Crate vs built or vice versa

[Billla]

Originally Posted by Bowtie67

Another option that wasnt described here was buying a shortblock

Agreed, but if you buy the base shortblock you still have the CR issue if you're looking for some level of performance. Yep, you can certainly get smaller chamber heads, etc. but it's pretty hard with that approach to take a 8.5 CR engine to 9.5 or above.

As for cast parts, I agree that cranks are fine but if you're going to put any significant beating on the engine I'm a big fan of the H.T. pistons. In this case, it's within my rule - < 1 HP/CID, cast, > 1 HP/CR, H.T., > 1.2 HP/CR, forged, baby - forged

[Billla]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

If you have the time, knowledge, and tools there is no doubt that a rebuild will allow you to get more bang for your buck. What you save in one place and can be used in another to build a much stronger motor

, and I think this summarizes all the discussions really well.

GREAT response!

[redneckdds]

where are you getting this 3yr warranty at? names and #'s would be great... thanks

[mrein3]

How about an itemized price list?
I had a real tired 350 of unknown origins in my truck when I bought it. The time had come to fix it.
I decided to build my own. I also decided that since I tow a lot a stroker would be nice under the hood. AND my buddy the engine rebuilder guy said he just picked up a 400 crank shaft. They have pistons that work with your stock 350 rods and a stock 400 crank so with the tired old 350 I had on a stand I had everything I needed for a 383.

You can't format real easy so just deal with the post...

383 related parts & labor:
Crankshaft...................................$200.00
400 Balancer (used)........................$30.00
Balance job..................................$200.00
Cut con rods for cam clearance.........$20.00
400 flywheel...................................$30.00
clearance block for con rod clearance..$15.00
ARP con rod bolts.............................$38.00
Oil pumpdrive....................................$8.00
Oil pumpsump....................................$9.00
"Performance engine Kit: Sealed power moly rings,
Fel pro gaskets, con rod bearings, main bearings,
cam bearings, block plugs, 383 pistons,
three piece timing set, oil pump"........$317.00
R&R block plugs................................$10.00
degrease block.................................$35.00
deck block......................................$50.00
bore & deck-plate hone cyl(s).............$80.00
deck-plate charge.............................$10.00
"Remove, install, & fit cam bearings "....$25.00
Recon con rods.................................$80.00
Pin fit new pistons.............................$28.00
Assemble short block..........................$75.00
Sales tax.........................................$26.13
.................................................$1,286.13


How does that ad go?
New 383 for your 4x4: $1300
Knowing the guy with the crate engine got way less engine for $1500, Priceless.

[thejoker]

I just dropped my block, crank off at machine shop. Machine work and rebuild kit cost me $590. That's with a mild cam setup. I have $200 in my heads and $250 on carb and intake. I'll probably spend another $100 on misc. So I'm looking at $1140 plus time. The factor in the fact I know what I have in the engine, the enjoyment od bulding(priceless) and the pride in saying "I built it". That would equal -$5325.62. So I actually make money on the deal.

See how I rationalize. It works!


JKR

[Billla]

Originally Posted by mrein3

How about an itemized price list?

Ummmm...heads? Intake? Carb? Distributor?

[Boog]

I, for example, have an 88 350 truck engine in need of a rebuild. I already have a Performer intake and carb on it. I am wondering if I can perk that one up to maybe 300 or so HP without spending another $1000 for heads and such. Would 9 to 1 cr with Vortec heads and an rv cam do it? What is a good price to pay for a set of useable Vortecs? Or a pair of older Vette heads?

[Bowtie67]

Originally Posted by Boog

I, for example, have an 88 350 truck engine in need of a rebuild. I already have a Performer intake and carb on it. I am wondering if I can perk that one up to maybe 300 or so HP without spending another $1000 for heads and such. Would 9 to 1 cr with Vortec heads and an rv cam do it? What is a good price to pay for a set of useable Vortecs? Or a pair of older Vette heads?

You can buy new Vortec heads for about the same price as buying used and then having them checked out,cleaned up,resurfaced, & have new valve springs installed for better cam. As far as old vette heads go the Vortecs are better than any head chevrolet ever produced on a factory motor. Depending on what truck this engine is going into and what exactly that truck is, 2wd, 4wd, duelly, etc will determine really what cam you should put in there. Is 300 do able, absolutely, as far as your performer intake goes they may not work with the vortec heads. Checkout sdpc they have combo head deals.

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/2172...-Head-Kits.htm