not too bad bence you couldve went with a new crate motor but then you wouldnt have been able to say you did it yourself either and mike that new sig pic. is great,that color is outstanding.

 

bence, did you spend $$$ to beef up the front end, suspension wise? i mean you went from a small block car to a big block car or was it already a big block from a previous conversion?? anyway, enjoy your hard work and spent cash :D . i cringe when i think what i spent on mine,but smile everytime i drive it. i may drive it to work today. it's not raining for a change!

 

Thanks Pat :cheers: .

 

Shane, I think you did an amazing job with your budget! As I'm sure you know, there is NO WAY your $6000 investment would have put a 500+hp GM crate big block under your hood (new hood ;)?) Look at your list. Probably half of the items included there are not part of a crate engine. Pulleys, clutches, bellhousings, short water pumps, flywheels, etc add up real fast!

Fine work.

-Joe

 

Saaaaaay, that's about the cost of an HO 502/502HP! I hope you're getting at least that much HP out of this setup!

 

It is well worth it I am sure.....Congratulations and knowing that you did it yourself is the Best part of it all!!!!!! way to Go!! :cheers:

 

Maurice:
The items that really boosted the bill up were the side pipes, clutch, radiator and ARP bolts (expensive little bastards). So I guess the more that I look at it $6000 really isn't all that bad.

Steve Adkins:
Those ARP bolts really start to add up! I just couldn't see putting the old rusty bolts back in the engine and risk snapping one off. ARP bolts are definitely good bolts.

Len:
You're more than welcome to stop be, infact that would be awesome! I'll have to tell my buddy Denny about that Dyno out your way. I definitely want to make a couple passes on a dyno to see what kind of power she's putting out.

Steve Straus:
The more I got to thinking about it, the Torker II was a mistake....now I get to correct that mistake :reddevil. I'm probably going to go with a Victor Jr. intake. Have you got the 468 straightened around?

Mike:
:lol:
BTW, I must agree with everyone else your car is purdy. That paint really sets it off.

Pat:
That was pretty much my goal throughout this whole project, to be able to say at the end of the project that I built it myself. It's a pretty good feeling knowing that I built her, plus the knowledge that I gained throughout this entire build-up is priceless.

Gary:
No, I haven't done anything suspension wise yet (I'm broke pretty much). I will probably be purchasing Gymkhauna coil springs and a Gymkhauna 7 leaf rear spring. I really want to get aluminum heads (which would really help my handling) but I just don't have the money....yet :)

Joe:
Thanks for the compliment. That radiator nailed me pretty good :lol:, I about cried when I got the bill for it. It just looks so good though :) BTW Joe, I think I made a mistake with the cam...I'm thinking I should have gone with the 306 solid lifter cam. I'll save the 306 solid lifter for when I get the aluminum R-Port heads.

Dave:
Desktop Dyno has my engine putting out 530 HP/548 TQ. At worst I would say this engine is putting out at least 500HP. I'm sorry 502HP out of a 502 just doesn't impress me very much. My buddies 427 was putting out more than that with a lot less cubes. That's not to say you couldn't slap a larger roller cam in :). You also have to remember that the $6000 above also includes a radiator, clutch, blow-proof bellhousing, side pipes. Those componants add up to almost $1500 which puts the cost of the engine build up to about $4500. Even if the crate engine does put out more power than the one I built, I'd still rather have this one (I think I'm in love).

 

Sounds like you did a great job on the motor, and I think its worth it!!! Every time you turn the key just remember the hard work and fun of doing the project. I paid $1200 for my 454 with the merlin heads and another $3100 for the machine work and parts and assembly. When we started it for the first time I about wet my pants!!!! Don't tell my wife, but this is BETTER than SEX!!! Good luck!

 

Great Job Bence! You'll forget about the cost, every time you're out enjoying that Bad Bow Tie! As for the crate comparisons. Myself...if I ever get another motor...I'd certainly be tempted by crates. BUT you got a really good deal (considering all the extras you got for $6K), YOU've gained tons of experience and learned something, and you can say I DID IT, when people ask. That last sentence is hard to put a price on. I get people asking me about my paint, and I say...I did it, first time attempt in a garage, so not perfect, but I know I did the work. It generally gets response like "No Sh**" you did that in a garage...it looks great. I know where every little flaw is, but its nice to have that feeling of accomplishment, and the next time I do one...I know a whole bunch of stuff not to do. ITS EXTREMLY COOL you built your own motor...kick A**, I hope to do the same some day. :cheers:

 

Shane,

Still a lot less than I spent. But I had it done... :confused:

Let us know what the total is a year from now when your really finished...

:lol:

Good Job...

Chris

:flag

 

Your right its only money. Achieving your goals is worth way more than you have spent. :cheers:

 

Wow! :eek:

Quite a list! I think I'll stick with my bone stock 454 plan...that will come out to around $2,500 even with the long block costing $1,700 from Schucks.

 

Rockn-Roll:
Yea that's what I said too! Now look where I am :lol:. Watch out for that horsepower bug, once you catch it you'll never be the same.

 

And I'll add to your complicated world.... get yourself in college... anybody smart enough to do what you've done, and keep such accurate records of the damage - you're smart enough to do much bigger things. Finish that engine, crank it up, and light 'em up! Enjoy!

 

money well spent..if i had it ,id do the same..enjoy :yesnod:

 

Bence, i am very impressed with your record keeping! I never seem to be able to keep track of project costs!

For those of you saying, "Gee for that much money you coulda had a V8" :) take a look at the list. It includes the Hooker headers, radiator, clutch = $1300, plus alternator, plug wires, and some other goodies you wont get even with your "delux" crate engine. Looks like a bargain to me. Dang those bolts are expensive!!!

Those valve covers for $10 are a real bargain!!! :lol:

But.... the Mr. Gasket thermostat for $8.99 you can get the exact same part with the Robert Shaw brand from Autozone for $4.79 ! :lol:

Great job! MJ

 

Bence,
Not bad... Still a lot of money in today's ecomony, but you did it yourself and built what you wanted. Is your engine is a 468? I have a 454 destroked to a 427(that I built) and I have near $4000 in it. I built it 5 years ago for my 69 Chevelle SS and it is still on the engine stand.

 

MJ:
I got a few bargains at Corvette Carlisle. I purchased the flywheel and short style water pump that I am currently using for $60.00. I also picked the valve covers up for $10.00 :p:. I was very happy whenever I started the engine up and didn't hear my roller tip rocker arms smacking off of them :D. Yea they screwed me on the thermostat :lol:. Thanks for the compliments.

Rick:
Yes it is a 468 (454 +.060"). I'm kind of wishing I had built a 427, but I'm sure I can put the extra 41 cubic inches to use :D.

 

Just think Bence, I would have traded you my engine and high rise hood for your hood and a brand new ZZ4..... ;) Just kidding :lol: Let me know what you decide to do about your hood.

 

71,454,4spd:
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's back the truck up a little bit here :) What kind of hood do you have? I'm really liking the looks of that hood! Infact that hood is beautiful! How much and where can I get one :confused: :D.