Automotive Machine and Supply in Ft. Worth

Anybody ever use AMS for a rebuild? Or, anyone have recommendations for a machine shop/rebuilder on the West Side?

I know everyone here loves Day Custom Engine/Republic Custom Engine. However, they did the rebuild on the engine in this car I bought from Maniac Mitch. According to Mitch's records, it blew the MLS headgasket within 5 miles of first start and consumed oil from day one. Engine now has 4K miles on it since the 2011 rebuild, and it drinks/darkens its oil -- needs rings badly. Seems to be incorrectly assembled or the blown HG prevented proper ring seating. Not sure why Mitch didn't take it back to them for correction or if he even let them know he was having issues. Just one data point that makes me nervous about Day/Republic.

AMS did some head work for me last year. Seem to be a competent outfit, god knows they've been in business forever. I toured their shop, and was very impressed. I would use them again, based on my experience thus far.

Much obliged.

Looks like Mitch asked the same exact question about 3 years ago and got led to Day . . .

http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/1997...op-in-Ft-Worth

I am hearing a lot of poor reports on Day/Republic, drum multiple independent sources. Too bad.

I got high recommendations from a few of my V8 performance buddies on AMS earlier this year. I think we are having them do our head work for the bug.

Thanks again for the feedback guys.

I sent quote requests to AMS and Day.

Automotive Machine is awesome. Great work and very upfront about what they can do. I have used them tons of times.

AMS (Eric) got back to me almost immediately. Pretty sure I'll be using them. They're much more convenient for me as well.

Have used AMS for a few things. Great bunch and reasonable. Used Gilfus Racing for the motor build but they have reloed to Conroe so they are not close. They do use all Mazda parts and pass on the comp discount

Day/Republic never got back to me . . . at all.

Engines from both cars are pulled and on my trailer. Going to AMS tomorrow. Will get back on how they work out. I'm a track rat, so I'm not easy on them.

Thought I'd give some feedback on AMS. I've got the 1.8 back and installed. Approx 200 miles into the break-in.

The only bad thing I have to say is that they delivered the engine about 3 weeks late. Honestly, I expected this -- small businesses always tend to overcommit. But it was still annoying. However, throughout the process Eric always responded to E-mail within a day -- even when I got a bit irate. He was also apologetic about being late.

The good is that the engine went in just fine and I've had no issues during the break-in. No leaks and, so far, less than half a quart of break-in oil consumed. Engine is running smooth and strong. I did insist on the use of Mazda OEM gaskets, and Eric was happy to use the ones I sourced from Mazdaspeed.

The rebuild was pretty simple. Used the original-to-car 1995 block, crank and rods. A 1999 VICS head is installed and +0.5mm 2001 pistons were used for 10.5:1 compression. ARP rod and head studs. Pistons tri-coated. Assembly blueprinted and dynamically balanced with flywheel and clutch. Controlling with 1st gen MSPNP.

The original oil burning was caused by rings that didn't seat. Contributing to the issue were tapered cylinder bores and a too-steep angle on the cylinder honing. I'm thankful that the burned-oil smell is gone.

BTW, my out-the-door cost on the 1.8 was ~$1800.