All:

Fairly new to the Jaguar world, I am looking for a reputable specialist to do an engine rebuild on my 1966 E-Type FHC. Not looking for a concours resto or "trailer queen", so I've ruled out Classic Jaguar or XKS, but I do know it's not going to be cheap, so that's not a concern.

I am in NJ, looking for someone (relatively) close. I know Bassett is in RI, but are there any noted specialist in NY or NJ that anyone can recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Rich
___________________
'66 Jaguar E-Type FHC, numbers matching, 4spd
'72 240Z, numbers matching, 5spd
'67 Honda CL77 305 Scrambler

Submitted by rdefabri@gmail.com on Tue, 12/01/2009 - 17:44

Can't believe it's been almost 4 years since I've posted this! To let everyone know, I ended up going with Terry Lippincott, and I can tell you he was awesome to work with. Got the work done quick, totally honest and within my (meager) budget.

Don't get me wrong, my car still needs a lot of work, but Terry made it safe and driveable - he did a ton of work and told me what I need to watch for, what should be done next, etc.

He estimated my car was sitting for over 20 years. I picked up the car from his shop over the weekend and drove it 120 miles home, no problem whatsoever. Great oil pressure, no overheating (thanks to that new radiator he put in), drove like a champ.

I hope to do things on my own here and there, but there is some major work I'll need to consider doing, but for now I can enjoy the car!!

Submitted by lrschmidlap@aol.com on Fri, 04/07/2006 - 21:59

we had a very bad experience with the matetskys about 5 years ago wherein we felt our lives to have been endangered by their diagnosis of our soon to be purchased exke.it cost us 3,000 in repairs one highway breakdown over a 8 dollar part.we have yet to re-join a club -they were recommended by same-once trust is gone it is hard to recover.i do hope your experience will be better than ours,which was a nightmare. lenny-73 ots xke

Submitted by jrlnj@optonline.net on Tue, 03/07/2006 - 12:57

Rich: Either shop can recommend a towing service, which would be at your expense. Maybe a good way to start is to speak to all the shops you are considering, and ask for a ballpark figure to rebuild the motor. Then decide? Ray Lynch
67 OTS

Submitted by rdefabri@gmail.com on Mon, 03/06/2006 - 22:16

Ray,

Awesome, that's good to know. Reading, PA is a bit far (I went to the Keystone Nationals back in the late 80's!), but Motorcraft is close enough to get to. My only other concern is towing it there. Do any of these shops offer a service like that?

RIch

I did see the E-Type list...in fact, I bought my "E" from it!
1966 Jaguar E-Type FHC
1972 Datsun 240Z
1967 Honda CL77 Scrambler

Submitted by jrlnj@optonline.net on Mon, 03/06/2006 - 17:55

Rich: If you haven't found a good shop in NJ, I can recommend two.
Motorcraft is located in East Rutherford, operated by the Maletsky family, who have been very active in the JTC, for a long time.
The other is in PA: Terry Lippincott (610) 678 6775, near Reading PA.
That might seem a long distance to travel, but several guys I know bring their cars to Terry from NJ. And we are very happy with his work.
Have you found the E-type List? e-typeatjag-lovers.org. It should be helpful to you. Ray Lynch
67 OTS

Submitted by teg9222@comcast.net on Wed, 02/08/2006 - 16:59

Rich; Certainly it helps if you have an extra/spare bathroom for Stuart and no, you do not have to provide meals. We did provide some meals because Stuart is a very interesting guy to talk with and knows so much about Jags. He has invited us to stay with him when we visit England later this month. The rebuild can include carbs IF you provide the rebuild kits, he will install them and buff the carb bodies. I changed my series 2 XKE to a three carb set up and already had the carbs rebuilt and ready to bolt on. The engine rebuild price included, bearings, pistons, new valves,rings, bolied out the block, machined the head, new oil pump, motor mounts, all seals, new clutch parts, painted all engine surfaces, etc. (I'm sure i've forgotten a lot). Stuart even tweaked my front torsion bars and installed some new brake parts for me. Stuart advertises in Hemmings, but is easiest to reach by e-mail at infoatmeldoncottages.co.uk
Write me with any other questions; see attached photo of Stuart at work, Dan

Submitted by rdefabri@gmail.com on Wed, 02/08/2006 - 09:54

Dan,

Wow! That's interesting! I actually could accomodate that, but my wife and kids might not like someone using the bathroom.

Out of curiosity, did you have to provide meals?

That price is very reasonable, about the same it would cost me to rebuild my 240Z motor. When he did your rebuild, did that include carbs as well or just the long block?
________________________
1966 Jaguar E-Type FHC
1972 Datsun 240Z
1967 Honda CL77 Scrambler

Submitted by teg9222@comcast.net on Tue, 02/07/2006 - 19:05

Rich; I had Crow Engineering re-build my XKE engine. Stuart Plant is the company owner. He comes over here from England for 6 months per year. He comes to your garage and re-builds your engine He reqiures a garage with elsctricity, and a bathroom with a shower. He brings an apprentice and he has a really well used (ugly) truck which is his shop on wheels. I found out about him from another satisfied customer. He rebuilt my XKE rear suspension two years ago, and I had him back in October 2005 to do the engine. He charges about $5500.00 for the rebuild, and takes about a week. He sleeps in his truck and has plenty of experience to do a great job. He usually flies into and out of Baltimore and he has rebuilt engines in 38 states. He will return in April. I highly recommend Stuart.Write to me if you want more info. I resently own a 1970 E-Type Coupe and a 1997 XK8 Coupe. Dan Meyers in Pittsburgh; home of the Steelers!