Master Rebuild Kit

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Jul 8, 2015 | 06:24 PM

Tank77

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Junior User

Joined: Jun 2015

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Master Rebuild Kit

Hello everyone, I've decided NOT to go with a crate Long Block for my 390 from the local parts store. I found a builder block, crank, and heads so I'm gonna do it the longer way.. My budget is around $1800.. $200 for block, $350 machine work, around $500 for Rebuild kit. Should leave around $700 for heads and anything thing else....

Once I have everything machined I'm gonna get one of the "Master Rebuild Kits" that several manufactures sell that have the pistons included.

So here's my questions, what recommendations do you have on what brand kits are good. I'm a novice at all this so I want one that has everything in it but I can't pay a fortune either..

Second and critical question is most of these kits come with a cam. I know its critical that the springs match the cam. How does one do that?

Lastly, once I get the heads back is there any kits that have everything needed, ie: valves, guides, springs etc..

Any feed back would be great on specific kits that you've used.

Thanks,

Jul 8, 2015 | 06:42 PM

akguy09

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 208

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From: North Pole,Alaska

You should start a build thread, then you can have all your questions centrally located.

Jul 8, 2015 | 09:26 PM

somethingclever

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 3,211

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From: SW PA

You could probably buy a healthy running engine for 1000 or less and just swap it in.

$1800+ novice usually doesn't turn out on time or budget.

Jul 8, 2015 | 09:50 PM

Blue and White

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Joined: Nov 2011

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One answer... the rebuild kits would generally include a stock spec cam which should work with stock spec springs. Either what is on the head already (probably) or stock replacements from Rock Auto or the AP store. If you go with an upgraded aftermarket cam, use the cam manufacturers recommendation for springs.

The heads can be tricky. Depending on condition they may need a little or a lot of work. If in poor condition, may be expensive to get them right.

Also, what will your machine shop do for the $300 on the block? That is a good price. Does it include a good cleaning and overbore and hone? How about cleaning up and squaring up the top deck?

Sounds like you are starting an adventure... good luck!

Jul 8, 2015 | 10:33 PM

SlikWillie

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 3,256

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From: Pryor, OK

I guess what we are trying to get at is this. A stock rebuild will definitely be the cheapest way to go, using a stock rebuild kit from $250 to $400 w/pistons. But if you want to have a little or a lot more power, the rebuild kit will be starting at $400 for a quality kit. When looking for a kit with pistons, I look for Silvolite piston and Fel Pro gaskets. Comp Cams has cam kits which will include lifter, timing set, and the correct springs for around $400. I think Edelbrock has a complete kit with all matching parts: carb, intake, cam, lifters, and assembled aluminum heads. Although they are pretty expensive but at least it will end the guessing game of matching the right parts. When building your engine, It hardly ever turns out less than $1800 to do it right. My last engine rebuild cost me over $3500 in a 1988 Mustang GT. That turned up 324hp at the rear wheels. Before that, I built a stock 360 for my grandfathers '75 HB for $1500 but that was without taking the heads or block to the machine shop and I was not happy with the power but he was. You get what you put into it.

Jul 8, 2015 | 11:09 PM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

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From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tank77

Some links for general info:

ENGINE BUILDS
... Engine Cores, Planning & Research, Picking a Machine Shop, and More
... Build Your First Engine
... How to Engine Rebuild for Cheap!
... Build Your First Performance Engine

It's good to have a budget but you won't know what it needs until your machinist tells you. $300 for heads is waaaay low for seals, guides, and a three-angle valve job... At that level, it may be better just to buy rebuilt heads instead of having yours redone. If keeping your own, do some mild port (gasket) matching before turning them in...your machinist will disassemble and clean them up assuring that all them lil metal bits and dust are gone.

I know of no master rebuild kits that included cylinder head components.

Summit offers kits by Federal Mogul for around $415 with pistons. No camshaft... Contact Comp Cams, Crane, or just opt for Edelbrock's 2106 or 7106 cam kits for the FE, $240 and $275 respectively.

Survival offers a kit at $695 and includes a Comp Cam. Dunno the specs.: Survival FE Engine Kits

Beware of budget creep!