What it costs depends upon what is required
 

Toady I received two calls asking about the same thing. Last week I received another two, however one last week was for alter model engine.

The questions were all the same. How much does it cost to "rebuild my engine". The cost will always depend upon the required parts and labor, but there is another way to look at this as well.

I have 3 criteria that need to be considered as well Each are very important and each have their own costs.

They are the 3R's. Repair, rebuild, restoration.

A repair is typically when something goes wrong and the offending part is replaced, the engine reassembled and the engine replaced back into the chassis. What can be considered as the typical repair shop work.

A rebuild is when the engine is tired worn out and need a full rebuild. New parts are fitted typically bearings, chains, etc and the heads are rebuilt with new guides and springs. Could also include valves, pistons and Cylinders.

Then there is the restoration project. This is where the engine is not only worn out but well past its "sell" date and needs everything either replaced or rebuilt. Painting, powder coating, Cad plating, new parts, as well as lots of parts not normally replaced in a std rebuild.

The older the engine the more likely this is the level of work required. A bigger cost as more time and parts are required. This is often what we are tasked with, and the customer was unaware of this before we saw the engine. He thought it was just a rebuild.

Throttle linkage parts are all worn out and all need to be replaced, the fan shroud is all broken and needs a lot of repair work, painting etc. Sheetmetal is all bent, rusted and missing parts. Wiring harness all broken and hard from heat, often has been repaired with cheap butt connectors and taped together. The list can be long and costly.

A good look at the top side and underside of the engine should give you a good indication of the level that will be required. Or, you live with the engine you have and just get the oil leak repaired. The great thing about life is you have the choice.

Excellent post.

Well put….But your missing the 4th R = Race. Otherwise known as the slippery slope while it’s apart might as well, or if you do this it will breathe better or do that and you gain 100hp! $35k motor why not.

$35K race motor? That's not going to be a very good race motor. Heck, the right heads eat a third of that budget....

Opps. Good point.