How Much $$ Do I Need?
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 47
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How Much $$ Do I Need?
I have a '79 F250, stock (or what's left) 400, C6, D44/D60. I want to get the engine rebuilt. I don't have the time, the tools, or the knowledge to do it myself. I could probably try to figure it out, and rebuild the engine twice to fix all my mistakes the first time.
So it comes down to farming this work out. This forum has given me a ton of great information, and I think I know what I want: 4v intake manifold, 670cfm carb, headers, dual exhaust, punched .040" over, flat-top pistons, & new heads (but I haven't decided which ones yet).
How much money should I save up? Do I need to sell a kidney?
So it comes down to farming this work out. This forum has given me a ton of great information, and I think I know what I want: 4v intake manifold, 670cfm carb, headers, dual exhaust, punched .040" over, flat-top pistons, & new heads (but I haven't decided which ones yet).
How much money should I save up? Do I need to sell a kidney?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor
well when i rebuilt my engine it cost me about $1500. that's including all of the work and parts that i put into it. it cost me about $700 for all of the machine work and the rest went into aftermarket parts. my block has a 60 overbore on it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: North Texas
I want to get the engine rebuilt. Machinist doing all the work... +800
4v intake manifold. 70 on ebay, 350 new
670cfm carb. 75 on ebay + 30 rebuild kit, 400 new
headers. 150-450
dual exhaust. 300 flowmasters, 225 glasspacks
new heads (but I haven't decided which ones yet). +500 for stock iron. +1000 for aftermarket
I'm finding that if you are doing anything other than a stock rebuild or carb and cam rebuild, you're money ahead getting a crate engine. Which you choose should depend on how you use the truck. A stock or mild rebuild will serve you best for daily drivers and towing. A crate engine would work well for mudding or possibly rock climbing. Most crate engines are going to be a bit high strung for a heavy truck doing normal driving.
4v intake manifold. 70 on ebay, 350 new
670cfm carb. 75 on ebay + 30 rebuild kit, 400 new
headers. 150-450
dual exhaust. 300 flowmasters, 225 glasspacks
new heads (but I haven't decided which ones yet). +500 for stock iron. +1000 for aftermarket
I'm finding that if you are doing anything other than a stock rebuild or carb and cam rebuild, you're money ahead getting a crate engine. Which you choose should depend on how you use the truck. A stock or mild rebuild will serve you best for daily drivers and towing. A crate engine would work well for mudding or possibly rock climbing. Most crate engines are going to be a bit high strung for a heavy truck doing normal driving.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 123
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From: Blacksburg, VA
If you have Excel, you can take a look at my "costs" spreadsheet for my 79 Bronco project.
Vehicle: $770
Tools: $500 (my first rebuild)
Parts: $1,900
Machine Work: $950
Now, this included more than just an engine rebuild (also included rebuilding the C6, NP205, and new accessories like fuel pump, water pump, alternator, battery, etc)
http://www.gooberstank.com/BroncoCosts.xls
Machine work was limited to measuring/checking, boring, cleaning, installation of oil gallery plugs, cam bearings, two cylinders sleeved (I know), and a 3-angle valve job with assembly of springs/rockers/etc. I put everything else together myself.
Vehicle: $770
Tools: $500 (my first rebuild)
Parts: $1,900
Machine Work: $950
Now, this included more than just an engine rebuild (also included rebuilding the C6, NP205, and new accessories like fuel pump, water pump, alternator, battery, etc)
http://www.gooberstank.com/BroncoCosts.xls
Machine work was limited to measuring/checking, boring, cleaning, installation of oil gallery plugs, cam bearings, two cylinders sleeved (I know), and a 3-angle valve job with assembly of springs/rockers/etc. I put everything else together myself.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
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I asked Danlee to come to Indiana to rebuild my truck in another thread. He asked if I had SuperBowl tix. The only super bowl we have around here is the spiked punch at weddings. We do have a combine demolition derby at the county fair -- it's just as good...
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,270
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From: Delaware
Woodman,
I thought that you might have superbowl tickets, since the Colts are headed there this year.
derherr,
I recommend staying away from crate motors. Those mass market rebuilders take a lot of shortcuts and don't check every part in the motor. The best bet is to take your tired high mileage motor and replace the wear items, freshed up the machine work, and check everything that goes back into the motor.
If the original motor ran for 150,000 miles or more, the rebuild should run nearly as long. Those crate motors only last until the warranty expires.
I thought that you might have superbowl tickets, since the Colts are headed there this year.
derherr,
I recommend staying away from crate motors. Those mass market rebuilders take a lot of shortcuts and don't check every part in the motor. The best bet is to take your tired high mileage motor and replace the wear items, freshed up the machine work, and check everything that goes back into the motor.
If the original motor ran for 150,000 miles or more, the rebuild should run nearly as long. Those crate motors only last until the warranty expires.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: MTNS of NC
I rebuilt my 400,and it cost me roughly 10,000 dollars but the only thing I kept was the block and oil pan,it all depends on how deep your pockets are and what you want.Big power costs big bucks...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: near pittsburgh pa
Going to say it again, TMEYER.INC, our sponsor here, has a 400 for sale! You are going to spend dand near that much, if not more, and I doubt if you have near the engine!
I get my $$$ together soon, you wont have to check it out. I can appericate that 400.
Also, if you are not interested in that 400, check out his site for great ideas, tech and parts.
I get my $$$ together soon, you wont have to check it out. I can appericate that 400.
Also, if you are not interested in that 400, check out his site for great ideas, tech and parts.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Personally, Tim at TMeyer has a smoking deal. On the other hand, there is no other way to learn better than doing it yourself. I'll be honest and say that Tim's 400 would have costed less, but I learned a lot more doing it myself.
I went for the new tranny in the deal, so I spent about 3800 altogether. I could have spent another $1000 on goody parts, but $800 on the heads alone was enough.
I went for the new tranny in the deal, so I spent about 3800 altogether. I could have spent another $1000 on goody parts, but $800 on the heads alone was enough.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Danlee: I had to wait until Monday 1.16.06 to respond. It appears the Colts will be watching the SuperBowl from the same spot as me -- a recliner.
I tried to get to TMeyer to look at that 400, but my connection kept dying out. I even whipped the rat running my processor - still no success. Anyway, I appreciate the feedback. Looks like I can get what I want done for $2-3k.
$400 for the truck, $3k for a rebuild, $1500 for brakes & a flatbed dump. I can get a dependable 3/4 ton truck for under $5k - pretty good deal. I may never buy a new vehicle again...
I tried to get to TMeyer to look at that 400, but my connection kept dying out. I even whipped the rat running my processor - still no success. Anyway, I appreciate the feedback. Looks like I can get what I want done for $2-3k.
$400 for the truck, $3k for a rebuild, $1500 for brakes & a flatbed dump. I can get a dependable 3/4 ton truck for under $5k - pretty good deal. I may never buy a new vehicle again...
