The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 rebuild cost???

If I were to send out my 235 to have it completely restored, what is the ballpark figure on the cost? I checked out Jasper and their cost is @ $2000.00. I'm sure local places are cheaper. Just curious how much other bolters paid for theirs. I'm diffently not going with Jasper...too costly, but I'm sure their engines are super.

~Ron

$2000 is not a bad price. You may find something for less but w/o the warranty or reputation of Jasper. Inline sixes are more expensive than V8's to build and not too many understand the crankshaft bearing differences. If it is a complete engine rebuild and all parts are new or rebuilt then two grand is a decent price. I've got a LOT more than that in mine because I "modified" it, why I'm still not sure but it really has the power.

Ditto what 53moneypit said. I have over 2.5k in a warmed up 261 I'm building and I haven't paid for the machine shop, labor fees, or head rebuilding yet. I do have most of the parts now and that includes everything including the price of the block. I have the benefit of a friend and neighbor who is an ACE motor builder, I'm doing all the running and I'm cleaning/prepping and painting the parts myself. I'm also doing the prep for the pieces I will have powdercoated. I'll be real happy if I come out less than 3.5k total. The moral of the story is that 2k is a great price to have yours done with a warranty by an experienced company.

my shops around here quoted for a 235 ~ $1600.00-2400.00

i found another completely rebuilt 6 (alittle bigger cid) for $600.00
that's in my 3104

Mummdogg, I just got my 235 back from the rebuilder and the cost was right at $2400.00, that was a rebore, engine kit, hot tank, head work, bearings,new cam and hydraulic lifters, and assembly....oltimer

Most of the major vendors (Jasper included) will quote you a price....anywhere from $1100.00 to $2300. But when you ask them when they can make delivery....they transfer you to another number down in the plant and Joe-Bob explains that they will need your old block to rebuild.....not unreasonable, but what if you are willing to pay the $250.-$400 they list as the core charge? Or you don't have a block to send. Sorry....but we don't operate that way. With my block, the closest I could get them to grant was 4-6 weeks.
A week in transit for my block....4-6 weeks to rebuild...another week in transit!

It doesn't take long to figure out they are not very interested in rebuilding old stuff. The few local automotive machine shops that still work on
older stuff may be a little more pricey but at least you get to talk to a real person who will get it out in the same or less time. You don't get a big-time country-wide warranty, but you know where your builder lives and you can work with him to get things resolved, if there is a problem. Warranties, IMHO are sucker bait.

Why do you think there are so many small block V8's being dumped in 6 cylinder trucks? Because it's EASIER than dealing with rebuilds, single groove harmonic balancers and Rochester carbs.
To rebuild a 235 isn't about economy, it's about being willing to pay to keep an old friend going.

Sorry for the rant, but I spent a couple frustrating weeks trying to lock a vendor into selling me a rebuilt 235.

I would think machine shop and parts would come to 1000 to 1250 if you donot spend money on speed parts,,if you can do the work yourself if not add 400 to 500 for labor...doc

I locally spent $1300.00 for a complete rebuild of my 1954 235 with a warranty. The head was cracked and they replaced it with another. I provided them paint and they even painted it! It's the fourth motor they have rebuilt for me and they are GREAT!

I just had my rebuld done here in Columbia, Mo last summer by a local rebuilder with an excellent reputation. The rebuld cost was $1400.00 I did the running and cleaning of peripheral stuff. He even rebuilt my 3 speed for that price. (It didn't need much though.) He had to send the crank off somewhere else. The only problem was the long wait to get it done. He is in just demand that I didn't think I would ever see it again.

Just had a boat anchor 235 completely rebuilt by National Cylinder Heads in Orlando, Florida. Their base price was 1500 and change. The engine is completely refurbished i.e., the block is first placed in an oven to bake out all of the junk and gunk. The oven is pretty cool as it is very much like a rotiseriee on your backyard BB grill. Next the block is moved to the stainless steel blaster for cleaning and then on to the magaflux station for crack check.

All parts, including camshaft were replaced on my previously junk engine. These guys also have someone up in Canada who can refurbish the hydraulic lifters. The head was honed and several crack welded up.

The final check showed 150 psi compression on each cylinder.

This service includes a 36000 mile guarantee.

Very pleased and can't wait to fire it up.

Don

I spent a total of about $2250 on my 261. This was for not only the complete rebuild by a local shop, but also the block itself and an 848 head. I think it was money well-spent.

Now, I'm stating this from memory. These are the kind of things you might not write down......if you know what I mean.