I thought the discussion was rebuild OR crate? I am not considering the specifics of the OP, because if he cannot DIY it, then he cannot rebuild. If we look at average Joe, he can rebuild a motor. Its nothing more than following directions. The hardest part about rebuilding a motor is the plastigauge. MAYBE fitting pistons... but really, what is so hard? I really would like to hear what part of a motor (not machining it, but the assembly) is so difficult that it cannot be done on a Harbor Freight engine stand?
$1200 for machine shop work? If the motor needs $1200 in work then you need a new motor to start with. Decking heads and all that jazz is for t.v. shows who get it for free. In the real work if a head is warped, you get another head unless its a super rare part... and for stock 350s that's never the issue.
I JUST did a 235 and total was $1500. I cannot see a 350, a motor they give away for free if you ask nicely at junk yards (Well, $175 around here) costing significantly more than $2k for a long block rebuild.
What part of a 350 rebuild is gonna push the cost to the $4k they are charging?
The funny thing is, the '$4k crate motor', is less than $2k in ACTUAL cost... $2k is labor and a few bucks for shipping. Tell me I can't knock off $2k by DIY?
As for the warranty, every part you buy for DIY (unless used) will have a warranty. So I'm not sure what the big deal is on that.
I don's see the fuss about why its so hard to DIY, nor do I see any great benefit to a crate motor. Am I missing something that would tip the scale in favor of a crate motor and the expense????
Actually, I think you ARE missing something ….
BTW,The link I quoted was for NEW $1500 350 V8 ….. not a $4000 350 V8. So, you just answered your own question… $2K crap shoot on a fugitive from a boneyard, OR $1500 new in a crate…….
And, yes, $800-$1200 is perfectly normal depending on the needs of the motor in question….
In your scenario …the boneyard fairy gives them away and you just slap it together with new warrant-ed parts?
Which way do you think the guy who started this thread would trust most so he could go out and enjoy his truck.?
I'd believe the "giveaway" motor will probably need more than normal machining. And, did you ever call Perfect Circle or Sealed Power and try to ask for warranty consideration on a blown motor? If you are lucky they'll send you a bearing half or a piston ring….
Lastly, your "rebuild" ($2K) is a way different animal from "built-up" ($4K) ; as in, trick rockers, valve trains, crank upgrades …etc etc…. but, you knew all this …right?
