Ahh - I think you wanted a built engine..
Hi Steve,
I'm a bit mixed up as you said that the guy was shipping your parts, but I think from your posting below that you are getting a fuly assembled motor/engine - my mistake.
I think I understand now, you have ordered a fully built engine as oppose to a set of parts to build your own. On that basis, if I understand you right, you can't get that from Russ or Ian. I think Patrick Godet in France might of been able to help you, and there is a chap who did advertise in the back of MPH to build new Shadows who may have been able to assist as well.
Maughans in the UK might have helped too - although they have quite an order book I understand. I've seen some of their restored engines and the owners have almost all had positive things to say.
Colin Jenner at Conways does that sort of thing too I think. I've heard mostly positive things.
Simon Lindford I hear great things of in Scotland - not sure this is his bag, but again he would be worth a try if you ever do another one.
Isn't there someone in the US that could have helped you - I have heard the name Steve Hamel as an engine builder a lot.
On Australia, personally, from detailed, painful and personal experience I can certainly recommend who not to have it done by through bitter, expensive, re-build your engine twice type experience - ouch that was expensive but you don't live that far south so I think it unlikely that you'll get an Antipodean to do it for you wouldn't you, really........
As you say, live and learn, I'll have my fingers firmly crossed for you that you get the built up engine that you've paid for and that it is in good running shape.
Best of luck, they're great fun to ride.
Cheers
Stuart
Stuart, Thanks for the response. Unaware of what choices were available to me, I posted my questions HERE on this forum. The suggestions I received included John Mossey Restorations (now Hailwood), and an Australian company that makes race motors. I searched every lead that was suggested, but the only one who said they could supply the motor was John at the Norvincentre. I did receive a response from Mike Perkins at Hailwood several months later saying that he could build my motor, but I had already committed to John at the Norvincentre by then. (I understand Hailwood uses Norvincentre cases and parts for their builds also).
I never new that VinParts or the others you mention could supply the complete motor... At the time, I was acting on the ONLY viable option presented to me. Live and Learn. I'm still hoping for the best. I'll certainly follow up on this topic as it resolves.
I do hope this thread may prove helpful to other people with similar questions. -------Steve.