Build or have built?

[TexasRed]

OK, here's my newest dilemma, LOL. I've got time now to go to the Machine shop and get my 350 project started. My initial goal is to take my block and crank and get them magnafluxed. I may see if they've got any engines that have been sitting there too long and that will work for me. Assuming the penny pincher vulture stance doesn't work out, I'll try to get the 350 built, obviously if the crank doesn't check out as good, I may step up to the 383 route. If the block doesn't check out, then other things will have to be considered. My question is:

With today's economy, would it be more economical to build the engine pretty much myself or should I have them build the long block or short block. I think long block with valves adjusted was around $1200 with scat rods and arp bolts. The engine will have vortec heads and built for idle and up in terms of power. It's not a daily driver but I want to use it to tow a trailer and furniture and whatever crap I need. Maybe a deer or two. But no game wardens. I could build it with summit brand cams and such, but would I get that much of a savings over having a machine shop with their quantity discount do it?

My mechanical ability is not that great but it's okay, how hard is it to put together these engines? Oh yeah, I plan to get scat rods which should come balanced, I'd like to get the assembly balanced, can they do that without the rods if I start building without them? It's a one piece rear main seal.

Thanks and Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah and I think Ramadan's been over for awhile but Eid Mubarak anyway.

[Lt.Del]

Do it yourself.  You'll have that much more pride in it.  You'll have to do a cost comparison: parts vs. parts + labor.   I built my first engine when I was 15 and never regret it.  After all the parts were received, it only took  a few hours, and that was taking my time.   If you can put together a puzzle, well, lets just say this is a bigger puzzle.  Get your torque specs.  Get a manual.  Read up on it, and get er done!

Take your time with the cam installation, take your time with the timing gears/chain.  Don't nick the crank with the rod bolts.  Don't put too much gasket sealer around intake perimeter.

If you have an engine stand and can turn it over, etc. it really isn't hard to put these puppies together.

Go for it!  If you aren't comfortable with adjusting valves, just take it to the shop for that. But if you read the right manuals, etc. you should have no problem.   Oh, and anothe thing, don't forget to break in your cam correctly.  When I initially fire up my engine and adjust timing, I set the idle around 2k rpms for about 20 minutes.

Coat all your pieces with heavy oil when putting the engine together.  I used to use STP oil treatment, that stuff was so thick. Excellent for initial start up.  And don't forget to prime the oil pump!


 

[hotrod24]

yea man i have a 383 i am rebuilding and this will be my first time ever doing it and to me it is going to be a fun experience so give it a try

[Lt.Del]

That's the idea !   

[choptop]

Have the machine shop install the cam bearings because thats cheaper than buying the bearing installer. The rest is basic hand tools and a good torque wrench.

[VileZambonie]

Here's a cam bearing driver just for sbc click

Building it yourself is fun and good experience. I wouldn't pay a machine shop to build it for you. If you're gonna go that route just get a crate engine.

[choptop]

Here's a cam bearing driver just for sbc click

Building it yourself is fun and good experience. I wouldn't pay a machine shop to build it for you. If you're gonna go that route just get a crate engine.

Now thats not a bad deal, Thanks Vile

[TexasRed]

I could just have the machine shop build me the short block but I still need to buy connecting rods. I gotta find a machine shop that's closer than the one I was thinking of using. It's hard to find something close. I guess I'll have to keep thinking on this for the next couple days.

[camdenoilchange]

Like others stated, it's a good experience to build it yourself. Economically it's cheaper to buy a crate in my opinion unless you go with a bone stock rebuild. For instance, I am going to pick up my block for the blazer next week from the machine shop and will have about a $500 bill. Machine work can add up quick unless your going with a stock configuration.

[TexasRed]

Yeah, sometimes the chinese stuff is too cheap not to use.  . I may build something close to stock 350 (just with vortec heads) as I want around 250k-300k miles outta this motor and it's only a shortbed halfton, so how much can I really tow? I thought about doing a 383 just to have a nice little hot rod truck since I'll probably never own a 454SS pickup :drool. Does anyone know of a budget 383 kit for one piece rear main seal that will run on unleaded?

[camdenoilchange]

I think Eagle makes an unbalanced kit for about $700. I'm going with an Eagle rotating assembly that is internally balanced. The kit runs just over $800 through summit, mine is a 1 piece seal as well. As far as pump gas, you just need to pick the proper piston, heads, etc to get a lower compression ratio. With a stroker kit you will need dished pistons.

[TexasRed]

Well, I don't know if people saw me coming, but one dang machine shop wanted almost 2k to build the shortblock. THE SHORTBLOCK!  . Sooooo, I may be picking up a GM crate engine or I've talked to a few folks I know and I may be able to get it done substantially cheaper. Like ~ $500. Another guy said around 1200 or 1300 if I want it balanced.

[camdenoilchange]

i bought a gm crate motor in 2000 for an old truck i had, never had any problems with it. not bad priced and carry a warranty.

[frogman68]

I will fill in for Sgt Del

Go with a 383

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-383-ENGINE-GM-68-79-6-2-high-performance-conv_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a15Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem7904901050QQitemZ7904901050QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Lt.Del]

I will fill in for Sgt Del

Go with a 383

 

Yeah, what he said.  I must've been sleeping.  I was gonna say that.