Curt Harveys Shop

[Mr.Jimmy]

Hi guys again,

I always heard about this guy out in Cal that was Mr. 409 and could make lots of power with great parts. What ever happened to him, and how does one ever get ahold of him. I have been looking for him for the last 6-9 months. I have heard many rumors.....but rumors they were. Also what happened to all of his parts that he had too? Other than him, who had built real hi horse w motors.......like 800+++ horse????? And were talking with a carb and NO nitros. I heard about the 470 something strokers that Phil is putting together, but how does one do the 512 or 514 that I heard about that out there and running????? Thanks

[Rockfish39]

http://www.mr409.com/index.html

Has all the information that you want to know...

:cool:

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Mr Jimmy,
You can find a number of parts sources here in the links section of our site. There's been a quite a surge of recent developments in piston and camshaft technology for these engines. No need to settle for old fashioned internals anymore ! :deal

[59elcooldsuv]

Mr Jimmy,
There's been a quite a surge of recent developments in piston and camshaft technology for these engines. :deal

Does that mean tha hypereutectic pistons might be available for less $$$ than the gross national product?

If so, I'm sorry I already bought the forged set.

[SS425HP]

Note Curt's web site hasn't been updated since Jan 2003. Curt is living in Palm Springs, last I heard. Not doing 409 stuff unless I misunderstood.

Fred

[art38]

Note Curt's web site hasn't been updated since Jan 2003. Curt is living in Palm Springs, last I heard. Not doing 409 stuff unless I misunderstood.

Fred
He's in Palm Desert playing golf (teaching). You can still reach him by e-mail or phone. I know because I've spoken to him alot here lately (as resently as Monday). Another one is Jack Gibbs (I think that his last name) in northern Cal, 409 Performance.
Art

[Mr.Jimmy]

GUYS........I was sooo lucky today :D My cell phone rang as I was going into a customers shop today, and it was Curt Harvy himself....He taught me alot!!! esp. about street strokers.....big heads for flow and such...and how to go fast......I guess after he has played with over 500 409's on his own personal dyno over the years it really rubbed off. I will be buying my stroker kit from him within the next few weeks after my block is cleaned and machined so one can work with it. He was telling me about how to make real power....like throw away the 881 and 463 intakes and run a sheetmetal style and gain some decent power...run a real roller cam....and instead of doing ahhh some so called porting....go all out.. and one can actually get some 583's to flow 300+ cfm.....with a real flowbench that was set up for w motor heads..... Then his exp. with knowing how compression difference is with truck to car blocks....to steel shim to felpro gaskets....it was a very very well worth 20 minutes that he took to sell me on doing this right and learing from his 20+ years of exp of building, dynoing, and selling these motors. I think I just talking with GOD....YES GOD of the 409 world. Guys......does it get better than this??? :D

[JimKwiatkowski]

Mr.Jimmy,you sure sound excited what are your plans with all this horse power?What kind vehicle are you installing it in and is for the street or strip?

[Rockfish39]

Mr. Jimmy,
Im glad that you are filled with such enthusiasm!!! Thats really nice to see... Just keep an open mind and solicit opinions from others that know thier stuff too... Make informed decisions before plunking down the cash.

Aubrey Bruneau, Phil Reed, Jack Gibbs, Jerry Walsh, among others, are also very experienced '09 builders...

Like each and every one of us, Curt has an ego, so he trumpets a little louder than most... Jack Gibbs has never said one unkind word about Curt, but Jack points out that there people out there just as knowledgeable as Curt, and he doesnt always have every answer. I learned that lesson with modifying a 472 intake, but there is no need to get into it that here.

For what it's worth, dont let your appetite rule you. Build the engine for the application that you intend to use it for... Thats not always easy to do.

Mine had to bring all the ponies home under 4400RPMS... So I always kept that in mind when making my parts selections... Like the cam???

Good Luck in your project...

ROCK :cool:

[Mr.Jimmy]

well....lets see....a 63 in an old school theme........In learing about this from a previous 09, we need to get it to really breath so it will pull the 7 grand safely, and happly with a full roller.... alot of head or lots of head work, a good great intake designed on breathing, a reworked holley hp series, and also a full msd ing. system. We have also done our homework....and learned that with a vortech type supercharger....one can really make it work....and work streetable. I know this may sound off the wall to your type of reading materials.....but chevy hi perf mag. did something like this with a 427 chevy with a supercharger by ait....and it would run easy 9's....and if not mistaken...i thought the best it ran was like a 8.62....and yes throught the 1/4... I worked on a 55 with a 502 crate motor that ran a vortech with an intercooler....which it could and will made 900hp off the back tires, and ran on 92 octane. If a true pro's worked on it, it can be tweeked to 950-1000 hp.....but its great for what it was ment for and with the tools that one has to work with. We didn't have a chassis dyno in our shop so we could run it hard and check the air fuel ratio...and such while a lap top was plugged in. Some of you may have sceen it out at some of the goodguy shows and rumbing around different shows also. We did a Fuelie 409 that pulls 7g all day long, and its tame enought to let your wives drive it at the same time with the 456's and the zf 6 speed...and also would pull away from a new vett..... Its funny to see what comes out while one is driving around towns....like at the Indy good guys show...and someone thinks there fast with that new 54g corvette that they bough....and the old school look will pull away from them......... heheeeeee. I want to know more about who can walk the walk...and run the run...instead of hearing about it. I was somewhere 2 weekends ago...and that all I heard was storys.....I'm ready to play with the big boys :D

[jim_ss409]

You could also add Tony Shafer and Lamar walden to the list of top 409 builders. Lamar built and raced a turbocharged 409 that exceeded the dynos limit of 2,000 hp. I got most of the parts for my 476ci. stroker from Curt and he was very helpfull answering questions. He has built alot of these engines and certainly knows what he's talking about. He can be a little hard to get ahold of sometimes because he doesn't have a shop anymore and only sells parts through mail order. I've got no problem recomending him however I feel I should also put in a plug for guys like Aubrey, Phil and Tony not only because they are experienced and respected but they because they regularly answer questions on this forum.

[oil4kids]

You could also add Tony Shafer and Lamar walden to the list of top 409 builders. Lamar built and raced a turbocharged 409 that exceeded the dynos limit of 2,000 hp. I got most of the parts for my 476ci. stroker from Curt and he was very helpfull answering questions. He has built alot of these engines and certainly knows what he's talking about. He can be a little hard to get ahold of sometimes because he doesn't have a shop anymore and only sells parts through mail order. I've got no problem recomending him however I feel I should also put in a plug for guys like Aubrey, Phil and Tony not only because they are experienced and respected but they because they regularly answer questions on this forum.


I can second this statement-

Lamar told me a few months back that his most powerful 09 was a turbo charged 409 he put together- I can still hear the shaking in his voice

[bobs409]

Be sure to check out one of our latest 409 articles in the 348-409.com Library! The one from Car Craft (1999) has Curt Harvey's name running through the story.


Bob

[Rockfish39]

He's in Palm Desert playing golf (teaching). You can still reach him by e-mail or phone... Art

Youre right, he's out on the golf course nearly every day... :cuss

Ive noticed that many here are reluctant to say something bad about one of our own. With good reason, I usually dont either. But today, I have something to say.

Ive had 2 stupid carbs and a linkage set on order with C-H for the past month...
AND, My stuff still isnt running thanks to having no hardware... So, that makes me a very unhappy camper, because now the car wont be finished in enough time for the upcoming regional rod run that I wanted to go to.

Coincidentally, it took C-H only about 30 seconds to charge my credit card though.

If C-H wants to devote his energies to the PGA, then he should get out of the car business and go do that. Besides, he is NOT omnipotent and doesnt know everything. A good freind (Pete Barrett of Electronic Balancing Service, Woodbridge, VA) recently had to deal with a "W" motor for another customer of his that was originally prepped by C-H... Needless to say the craftsmanship fell way short of the mark. So much so, that the crank is off to the scrap heap.

Im not in "the business" like some of yous are, but anytime I take money from someone, be it eBay or when someone pays me money to do some work for them, my TOP priority is to deliver the services or goods that I have been paid for.

Customers get REAL IMPATIENT after the $$$ leaves their checkbook...

Rock :mad:

[art38]

Rockfish39,
I've had good luck reaching Curt at night (after 8 PDT) or e-mailing him. Just yesterday (7:30 pm) he sent me an e-mail stating he was shipping my lifter to me. Keep trying.
Art38

[droptop62]

This is not the "348-409 Complaint Forum"

If you are unhappy with somebody you should let THEM know about it, not US.
I don't want to hear it!

No bad mouthing, No complaining, No BS!!!!!!!!!

Obviously your stuff had to be ordered, wasn't something he had in stock,
if you need it that bad and are unhappy, get it from someone else,......
if nobody else can get it any faster, than you are wasting everybody elses time.
use your time to find your parts, then pay to have the parts overnighted to you.
install your parts, and got to your rod run.

I don't want to hear any more complaints about anyone!
This forum was not put here for a B_tch session!

[Dan Hunt]

Rockfish.
I also have had some dealings with CH that were less than perfect,but I always got my parts.I don't think it's wrong to give your opinion to anyone.This is the 348-409 club,if it has ANYTHING to do with 348s or 409s I want to see it.
THIS ISN'T BASHING.JUST CALL THEM AS I SEE THEM.

[JimKwiatkowski]

Since when has this country become Communist?I fought for our country for our freedom.So Rock you have my permission to speak your opinion.I thought it was wrong of that company or any company to take your money befour they send your parts.Good luck getting your money back so you try somewhere else.I want to know about companys like this so I don't have to go through this.THANKS FOR
THE TIP ROCK.

[threeimpalas]

Good luck getting your money back so you try somewhere else.

Given that it's taken a month plus, he shouldn't have any problem getting his CC company to deal revoke the payment and credit his [Rockfish's] account. If it's as much of a concern to him as his post makes it sound, I would think he'd have tried contacting CH numerous times over the phone and via email and/or already dealt with his CC company on the issue.


Letting people know that companies are slow to ship or unresponse is beneficial to the members of the forum, but complaining about that or how much time CH spends on the golf course doesn't help any of us.

[art38]

I know from my conversations with CH over the passed couple of months (e-mail and phone) he has indicated that when the weather starts warming up he get busy teaching (golf). I will say it again I've had good luck with CH, I received my parts on time. I spoke with (e-mail) him on Monday and he replied Tuesday with what I wanted to hear. I do not think it fair to blash someone for what might be a mixup somewhere. I'll tell you I'll go back to CH for parts. I guess I agree get your money back and go elsewhere and quite complaining.
Art38

[droptop62]

Letting people know that companies are slow to ship or unresponse is beneficial to the members of the forum, but complaining about that or how much time CH spends on the golf course doesn't help any of us.


Three Impalas, You said it best, My way was a bit crude.
Your words are much more diplomatic,
Thanks for saying it better than I did.

I agree that informing the others here of slow or poor business is beneficial to the members.
My point is this, (may sound a bit crude again) "No Whining".

[59elcooldsuv]

I'm glad to hear you guys say he's still in business because I've realized that I have to order some parts that I thought I had.

I've been tearing apart the house, digging through closets, searching boxes, rearranged the storage shed. Can't find my flex plate or the new damper that I orderred from Damper Dudes.

I know I had them when I moved into this house. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I hung the flex plate on a nail on the garage wall.......

[Rockfish39]

[QUOTE=droptop62]

....Obviously your stuff had to be ordered, wasn't something he had in stock

OBVIOUSLY, YOU'RE WRONG! How about CH telling me on the phone that he DID HAVE the parts in stock and promised to ship my order out later that same day... Weeks later, still no parts. No returned emails, No returned phone calls.

A week and a half later, I did get him on the phone (after many attempts), I got excuses that he was too busy to ship when he said that he would. Coincidentally, that was THE SAME DAY that CH had all the time in the world to GAB on the phone with non-paying customers. 2 weeks after that...still nothing!


#2 ....if you need it that bad and are unhappy, get it from someone else,......
if nobody else can get it any faster, than you are wasting everybody elses time.
use your time to find your parts, then pay to have the parts overnighted to you.

HOW ABOUT THIS DropTop,,, Do you think for a second that I can't pickup the phone and call Jeg's or Summit Racing Equipment and have a pair of carbs at my door in 2 days???

I make a deliberate and earnest effort to patronize the businesses of our fellow club members. THATS RIGHT!!! I would rather support the small guy. Business owner like Phil Reed, Dave Ray, Bob Walker and Jack Gibbs, instead of a business machine like Summit.

HOWEVER, I dont take being lied to by vendors. NO WAY! Not in my regular course of business, or my hobby interests.

IF YOU want to do do business with CH, then have a nut !!! Go right ahead! But then I dont want to hear you b_tching when your order is wrong, or doesnt show up, or your credit card gets charged to twice for the same order, or whatever.


#3 I don't want to hear any more complaints about anyone!
This forum was not put here for a B_tch session!

TELL YOU WHAT... The intent was not to B_tch, but to inform. MANY people read this forum and need to know the truth about businesses that supply our hobby before they spend thier hard earned money. We help each other in that way

The livelyhood of the small-guy businesses depend on their reputation. Those guys have to earn it, day in and day out. And in reality, this is most unfair to them, because a bad apple ruins it for them as potential customers get driven to go to places like Summit and Jegs in the first place.

I decided to give CH a break only because he is still a brother. No other reason.

Art, I have no axe to grind with you, but this is no simple mix up. Im not that rigid a customer. Each time Ive dealt with CH something turned out wrong.

Here are the things that I learned in this community.

CH no longer owns a shop, he sold it.
CH got out of the car business, and turned to professional golf instead
CH decided to dabble back in the car business in a mail order only format
CH took deposits for ALOT OF MONEY from people to finance an aluminum head idea that fizzled. He couldnt put it all together and had to refund the cash, albeit 8 months later.

When I first got into "W" building, CH convinced me that a 472 intake was easily converted to a CAR configuration. If you want to know why IT CANT BE, email me and Ill explain it to you.

Rock :cool:

[Mr Goodwrench]

472 intake ??? heard this before just what is a 472 intake?

[droptop62]

To The "Rock"
I truly don't think bad of you.
I do speak my mind, and I guess I did take it out on you.
I apologize if you felt like you were personally being attacked.
But I will say it again, I am tired of hearing people complain on this forum.

Bob Walker Junior,
Mighty Knower of all, When I first came to this forum I owned a 62 Impala convertible with/409, also had a 58 tripower 348 laying around.
I am sure there are plenty of members here who do not own a 348 or 409.
so should they not be here either??
I guess if I am not in possesion of a 409 I should leave.
I don't think you've been the perfect little 348/409 angel either,
I have already mentioned above that my words were a bit crude.
and that three impalas had said it better than I.
I don't think youre much more diplomatic with your words than I am.
So I guess that means you owe me an apology???


I apologize to Rockfish for not saying things in a nicer way no hard feelings.

[droptop62]

This is my attempt to make peace on this subject.

In an attempt trying to keep negativity from being a part of this forum,
I have rubbed a few of you the wrong way, (not intentionally).
and have created some negativity of my own, Again not intentional
If there is bad business practices affecting our hobby, it should be mentioned.
No dissagreement from me on that.
I do believe it should be done with tact. (I should have had a little more tact myself on this one with my earlier postings)

It is obvious Rockfish was angry when he was typing his misfortunes while doing business with CH. I just prefer not to hear the emotional anger involved in the matter.

as posted by Rockfish
Youre right, he's out on the golf course nearly every day...

Ive noticed that many here are reluctant to say something bad about one of our own. With good reason, I usually dont either. But today, I have something to say.

Ive had 2 stupid carbs and a linkage set on order with C-H for the past month...
AND, My stuff still isnt running thanks to having no hardware... So, that makes me a very unhappy camper, because now the car wont be finished in enough time for the upcoming regional rod run that I wanted to go to.

Coincidentally, it took C-H only about 30 seconds to charge my credit card though.

If C-H wants to devote his energies to the PGA, then he should get out of the car business and go do that. Besides, he is NOT omnipotent and doesnt know everything. A good freind (Pete Barrett of Electronic Balancing Service, Woodbridge, VA) recently had to deal with a "W" motor for another customer of his that was originally prepped by C-H... Needless to say the craftsmanship fell way short of the mark. So much so, that the crank is off to the scrap heap.

My words fell short of being diplomatic and were probably just as negative.
To everyone, please keep all of us informed of any miscoduct or bad business that has anything to do with our car hobby.
Just don't type while angry, it just comes out wrong.
I apologize to all who were offended by what I said,
I enjoy listening to what you guys have to say here on this forum,
occaisionally there will be an unpopular opinion, but everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether it is popular or not.

Again Please read what ThreeImpalas wrote, He said things in a much better way than I did

[dq409]

Here I am !!! heeee heeee


O NO!! I can hear ya now !!! NOT dq!!! :D

I bought parts from Curt several years ago when I first started my project.
Got good responce from him and timely shipping of the parts.
When he started to retire it took longer to answer the phone and /or emails.
At this time I figured he was more interested in retiring and enjoying life so I started to look and buy elseware.
I think it is now more of a hobby then a business and that reflects in the way he is doing business.

Curt still knows what he knows but his focus now seems to be on enjoying life and retirement.
I would send a letter through the USPS, include your phone number, let him know how you feel and that you would like your money back or the parts shipped ASAP .
Then if no responce I would do the credit card deal,,,,BUT that only works within the first 30 days.
If you still are within that time you might do the card thing at the same time as the letter so you can keep in the 30 day limit.
The card company will register your complaint and ask you to try and work it out with him first anyway.
Good luck,, Give Phil Reed call, he IS in the business and loves to make you happy,,, dq


and as Bob says,,,, group hug !!!!

[60convert]

and now deep thoughts by DQ409
this was the first part of theis post that was simple and to the point.
Jesse

[dq409]

OWHHHHHHHH What a good feeling !!!!

Sandwitched between too topless posts !!!! Ohhhhhh Awhhhhhhhh

[tmracing62]

I learned about Curt on this forum. Talked to him and he was pleasant, knowledgable and interested. Talked to Cookie a few days later, was a cordial conversation and followed up with an email description of what I wanted to accomplish/buy. It would have been a from the ground up stroker. Curt never responded, I didn't mean to make a problem for him and I figured he wasn't interested so I went to Lamar.

Rock - Send him a certified letter asking for a response, the parts or a refund. He seems to have his greatest interests elsewhere and now we all know that and we know what to expect if we need parts. It's not a personal thing. But I do understand the feeling of being ignored by a business and it can be a little raw.

[art38]

Rock,
I have no issues with you :) , I'm sorry you having problems with Curt. Sometime some people have issues with a business that other don't. I guess I have not had those problem. I've been communicating with Curt almost weekly for several weeks (mostly e-mail). Most resently yesterday, sent him and e-mail yesterday afternoon and he replyed later that night. Also last week sent him an e-mail about some lifters he sent me that had a chip on three of them, he shipped me four new ones the next day. I can usually send him a e-mail in the morning and pretty much expect a reply the next morning at the latest. I guess everyone needs to decide on their own about dealing with a business. So for now there appears to be one for CH and one against CH, all the other are only opinions and just that "opinions" :) Rock, again I'm sorry about your dealings with CH.
Art38

[Dan Hunt]

Art 38
Thats the way buisness is suppose to be done.When I buy from Jeg's and the parts show up four days later I don't applaud them,I expect that.
When CH takes FOURTEEN WEEKS to send me pistons and a cam shaft that he says he has in stock that's somthing I want others to know about.

[art38]

Isn't there anything better to talk about, like "Oil Pans or Dip Sticks". :D :D :D
Art38

[bobs409]

Im up for more dipstick discussion. Let me invite DQ first. :p

If we ever finish that topic, I think we should move on to more important things like discussing those interior door lock knob ferrels. :D

[59elcooldsuv]

Well, I hope you guys are right - that CH IS still in business.

One thing that concerns me is that his website hasn't been updated since 1999.
I'm about ready to order some parts and my shopping around indicates that his listed prices are the best - but have they changed since 1999?

Guess I have to pay out the ying-yang for a long distance phone call to find out?

[art38]

59
send him an e-mail listing what your looking for. Some of his prices have changed like everyone elses. If you send an e-mail now you should hear back later tonight or tomorrow morning. I would also ask availability.
Art38

[dougs409]

hey bob
did you ever get a right answer to the 409ss dipstick mystery :confused:
and no i'm not going to hijack your thread again :D
doug

[bobs409]

No one can tell me point blank why 409SS is stamped on them but I did find out that the repro stick/tube that I bought years ago from Show cars was in fact one for a 1965 and not a '63 like I wanted.

So the question still remains; why does my dipstick have 409SS stamped into it? :D (please post in the dipstick thread if you can enlighten me) ;)

[dq409]

but I did find out that the repro stick/tube that I bought years ago from Show cars was in fact one for a 1965 and not a '63 like I wanted.



OWHHHHH,,, Don`t get me started on "dipsticks" AND "ShowCars" on the same page !!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :D

[2obnxs]

Even I know about dq's "love" for Show Cars and their dipsticks.

[59elcooldsuv]

59
send him an e-mail listing what your looking for. Art38

Sent him an email on Monday asking about $ of main brg, rod brg & cam brg.
Haven't heard anything back yet.

[dq409]

Lets see,,,, This thread is about a dealer that is now into golf more then supplying parts and shipping on time and you are still trying to order from him ?
SHEISHHH !!!
Get a clue !!
Order from someone who appreciates your business !!!
Like some members here !!

No put down on Curt ,,,just the facts !! ,,dq

[60convert]

if for no other reason let the man play golf. hes retired...
Jesse

[Phil Reed]

Sent him an email on Monday asking about $ of main brg, rod brg & cam brg.
Haven't heard anything back yet.


Randy:

Tell me what size bearings you are needing and I'll see if I can help you.

Phil

[dq409]

if for no other reason let the man play golf. hes retired...
Jesse

Thanks convert !

I guess I said it wrong,,you said it right ! :D

[BobsBB]

I ordered from c.h. and had no problem with answering questions or e-mail, i think vendor info, and feedback, weather it's good or bad is welcome.

[art38]

I spoke with CH on Wed (e-mail). There is alway two sides to every story. I had good luck with CH and he is very pleasent to speak on the phone. I would agree right now with golf season he is pretty busy with that. But he can be reached by e-mail or calling later at night.
Art38

[Phil Reed]

Randy:

Tell me what size bearings you are needing and I'll see if I can help you.

Phil

Randy:

I have replied to your PM at the email address you sent me but both got returned. Said it was not a valid address????

Drop me another email or just call me at 816-587-1109. I've got prices for you.

Thanks.
Phil

[dq409]

Phil,, When you gonna do that web site ?????

[59elcooldsuv]

Randy:
Drop me another email or just call me at 816-587-1109. I've got prices for you.
Thanks. Phil

Checks in the mail. Thanks

Last night, went to Hooters to meet the Houston Bucketheads T-drivers. Came home about 10:00 & caught myself standing in the middle of my garage staring at all those engine parts & wishing I could get it built quicker.

[dq409]

Checks in the mail. Thanks



Yeh Sure,,,, and if you believe that,,,,, you`ll also believe he went to Hooters to meet the Bucketheads !!! :D