When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I don't know about rebuilding kits but for brake and other parts I've gotten lots from Rockauto for way less than elsewhere. Ebay has engine kits for under $400 that seem complete. The valve job will cost more than that. Good luck and keep us informed.
Google for engine kits. Rockauto has lots of brake and other parts for way less than other places. I rebuilt my entire brake system for 1/3rd the cost of the big box auto parts stores.
Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying there aren't deals out there. But a kit, you're leaving the selection up to someone else. Rockauto is great, I like them. When I bought brake cylinders, they sent me two Chinese, one Italian, and ancient Wagner. No control over the parts they send is what I'm getting at.
On the older Y blocks, they have solid lifters, there was a rash of cheap flat tappets made out of recycled beer cans or whatever. All I'm saying is that parts selection is important, important to getting value for the money and time we're spending. Before buying anything I'd talk to the machine shop and ask them what parts jobber or kits they use. They'll know who has good parts, the people who do it for a living can't afford callbacks.
Problem is, ya get what ya pay for. Gaskets, for example, are one thing that I wouldn't skimp on. Buy the best. All things being equal, a cheaper kit means they had to have cut corners somewhere. Overseas parts aren't worth using if they didn't use the right materials or properly harden or heat treat parts. It won't seem like ya saved any money if ya hafta tear deep back into something and replace. Read everything possible in the manuals on procedures and techniques, everything with engines and mechanical stuff is like painting - spend 90% prep and setup, and 10% actually doing the task. It's that attention to detail that makes the difference.
Thanks for reply I know they'd be cheaper quality just came accross the kits and wondered if they were worth the trouble.
I did come accross a 352 longblock for $300 hoping he replies so i can get this thing running already.
Rockauto has some good deals yes, but like noted above can be like a bad Dream that comes true.
I ordered a set of 8 .030 over power seal pistons from them.
Well what, I got was 5 good pistons then then the last of what was junk left on the shelf from someone.
1. Boxed piston marked with a red felt pin bad with a large red X's on it.
1. Boxed piston looks like was dropped on the floor damaged the ring groove area
marked with a question mark in red felt pin on the box top.
1. piston did not even match the other 7 pistons ~wtf
It appears they are just subcontractor that flips what ever someone has sitting on their shelf's good or returned stuff.
I also made a mistake on buying a New master cylinder that the lid would not seal as the vents were on the seal lip ~hello Found a chrome correct vented lid at the car show $8 bucks.
So I won't buy any brake cylinders online as returning turn around time is like 10 days if your lucky. Where as a loco auto parts stores one or two days at most.
But this is the way of the online world today like most all sellers today.
Thought I would chime in - somewhat similar story except engine was still intact. Just finished stroking it to a 431 using Eagle rotating assembly, Tri-Y Headers, Edelbrock Performer intake, Compcams roller cam, new valves, added rocker arm supports, Pertronix ignition. Rotating assembly was ~1600, shop work was ~1500. Added gear vendor over/under drive to C6 tranny and had tranny rebuilt (aamco has 18 month warranty). Tranny is in place, hope to install engine over Christmas break.
Thought I would chime in - somewhat similar story except engine was still intact. Just finished stroking it to a 431 using Eagle rotating assembly, Tri-Y Headers, Edelbrock Performer intake, Compcams roller cam, new valves, added rocker arm supports, Pertronix ignition. Rotating assembly was ~1600, shop work was ~1500. Added gear vendor over/under drive to C6 tranny and had tranny rebuilt (aamco has 18 month warranty). Tranny is in place, hope to install engine over Christmas break.
WOW that looks Great!
Thanks for replies guys I decided to pass on the rebuild kits and continue to find a complete engine to drop into truck.
Ok...nevermind then. I have a parts truck with a good 351M/C6 in it, but it's a LONG drive from Katy, TX to Laurel, MS... And you're probably more interested in a 360 or 390 anyway.
Ok...nevermind then. I have a parts truck with a good 351M/C6 in it, but it's a LONG drive from Katy, TX to Laurel, MS... And you're probably more interested in a 360 or 390 anyway.
Yeah that's a bit of a drive, I'd like to find a 390 but either one is okay with me.
Ok...nevermind then. I have a parts truck with a good 351M/C6 in it, but it's a LONG drive from Katy, TX to Laurel, MS... And you're probably more interested in a 360 or 390 anyway.
Note. One way to wake up a 351M is to put a set of 351C 2V heads on it.
Actually, it was easier (I only say that because I did not do it!) to paint them over and them buff off the powder coat. There is still some touch up to be done but overall, I am pretty happy with them.
