Gilbert Engine Rebuilds

I had SAM machine/repair heads and a block from a dexcool ravaged 3.1 with over 200k on it. I got the completed heads along with the block, crank camshaft master rebuild kit and went to work assembling my engine. During the assembly process I ran into a few snags with fitting the camshaft as well as one exhaust stud hole repair that got overlooked on one head and they went out of their way to take care of me. Having installed my completed engine, I ran it through the break-in and became concerned with some smoking at start up. It was heavy at first but it seemed to do better and better so I let my wife drive it to work and she reported that she hadn't noticed any smoking at start up but after the first oil change I noticed that it was still smoking at start up so I gave SAM a few calls but got no answer. I decided to have a look myself yesterday so I pulled the plugs - they all had oil/carbon on them to varying degrees so I pulled the valve covers/rockers and using a cyl pressure differential tester to pressurize the cyls I pulled the spring from cyl 1 exhaust valve and found... NO SEAL. As I continued, I found almost EVERY seal on the remaining valves, all the way to cyl. 6, ripped. (See included pictures) Never in my life have I received completed heads from a machine shop that weren't ready to install an run in every aspect - I didn't even occur to me that I I should have to check something like that. So far, the machine work seems to have been spot on and top-notch but I can't even begin to describe my disappointment here. While it did occur to me to seek resolution through Stamps, I considered two things, 1. I was already into it. 2. Considering the kind of mistake, I wasn't excited about trusting anyone else to make this repair - this happened to me, an experienced and tooled technician but good god man, if I would have had to rely on them to fix this?... I mean, I've spent a long time in the business and I've made a few mistakes myself. It happens - no one is perfect but C'mon, valve seals? It runs great and I appreciate SAMs exceptional machine work but I can only give 3 stars - wish it could have been 5 stars.

I've been building project cars off and on for 60 years throughout the USA. Having dealt with many machine shops over the years I think I am a pretty good judge of their capabilities. The staff at Stamps really impressed me with their knowledge and the quality of work they did for me. I recommend Stamps without reservation as a superior automotive machine shop.

Had the head of my rb20det done here, not only is it an uncommon motor in the states but the turn around time was amazing and runs great. Quality work at an affordable price.

After getting a quote from another local shop to press out and install new wheel bearings for $250, i called around and finally spoke to John on the phone. He was very friendly and was happy to help, with a much more reasonable price point. I was able to bring it down without an appointment, and they got it done quick! He also gave me some good advice on how to finish the job I was working on. I'll be back!

These guys are great. They did solid work on my engine rebuild, I wanted to learn some things myself and they walked me through everything! Never tried to up sell me or overcharge me. Quality place all around, I’ll be coming back for sure.

Needed a Dual Mass Flywheel resurfaced. The shop didn’t hesitate, in fact it was done super quickly. I was in and out in the same timeframe from when I dropped off the part. The guys in the front are also extremely nice and attentive towards their customers. Highly recommended auto/machine shop!!

Friendly and on time

Hands down the best machine shop in the valley. Justin was very professional and answered all my questions regarding my build. The turn around time was very impressive as well and very reasonably priced. I’m a customer for life. Thanks guys see you again with my next build.

Bring it your auto machine work here. You won't be sorry.

Excellent work is done here. Can’t say anything more than very clean shop, and they do performance work as well. Can get anything that is needed from a a basic rebuild to a full on race motor and everything in between.