Junkyard Block or New Block?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
Junkyard Block or New Block?
My newly rebuilt 350 block cracked when it got too cold here- yes I had a bad weekend. It had only been ran for the 20 minute cam break in so all of the parts inside are new.
I am trying to determine what the best (cheapest) course of action I should take. I spent about $1000 on machine work on my old block.- boring out .020, align boring, balancing and decking etc. . I noticed that a new 350 block sells for around $650 from scoggin Dickey. I would have to get it bored out again to match my pistons. Do you think that there are some junkyard blocks that would not need all of these machine shop services (except boring out) that I could still get for less than the $650 of a new block?
I am trying to determine what the best (cheapest) course of action I should take. I spent about $1000 on machine work on my old block.- boring out .020, align boring, balancing and decking etc. . I noticed that a new 350 block sells for around $650 from scoggin Dickey. I would have to get it bored out again to match my pistons. Do you think that there are some junkyard blocks that would not need all of these machine shop services (except boring out) that I could still get for less than the $650 of a new block?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Originally Posted by 79vetter
My newly rebuilt 350 block cracked when it got too cold here- yes I had a bad weekend. It had only been ran for the 20 minute cam break in so all of the parts inside are new.
I am trying to determine what the best (cheapest) course of action I should take. I spent about $1000 on machine work on my old block.- boring out .020, align boring, balancing and decking etc. . I noticed that a new 350 block sells for around $650 from scoggin Dickey. I would have to get it bored out again to match my pistons. Do you think that there are some junkyard blocks that would not need all of these machine shop services (except boring out) that I could still get for less than the $650 of a new block?
I am trying to determine what the best (cheapest) course of action I should take. I spent about $1000 on machine work on my old block.- boring out .020, align boring, balancing and decking etc. . I noticed that a new 350 block sells for around $650 from scoggin Dickey. I would have to get it bored out again to match my pistons. Do you think that there are some junkyard blocks that would not need all of these machine shop services (except boring out) that I could still get for less than the $650 of a new block?
One option that comes to mind are the engine shops that advertise in Hot Rod or Chevy High Performance as many are buying the blocks for re-sale in kits. You may find one that is machined and ready to ship for well under $1K (bare block with bearing caps).
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
Find yourself a good local engine builder and ask about a re-man block or short block assembly. I got a re-man short block with a machined crank, bearings, new pistons for $650. Quite a good price. You can find one too if you spend some time digging.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
From: Philo Illinois
You might watch your local papers, I just bought a 350 4 bolt main engine complete, but had a spun main bearing for $50. It will need a new crank, but I still feel like it was worth the money. I'm going to build it into a 383 stroker. Since you have all the new internal parts and all you would need is the machine work you could save a lot if you find the right deal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
A local machine shop quoted me $700 to machine my block, that's not cheap....
New blocks run from $650 to $1100 (GM). You can find fully machined blocks for $350 (they match the bore to their pistons which they want you to buy as well) - most of these 'el cheapo' offers are bored .060" over, many charge $300 'extra' if you want a block that's only .030" over....
I'm looking thru ads and magazines and try to find a good 4-bolt block - PAW has great deals on unassembled kits (block, rotating assembly and cam), not sure if they sell machined blocks... I think their 377ci stroker with a new block is about $2000
New blocks run from $650 to $1100 (GM). You can find fully machined blocks for $350 (they match the bore to their pistons which they want you to buy as well) - most of these 'el cheapo' offers are bored .060" over, many charge $300 'extra' if you want a block that's only .030" over....
I'm looking thru ads and magazines and try to find a good 4-bolt block - PAW has great deals on unassembled kits (block, rotating assembly and cam), not sure if they sell machined blocks... I think their 377ci stroker with a new block is about $2000
