Best Engine Builder

[Toadz400]

Who would you say is the best engine builder with the best customer service?

I'm saving up money and making plans for when my 400 and Banshee are sold to get a 450, and I plan on going the whole nine yards in the engine and suspension department. I like planning ahead and this helps me get everything situated for when the time comes to actually send in the engine and get everything right the first time.

Also who would you say has the best suspension components? I plan on staying away from PEP, they sound like a pretty bad company to deal with because of the horrible turn around times.

Any links would be of great appreciation too. Thanks in advance.

- Neal

[Chanman420q]

id say GT thunder will have the best turn around time and customer service. The guy will email u back within 20 mins so that has to mean something.

and as far as suspention if you dont want pep, go elka definitly. im goin bakc and forth between selling my peps and getting elkas. but i dont think the wait for them is that bad anymore, there not as popular, and the turn around time for servicing them is no more than 2 weeks so dont worry about that

[roostin_dale]

Curtis Sparks is the best builder but their turn around time sucks.

As for shocks, Elka's are the best:)

[04'400ex'er]

PEP's would be the shocks of my choice. Elka's would definatly be the choice if you do not perfer PEP's turnaround. As for engine builders, Sparks will build you a great motor, TC will build you a great motor, but both will have a long turnaround time. GT Thunder is becoming more and more popular because of their cheeper prices, better coustimer service, and quicker turnaround time.

[jb500ex]

fst
watch his 500ex and his 500r

[Toadz400]

Awesome, thanks guys for the quick replies.

Anyone else got anything to say?

I'm definately going with Elkas for shocks.

This would make a great sticky maybe if more people replied and explained their opinion.

Also could everyone give website links. Does GT Thunder even have a website? I think I've been there but there's practically nothing on the site, so I guess I'd have to be calling the guy right?

[TC426EX]

You know I say that TC is the best engine builder, but GT Thunder does the best work for the fastest turnaround time. For MX, TC is the shiznit...

[jedman]

You are doing and asking the same questions I asked when I chose to go with a 416. I chose GThunder due to the great compliments that they got and the closeness of his shop in relation to where I am from. I was not disappointed at all. He did a great job and his help with right components was excellent. I am very pleased with his work, price, turn around time and customer support.

[quadmx7]

im going to say mark baldwin althought TC and sparks a great too. mark helped me sort out all the problems.

[tinner]

GT Thunder has my vote. Honest and straight forward. They will get my business again.

[bradley300]

gthunder is def. the best

www.gthunder.com you will have to call to ask about what he can do for your specific motor, he's not the kind of business that will sell you a cookie cutter motor package, he's going to want the motor right for you the first time

[BIGRED400]

Dyno's don't lie:D

[shaneb]

FDO of course ....

They get the most power out of the 400ex ... I know they have also done some work on the crf450 and yfz450

[bradley300]

Originally posted by shaneb
FDO of course ....

They get the most power out of the 400ex ... I know they have also done some work on the crf450 and yfz450

getting the most power out of a motor dosent mean they are the best- what about reliabilty, customer service, turn around time and price?

gthunder all the way, www.gthunder.com

[BIGRED400]

What he said

[Chef]

Originally posted by shaneb
FDO of course ....

They get the most power out of the 400ex

I disagree. :p

[sparkplug300ex]

my opinion go with works shocks and fst

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by sparkplug300ex
my opinion go with works shocks and fst

I have Works on my 400, I'm not disappointed with them...but they aren't as great as Elkas, so I'm definately going with Elkas the next time.

Sounds like when it comes time to do my engine and suspension done, I'll be going with GT Thunder and Elka.

[NacsMXer]

You won't be disappointed in the slightest bit. The 450 stroker he built for me absolutely rips. Youll be able to hang with TRXs and YFZs all day if you opt for Laz's 450 kit. Turn around time and customer service was absolutely top notch. ;)

[SW00P_G]

Like the GTThunder website is something to brag about :rolleyes:


But they do make the best exhaust hands down. I am picking up my 400ex from FDO tommorrow night. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

[RAPTORAZ]

The fastest Honda's at last years Four Stroke Wars in Glamis were built by FDO, Kenz, and Sparks. I'd personally go with Kenz. Mosty because he's in AZ, and I know his work. But FDO is definately THE best 400EX builder.

[shaneb]

You can not beat the customer service from FDO either !!!!!


Plus FDO is still pushing the envelope for the 400ex ... I know he is working on a 518 !!!! and some other things ....

Shane

[Crashmore 22]

I have a Duncan Racing 440 national kit w? 12:1 comp and it is the most reliable engine that I have ever owned. Kevi is also a super good customer service person. And don't forget about axis in the shock wars, I love mine.

[Toadz400]

My mind is drawing a blank right now, but what does FDO stand for?

Is there a site for it?

[ranger400ex]

GT thunder...Laz is the man, straight forward, no pushy sales, awesome work, and the man actually gets out of his shop to come to the races, meet riders, talk, offer ideas, and help in anyway he can. If it is a Cdale...call Diamond Racing, anything else and Laz will make it shine!!!


Ben

[cals400ex]

Originally posted by Toadz400
My mind is drawing a blank right now, but what does FDO stand for?

Is there a site for it?


For Dirt Only

i am not sure if they have a site.

[400ex men]

Curtis Sparks

[jokerman_28]

i'm with him ^ ^^
curtis sparks-- engine builder of the year not to long ago

[Chef]

Well...the tranny couldnt stand up to it anymore and the input shaft on my clutch broke off on thursday. I think 3rd gear might have broke too but im not sure. The clutch hit me right in the leg. Blew itself out of hte side case.

I need a new center case and a Hinson quick change cover...whos got some? :blah:

[Meek]

Originally posted by ranger400ex
GT thunder...Laz is the man, straight forward, no pushy sales, awesome work, and the man actually gets out of his shop to come to the races, meet riders, talk, offer ideas, and help in anyway he can.
Ben

Most of the people on EXRIDERS know me, and know that I normally do not agree with Ben on anything.

This time I will have to agree with him, Laz is a super nice guy and great to talk to. When I talked to him about having some motor work done, Laz asked me what I wanted done which was a big difference than other builders that I have talked to. Plus he was highly recommended by several pro riders.

[ranger400ex]

I LUV U MAN!!!:D

[Meek]

Originally posted by ranger400ex
I LUV U MAN!!!:D

I don't go that way.

[rowlrag]

Originally posted by Meek
Most of the people on EXRIDERS know me, and know that I normally do not agree with Ben on anything.

This time I will have to agree with him, Laz is a super nice guy and great to talk to. When I talked to him about having some motor work done, Laz asked me what I wanted done which was a big difference than other builders that I have talked to. Plus he was highly recommended by several pro riders.
He builds Johnny C, Bill Ballance and Brandon Ballance I know of. Don't think the've had any problems.

[roostin_dale]

Im not sure if it was my fault or sparks. But my sparks engine is about a year old and the rod just blew through the case, its trashed now...:(