[Tempest67]

Wow, thanks Guys.

I just looked back at my first post, and here was my list of goals


The goals are -
1. aim for a budget of $15K (that's about $12 K US)
2. small block Chev (would love to use a Pontiac V8, but was worried that they are just too big for the small engine compartment) and I can grab a SBC for less than 1/2 the price to rebuild a Pontiac.
3. solid, reliable, safe vehicle that could be used as a daily driver
4. standard transmission
5. clean comfortable interior.


and all but 1 were met, and yes, you guessed it, the budget. I was thinking I could pick up a used SBC for less than $1000, and I did, for $700, but the SOB sold me one with cracked heads and a cracked block. (he was a car guy and seemed trustworthy, boy was I wrong) So, after finding some redone Vortec heads (for $700) and repairing the cracked block and machining ($2500) my engine cost me almost $4000.


My total build cost was about $22K (CAN) and the only work farmed out was to the machine shop to clean up the block. (I assembled it)

My wife and I drive it all the time, take it to Home Depot and run errands, and she even takes it to visit friends and feels comfortable in it, thanks to power steering, power brakes, tilt column, and adjustable seat. (which is very important)

However, I have a confession to make, when I started the project my intentions were to have something for my wife to use, but I find I use it more than my Pontiacs because it is just so easy to drive, and I don't worry about it when I park it.

Thanks to everyone here for sharing their experiences, as it made this build possible.