[78400TX]

I have decided to go all the way this summer and instead of changing a couple of things I am gonnahave the shortblock rebuilt and go with some ported heads from SD performance. My question is what is a decent price for a rebuilt shortblock I want forged pistons probably TRW's something that will take a small hit of NOS like a 100-125 shot and resized rods with ARP's in them(I donot plan on pulling it past 5500-5600 RPM). Also a good aftermarket cam already degreed in( if that is possible without the heads on I donot know? Still kind of new to this). I was hoping under 2000 would be about right am I way off?

------------------
78 400 T/A 6.6
2001 Z/28 Six speed

[78400TX]

I have decided to go all the way this summer and instead of changing a couple of things I am gonnahave the shortblock rebuilt and go with some ported heads from SD performance. My question is what is a decent price for a rebuilt shortblock I want forged pistons probably TRW's something that will take a small hit of NOS like a 100-125 shot and resized rods with ARP's in them(I donot plan on pulling it past 5500-5600 RPM). Also a good aftermarket cam already degreed in( if that is possible without the heads on I donot know? Still kind of new to this). I was hoping under 2000 would be about right am I way off?

------------------
78 400 T/A 6.6
2001 Z/28 Six speed

[Blackcat]

It really depends on the shop and what you have done. Balancing, blueprinting, Forged pistons, what quality of work, ect...
Prices vary wildly. You will have to check out several shops and their work. And their prices. What I might get done for 1500 may cost you 3000.

------------------
Gatomon
A car is cheaper than a girlfriend. Better than a wife. If it gives you trouble you can park it and forget about it!

[Will]

I think your goal of under $2K is a good bet for a rebuilt shortblock with good quality components. You could do it a lot cheaper if you were willing to do some of the assembly work yourself.

TRW pistons, ARP rod bolts, a good double-roller timing chain and a 60psi RAIV type oil pump are all the "extras" you really need to spend the money on. The rest should be basic rebuild stuff. Most shops would charge you between $200-$500 to assemble the shortblock and degree the cam.

Good luck!
-Will

[78400TX]

Thanks will ya I would be willing to do some of the work myself except I have never put an engine together I have just done basic stuff like intake change, changed a couple of rocker arms, head gaskets. I have never even installed a cam much less put in a crank or pistons. How hard is it? I am just afraid or putting all that money into an engine and not putting it together right and endup with a bad motor and alot of wasted money.

------------------
78 400 T/A 6.6
2001 Z/28 Six speed

[randy]

sorry problems on my end

[This message has been edited by randy (edited 02-09-2001).] I Am Going To Drop Off My 350 Next Week.Machine Work Is $450 For Boreing The Cyl.,Grinding The Crank,Installing Cam Bearings And Piston Pins,Resizeing The Rods And Balanceing.Cast Pistons,Rings,Crank,Rod,Cam Bearings,Oilpump,And Gaskets.$350.I Will Be Putting This Together.I Hope This Helps

[This message has been edited by randy (edited 02-09-2001).]

[Will]

Well, in that case, I'd let the shop assemble the shortblock for you. Installing a cam's a piece of cake, but if they'll include that in the assembly price, then might as well let 'em do it.

Here's a bit of advice though: Do EVERYTHING else that needs doing first, before having the shortblock built. That way, once the shortblock's done you can assemble the longblock, drop it in, and be ready to run. Most shops will offer a short warranty on shortblocks they assemble and you don't want that warranty to run out while you're trying to get everything else done that you want to do.

Also, if you have the time, ask the shop if they'll let you be present during assembly so you can see what all goes into it and learn more about it. I'm real lucky right now in that "Sunday School" for me is going up to my machinist's shop every Sunday and helping him with my engine, and other people's as well. I've really learned a lot from this, including the painful fact that it takes a lot of experience to be able to make accurate, repeatable measurements with a good micrometer.

Get it down in writing what you want and are willing to pay for ahead of time so there's no misunderstandings and you should be good to go.

Good luck! Building a new engine's always a lot of fun.

Cheers,
-Will

[66Bronz]

happy weekend! dude, if you've never rebuilt an engine, my 2 cents is to pay someone this time. it takes a lot of experience to do it right & you probably don't have all the tools/equipment you need, unless you're already a machinest? i too have also changed intakes, manifolds, carbs, brake systems and so on for years: this is called parts replacement. if you still have a bug up your @ss to rebuild an engine yourself (totally understandable!), buy another block AFTER the 1st motor's in the car & running.

[Larry 67]

I'm in the same boat...I've rebuilt several small car engines and all are still runnning, but the motor for my GTO is a diff animal completely so the 1st time I'm going to have it done. Someday though I would like to have enough experience and confidence to do a Pontiac V-8. The local community college has classes on auto repair including engine rebuild that I plan to take. I also have the good luck of several friends who have always done thier own work to learn from...and this board with its knowledgeable members...wish I had done more of this when I was younger...but better late than never I guess. Good luck whatever ya decide to do...Will has posted some good advice for those of us that have'nt been there and done that......later

------------------
Cruise On!!!