I worked at my friends machine shop for many years. Here are a couple things I can tell you.

People don't want to pay for what they need. Getting an engine built or heads done is not like buying gas at BP for 3.49 a gallon or a vaccuum cleaner for $439. There are MANY variables in an engine rebuild...some are known (cleaning block/magging/Bore/hone, hanging rods) and some are not..main alignment, head milling to true deck. There is a set price for the general services and the unknown are reuse valves, knurl guides, align mains, excessive head milling...etc.

Some people (may I say many) don't understand that a reputable machinist/speed shop can't give you a firm price until the work is finished because of those many variables. Yes, parts cost "X" and machine labor is "X" but there is the variable "X" I always use for "what if's"...So..the "what if's" I typically say 30% over a quoted rough estimate just in case.

You can use name brand parts or you can skimp and use parts that aren't so expensive. The difference between a very good replacement spring and valve (stock replacement Fererea 5000 and Comp Cams springs, nothing fancy) versus a marginal spring and valve is roughly 20-40% in cost difference. Well, this equates to maybe $40 on the valves and $30-40 on the springs. To be honest, I would go with the better stock replacement and do it right once.

These variables transfer to the unknowing buyer/owner who knows little to nothing on how things go in a speed shop. If a person who doesn't do his homework and doesn't know what to expect as far as lead time, completion time, costs etc...will become miffed, aggravated and downright inconsolable. Yes, the relationship between owner and builder is very important...that is why one must understand the workings AND the elements and variables required to build what the owner wants. Communication is the key.

The most irritating thing about people wanting an engine built? Unrealistic, cheap, undecided/changes mind.

People come in with a greasy GTO engine wanting a complete rebuild by the Woodward dream cruise 6 weeks away. Really? There are other people waiting in front of you, plus, the engine has to be torn down, cleaned, inspected, bore measured then pistons ordered. That could take 2-4 weeks before we even ordered one part. Completion time depends on time of year and what is on the books already. The block/heads ready, now crank has to be taken to another shop.

Cheap...Well, most, if not all reputable shops do not and will not use off brand hard parts. Why? Reputation. You may think you did your homework...and know what should cost what...But I will tell you this...No decent machinist will install junk in his motor...in YOUR motor...Thus the price you think you should pay is 40% higher for the correct proven name parts.

Now we get to undecided/changes mind. Once all the parts are ordered...block machined to clearance for "X" piston and ring...and whatever else...People always come in and say I wanna do this to my block, heads etc...I just read, I just heard I just seen this car and the engine rocks. Well, It is not that simple...to change most anything after the process has begun. A basic rebuild is just that. Machine to tolerances and match parts to those tolerances, assemble and go.

I don't know why your friend has an issue with Keefer. I would like to know exactly what happened, when, why, and whatnot. It's a 2 sided story...your friends and Keefer's. Ken Keefer is in business to build Pontiacs...he built a name over a long period...just as Bischop, Butler, Nunzi, Spotts, and Taylor have...I think there is more to this dissatisfaction than what he told you.

You could always send your engine to Bruce Fulper at Rock and Roll Engineering...I heard he makes serious horsepower *snicker*

Off my soapbox.