I am giving City Motor Supply a 2-star review, only because management *attempted* to make things…read moreright, but ultimately failed - again.
I recently took a fully-stripped LT1 block and aluminum heads to CMS for their "Stroker Performance Block Prep" and a "valve job" on the heads. What I got in return was a damaged block, covered in cheap paint, and heads now requiring extensive repairs to make them usable again - maybe.
When I dropped off my parts, my "customer service rep" - David - provided very little insight on the process, requirements and expectations of services being provided. When I attempted to show David all of my components in the parking lot, he was quick to respond with: "Let's just go inside."
My request was to line hone, bore and deck the block, along with the CNC machining required to make room for the 400 crank. I also indicated that I was planning to personally put new valves/springs in the heads. Finally, I stated that I wanted everything "cleaned up, true and ready for reassembly."
I was told it would take a couple weeks. OK.
I received a call indicating that my parts were ready for pickup. When I backed my truck up to load the block, it was evident that my custom engine cradle was gone. My freshly prepped block was now wrapped in plastic/cardboard and sitting on a dolly. In order to get the block into my truck, the block was rolled onto the pavement and then lifted by hand. This was FAIL #1.
This is where things take a turn for the worse...
When I returned home, unwrapped the layers of plastic and began inspecting the work performed, I found the following problems:
- THREE of the OEM main cap bolts (for the windage tray) were missing and replaced with random bolts. They used random, 3rd-party bolts to line bore the main caps. BIG FAIL #2.
- The #3 main journal has a protruding nick on the bearing mating surface, preventing the shell from sitting flush. BIG FAIL #3.
- The register on the #4 main cap is LOOSE, allowing you to wiggle the cap by hand. There is no "click" when mating it to the parting line. BIG FAIL #4.
- The heads were not cleaned, carbon still in the bowls, seats re-cut using old guides, inconsistent seat heights, one random guide installed, copper spray paint across the top of the heads, the name "Jeff" written on them in blue marker. FAIL #5.
- THREE of the intake runners have been damaged by over-clamping / ham-handed behavior. FAIL #6.
- The name "Jeff" was on the work order; "Josh" was on the invoice. Whenever David would give me specs, he would call me on the phone.
Did he think he was talking to "Josh" or "Jeff"? FAIL #7.
- The original water pump bearing was not returned. Old parts should ALWAYS be returned to the customer. If this isn't common practice at CMS - it should be. FAIL #8.
- The decking of the block was not machined cleanly. The chamfering on the top of the cylinder bores also varies from side-to-side. Was the block decked more on one side? BIG FAIL #9.
- They painted the block with cheap black paint. This was NOT REQUESTED, nor discussed. FAIL #10.
The block and heads were taken to another shop for inspection. As expected, all cylinders were .002" overbored from what was requested. The new main journals are all line bored beyond factory specifications. Everything is loose AF. The heads will need to be repaired and rebuilt correctly.
I'll never be returning to CMS. Dallas deserves better than this.
If you care about the attention to detail being shown towards your build, you'd be better off spending a few more bucks and looking elsewhere.
If you REALLY want to avoid a headache, just go get a crate motor from Summit, Jeg's, Speedway Motors, Blueprint, ATK or Skip White Performance...basically anywhere else. At least you will get a warranty on the motor.
As a lifetime gear head and a relatively new resident of Dallas, I was hoping to build a relationship with a shop that I could trust to perform the work at a level that portrays pride and craftsmanship. Communication and customer service are just as important as the guys turning the wheels in the back. I found neither at CMS.
Bummer. 2-stars.