Bud’s Machine & Engine Shop

Dropped off some parts for work, was told two weeks for completion. Two weeks go by, nothing was done. First it was because he had a guy sick, then it was because he had guys on vacation, then it was because he didn’t have the right parts, then he himself was sick, then his son was in the hospital. I’m not sure any of it was true.
They never called me once. I had to call them every time, even when they said they would call be back (they never did). If I had not called them, there would have been no interaction between us, and I’m sure my parts would just have been swallowed up by their completely unorganized, total mess of a shop. It’s an absolute disaster.
They never remembered who I was or what the job was whenever I called. I had to introduce myself and describe the job in every detail as if they were coming to it new each and every time I called them.
Then after two months of sitting on my parts they decided to refuse to do the work, and I picked up the parts, which appeared untouched. They wouldn’t tell me why, just «a bunch of little things that make the job not feel right.»

Bud runs a very special machine shop. I know. I still work as an automotive reporter and researcher and have for more than 40 years. I knew my engine needed to be rebuilt about a year before I actually had the work done. So my hobby became who builds and rebuilds the best engines anywhere in the US.
I know a specialist who builds similar design engines all the time is best. Not someone who does a steering rack rebuild, then a transmission rebuild and then an engine rebuild. I want someone who only does engines for breakfast, lunch and dinner. My hobby and specialty allowed me to search from Maine to Florida to Texas to California and all over. I wanted my exact serial number engine block rebuilt with the best components and assembled in a most balanced fashion.
I found a few, very few shops that would remove the engine, rebuild the engine and then replace it in the car. Besides too many complaints, you are never allowed to meet see or greet the actual individual who rebuilt your engine. I want to see the workplace and age of individual, I want to be able to ask questions of experience and information relevant to my rebuild. The people with the most experience and the fewest complaints only rebuilt engines exclusively, like Bud’s. Bud’s shop is open for your inspection.
You bet I even drove to a number of shops before I picked Bud’s. I looked at the workshops and interviewed owners and shop people. Most engine rebuilders today are factories that rebuild different engines all day by the book. I almost left my 1994 3.8 L fuel injected, pushrod V-​6 engine with chain operated counterrotating balance shafts at a shop in Spokane that seemed quite proficient but had no heart. A specialty engine builder has a heart and is sensitive to the needs of your engine and the desires of the owner.
If an engine builder could be an artist then Bud is like a Rembrandt. Bud (Donald J Williams) has a feeling for the materials. Literally he senses weight, material, finish, quality and harmony within a moment of contact. Bud sees your engine as if he is a molecule of oil moving through every part of every component in motion. Bud is a rare sort of artist, I noticed more as I watched how he held and handled engine components and specialized measuring equipment. Bud demonstrated respect for each item he handled and I knew he would handle my engine with thorough respect for my desires. Frankly Bud’s actions and sensitivities as well as thoughts are most like that of a medical doctor who is a surgeon, not a family practitioner.
Can you guess I am finicky about machines? I was so thrilled to find Bud’s Machine and Engine Shop! And they are local too. Bud’s shop was everything I dreamed of. Five decades of engine building experience, computer literate, commonly builds enthusiasts and racing engines and he builds most of the engine himself. I paid a few hundred extra to have my engine balanced to run in smoother harmony. Done perfectly well.
Bud suggested Ray’s Auto Center who turned out to be terrific at removing and reinstalling my engine upon completion. I went to visit Bud’s shop a couple of times over the weeks he had my engine, I was not in a hurry. I learned a great deal and listened carefully to Bud’s thinking and recommendations. Now my new engine only has about 1000 miles yet it runs like a dream. I am truly thrilled by the sound, power, response and general operation of my engine and driveline.
An engine rebuild is way more ecological than buying a new car. It’s way less expensive than buying a used car. If you have a car you’ve loved for years and depended on call Bud’s Engine and Machine Shop for a telephone quote. Then call Ray’s Auto Center to actually remove then replace your rebuilt engine later. The whole experience was so pleasant, surprisingly pleasant that I wished I had another engine that needed to be rebuilt.
When my engine went bad I look to buy another car for about $ 4000, about the price of all the work my car needed. I found very few quality cars that weren’t beaten or ruined. I knew who took quality care of my car. So to lessen the risk of buying a 4 or $ 5000 used-​car I took the risk of an engine rebuild. Now I am glad I did.
Mr. Bud D.J.Williams is a gentleman and an artist who holds great respect for your machinery and you. He is the sort of gentleman that made America great. He holds a knowledge of technology that is in high demand yet his manner of business and personal service is passing away. I can wholeheartedly recommend you purchase his services and heed his intelligent recommendations.
Best Wishes To Bud’s Machine and Engine Shop, Ashly

I took a Toyota 20r motor to Buds to be machined for a performance rebuild that I was going to do myself. They bored the block, checked for cracks, flycut the top end, did it all plus heads. These guys were GREAT! They listened, asked what I wanted and the turn around time was spot on! I will bring all of my future engine machine work to them! A great place to do business with.

One of the best shops to have build a motor. Rebuild or Rebuilt with upgrades!!!
Price is decent.