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American & Import Automotive
15701 E Warren Ave
Detroit, MI 48224
(313) 882-4200

Requested a quote form a 2004 Disco 2 rebuild with install:

Remove & Install and Overhaul Engine Assembly
The following components are replaced as part of the manufacturing process:

•New Pistons
•New Rings
•New Timing Components
•New Freeze Plugs
•New Installer Gasket Set
•New Main Bearings
•New Rod Bearings
•New Cam Bearings
•New or Reground Cam Shaft
•New Push Rods
•New Hydraulic Lifters
•New Oil Pump
•Re-machined Block, Crank Shaft, Connecting Rods and Cylinder Heads
$1299. plus tax 3 year warranty

Info from Manta:
American & Import Automotive in Detroit, MI is a private company categorized under Car Repair and Service. Our records show it was established in 1951 and incorporated in Michigan. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of $500,000 to $1 million and employs a staff of approximately 5 to 9.

Having a hard time believing this is possible. If it sounds too good to be true... My engine is fine but someday it won't be. Has anyone used this place? I think I will check the place out for my future benefit and anyone else who needs a rebuild. Skeptical but optimistic till I find out otherwise.

 

It's not possible. 4.6L pistons are $100 each, unless they have found something else. And if they have, please let us know.

Land Rover parts, spares, Land Rover accessories - Search results for ERR5556

 

Yeah but that is our price, when you buy 50,000 pistons a year and have a contract with a parts supplier that lowers the price by like alot.

$1300 does sound pretty cheap, I wonder whos parts they are using.

 

Google maps is a great thing.

What I see is a modest "we do it all" shop, that says they handle 16 brands of cars. Three rollups and a single door. Beauty shop glued on the back side. No large metal recycling container. Not a whole lot of customers.

Now this image is 2008 per Google, but a more current "look down" one is also there, does not look like much has changed.

I think you would want to see before you send any funds.....

 

Looks like "A" typical Detroit to me.
You wont find anything fancy in Detroit Buzz, unless you go to the "good" side, and then the price doubles just because you changed zip codes.

 

Found their website:
detroitautocare.com
Further investigation required.
Looks like ther use a national engine builder - EnginePro

Anyone have any experience?

 

I would point out that this shop is most likely not where the high volume 50,000 pistons a year is going on. Does look like lots of shops in lots of towns, just not a big high volume reman operation.

Their web site shop photos does not match this building on Google (has rollup glass shop doors), maybe they built a new place. Address is the same. EnginePro is a parts supplier specializing in engine parts, but does not appear to sell whole engines. See Engine Pro Home.

So if they buy their parts from Engine Pro, and rebuild your engine for $1299 - pretty slim margin for sure. They also rebuild your transmission for $599, and sell battery for your truck for $30.

The co owner is Mr. Ricco Ramaci, the BBB shows 4 inquiry in last 30 days, no complaints, and they are not a registered member of BBB.

Call him up and get a quote.

 

Obviously I was exaggerating about the 50,000 pistons.

Get a quote from them, you have nothing to loose.

 

I like there timing chain to gear set up.

http://www.enginepro.com/geardrive.html

 

I'm with you; that is impossible. The machine work alone would be $800.00 cam, lifters and timing set $550.00 easily. Heads another $200 each another couple hundred in gaskets and seals at least $60 for head bolts and I can only imagine what a remanufactured block would cost, probably a couple of grand if they did a decent job: flanged sleeves installed alone another $800.00. All that with the engine re-installed.... impossible; $2K to install and they most likely pulled it too and they won't do that for free either. More like $6K pulled, totally remanufactured, and re-installed.

But that's just my opinion. I don't know enough to call anyone a kidder but I've been researching this stuff quite a bit lately.