TKM Performance Review

[s550warri0r]

Just wanted to make a post about my overall experience so far with TKM Performance.

Their website is banned?

I've been working with them for a couple months now and haven't even received my block yet from them but I figured I would make a thread on my build progress and how everything has been going.

Long story short, I was running a Edelbrock 2650 on a 15% OD and a 3.00 griptec. Car saw 18PSI of boost and was pretty happy until my crank snout snapped. It happens. The Balancer bolt stretched and walked itself out. So I sold the blower and went a different route. I explored many options (MMR, RPG) until I asked Jon Bowen what his take was on getting a built short block and he recommended that I check out TKM Performance. Started reading up on them and so far there hasn't been one negative thing I saw so I decided to go with them. I had complete motor failure to include my heads..cam caps broken, cams scarred, finger followers broken, everything besides the valves were damaged even though I did have slight piston contact... So this was my chance to one and done this so I sent them my heads for their port service.

So far they have been on point with their timelines and their responsiveness to the customer is outstanding. Jon Boy runs the sales department and does a great job. Everything I've sent has been sent to his attention and there hasn't been any hiccups with it either. I'm talking

Comp Cams
Cam cap bolts
Lash adjusters
Finger followers
Billet timing components from MMR
Oil pump
..List goes on.

Initially I wanted their stage 1 block with the boost line rods, 302 crank, their custom pistons and sleeves. Website states its good for (at that time) 1400hp. I noticed that they are constantly updating their packages and ratings but I almost feel like those blocks they build are able to handle way more. I noticed that they had a different crankshaft on one of their packages and then switched it back..I called them up, essentially they said that the difference between a 302 crank and a crank from Callies are the same as far as strength.. That tells me they are testing and actually looking into the quality of their product. They now offer the predator crank at an additional cost I believe.

I decided to upgrade the block to their stage 2 and it was pretty easy to do. I have real expectations for how long it takes and its no issue if it takes longer because I truly believe that the quality I'm receiving is worth it...after all I'm sure its a struggle to get material and parts in.

I've also decided to go twin turbo. Sold everything off my car to accommodate this set up which sold extremely fast

I know that I don't have it in my possession yet but these guys are the real deal. I'm extremely happy with how TKM is running it.

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[larr12]

Good luck with the build!

 

[Nawsad123]

Any update on the build? Do they do any assembly work to send you back a full engine ready to be dropped into your car?
Their packages seem pretty great for the money...

 

[s550warri0r]

Any update on the build? Do they do any assembly work to send you back a full engine ready to be dropped into your car?
Their packages seem pretty great for the money...

The short block has been done for quite a while now. The heads are what is giving me issues. So when I had the crank snout break and jumped timing, I had piston to valve contact at every cylinder. When I looked at them they looked fine but I obviously don't do this for a living.

When they were getting ready to assemble my heads and then assemble the long block they found the valves to be bent and a cam journal bearing was bad. They have been great with keeping me informed and were actually able to save me some money with replacing the valves with some new take outs that they already had at their shop.

As far as I know the long block will not come back with a timing cover or valve covers on which I have in my possession but everything else will be done. I sent them cams, cam caps, followers, lash adjusters, oil pump, ouil pump gear, crank sprocket, MMR billet timing components, etc.

 

[s550warri0r]

Update

TKM is finishing up the motor and looks like it will ship shortly after the invoice is paid.

I can’t express enough how well these guys communicate and keep their customers informed.

 

[gimmie11s]

looks awesome!! Congrats

 

[larr12]

@s550warri0r that looks like a piece of art! Congrats on the build.

 

[s550warri0r]

looks awesome!! Congrats

Thank you! Definitely worth it. I’ve seen some porting from Modular head shop and it definitely lives up to the standard still.

 

[s550warri0r]

@s550warri0r that looks like a piece of art! Congrats on the build.

It really is. I have zero complaints. I had serious head damage and they were able to repair everything. Every cam cap, valves, follower was broken so I’m thankful they were able to get them back to a standard.

I have changed routes though and I’m adding a th400 and a different turbo kit.

 

[s550warri0r]

Update on the progress.

Motor was delivered last week and unfortunately it's just a paperweight at this point due to not having my turbo kit or transmission. I paid for the trans to get worked over and the turbo kit back in January and was given the deception of a 4-6 week lead time. Sadly I guess this is a common thing in todays world. I've become impatient and I'm exploring my options to resolve this.

TKM did a great job through the process of this and are running a stand up business. For final assembly there was one hiccup with MMR sending a wrong part that prevented the timing components from being finished but MMR did correct it and overnighted the part to TKM.

It sucks seeing a car you've worked on for almost 6 months just sit there with being so close to being done.

 

[s550warri0r]

Update:

I still don't have my transmission, or my turbo kit. Be careful who you do business with and don't let them lead on you with false expectations.

 

[gimmie11s]

Yikes! What turbo kit and who is building the trans?

 

[s550warri0r]

Yikes! What turbo kit and who is building the trans?

I have been trying to get my stuff from LPF since I paid back in December/January.

I'm not the only one dealing with this sadly.

 

[larr12]

Sorry to hear about the issues.

 

[gimmie11s]

I have been trying to get my stuff from LPF since I paid back in December/January.

I'm not the only one dealing with this sadly.

Man, that is terrible to hear. I see youre in Texas... have you been by the shop?

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