engine rebuild

[whitey]

just curious if you guys have opinions on what a total engine rebuild including removal and install should run. i was quoted between $2200- $2500 here in LA. $800 less if i remove and install the rebuild myself which i won't do. from what i've heard it's a reputable shop and it seemed like a fair price to me.

 

[Justshootme84]

$2500 is prolly an average, turnkey price for an engine replacement. I was quoted $940 just to rebuild my 351W H.O., most of that being parts and light machine work. The labor cost to remove and then install a motor is what costs so much, the least amount that I've paid being around $900 just for the install. That was the shop that did the motor on my 84 Bronco, and then I spent another $3000 fixxing their mistakes, loose bolts, accessories, etc. That lasted 4 years, and now I'm doing it myself with the 460 swap. Good Luck, JSM84

 

[whitey]

ok. yeah install is $800. rebuild of block is like $922. the extra comes from new parts- plugs, wires, pumps all that stuff. basically i can spend as much as i want i guess- depending on how many new components i want. i'm going stock but, i want top use quality components.

thanks for the answer i appreciate it.

 

[firelt90bronco]

Remember, the higher the price the better quality you get (within reason). If you go with the cheap rebuild the engine will show it. How many times do you want to do it?

 

[whitey]

yeah i have absolutely no problem paying for a good job at all. actually i would prefer it. but, in all honesty this will be the first time i've ever HAD an engine rebuilt. i just want to make sure of a few things and make sure i'm not taken for a ride.

 

[Justshootme84]

Are you having the engine overhauled and rebuilt with new parts, or are you replacing the motor with a shortblock, longblock or crate engine? Like LT90 said, some of the cheaper motors and kits are total junk, like my NAPA motor was. A good machine shop will usually be a better choice if you can rebuild your own motor. JSM84

 

[firelt90bronco]

Hey how about a 429 crate motor!!!!!

 

[steechfinger]

just do it your self that way you know its done and not half assed i think the rebuild kit is like 200 bucks

 

[whitey]

Are you having the engine overhauled and rebuilt with new parts, or are you replacing the motor with a shortblock, longblock or crate engine? Like LT90 said, some of the cheaper motors and kits are total junk, like my NAPA motor was. A good machine shop will usually be a better choice if you can rebuild your own motor. JSM84

no crate. it's a total rebuild of my existing engine at a reputable (so i've been told) machine shop here in LA. http://www.perfectengine.com/

everything honed, bored, resurfaced, balanced matched yada yada yada. the works. if i'm going to do it i'm going to do it right. actually their prices are fair it's the extra replacement parts (motorcraft) like ignition parts, oil pumps and all that that add up pretty quick. well that and the labor too. the turnaround time is pretty long like almost 2 weeks. i wouldn't buy a crate engine. my buddy back in texas was a manager at chief auto parts (anybody remember them?) and i heard the horror stories.

if i had the know how i would do it myself but, i don't have the space, the actual knowledge to do a good enough job and the machining tools to do it, or the time. i would like someday to have a block to mess with and rebuild just to learn but, i'm not going to experiment with that right now.

 

[Justshootme84]

Sounds good! While not all crate engines are junk, the cheaper ones from your local AUtoZone or mass-produced rebuilds mostly are. THe quality SB or LB kits and crate engines from Ford Racing, JAsper, etc cost 2-3X those cheapies. Just get a good warranty, like 3 yr/50K miles, and you're set if anything goes bad from improper assembly or a bad part. ANd you're right, the misc. stuff like a new starter, dizzy, exhaust manifolds and other accessories will put a big hole in your wallet!!! JSM84

 

[snowman74]

My Dad once told me, "You don't always get what you pay for....but you ALWAYS pay for what you get." If I were doing this, I'd find a buddy that has a lift and a cherry picker...label all your wiring or take good pictures...yank that sucker out of there and just have the machine shop do the engine rebuild. Then, it would be much cheaper for you to buy stuff like gaskets, plugs, wires, etc. and put it back in yourself. Then you'd know it was done correctly. The downside is, if the machine shop warrents the engine ONLY if they install it, you should go that way. While you're at it, have it bored and stroked if you want some more power (just a thought). Good luck no matter what you decide.

Snowman74 >-

 

[whitey]

yeah i wuld love to install it myself just for the experience if nothing else. but, there's no space here at my house and i don't really have anyone i could seriously count on to help me out. i've only been here in LA 6 months and the people i DO know are totally uncapable of helping me. if i were back in texas me and my pops would do it. it'd be a great project to do together and he's good.

the standard warranty is 12 months but, of course i can purchase an extended which i will.

i'm still looking at other shops i mean it's gonna be a few months or so to save up for this. and i'm still trying to do one small project a week in the meantime, next week my headliner kit arrives- i'll take pics. but, so far from speaking with these guys in person they're on the ball compared to the others and have a really nice shop and what appears to be quality guys there.

 

[Justshootme84]

You might be able to get some references or feedback from previous customers about that shop you're working with. Even check with the BBB for any complaints.