iowa's ltx's

**QC97Z** · 12-16-2009, 05:25 PM

It's awesome how many are close to the Quad Cities or in the QC. I saw Davenport, Moline, Colona, Camanche...I'm in Davenport/Moline. Working on a 396 build soon, getting estimates from shops right now, Speed INC and locals as well. Anyone know anything about Dirt Tamers in DeWitt?
BTW...if anyone's interested in helping swap a whole drivetrain this summer, let me know

**Noah's95z28** · 12-16-2009, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by QC97Z

It's awesome how many are close to the Quad Cities or in the QC. I saw Davenport, Moline, Colona, Camanche...I'm in Davenport/Moline. Working on a 396 build soon, getting estimates from shops right now, Speed INC and locals as well. Anyone know anything about Dirt Tamers in DeWitt?
BTW...if anyone's interested in helping swap a whole drivetrain this summer, let me know

Hey man hows it going? I take it you will be building that block I sold you? As far as dirt tamers go, I will be taking my heads over there in a few months to have redone. A couple of friends take there engines over there to have machined and built for the rear and front engine dragsters. They both swear by them.
When I get my heads done I could let you know how it goes if you want?

**QC97Z** · 12-19-2009, 12:05 PM

Sure, let me know how things go. If you get a chance to get a walk-through tour of the shop, I'm curious about the overall organization, cleanliness, their machinery (CNC controlled or not, if it looks old and beat down, etc). I went to Stealy and American Speed for estimates. Stealy was clean, organized, and had some fairly newer machinery (non-cnc). Estimate for my complete shortblock was $3900. American speed was filthy, had old machines, and so disorganized, I'm surprised anyone can find anything there. Their estimate was $3000, and they expressed some concern with clearancing the block for a 396, mainly the fact that the LT1 castings are thinner than standard SBC. But they know their shit. So, I'm a bit torn between them. $900 is a lot of wiggle room, but I'm feeling like it's a toss-up. I have a few months to decide...got to raise a LOT of money...
Oh...and BTW...yep, it's the block you sold me. It will be on crazy steroids when its resurrected

**jakesz28** · 12-20-2009, 12:21 AM

Stealy's does good work. The only problem I know of is Jeff has some health problems which might effect how quick assembly work is done. But he won't send junk out. American Speed did a less then expected job on a friend of mines olds. combo a while back. I think they got rid of an employee that might have worked on that motor. It seems that they mainly have repeat customers anymore. So if they keep coming back they must be happy.

**marc97taws6** · 12-21-2009, 06:27 PM

I think we all need to go to Cedar Falls 1/4 or Newton sometime this Spring/Summer

or like I said for some of you fast cruisers come down to Des Moines for the loop and we can take our cars out to eat for some "rice" and chat and hang out and whatnot.

Let me know how many of you would be interested in doing something like this