Pro Racing Engines

For automotive enthusiasts and those with a passion for power, Pro Racing Engines in Crown Point, Indiana, stands as a highly specialized "Auto Repair Station" with a distinct focus on high-performance engine building and rebuilding. Located at 14408 Iowa St, Crown Point, IN 46307, this establishment caters to a niche market, offering expertise in transforming and restoring engines, particularly for classic cars and racing applications. It's important to note that while categorized as an "Auto Repair Station," their primary expertise lies in the intricate world of internal combustion engines, rather than general vehicle repair.

The environment at Pro Racing Engines is likely a dedicated machine shop and assembly area, equipped with specialized tools for engine diagnostics, machining, and assembly. This would include engine stands, precision measuring instruments, and potentially a dynamometer for testing engine performance. Given their specialization, the shop would be set up to handle individual engine components with care and precision. The location on Iowa Street suggests a more industrial or specialized area, typical for such a highly focused automotive business. Their focus means they are not a typical general repair shop, but rather a hub for complex engine work.

Pro Racing Engines, under the guidance of Jerry and his son Mike, offers a suite of services centered around the heart of a vehicle – its engine. Their expertise is clearly in:

• High-Performance Engine Building: This is their forte. They cater to customers looking to significantly increase their vehicle's horsepower, often for racing or custom build projects. This involves selecting and installing performance-enhancing components such as high-lift camshafts, upgraded valvetrain components, and optimized piston and connecting rod assemblies.
• Vintage and Classic Engine Rebuilds: They are highly regarded for their ability to rebuild "old school engines." This includes meticulous disassembly, cleaning (e.g., block hot tanking), precise machining (honing, decking), and the installation of new bearings, rings, and other internal components. The aim is to restore these engines to their original glory or even enhance their performance beyond factory specifications.
• Engine Modernization: As evidenced by a customer's experience with a rare 454 LS-7, they can "refresh up/modernize" classic engines, incorporating contemporary performance enhancements while maintaining the engine's integrity. This can involve specialized valve jobs (e.g., 4-angle valve job) and preparing engines for specific applications like nitrous oxide injection (e.g., "Rings gapped for nitrous").
• Engine Test Stand & Tuning: A significant value-added service is their ability to put a newly built or rebuilt engine on a test stand. This allows for proper priming, initial break-in, and precise tuning of components like carburetors and ignition timing. This service, which one customer found "worth it 100%", ensures the engine is running optimally before installation into the vehicle.

It's crucial for local users to understand that while they are an "Auto Repair Station," their services are highly specialized. They are equipped to tackle complex engine performance and restoration projects rather than routine maintenance like brake jobs or spark plug replacements for standard vehicles.

The most distinctive feature of Pro Racing Engines is the profound expertise of its team, particularly Jerry and Mike, who are described as "building engines and kicking butt." Their ability to deliver tangible performance improvements, as evidenced by a customer achieving their "fastest E/T time yet after the build and have had no issues with a 150 shot of nitrous," speaks volumes about their technical prowess in engine dynamics. The personal attention to detail, such as gapping rings for nitrous and dialing in timing/carburetor on a test stand, highlights a commitment to precision and performance optimization.

However, it is imperative to present a balanced view based on the provided customer feedback. While there are glowing reviews for their specialized engine work, there is also extremely negative feedback regarding general automotive repairs. One severe complaint details a truck being held for over two weeks for a three-day job, leading to job loss for the customer, and an exorbitant charge of $500 for spark plugs and a distributor cap, despite the vehicle being brought in for brake service. This same review states, "DONT KNOW WHAT THEYRE DOING," "MECHANIC LOOKED LIKE A DRUG ADDICT," and "ABSOLUTLEY THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER DELT WITH." This dichotomy strongly suggests that while Pro Racing Engines excels in its niche of high-performance engine work, it may not be suitable or equipped for general automotive repair services. This feedback also includes a very negative reference to "MCGARR'S PRO AUTO," implying a connection or shared identity that has also garnered severe criticism. This suggests that customers seeking general repairs should exercise caution.

Pro Racing Engines primarily promotes itself through its specialized expertise and successful performance builds. The positive customer reviews, particularly from those who have experienced significant horsepower gains or meticulous engine rebuilds, serve as powerful testimonials within the racing and classic car communities. Their phone numbers, (219) 663-0045 and +1 219-663-0045, are available for inquiries about their specialized services. The promotional message for Pro Racing Engines should clearly target individuals and businesses requiring advanced engine work, such as:

• Drag racers and motorsports enthusiasts.
• Owners of classic or vintage cars needing engine restoration or performance upgrades.
• Individuals seeking custom engine builds for unique automotive projects.

For those in Crown Point and beyond who are looking to "build your horsepower up" or get an "old school engine needs a rebuild," Pro Racing Engines appears to be the go-to specialist. However, for routine vehicle maintenance or general repairs like brakes and tune-ups, the extremely negative feedback from one customer suggests that other local auto repair stations might be more appropriate.