bowtiepower00
1/2 ton status
The word BUDGET is going to go out the window as soon as it goes BOOM. You can't skimp on machine work, etc. Getting a set of factory heads redone costs money, in many cases enough that buying aftermarket becomes a small additional expense.
I've had a 2-bolt 400 block collecting dust for a few years now, I would love to build it, but I refuse to skimp and risk turning it into scrap. If you're going with any sort of performance build at all, the only parts you can safely reuse are the block and crank, and the crank is questionable with anything more than a mild build.
When you look at the cost of headwork, or doing a Vortec retrofit, the prices add up quickly. A set of IK180's is about a grand. If I'm building a motor, I'll spend the extra couple of hundred dollars to make the extra mountain of HP.
Different strokes for different folks, anyone can throw together a time bomb.
As far as FI is concerned, I've done the research, and just adding airflow mods (intake, headers, exhaust, etc.) is enough to throw a factory TBI rig into a lean condition. I've seen the WB 02 readings. That is a risk I'm unwilling to take- especially with the cost of a properly built engine. A WB 02 can be had for what, $200? Cheap insurance.
Realistically, a 350 with good heads will walk all over a 400 with crappy ones, why waste the extra fuel with more cubes?
The only way I've found to save money on an engine build is to find deals on used parts and/or do most of the work yourself- which isn't really possible for most when it comes to machine work.
I don't think it's possible to really build an engine for less than $2000. Unless you're just going to do a quickie rebuild without machine work.
Yes, lots of guys piece stuff together cheaper, but I refuse to cut corners.
I've had a 2-bolt 400 block collecting dust for a few years now, I would love to build it, but I refuse to skimp and risk turning it into scrap. If you're going with any sort of performance build at all, the only parts you can safely reuse are the block and crank, and the crank is questionable with anything more than a mild build.
When you look at the cost of headwork, or doing a Vortec retrofit, the prices add up quickly. A set of IK180's is about a grand. If I'm building a motor, I'll spend the extra couple of hundred dollars to make the extra mountain of HP.
Different strokes for different folks, anyone can throw together a time bomb.
As far as FI is concerned, I've done the research, and just adding airflow mods (intake, headers, exhaust, etc.) is enough to throw a factory TBI rig into a lean condition. I've seen the WB 02 readings. That is a risk I'm unwilling to take- especially with the cost of a properly built engine. A WB 02 can be had for what, $200? Cheap insurance.
Realistically, a 350 with good heads will walk all over a 400 with crappy ones, why waste the extra fuel with more cubes?
The only way I've found to save money on an engine build is to find deals on used parts and/or do most of the work yourself- which isn't really possible for most when it comes to machine work.
I don't think it's possible to really build an engine for less than $2000. Unless you're just going to do a quickie rebuild without machine work.
Yes, lots of guys piece stuff together cheaper, but I refuse to cut corners.
. very nice. and were they crank numbers or to the wheels?
...
