• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Over priced rebuild ?

Polara383500

Polara383500

Well-Known Member
Local time
5:30 PM
Joined
Jan 23, 2021
Messages
49
Reaction score
32
Location
Ma
I call a machine shop today! The guy on the phone said he would do a complete rebuild heads and all which would go back stock accept a cam 5500$ In my eyes I find that highly over priced!! What are you thoughts? Love to hear responds!
 
I live in Southern California. Had a really well-known small engine shop rebuild my 1969 383 completely. All new pistons, all new bearings, new cam all the balancing basically everything you need to rebuild the bottom end and refurbish the heads. Hot tank. I ended up paying between five and $7000 With all parts and labor. I had them reassemble the lower end and I built the upper. When I look over the price sheet it makes sense with how expensive parts can be.
 
Really it depends on what needs to be done. An idea of what needs to be done.
 
I've built many engines, depending on what needs done, block machining, parts, and labor $5500 is in the ball park! 440'
 
When I went to rebuilt my 440 upon tear down the engine was worn out. Block needed to be bored and the crank had been previously turned and was gone. Anyway I ended up buying a 512 stroker kit and a set of stealth heads from 440 Source. The machine shop did all machine work on block, disassembled & reassembled the stealth heads checking everything out. They then assembled the entire short block using stroker kit installing cam bearings, cam and freeze plugs, etc. I put the heads, push rods and intake on and my build ended up being about $5300 which included a new oil pan and valve covers.
 
Polara383500 said:
I call a machine shop today! The guy on the phone said he would do a complete rebuild heads and all which would go back stock accept a cam 5500$ In my eyes I find that highly over priced!! What are you thoughts? Love to hear responds!
Click to expand...
Welcome to the mopar world lol
 
I agree with Fran. Its hard to say what it will cost without knowing the condition of the block and what level of machining will be required. When I found out my cam on my 340 was shot I had to take it the short block to the machine shop and have it pulled apart, inspected, tanked and reassembled with new rings and bearings This cost me 300 bucks. 5000 for a stock rebuild sounds steep unless the motor is complete trash and requires line honing, or sleeves at which point you should chunk it and find a better block. Stock parts are not that expensive. You really shouldn't have over 1200 in parts including cam and springs.
 
LA 360 required boring, machining: 340 x-heads complete rebuild new pistons, all bearings, crank machined, polished, BALANCED, cam new, new valves & valve train, several upgrades etc.. basicly complete short block done at drag racing engine machine shop ran me around 7.5k which was expected and budgeted: crate wouldve been about 3k, but not what I wanted. HP & torque = $$$$. Open engine up may find some issues, be ready just in case.

20200617_164048.jpg
 
tnfastback said:
When I went to rebuilt my 440 upon tear down the engine was worn out. Block needed to be bored and the crank had been previously turned and was gone. Anyway I ended up buying a 512 stroker kit and a set of stealth heads from 440 Source. The machine shop did all machine work on block, disassembled & reassembled the stealth heads checking everything out. They then assembled the entire short block using stroker kit installing cam bearings, cam and freeze plugs, etc. I put the heads, push rods and intake on and my build ended up being about $5300 which included a new oil pan and valve covers.
Click to expand...
Which a buddy in fla said 5500$ building a stroker motor is more along that price!
 
To add salt to our wounds in the Mopar world, You can buy a NEW 350 Chebby engine complete starting at about $3000. No boring, hot tanking, installing cam bearings, mains and rods bearings, new rings, new cam, new valves, springs and the list goes on. Too bad we are so dedicated to Mopar, because it's in our DNA. I wouldn't have it any other way. Mopar engine or no engine!
 
Wow, forgot how I spoiled I am. I rebuilt my 440 sixpack +.030, new pistons and rings, reused rods with new ARP bolts, polished stock crank, new cam, lifters, timing chain and gear set, reconditioned the heads with valve job, unleaded seats and seals. Full gasket set for just over $1500.00. Of course that was me and co-workers doing all the machining and assembly. It also helps that I am W.D. or better buying direct from all the racing suppliers. Engine has over 50,000 on it now and still going.
 
If it's quality work I would say thats not bad. New pistons, valve guides, bearings and machine work assembled. For a comparison go to Muscle motors and look at there crate motor prices.
 
I can get a 2013 5.7 hemi for 2800 with 44k miles! For the 5500$ I can do a Engine swap!!
 
Last edited:
These days i feel like everything is ridiciously overpriced.
 
Paid $320 to have my Bee's 383HP rebuilt ... in 1979. Glad they did a great job and it still runs like a swiss watch!
 
I have a 440 getting machine and stroked as we speak and I will end up with around 5500 in the short block. Really by the time the crank,heads and rods get reworked and then new pistons balanced with the rotating assembly 5500 for a stock build is not far out.
 
How much???? That’s the first thing that pops into everybody’s mind. When u build a Mopar the cost is automatically doubled. Just look at the price of heads, intakes, cams etc versus brand X. Price a stroker kit ouch!!! The cost is the same to make but not the same to buy. Kim
 
dadsbee said:
Paid $320 to have my Bee's 383HP rebuilt ... in 1979. Glad they did a great job and it still runs like a swiss watch!
Click to expand...

This equals to 1,140.76$ in todays money. :D
That said i already had a shop telling me it would be 10 grand if i should ever need my 440 rebuilt. Yeah sounds fair...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

blue69runner
One 383 cylinder head to be machined and gone through
2
Replies
24
Views
2K
hunt2elk
hunt2elk
Mackman
Oil-thru pushrods
Replies
5
Views
821
gkent
gkent
#41
9 Month Wait For a Stock 440 Rebuild, and Then This
2 3
Replies
55
Views
8K
TrackPack
TrackPack
S
push rods
2
Replies
23
Views
1K
sevierstan
S
J
360 cam choice
Replies
1
Views
782
Geoff 2
G
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top