Thoughts on Rebuilt Engines

[bladerunner]

What do you guys think of buying an engine from a "rebuilder"?  There is a local machine shop who sells rebuilt engines with 4 year/40k warranties.  I have not heard much about these guys, but they have been in the business for some time:

http://marshallsmachine.com/

350 sbc start at $900. What do you think of this vs a GM Goodwrench 350?

[thirsty]

I know somebody that used them with good results if I remember correctly. They needed a motor asap and that outfit had one available. It was a while ago though.
Next time I see him I will ask about the details of doing business with them.

[bladerunner]

Thanks thirsty

[pedigo78]

Depends, if you dont have the time to do ir yourself or have a buddy that could help then, i would just ask around about the shop and see how people like it. the warranty is nice though

[PromiseKeeper]

I'm kicking this idea around also. If you do it yourself, and have to pay for machine shop work. What would you have in it? I'm wondering if I can do it this cheap?

[pedigo78]

I had all my machining done for about 800-900 dollars. that include all the block work, turning of crank, valve job on heads, and new seats, also had the rotating assembly balanced and turned.

[bladerunner]

I had all my machining done for about 800-900 dollars. that include all the block work, turning of crank, valve job on heads, and new seats, also had the rotating assembly balanced and turned.

Based on that, $900 for a ready to go sbc with a 4 year warranty does not sound too bad.

Course, I like this crate I found at Year One:
https://www.yearone.com/Product/1982-02-Camaro/CT350PC1/view

Comes with a dyno sheet as well and under $3k.

[pedigo78]

yeah that looks good to me.

[bake74]

I'm kicking this idea around also. If you do it yourself, and have to pay for machine shop work. What would you have in it? I'm wondering if I can do it this cheap?

I had all my machining done for about 800-900 dollars. that include all the block work, turning of crank, valve job on heads, and new seats, also had the rotating assembly balanced and turned.

     OOCH.  That hurts.  Last summer I did a SBC rebuild.  Having the block fluxed and machine work done cost me $350.00 and I had it dipped bathed too.
     I live in Ca. So I thought my prices should be higher, maybe it depends on available shops that can perform the work also.

[PromiseKeeper]

looks like i had better call around. First I'm going to do a leak down test to see where the oil is going and go from there. Hopefully some valve seals will do it, but I'm never that lucky LOL

[thirsty]

Next time I see him I will ask about the details of doing business with them.

I finally got around to asking about this. Sorry it took so long.
Reputable business, good people to do business with, good engines.

[bladerunner]

Thanks thirsty. I appreciate it!

[ralphhemi]

I had good luck with a 4.0 ford ranger engine from Marshell's  free return on the core and they were patience it was about 6 mo. before i had completed the swap

[fitz]

  I just got off the phone with the owner of the company, Fred Marshall.
I  got a 350 vortec motor for my 2000 crew cab 2500.
It cost $1,050 (cheaper than the internet price) with free delivery to Mass.
I will get it Wednesday 1/30/13. Hopefully its installed by the weekend.
  I will let you know how it works out.
  This thread came along at a great time for me, thanks.

[Glidn2007]

Only problem with buying rebuilt engine is what is actually new in it, I have seen some scary rebuilds from reputable dealers but they do warranty them.  I saw one particular engine with different sized pistons meaning they only bored and replaced a couple of them.  If you do yourself you can put good parts in for performance down road,  like good pistons for nitrous or whatever, a hotter cam and good oil pump. You will know what's in it and run better, I spent about 1400, when going through mine but has all good stuff inside and runs dang good, I did use some second hand parts such as aluminum intake and carb to keep costs down.