lakebound1
New Member
I have a 03 gti rfi with a 800 in it that needs rebuilt and cylinders resleeved. Was going to use Sbt and buy a short block, but they have a bad rep through my local dealerships. What do you guys think? Thanks
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sbt short block engines
- Thread starter lakebound1
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SabrToothSqrl
Well-Known Member
did they give specifics? I don't want to further a falsehood...
There are
SES (I've used for 3 engines, satisfied).
FullBore
SBT
ebay
Am I missing any?
There are
SES (I've used for 3 engines, satisfied).
FullBore
SBT
ebay
Am I missing any?
KCB 850
Member
Recently I needed to replace the engine in my GTX and did not have the time to do it myself. I ordered an SBT short block. 2 days later it has at my house. I just finished the break in period and couldn't be happier with the engine.
Now as far as " local dealerships and repair shops" and their opinions on quality of engine rebuilding and repair. I have long ago realized that everyone of them is the best(in their own minds) and everyone else is Sh@t. I put little value in their opinions as they are self serving opinions. Unless the local shops could meet the prices and the delivery time of the quality internet based rebuilders mentioned above I would look elsewhere.
Google is your friend.
Robert
Now as far as " local dealerships and repair shops" and their opinions on quality of engine rebuilding and repair. I have long ago realized that everyone of them is the best(in their own minds) and everyone else is Sh@t. I put little value in their opinions as they are self serving opinions. Unless the local shops could meet the prices and the delivery time of the quality internet based rebuilders mentioned above I would look elsewhere.
Google is your friend.
Robert
Spimothy Leary
Well-Known Member
yes... your local mechanic/shop
and
the Dealer,
but seriously, why on earth would the dealer say to buy an SBT product for 30% of what they would charge ? Of course they're going to say "stay away from SBT" But i'd be curious what the dealers quote would be to replace the engine themselves, i'm guessing $3,000 minimum.
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Guest_User
New Member
I have 2 SBT 787`s in the boat now. and I can say that their customer service is excellent! whatever quirks I`ve encountered, they were right on it and sent out the replacement parts right away!
keep in mind that the rebuilds from SBT are what was sent back in as cores or sourced parts. They are checked and spec`d and rebuilt/assembled with their parts.
A few bad RAVE housings snuck past their inspections, one leaked oil, and one was starting to heat up the exhaust valve piston pretty good. SBT made good and immediately sent out the replacement parts.
in some cases if your engine is in very good shape with little to no salt water damage, or freezing, or whatever,,, if you can do the work yourself, then it is a cost effective solution and you know what you have. if you are at the mercy of a shop, then anything can happen given the reputation of that shop...
I have always rebuilt all my own engines/trans/rears/suspensions/auto`s/trucks/vans/tractors/ski`s and boats etc etc, but for me SBT was a cost effective quick solution to replace what I had in this "used" " turnkey" boat and get us back on the water so we can ride.
In plain terms: Of course the owner would need to install the SBT reman properly, and yet their no fault warranty covers bone head mistakes...
If you buy an engine from a shop, and you miss something it`s on you.
so far so good, I understand when things gets missed or are just barely in spec, but so far SBT`s customer care in on their game...
I had to provide 2 good core cylinders bc the previous owner only wiped the seats down with armor all, that was his way of saying he took care of the boat... so it would have taken me much longer to source good used parts and lay everything out for the rebuild, and machine shop costs, and my time, so for now, it was a win win...
Good luck in whatever you choose!
keep in mind that the rebuilds from SBT are what was sent back in as cores or sourced parts. They are checked and spec`d and rebuilt/assembled with their parts.
A few bad RAVE housings snuck past their inspections, one leaked oil, and one was starting to heat up the exhaust valve piston pretty good. SBT made good and immediately sent out the replacement parts.
in some cases if your engine is in very good shape with little to no salt water damage, or freezing, or whatever,,, if you can do the work yourself, then it is a cost effective solution and you know what you have. if you are at the mercy of a shop, then anything can happen given the reputation of that shop...
I have always rebuilt all my own engines/trans/rears/suspensions/auto`s/trucks/vans/tractors/ski`s and boats etc etc, but for me SBT was a cost effective quick solution to replace what I had in this "used" " turnkey" boat and get us back on the water so we can ride.
In plain terms: Of course the owner would need to install the SBT reman properly, and yet their no fault warranty covers bone head mistakes...
If you buy an engine from a shop, and you miss something it`s on you.
so far so good, I understand when things gets missed or are just barely in spec, but so far SBT`s customer care in on their game...
I had to provide 2 good core cylinders bc the previous owner only wiped the seats down with armor all, that was his way of saying he took care of the boat... so it would have taken me much longer to source good used parts and lay everything out for the rebuild, and machine shop costs, and my time, so for now, it was a win win...
Good luck in whatever you choose!
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Guest_User
New Member
I`ve had the same screen name for years on many auto/truck/ski forums, but mazda speed wasn`t one of them.
Thumper3322
Active Member
I have mine for over 3 Weeks now, running great!
over the years i have has several SBT engines and they are all still running strong today. I had to replace the 04 gti rfi back in 2009 and the thing is still kicking like the day we unpacked it. SBT has been a great company to do business with and i have found the tech support to be excellent.
Here's my opinion...Nothing is going to beat a complete rebuild using OEM parts. Thats all there is too it. Finding a local guy with a good reputation specializing in 2 stroke motors.
With that said....SBT is a good option...esp with smaller displacement motors. You can NEVER knock their customer service, and there is no having your motor all riding season BS like with SES. You also cannot beat their guarantee...again b/c you will not have much downtime due to them not needing your motor, they will just ship another one.
Problems I have with their rebuilds: They use chinese bearings. In 951s the crank bearings are so under engineered you need the BEST bearings for a chance at a long running motor. I have also seen multiple pictures of cylinders that they put new sleeves in that were not centered well which will again make you loose even more HP. Also, they cut heads to lower compression just to try to keep it running longer. That means less HP. Also in 787s you dont know which crank end you are going to get back...and the newer style pump shaft is prone to breaking, disabling the pump.
One other thing with SBT no one brings up....you are paying shipping if there is a problem and need an exchange. I am unsure if they reimburse once they get to inspect it, but I know you will be out of pocket about $250 if you do have an issue.
Personally with all the issues people have had with broken promises and missing parts with SES they would be my last resort. Its obvious they do quality work from the people that have chimed in, but thats only part of business. The other part is customer service...and I do not support companies that feel the need to tell you what you want to hear to bring in your business. If its going to be 3 months tell me its going to be 3 months so I can plan accordingly.
With that said....SBT is a good option...esp with smaller displacement motors. You can NEVER knock their customer service, and there is no having your motor all riding season BS like with SES. You also cannot beat their guarantee...again b/c you will not have much downtime due to them not needing your motor, they will just ship another one.
Problems I have with their rebuilds: They use chinese bearings. In 951s the crank bearings are so under engineered you need the BEST bearings for a chance at a long running motor. I have also seen multiple pictures of cylinders that they put new sleeves in that were not centered well which will again make you loose even more HP. Also, they cut heads to lower compression just to try to keep it running longer. That means less HP. Also in 787s you dont know which crank end you are going to get back...and the newer style pump shaft is prone to breaking, disabling the pump.
One other thing with SBT no one brings up....you are paying shipping if there is a problem and need an exchange. I am unsure if they reimburse once they get to inspect it, but I know you will be out of pocket about $250 if you do have an issue.
Personally with all the issues people have had with broken promises and missing parts with SES they would be my last resort. Its obvious they do quality work from the people that have chimed in, but thats only part of business. The other part is customer service...and I do not support companies that feel the need to tell you what you want to hear to bring in your business. If its going to be 3 months tell me its going to be 3 months so I can plan accordingly.
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