General engine rebuild parts

I've got a quote on what a machine shop wants to rebuild my motor (1200-1300) and i remember other quotes being in the range of 25-2600 for a rebuild using all new parts. What I'm asking for is what exactly i can expect for the rebuild in the way of parts for 1200-1300 dollars. The top end needs to be bored out, and the heads need to be gone through. The bottom end is probably okay, but they'll check it out anyway. Just your basic tired engine.

As for what I can expect. Would that price include going through the heads, doing the hardened valve seat, new camshaft, lifters, timing chain etc? Basically, I'm not in the know on this just yet.

And if price is dependent upon area... this will be in the metro atlanta area. (which is why i can't just stop by and ask the shop just yet...need the phone number from my pops).

 

The guy is a somewhat reputable hop, but i hear what you're saying. put 800 dollars into it and then find something wrong with it that's going to require another 1500 to make sure it gets done right, or even worse that it can't be recovered. He did say 6-700 for the mchine work, so maybe i'll go that route and just try and build it up myself. I know what cam i want, and that i want the edelbrock timing chain. From there I would like some roller type lifters, but that's the extent of what I want to rebuild.

The kicker is he's gives a year warranty on everything out of his shop. With the CJ a good nine hours away it's worth somethign to just be able to drop the engine off and pick up a new unit to swap out...

 

Ask him if thats a "if everything is ok in the engine qoute and just a basic rebuild" LIke pistons, bearings, rings etc.... May also want to find out how much extra its going to be "if" it needs other work like sleeving. I'm sure if you told him what components you wanted in the engine he could put them in when he assembles it.

 

Just as a FYI, there are no roller lifters that will work in a 225, the lifter bore is to short. Roller rockers are posible but not lifters.
My machine work was as follows, heads $354, this included hardened valve seats, 3 angle valve job, valve stem seals and all new guides, resurfacing, magnafluxing for cracks, hot tanking and then final assembly of the valves and all. The block was $184 to hot tank, bore and hone, and have the cam bearings and freeze plugs pressed in. I did not need any crank work done. Hope this helps!!

 

So , shes a step closer?

 

I'd sit down with the machine shop (even if over the phone) and discuss exactly what you are getting for your money. What machine work, what parts are included, time frame, etc. etc. That helps eliminate misunderstandings on both party's parts and will minimize surprises. Nickmil

 

I'd be surprised if any shop could do a rebuild for under 2 grand. Worst case scenario is that you have the low bidder do it and the higher bidder fix what the low guy did.

I had that problem last year with a remodeler that I fired in mid stream. That set me back several thousand dollars in rework repairs.

Took an F-134 to the shop for machining yesterday. It'll get bored, probably decked, new valve guides and valves, and the crank will get turned.

I don't have a quote on it yet, but all that machining isn't cheap.

Once that is done, add to that the cost of pistons, rings,bearings,oil pump,water pump and it gets pretty dear.

I save $$ by doing all the assembly / disassembly myself, but that takes time and if the shop does it they'll charge 70 bucks or so an hour.

 

Alright, got the number today and gave him a call. Price includes machining, heads (minus hardened valve seats), camshaft, lifters, bearings, pistons, seals (usual rebuild kit), and reassembly. Substituting my parts is no big deal. I was told to get the cam kit if i went that route due to the springs in the heads. And, price on his end would go down with the price of substituted parts. It sounds to be on the up and up. Of course, he said he'd call if something were to show up.

The machine work alone is 20 bucks per hole plus about 150 for crankshaft work. The head exchange quoted ~ 350 for the set, including hardened seats, assuming everything else could be reused (valves, springs, etc). Parts alone for this route are just about equalling the expense to have him go through it, and I really don't have the time to properly put things together when I go back home and I offer myself no where near an all out one year warranty. And, yes I found out quite quickly that there are no roller lifters for this engine.


As for being a step closer to being up here.... I believe I'm headed in the opposite direction. Norfolk just ain't me. Atlanta is dead in my sights.

 

I had my machine work done at a local speed shop. Mine is a Buick 4.1L.

I had the heads surfaced and valves ground 3-angle.

The cylinders were bored, cam bearings installed, all the block plugs replaced, complete engine kit with perfect circle rings, fel-pro gaskets, speed-pro pistons with teflon coated skirts pressed on the rods. All the parts were washed, including the bolts etc. The guy even ran a tap in all the threads to clean them.

Total price $579.77

One of the best deals in my whole project.

JC