Steffen Engine Machine Co Ltd - Oshawa, Ontario

RFitzgibbons V.

Don't be fooled by the owner's jovial attitude. I waited more than a year to have my motor done, and it didn't last 300 miles.
I only found out later his staff had all left and work was either sent to other shops, not done at all, or performed by someone with no experience. Seals were not installed correctly and leaked, rings were shot, bearings were all worn down to the copper, pistons were rocking in bores, block resurfacing was done with a brillo pad, crankshaft was chipped.

Doctor E.

Brought our motorcycle/automotive machining in the 90s with great results, but things change. Recently I brought a new part to be honed on what I assumed would be a sunnen with a Y32 keyway mandrel, but after waiting two weeks was handed an extremely poor job that had been attempted on a lathe. Although I was offered a new part, the two weeks ate up my time-line and I did not want the second one done on the lathe. I hate writing reviews like this, but it happened and caused me grief. I ended up having to "glue on" the balancer with loctite 620 bearing retainer. Not cool for a new $600 part on a performance engine.

Pat R.

Robbery. Took my 5 cyl Volvo head in to have 2 broken exhaust manifold studs removed and one stud hole heli-coiled. Was slapped with a $552.98 bill! Asked for an estimate when dropping it off, guy was cheerful and pleasant "we won't know until we get into it". Trusted the pleasant smile from the guy thinking it would only be a couple hundred bucks. Never drop off something without a written estimate - lesson learned - and even then, they'll give you a story to pad the bill. Thought I would support local - not anymore. There a more trustworthy shops closer to the GTA that are worth the drive. Stay away from these thieves- be warned.

Chris

Had a great experience with Steffen Engine. Brought in a pair of cylinder heads in poor condition, unsure of how far I wanted to go with the repair. Brad was very helpful in going over the condition of them while considering what my goals for the car were instead of just pushing the most expensive option on me. He set realistic expectations, was incredibly friendly through the whole process, and most importantly the finished product was fantastic. Would recommend them to anyone!

Spencer B.

Used Steffan for a head on a 6bt cummins. I had told them I only wanted to do whatever they thought was absolutly needed, past ndt and decking. I'll pay the bill In full, in cash when I pick it up. They went all out and did everything on the head. Lesson leaned.
When I got the head back there was paint (Enamel) on the fuel filter unit and other important machined surfaces (i get sometimes theres a young guy helping/being trained or something that didnt know better). Instead of telling me that, the owner told me HE DOES THAT ON EVERY HEAD HE DOES AND SAYS THE FILTER WILL CATCH ALL THE ENAMEL THAT IS BOUND TO FLAKE OFF. First red flag. I had told him this to help with other customers in the future. Not the claw back money and he still tried to pretend that's normal practice. I Didnt notice this untill after the head was on and had to spent acouple hours with a mirror and razor scraping enamel off the housing.
That all said, The head has been on the truck almost a year no issue and I think stephan is capable of quality work.
BUT, they also lost a valuable air intake temperature sensor, they lost the intake plenum cover, and some other little odds and ends. I wanted to love this old manual shop as i have a millwright/ manual machineist backround but the constant screw ups and refusal to accept blame were just embarassing. The owner was decent on the lost items after a bit of a fight and was willing to come good on them. I didn't have the time to travel back to the city and deal with it all so his word was good enough. But i shouldn't have to be finding the part numbers and driving hours back to oshawa to rectify a problem he created. He could of got my engine serial # got the part and shipped it to my house but he was to busy to help!!

Unfortunatly it doesn't end there. WHAT REALLY DISSAPOINTED ME was: when I brought the head in, the owner had mentioned about the injectors still being in (had just bought the head used a hour previous so hadnt taken them out.) When I picked the head up 2 weeks later it was all wrapped up and no injectors with it. I asked about it, owner swore up and down there was no injectors when it came-he was POSITIVE!! I then got it home, unwrapped it, and whatdoya know? My injectors that he swore didn't come in with the head. Dishonest!!

All in all I WOULDNT USE THEM AGAIN. I gave them NO TIME CONSTRAINTS, PAYED BILL IN FULL ON TIME AND WAS STILL TREATED LIKE I WAS BEING UNREASONABLE. I had napa quote me and although stephan was way more expensive and a drive, I thought I'd be dealing with a more professional, experienced shop. They seemed to think the lost parts where my fault-that AIT sensor is over 100$ +shipping from cummins and they didn't really seem concerned about them loosing my parts after paying 2k$ in full for a old diesel head that really only needed decked. i get things happenen and its not always you doing the work, but when your guys make a mistake dont make the customer feel like a burden when they want you to come good on it. Its your responsibility to make it right and i shouldnt have to feel like the squeaky wheel, jumping through hoops and driving all over.

Jared S.

I Just want to say what an absolute pleasure it was to deal with these guys. They do A1 quality workmanship and their dedication to perfection really shows in the work they put out. I highly recommend this shop. Thanks guys you have a customer for life.

wes P.

Great experience. More than reasonable price and great people. Nice atmosphere and nice to talk with people who care. I will definitely be back when I need more machine work and strongly recommend them.

Thanks again

Josh

Absolutely Amazed with the helpfulness and Work done!! hard to find places like these around anymore!! will most defintly return for any more work 🙏🏼