Most of the crate engines are long blocks, that means unless you already have one, you'll need manifolds, carbs/alts, distributors etc etc etc.
From what I gathered the OP really isn't looking for 400+hp
Getting 300HP out of an I6 is very doable and nowhere near what the total cost of a long block route would be.
Why by this motor:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hpe-hp67/overview/That's gonna cost $4500 (remember, its only a long block, you need LOTS of parts to make it a motor) then try and fit it to your frame....
A mildly warmed over V8 will kill this motor, and cost 1/2 - 1/3 rd the price.
Nothing anyone has posted has shown where doing it yourself if NOT going to cost less. I'm not sure what machining you guys think needs done to get a block ready... most of it is inspection (flux/pressure test head/block, measure journals/crank clean) and that costs less than $300 (I have receipts to prove it
) Even boring out cylinders (less that $180 for 6 holes).
My total costs to have an unknown block ready for assembly, and having it bored to +.020 was less than $800 (there were some other items like polish the crank, surface the flywheel etc in that $800 cost).
Rebuild kit was $750. I'm at $1500.
And know for the 'secret'. Most of the EASY performance you will ever get from a motor is from swapping the INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS and change the cam. That will get OP exactly what he wants, for less than $2500, installed, turn the key and drive away.
Fenton intakes are $200 in ebay, exhausts are $300. A 261 cam can be specified in the rebuild kit, might add $200.
I'm not saying either way is right, but cost wise, a crate motor (remember most are not turnkey engines.... they are long blocks and will require a lot more parts to get running) doing it yourself will save you, at the very least, a few hundred up to $1500-2000.
Can anyone show me some numbers that would contradict this?
