: |
I am a homo |
Lee. wrote: |
Whitey is always trying to keep the Tibetans down. |
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auslander Samba Member

Joined: January 07, 2003 Posts: 1836 Location: Heart Of Dixie
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Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 8:20 am Post subject: |
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My friend just bought a turnkey 1600 and its had no problems, it came with a warranty and at a good price. Just call up and talk to Steve he will answer anything you want to know _________________ Zombie
Wandering...Have you found what your looking for?
66 POS Bus
69 Class 11 Beetle
71 Cat-Look Beetle
64 Old Skool Baja
74 "Swamp" Thing
!!! F**k Cancer !!!
Time's Tide will Smother You
"You can't throw a rock in Long Beach without hitting a tweaker" Steve Tucci |
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kekonaiii Samba Member

Joined: December 18, 2002 Posts: 406
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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: Engines by serrano |
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guenther wrote: |
I keep looking at a 1914 longblock built by Serrano. I did some seaching but couldn't find any info good or bad about his motors. Price looks good but I wanted to know if anyone has had dealings with him. I've looked at building a 1914 myself and I can't do it for that kind of money. Should that concern me?!?!?! Here's link to the ad.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=91994 |
Steve is a great guy and always a pleasure to deal with. As far as the motor that is a very good price for a 1915cc. Although I would consider upgrading to a C/W Crank, the springs to High Rev or Dual springs, the flywheel to a lightened one and maybe even some straight cut gears. These things will just enhance the performance of your motor. If you got any questions about what I said you can email me...... |
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nsracing Samba Member

Joined: November 16, 2003 Posts: 9733 Location: NOVA
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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:56 pm Post subject: stock heads.. |
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stock heads are kind of small for a 1915cc. I would get that thing home and start turning that thing into big valves and 9:1 compression.
maybe you could ask him how much for a kit like that and do it yourself.
maybe it will cut the price in half..
just a thought.
ciao. |
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bandress Samba Member
Joined: December 16, 2003 Posts: 170 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 7:40 pm Post subject: |
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I just bought a 1776 and am waiting for it to be delivered (estimated on Wednesday) . He custom built it for me. I started with what he had advertised and made several modifications. |
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myolbug Samba Member

Joined: April 09, 2004 Posts: 776 Location: 3 feet behind my head!
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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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I would also ask to get the rods shot peened and balanced end to end, at least, if not some good I beam rods. Also, you should get it full flowed, as this will only help the motor to last longer. How much more for a deep sump?
Does he offer dynamic balancing? I wonder about this kit because the econo 1915 kit from Scat is:
• NEW Forged piston & cylinder kit – Page 28
• NEW SCAT 4340 chromoly gland nut and heavy-duty washer – Page 24
• NEW cast (Economy) crankshaft – Page 22
• NEW Optional forged (Super Street) crankshaft – Page 21
• NEW SCAT 4340 forged I-Beam (Economy) rods or H-Beam
(Super Street) rods – Page 23
• NEW SCAT performance grind camshaft with gear – please specify
camshaft grind (C20, C25, C35, C45, etc.) – Page 30-31
• NEW SCAT lightweight performance lifters – Page 32
• NEW heavy-duty chromoly pushrods – Page 32
• NEW big bore engine gasket set and silicon rear main seal – Page 11
• NEW heavy-duty oil pump – Page 15
• NEW heavy-duty engine main & standard rod bearing set
All sizes available – please specify main bearing size – Page 19
• NEW heavy-duty camshaft bearing set – Page 31
Scat's price for this is $619 retail, $549 distributor price, so, is he only charging $250 for assembly? Stock heads are about $100 each when ported. I can't understand how he can offer this,esp with an aluminum case.
The above info is from the Scat .pdf from thier website, www.scatvw.com. Email them and they will send you a price list. _________________ "To my mind it is wholly irresponsible to go into the world incapable of preventing violence, injury, crime, and death. How feeble is the mindset to accept defenselessness. How unnatural. How cheap. How cowardly. How pathetic." Ted Nugent
candyman wrote: |
i broke my brain over ten years ago and its still dumb |
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volksguy Samba Member

Joined: November 24, 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Apple Valley, Ca.
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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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Ive had 2 Serranos engines years ago....I never went back there again!
1 was a 1835, other one was a 1776, the 1776 started getting a rod knock after a month of driving it easy, i took it apprart,both heads were cracked between the valves, pistons were not even new,cam was stock which they said was an engle 110,needless to say, it wasnt what was advertised.
Now the 1835,that one was worst,the head studs were leaking (it shoulda had case saers installed),and there cheap ass so called engle 110 cam they installed wasnt even any good, nor was it an engle 110, it was stock.
That engine never ran right due to cam failure i ended up taking it appart and redoing it my self.
BUT that was about 10 years ago now, im not sure how they are now, but i dont think it could be much better for the prices they offer them. _________________ Suck It Easy High Performance Engines |
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RUI FARIA Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2004 Posts: 176 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:08 am Post subject: |
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I have just last month purchased parts that Steve had for sale on this site. I was pleasantly surprised with the prompt and informative service I was given, after a couple of E-mails and a phone call everything was sorted. The items were shipped here to South Africa and arrived on time as promised. I have previously had dealings with other well known companies there in the US and had my fingers burnt. I am currently dealing with Steve for more items I need and I would highly recommend
using his services. |
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vrsechslvr Samba Member

Joined: July 13, 2004 Posts: 217 Location: Los Gatos, CA
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Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 12:54 pm Post subject: |
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Research, research, research! I'm not familiar with Steves work, but that doesn't mean I'll trash the guy either. Just be careful when choosing an engine builder.
Last year I got burned REALLY BAD when I purchased my first motor from Quality German Auto. I did my research and even bought the exact same motor that went into Ryan Price's bug. (VWTrends) 1914cc. I figured hey, if its good enough for VWT then it must be good. WRONG!!
It lasted 5 months after it spun a bearing. After I tore the motor apart, the oil pump was missing teeth and had weld marks on it. They wouldn't accept fault and I was out $1800.
After my incident I went to VW Paradise and had them build me a motor. It was about the same price but it's a 1776. The quality and attention to detail is flawless. I've had it for over a year now and couldn't be happier.
Just be careful what your going to invest in. |
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boomerlazo Samba Member
Joined: July 27, 2004 Posts: 20 Location: sf valley, CA
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Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 3:27 pm Post subject: here is some info that might be helpful. replies from serano |
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Hello,
The 85.5 p/l's are $59.95 and 90.5 is $149.95 Engle 100/110/120 are at 449.95 and a seal kit is $6.00
As for balanced parts which one's are you referring to?
Thanks,
Steve
Hello,
The 85.5 pistons are from cofap. Te 90.5 mahle's are $149.95. The parts are balanced by the mfg but you would still need to have it all balanced as an assembly.
Thanks,
Steve |
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VolksWorld2000 Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2004 Posts: 174 Location: Inglewood, Cali
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:54 pm Post subject: |
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I recently purchased a 1914 from West Auto in Lynwood. NEVER AGAIN!!!!
The engine was extremely hard to start and I finally got it started for it only to run for less than about 10 sec. That engine locked up on me after I stepped on the gas to keep it from shutting off. I'm not telling anyone not to shop at West Auto, I'm just telling my situation. I will never ever ever ever ever ever go that that place again!!!!!!!! :snipersmile: West Auto Repair
I made a serious mistake shopping there  _________________ ________________________________________
*58 Bug,
*68 Karmann Ghia convertible,
and much more to come from this sick addiction.
Last edited by VolksWorld2000 on Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:03 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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auslander Samba Member

Joined: January 07, 2003 Posts: 1836 Location: Heart Of Dixie
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:00 pm Post subject: |
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Damn that sucks, did you get a warranty. I would take that pos back and get my money. _________________ Zombie
Wandering...Have you found what your looking for?
66 POS Bus
69 Class 11 Beetle
71 Cat-Look Beetle
64 Old Skool Baja
74 "Swamp" Thing
!!! F**k Cancer !!!
Time's Tide will Smother You
"You can't throw a rock in Long Beach without hitting a tweaker" Steve Tucci |
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VolksWorld2000 Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2004 Posts: 174 Location: Inglewood, Cali
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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auslander wrote: |
Damn that sucks, did you get a warranty. I would take that pos back and get my money. |
At first they tried to blame me and than they said they'll fix it. My car has been sitting at that place for a while now. _________________ ________________________________________
*58 Bug,
*68 Karmann Ghia convertible,
and much more to come from this sick addiction. |
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65bug Samba Member
Joined: August 06, 2004 Posts: 745
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:32 pm Post subject: |
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Hey,
Build your own if you can! I am a total rookie and everyone on samba has been great! I have also got alot of help from Gene Berg as well.
My motor is not complete yet, but I am getting close. I have the shortblock together and I am looking for a piece of engine tin so I can install my pulley.
I made a few mistakes but corrected them and all is well. YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF!!
Goodluck! |
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Jake Raby Samba Member

Joined: August 23, 2003 Posts: 7433 Location: Aircooled Heaven USA
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:46 pm Post subject: |
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All engine shops are not created equal! _________________ Jake Raby
Raby Engine Development
www.rabyenginedevelopment.com
"I've never given anyone Hell, I just told them the truth and they thought it was Hell" |
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nsracing Samba Member

Joined: November 16, 2003 Posts: 9733 Location: NOVA
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:40 pm Post subject: kick ass builder.. |
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You do not have to be a shop to be kick-ass builder either.
There are many talented builders out there. Many of the shops that have great reputations started out in a home garage.
We should never underestimate what is out there. I have seen work places with nothing but a drill press and a lift and a part washer....and this is called a SHOP?
You just have to make a judgement call on the part of the buyer. Make some effort to see who can do what.
Talk is cheap. My advice is ...be careful.
May the force be with you all.
regards. NSR. |
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fredrico Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2004 Posts: 196 Location: Calif.
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Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:54 pm Post subject: |
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I have 1,600 miles on my new 1776 that Steve built, everything is working great. As someone posted earlier I too started with his base motor and added what I required. I also just received a new set of Weber IDA 40's from Steve as well. Can't wait to install them this weekend, replacing my baby dells 34 frd's. Oh by the way I now have 3 sets of baby dells for sell, plus mainfolds for single or dual port if anyone is interested. So far I am happy with his motor and carbs, his prices are the best out there.
Dennis
Pleasanton, Ca.
1970 Daily Driver in need of More Power and a Paint Job. |
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rivas240sx Samba Member

Joined: January 22, 2005 Posts: 71
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 8:35 pm Post subject: |
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Would never buy from Serrano. I would rather pay more to someone else. Careless customer service. |
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auslander Samba Member

Joined: January 07, 2003 Posts: 1836 Location: Heart Of Dixie
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:47 pm Post subject: |
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I build my own motors, I cant stop thinking of what im building next its an addiction. I've already made a spread sheet of my dream motor its going to be insane _________________ Zombie
Wandering...Have you found what your looking for?
66 POS Bus
69 Class 11 Beetle
71 Cat-Look Beetle
64 Old Skool Baja
74 "Swamp" Thing
!!! F**k Cancer !!!
Time's Tide will Smother You
"You can't throw a rock in Long Beach without hitting a tweaker" Steve Tucci |
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Tkisner Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2004 Posts: 275
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 6:14 am Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Would never buy from Serrano. I would rather pay more to someone else. Careless customer service. |
Steve is a very small operation. He doesn't have many employees. Im sure you can understand how he can be overwhelmed at times with all the orders he gets. Either way his prices are damned cheap. |
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