Big Block Swap Update

[TxFiddler]

As some of y'all know, I am putting a 396/402 in my 1980 C10 2wd.  Here's the crossraods that I've reached.  I need some input from you guys that have been fooling around with engines for a while.  I bought the engine off of craigslist.  It ran and sounded good.  The timing chain had about an inch of slack in it so I bought a new Cloyes double roller.  My brother-in-law trains techs to work on Toyotas.  He said that that slack is a sign that the motor probably has high miles.  He also said that since I don't know what's it in it for a cam, I should get a new one that is for RV or towing.  He advised that I also check the main bearings for wear and replace em if necessary.  Here's where I have a question for y'all.  Yesterday, I checked the bearings and they were down to the copper.  The crank has some ridges but you can't snag em with a fingernail.  Should I halt this project and take the block to a machine shop and have it done right instead of rolling the dice and having to go through this all again at a later time?  Get new pistons, cam bearings main bearings, magged, honed, decked etc?  If so, what should I expect to pay for this service?  Thanks in advance!

[80stepsideguy]

It really all depends on what you want to do as far as a budget.If your engine is already out, i would go and overhaul it completly.If there is no ridges on the cylinder walls i say a good honing and reringing be the way to go there,cut the crank down 10/10 new bearings and put in a good RV cam.Then of course if it doesnt smoke check your valve guides.Its added insurance to do this rather then do it all and then have to yank the engine out and go thru it all over again.Like a piece of wood measure twice cut once.I look at it , think twice rebuild once.

thanks
pat

[Captkaos]

If you have the funds now, freshen it up like Pat said.

[TxFiddler]

Anyone have a cost estimate?  Just so I have an idea of what to budget.
Thanks,
Fidd

[fitz]

Off the top of my head I would say about $3000-$4000 to have it completely rebuilt to stock specs with a mild cam. That would be for parts/labor/machine work.

If you have the money more power to you, but if not I say the the dice and install it the way it is. 

[VileZambonie]

If you're not an engine builder it'll definitely cost you some bucks. If it's not in your budget now polish the crank and put new bearingts in it. Replace the cam and run it until you do have the funds.

[TxFiddler]

Well, I have decided to do the right thing.  There is a machine shop close to my house that is highly recommended.  This guy does great work and takes it personal.  I am dropping the engine off this Friday.  He said I could expect it back in a bout a week.  I can't wait!  Thanks for all the input guys.  I will post up some pics as progress goes.

[fitz]

How much $$?

[screamin86]

What all are you getting done?

[TxFiddler]

While the engine is at the shop getting new pistons, crank, hydraulic roller cam, new Edelbrock aluminum E-Street heads, balanced etc., I decided to clean up the firewall a bit.  Should I paint the firewall black, or should it match the truck?  Indigo Blue.  Of course, the inner fenders and everything else will be blacked out.  Just looking for opinions.

[VileZambonie]

I'm so used to lookin ay my firewall everyday I forgot how ugly they were from the factory lol... I would paint it and the inside fender to match the truck. The wheel wells look good paint matched or satin black. Do the core support black too.

Did you cut the bracket down behind the booster?

[TxFiddler]

Vile,
I was thinking about doing the firewall to match the truck and the inner fenders in a black.  As far as cutting the bracket down, are you just talking about removing all of the excess metal that is on that bracket?  It sure seems like alot of extra.  Also, Do they make a washer motor that fits inside the cowl? I have seen this done on some Camaros and was curious as to our trucks.  I would even like to hide most of the wiring if possible.  Thanks again for the input and great suggestions.
Fiddler