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I've been researching costs on engines (SBF) and am wondering who here Builds their own engine or do you buy prebuilt.
I was thinking of building a 331 but am having a conflict of interest of building versus buying when I see the current rate of machine work costs.
Some of the companies I have researched are ATK, Blue Print, and Phoenix Engines.
I've got two 68 era 302 blocks available pending on their measuring to specs but a few words of wisdom from the forum members would be helpful.
The last block I built was .040 over 302 with 10.5 pistons and a set of 58 cc heads I had Mitchell Racing reworked with larger valves. It cost a fortune then and I could have built 2 SBC's for what I had in that one motor but it was a screamer I really enjoyed building and driving. My intentions are for a weekend driver with an auto trans.
As always thank you for any insight you can supply!
A new crate engine is a good product but, you need to look into what goes into a reman engine. Some places use the cheapest parts and cut corners on machine work so do your homework before you buy a "rebuilt" motor.
Im a fan of rebuilding your own. If you buy an engine from someone used they never tell the truth on mileage. If you buy a used or wrecked car and can see the mileage thats not too bad and a low buck solution because insurance companies total cars out so fast on body damage. I think most of us try for donor cars with low miles.
I took a course on engine rebuilding(not a short course) and I ended up choosing a SBC for my project. I had three close friends with me: one chose SBC, other two chose SBF(302's).
None of the engines were screamers, in fact they were mostly stock with mild cams.
To get to the point, the Fords were FAR more expensive projects. Everything costs more for those than SBC. It wasn't even close. I think my whole rebuild costs me 3-400 dollars in parts, obviously I did all machining myself--that was the purpose of the class.
I was staggered that the Fords were so much more of a "premium" than SBC's. I later found out that Pontiac's are much the same case as Fords.
I had my 429 built. After looking at my total cost, I could have bought a comparable crate engine for the same or less money. If i had the money to plop down on an engine all at once, I would get a crate engine if I had to do it again. The only problem is that I have never had that much money at once, so getting my motor built allowed me to spread the cost out over 4 years.
The last block I built was .040 over 302 with 10.5 pistons and a set of 58 cc heads I had Mitchell Racing reworked with larger valves. It cost a fortune then and I could have built 2 SBC's for what I had in that one motor but it was a screamer I really enjoyed building and driving.
Why would that same level of effort cost twice as much for a SBF? I have heard that statement before but I can't find any rationale for it. I have a local machinist build my engines...he charges me $500 labor and whatever the parts run. Pistons, valves, bearings, rings, gaskets, etc are no more expensive for my SBF than they would be for a SBC. Most of the aftermarket speed parts I see advertised, such as aluminum heads, manifolds, etc are priced the same for SBF or SBC. I prefer building my engines since I know that each engine is hand-built with full attention to each step of the build. Since I get a good price on the labor it is an easy decision for me.
20 years ago the chevy was cheaper but now very little difference (small block ) . parts are parts whether you build your own or get a rebuilt you are going to pay for what is in the engine plus the machine costs if you can assemble your engine and buy used or new ,ebay ,trade ,ect it can be built for less . But that being said if you are not comfortable on building then buy . My friend bought a 383 sbc for his nova and paid close to $5000 I did most of my assembly got great deals on used and new parts and spent more on a 408 sbf but also have at least 100 more hp plus the I built it myself . IMHO you will not save great dollars buy DYI but you will know what is really in there
Crate motor is the way to go. They are new and will stand behind their products.
Since I was just on the Don Woods site for a pan reply to another member, I went to their crate motor page. They have some potent engines ready to go. No, I do not have any financial interest in Don Woods company. Just passing along some information.
Your 68 era blocks are going to be flat tappet cam blocks. To get the most out of a stroker engine (331 nor 347) you really need to use a roller block and cam. Pick a good engine builder who is particular about the details, and use him. I couldn't be more pleased with my screaming 347. I can give you the name of an engine builder who won't skimp on anything.
I think one of the appeals of building your own engine is the bragging rights saying you built it yourself. Crate engines are pretty cheap. The older simpler motors are pretty easy to build but: you don't hear too many people bragging about building their Coyote or Aluminator. Complexity is usually a show stopper.
Now if you are talking Flatheads, Y Blocks, FEs and things like the ole Hemis it might be hard to find a machine shop that knows the issues with these older motors or a crate engine manufacturer for them.
Just some stuff to ponder when considering building vs crate motor.
I want to thank everyone for the information and insight. As always- Good Food For Thought.
I know the earlier blocks I have are for Hydraulic Tappets and know a Roller Retrofit kit can be had through Crane and Comp but for an extreme expense I really don't need to incur at this time. I do have a lead on 5.0 Roller motor complete at 85K miles on it which I'm sure I would go through it anyway if that's the route I go. We'll see how things pan out.
Again Thanks for all the replies.
The other option is LKQ. They have reman and used with a 6 month warranty. In the below picture I just picked "2005 Ford light-duty trucks engine assembly" but you can try the link and search for whatever you want. The engine that I bought was fully dressed. It worked out fine and was by far the cheapest way to go.
