A lot of your money is going into the stroker kit.

How about,

400 block and crank from junkyard $200
GM aluminum fastburn heads $1100
pistons and cam $300
machine work $400
Total $2000

or use iron vortec heads subtract $600
total $1400

these combos will make the same level of power your talking about. I still don't see how AR gets their premium for their engines.

 

and I'm not sure what you mean by their "premium"? Some of us don't have the time or skills needed to put an entire engine together so we choose the crate engine route. And as far as crate engine prices, I didn't see any that were cheaper than AR (not that the cheapest is always the best). If there are, please post so we can all be informed. But I don't see how piecing together parts like you are talking about can be compared directly to a completely built crate engine. Now if you were talking about apples to apples and using all the same components as the said crate engine, then yes, it's understandable that it could be cheaper. But you are also paying for some labor and professional knowledge of putting together an engine that some of us don't have when buying a crate engine.

 

Ok, I give up. I guess the difference is your paying 1500 for someone to put the engine together for you and give you some sort of warranty.

 

Here is another worthwhile website, although a bit pricey IMO:
http://enginefactory.com/

They can custom build anything you want, and they build good quality engines. They can even dyno and tune your engine before shipping, and record it on a video tape for your viewing pleasure :cheers:

If 500hp isn't enough, how about a 650hp crate engine with a 2-year warranty? Or an 800-hp race engine?
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...23&prmenbr=361

:cool: :thumbs:

 

That's *PART* of it, but I still think you are *WAY* off with your numbers. $300 for pistons and a cam? I think you'll find a set of forged pistons and cam run you a bit more than $300 these days. Also, you say you can get a 400 block with crank for $200 from a junkyard. I seriously doubt I could do that well at a local junkyard, but I'd be happy to call and find out. $400 for machine work. Well, maybe, but that seems low to me to have all of the following done:
hot tank wash
cylinders bored & honed
crank checked (mag check?) and machined
balance

So you buy that stuff and think you're going to put out 450+HP? I don't think you will without extra porting on the heads, which costs money unless you're good at it yourself. You also forgot an intake, timing gears/chain, valve covers, timing cover, oil pan, seals, connecting rods, bolts... I think by the time you come up with reasonable estimates and add in all of the parts, you're going to be right in the same neighborhood as far as cost goes, and you'll be running less HP/torque. I'm not saying that it cannot be done, obviously it can since there are builders selling these things at a profit, but I personally do not think that most people have the resources to do it for the same price that we are paying for the AR motors. I would *LOVE* to see you prove me wrong, I may want to build another engine some day and wouldn't mind paying less.

 

It's your money,How can someone else tell you how to spend it,Buy what you are comfortable with and don't waste your time worrying what some others thinks :cheers:

 

I bought my engine from the engine factory and it was a bit pricey but I got a complete engine built as I wanted it and every part including the block was new,I have driven it about 4000 miles and am happy with the power and performance and the guys at engine factory are the most helpful I have ever delt with :cheers:

 

dath,

Have you ever read Chevy High Performance magazine? Over the past couple of years they have had a lot of good articles on how to put together economical engine packages that produce over 400hp. This is where i got my idea to start with the base goodwrench and add better heads and cam to get a decently performing engine.

I understand you want a reliable proven engine package with a warranty which is what AR provides. To each his own. Some people have no problem attempting a frame off themselves, but won't touch the engine, differential or other mechanical items. Each of us all have our areas we feel comfortable with and areas we don't want to delve into.

I apologize that i was rude and argumentative with you, tshort and others. Let us know what kind of 1/4 times you run when you get it all together. I want to gather more ideas to improve what i have done, but want to maintain a smooth idle and stock converter as i still like taking long trips and use the car every day.





[Modified by turtlevette, 12:12 PM 5/25/2003]

 

:grouphug:

We're all here for one another. :cheers: And now you guys have made my engine decision so much harder. :p:

Just one question, does AR Racing have a web page or a catalog displaying their products?? I found ar-racing.com, but it looks like just a forum or message board.

:seeya
Matt

 

They do have a website but it doesn't really help any.
http://www.maxhorsepower.com/
They put up a few of their main engine packages on eBay but most of the work they do is custom. Check them out on eBay for the next few weeks and you'll see a few different combinations but like most of us, I started with one of their "ebay" engines and added a few things of my own like solid lifters, different head porting, etc. The best thing if you are serious about it is to call up AR and talk to Mark Lim (540-439-1961). He is the owner and is also very knowledgeable and is the only one I really deal with there.
Here's one of their current ads:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615

 

Well, as they say, here goes nuthin. I've got past step one in the loan approval department, now I just have to see what the bank okays me for. I've got the approval to shoot for $4K and I already have about $1K saved in the bank to use for this project. The problem is, that all $5K can't go towards the motor. I'm spending just about $1300 for some parts my Vette desperately needs and I'm really pushing for a T56 that will cut out about $1400.

I'm going for a budget motor, only for the time being. I'll either get the gmpartsdirect.com LM1 motor (GM #10067353) or I'll buy the $250 special my friend has and make one good motor out of two bad ones. I really wanted to put an LS1 between my fenders, but by going this route, my monthly payment will be less, I'll have this loan paid off quicker and I can save up the money to buy either a built LS1 or an LS6 further on down the road.

At least I'll get 2 out of 3 things accomplished; hey, that's a terrific batting average, too bad this isn't baseball. I'll have an updated suspension and the 6 speed transmission I've always wanted in my car. Sure this engine won't be fuel injected and it's not all aluminum, but I'll be saving money off the top by not getting the absolutely most expensive items all at once and I can once again trust my car to drive long distances without problems. Now I have to pray this loan goes through.

 

Hey turtle, no hard feelings. I was having a good time arguing :D I will be keeping everyone posted on the progress of my engine swap, including 1/4 times when I'm ready for that. I'll have to check out Chevy High Performance. I don't really read any magazines currently, just get all of my information from the net...

Glad we're all friends again :grouphug:

 

There are a few 383 offerings from GM right now.

Currently there is a 383 high torque truck motor that has lots of torque but low hp and is not filled with what I would say are the best parts. That is the HT383 and runs about $3800.

They now have 383 motor that is for performance. It's got aluminum heads, 9.7:1 compresion, roller cam, 4 bolt block with a forged steel crank and puts out 425 HP / 460 torque and should run all day long on pump gas. (no price listed yet - coming soon).

If you want budget HP then go for the 350 deluxe with 350 HP 380 torque and the engine comes complete -- air cleaner to oil pan, water pump to flexplate for $3300.

Going to a Gen 2 or Gen 3 motor may be very cool, but it's a lot of custom work not just a drop in.

I only wish I had money for this one ....... http://www.paceparts.com/product.asp...&1=333&3=56218 --- Aluminum block 454 with 510 HP and fuel injection.