Ross Gibson engines

[majel]

I'm thinking about doing a '68 tubbed el Camino with a 350 or 502 Ross Gibson engine. I'm looking to build a car that is streetable, but just as comfortable at the drag strip. I've never used one of his engines and was wondering how the quality is and if they are worth the money.

[Rob Z]

I've never done one myself but, a couple of my club members have used Gibson engines in thier Pro Mod cars and they look really great...

[stewart]

They will take a bit of work as all resin will but pin holes are minimal if present at all and the castings are very clean. Wash them before priming them. Make sure you prime it first. As long as you have a good sanding board and are willing to put in a little bit of work, they are excellent engines with amazing detail.

STewart

[mrmike]

I built a Ross Gibson Street Hemi for a '71 Charger R/T a few years ago. Although I got it for free from a friend, it was worthwhile getting it.

[W-409]

Ross Gibson Engines are really good quality. Some of those are coming with detail parts, like plug wires etc. Belts are usually somekind of black thin sheet, where you cut one which fits to the pulleys. Those engines are really good, and they have lots of parts included (they aren't looking simple). Resin parts needs just some more work, but I see no problem there. Important is to wash those parts before painting, gluing etc.

I got a paper with my '60 Nomad resin body (it's Jimmy Flintstone's body, but both are resin, so here are few tips).

"Working with Resin and Pewter Kits

1. CLEANING- Before using, parts must be washed off with soap, alcohol to remove mold release.

2. WARPING-If part has a slight warp or is bent, use hot, NOT BOILING water to help you pull it back into shape, then use cold waterfor it to "take a set" as you would with a plastic kit.

3. BODY WORK-After cleaning, the parts may be sanded, filled or drilled. Small imperfections of air bubbles can be filled with super glue or 5 minute epoxy.

4. PAINTING- Primer coats of automotive primer are recommended on all parts before painting. Hobby paints, enamel and automotive lacquers work fine for finish coats.

5. STRIPPING PAINT- Some strippers amy damage the resin parts, test a small are first. You may use a lacquer thinner, easy off oven cleaner, and some brake fluids.

6. GLUING- Use super glue or 5 minute epoxy.

7. PHOTO-ETCH- Cut off tree with sharp scissors, remove bluedye with findernail polish remover.

8. PEWTER- Can be buffed with steel wool, fine grit sand paper, polishing with chrome polish. Seal polished surface with a clear coat.

9. Vacuum form fit windows trim carefully with scissors.

10. Test fit all parts before painting and final assembly!

11. Always use respirator dust mask when sanding resin parts."

[mikemodeler]

I have not used Ross Gibson products but another alternative for a nice big block is the 572 from VCG Resins. Craig Hosfeld is the proprietor of VCG and he is a member here (MannyClub). His is a nice engine and I will be using it real soon in a build I am planning. His service time was excellent!

I did look at some of the Ross Gibson engines when I was on the RPP Hobbies website yesterday but they were out of stock. Not sure when they were going to have more in stock but they did have them on sale which probably explains why they didn't have any!

[Howard Cohen]

I have done a few of Ross' motors and they are very good. I'm not saying that just because he's a friend...they really are good! Detail Master has a colour online catalogue so you can see what each motor looks like when complete. I put a McGee motor in my street Fiat Topolino many years ago.

I'm thinking about doing a '68 tubbed el Camino with a 350 or 502 Ross Gibson engine. I'm looking to build a car that is streetable, but just as comfortable at the drag strip. I've never used one of his engines and was wondering how the quality is and if they are worth the money.

[Evil Appetite]

Not intending to hijack this thread, but I'm going to be building MPC's 1/20 scale Saber Vette, and would like a nice, more detailed engine. Does anyone make 1/20 scale resin engines?

Mike