Engine rebuild question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Engine rebuild question
I'm thinking of having my 350 and trans rebuilt this winter. It is the original engine and trans, so I want to keep it that way. I know this is a very broad question, but what should I expect to pay to have the engine and trans pulled and totally rebuilt? It is a 72 with 4 speed. Anybody have this done recently that can give me an idea? Thanks for your help! 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
If you can and it is not difficult pull the engine and trans yourself. It will save a lot of $$$. You are just paying labor for that. Once you have the lump out you can take it or have it rebuilt. As for cost it varies widely and how much "extra" you have done while it is out. Most shops are charging between 70 to 100 dollars for work like this. You can find it cheaper locally sometimes. I do a ton of side work and charge far less than these rates so you might be able to find someone to help out or do it for far less.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
You can spend any where from a Grand on the engine to the sky is the limit. Once you go to the parts purchases you can recon your own rods to a set of Olivers. Every part you'll buy will have that decision to be made.
That will be based on what quality engine you want to have in the end. If you're looking for a good driver you may not have to spend a fortune.
Whatever you end up doing, have it ballanced. The ballancing is money well spent.
There are several good 4 speed rebuilders in just my area alone. If the gears are good to use again, the largest issue will be repairing the shaft hole in the main case. They tend to go egg shaped and if won't let the shaft move aroung will most likely leak some gear oil.
That will be based on what quality engine you want to have in the end. If you're looking for a good driver you may not have to spend a fortune.
Whatever you end up doing, have it ballanced. The ballancing is money well spent.
There are several good 4 speed rebuilders in just my area alone. If the gears are good to use again, the largest issue will be repairing the shaft hole in the main case. They tend to go egg shaped and if won't let the shaft move aroung will most likely leak some gear oil.
Safety Car
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From: Oakland California
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
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From: Cedar,BC
Its gonna cost a few bucks!I don't know what your local labour rates are,but I would guess you will have to spend in the neighbourhood of $10K,give or take a thousand or two.It is all the little details that add up real quick,especially when it is in someone's business...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thanks for the replies! I haven't gotten any estimates yet, I am just testing the waters. As for doing the work myself...that isnt going to happen! Also if its going to be 10 grand it isnt going to happen either!! She runs out nice now, but I thought if the engine got rebuilt it would be a plus. Thanks again for your help!
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Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 948
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From: pensacola fl
I think 10G to have an engine rebuilt is extremely high. Dont let that figure scare you away. Check with other local club members to get some names of engine rebuilders in the area and get some estimates. It will only cost you time and you can kill two birds with one stone and get to drive your car at the same time.
Good Luck
Bill
Good Luck
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I think 10G to have an engine rebuilt is extremely high. Dont let that figure scare you away. Check with other local club members to get some names of engine rebuilders in the area and get some estimates. It will only cost you time and you can kill two birds with one stone and get to drive your car at the same time.
Good Luck
Bill
Good Luck
Bill
If the car is running good and you are happy with the power and the trans is working OK drive and enjoy the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 893
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From: Green Valley Ca
I had my original 1970 L46, (balanced and blueprinted) rebuilt to the extreme, and still STOCK, 7K. And transmission and clutch 1K. I provided the labor, to R&R the motor and transmission.
Bob
Bob
Le Mans Master
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I'm thinking of having my 350 and trans rebuilt this winter. It is the original engine and trans, so I want to keep it that way. I know this is a very broad question, but what should I expect to pay to have the engine and trans pulled and totally rebuilt? It is a 72 with 4 speed. Anybody have this done recently that can give me an idea? Thanks for your help!
Great work at a fair price.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Take it to a reputable shop. Tell them you want a "stock rebuild" on the engine...unless you want to install a little better cam and roller lifters in it. They might do the tranny work or send it out to a tranny shop for rebuild. If the engine and tranny are original to the car, put a clause in the contract that any loss of the original units or milling of the engine numbers will result in a $3000 penalty due to the loss of value in the car (without matching numbers). That will get their attention and the boss will make it very clear to his employees that they will not mess up on this one.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Washington
By all means, as someone else suggested, do some research on local shops. That is unless you already have a known and reliable shop. I am a firm believer that trying to cut corners to short never ends up with a good story. As the old saying goes....you get what you pay for.
