The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop rebuild cost

This is my first ever rebuild of a motor. I've only called one machine shop, but he quoted me $400 to clean, bore, hone, and prepe a bare block. Is this high, or is it about right? I will continue to call other shops.

Thanks for any responses,

Jason

I assume you are askking about a GM 6 cylinder engine(?) If so I would say it is fair in your area. Since this is your first rebuild let me tell you up front that it will cost more to rebuild a six than a V8. Fewer parts choices, suppliers, knowledgable rebuilders, etc, etc. Figure $2500 +/- if you go completely through it. Likely more in Detroit and less in Alabama.

This is for a 292. It is my first, but I've got someone holding my hand through the whole thing. Much cheaper, plus I get to learn about the motor which is, after all, going in MY truck. I know the L6 will be more than the 8, but I prefer the uniqueness of the 6. I'm at the point now where the rings are freed up (thanks Kroil) but the crank is still frozen. Next step is for it to warm up a few degrees and turn it over to finish the tear down.

Thanks for the reply,

Jason

My 1960 235 rebuild with .060 bore,crank turned .020, head and block trued, new cam, lifters,oil pump, bearings, valve job w/new valves, guides and seats, full flow oiling drilling, repair sleeve on crank rear seal surface, crank tapping for harmonic balancer bolt, full assembly (minus manifolds), dynamic (spin) balance of all rotating assembly components, will run me $2300. bucks. All replacement components are named brands...no brand X stuff!

However, I'm catching a little break because I haven't put a "RUSH" order on the engine. My builder has worked it in between commercial jobs and he likes simple old inline engines.

Just a suggestion...if you're going to do your own assembly, I'd borrow a beam balance scale and make sure your pistons and rods were close to factory specs. My engine was a compilation of mismatched parts that would have resulted in a real "shaker". BTW....$400. doesn't sound unreasonable for some quality prep work. Hope this helps.

That sounds like a reasonable price. I work in an automotive machine shop and the best advice I can give you is don't base your decision on the shop you use on price alone. Talk to some people, mechanics, racers, and restorers, see what they have to say. Quality machine work isn't cheap and skimping will cost in the long run. Also expect to spend the most money in the cylnder head. Just my 2 cents.

Sean

Sean

I'm not basing it on the money, but this is my first, and I'm looking for a baseline. I've had a few shops recommended to me, but this is the first guy I called. We spoke for about 20 minutes. He was friendly and enthusiastic. When he found out it was a 292, he told me he built 250s for roundy-round a long time ago - he seemed prety fired up to get his hands on mine. He mentioned something about his cleaning process being superior to that of his competitors. I'll have to get more information from him and do some research. Maybe I'll just give Tom Langdon a call - he only lives about 15 minutes from me. he's been a big help in the past, maybe I should've asked him first.

Thanks again for the replies,

Jason

Think Tom and Joyce are taking a week off starting today....if you don't get an answer don't panic!!!! "They'll be back!"

Dave