$10704.61

[Paul G]

I have been pricing out a performance engine build. The designed engine is a 512ci stroker based on a 440 block, using Eddy heads from a reputable builder, and an off the shelf stroker kit from 440 source. This engine should be in 550 plus horsepower range, and 600 plus torque range. I have spoken with some machinists, sat down and priced out the rebuild parts on Summit Racing. Put all this down on a spreed sheet and came up with a completed price for the assembled engine to be $10704.61. The only parts to be reused would be the 440 block and main caps, timing cover, water pump housing, and accessory brackets.

The three big costs are the machinists work. $2500
Ported aluminum 84cc Eddy heads               $2500
Stroker kit from 440 source                         $2250

The remaining $3000 is everything else to put the engine back together using all new parts. Does this fall in line with what others have spent on a similar build?

[Charger-Bodie]

Do yourself a big favor and give Muscle Motors before buying parts. They build great strokers for less than your cost estimate.

[BSB67]

I have been pricing out a performance engine build. The designed engine is a 512ci stroker based on a 440 block, using Eddy heads from a reputable builder, and an off the shelf stroker kit from 440 source. This engine should be in 550 plus horsepower range, and 600 plus torque range. I have spoken with some machinists, sat down and priced out the rebuild parts on Summit Racing. Put all this down on a spreed sheet and came up with a completed price for the assembled engine to be $10704.61. The only parts to be reused would be the 440 block and main caps, timing cover, water pump housing, and accessory brackets.

The three big costs are the machinists work. $2500
Ported aluminum 84cc Eddy heads               $2500
Stroker kit from 440 source                         $2250

The remaining $3000 is everything else to put the engine back together using all new parts. Does this fall in line with what others have spent on a similar build?

Yes.

[XH29N0G]

I also would recommend talking with them. 

[Scaregrabber]

Your costs look to be right in line.

Sheldon

[fy469rtse]

Will probably end up being more Paul, always does,
There's always something extra or different parts need , if I lived in your country I would get od at least have a look muscle motors

[polywideblock]

 speaking of costs ,while your shopping around check out CME  http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/PerformanceUpgradeOEMEngines/ChryslerPerformanceStreetEngines/tabid/117/Default.aspx
they get good reviews and seem reasonable pricewise  
             both their big and small block packages are talked about in this article  
 http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/mopp-1104-mopar-complete-crate-engines-guide/

[XH29N0G]

What calling them (or another reputable builder) will do, is to put what you have found in perspective.  You probably pick up on shipping.  It also may give some other ideas about how to build the engine.

[1974dodgecharger]

speaking of costs ,while your shopping around check out CME they get good reviews and seem reasonable pricewise   
              both their big and small block packages are talked about in this article   
  http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/mopp-1104-mopar-complete-crate-engines-guide/

I like Crate engines all in one and ready to go.  The only way to out do that is have the engine builder dyno a custom build for you and go from there, but heck you can do that with a  crate engine too.

[john108]

My costs for Machining and Dyno testing has some minor parts included but:
Machine and Build =- $2420
Dyno = $906
All other parts, similar to yours = $$$$ I stopped counting, not really.
Machine and Dyno was cheap compared to parts.

[Ghoste]

For anyone in Detroit area I'm going to add that Best Machine is an excellent place.  I dropped off a block today for some machine work but they are very affordable, extremely knowledgeable and don't try to push you into anything.

[tan top]

Do yourself a big favor and give Muscle Motors before buying parts. They build great strokers for less than your cost estimate.

 
http://www.musclemotorsracing.com/engines/street-killer-krate.html

[Challenger340]

Do yourself a big favor and give Muscle Motors before buying parts. They build great strokers for less than your cost estimate.

 
http://www.musclemotorsracing.com/engines/street-killer-krate.html

They build good engines MM, but IMO, it is important when comparing things to do "apples to apples" ?
just say'in here,
the MM Engine for $7,600 is a "Hyper" Piston Engine, 5/64"Rings, with stock "stamped" Rockers/pushrods/Valvetrain etc. ? No Valve Covers, Main Studs, yada yada.

A guy would have to see the actual parts list, but IMO, nothing is free, you will get what you pay for pretty much anywhere.

[Ghoste]

And didn't MM get a lot of their reputation when Senatore owned it?

[BSB67]

A guy would have to see the actual parts list, but IMO, nothing is free, you will get what you pay for pretty much anywhere.

Nobody works for free, and everybody's comparable parts cost the same.  If someone's motor is cheaper, you really need to understand why, because there is a reason, and it is because you are not getting something.

[Paul G]

Do yourself a big favor and give Muscle Motors before buying parts. They build great strokers for less than your cost estimate.

 
http://www.musclemotorsracing.com/engines/street-killer-krate.html

They build good engines MM, but IMO, it is important when comparing things to do "apples to apples" ?
just say'in here,
the MM Engine for $7,600 is a "Hyper" Piston Engine, 5/64"Rings, with stock "stamped" Rockers/pushrods/Valvetrain etc. ? No Valve Covers, Main Studs, yada yada.

A guy would have to see the actual parts list, but IMO, nothing is free, you will get what you pay for pretty much anywhere.

Exactly, When I factor in the missing parts to complete the MM engine it brings the price within $1000 of my estimated build. That is based on what they describe there engines coming with. No fuel pump, water pump or housing, dizzy, carb, valve covers. The engine I speced has a roller valve train too. MM engines have a hyd FT cam and stamped steel rockers. I still need to give them a call and narrow down the details. And shipping. All in all the price may end up almost the same.

[XH29N0G]

  I think you are doing the right thing calling and asking.  If it confirms that your reputable builder is giving a good deal (you and others are a better judge than I) then that may be enough to go ahead.  Either way you will have more information and also a reason to get feedback from others here.

[Charger-Bodie]

The thing I like about Muscle Motors (and also there's a few guys on here that build them too) is that they are moped specific,and that means a lot to me. Way too many reputable builders don't know the ins and outs of Mopars nd the specialists do.

[1974dodgecharger]

The thing I like about Muscle Motors (and also there's a few guys on here that build them too) is that they are moped specific,and that means a lot to me. Way too many reputable builders don't know the ins and outs of Mopars nd the specialists do.

I HEAR THAT ALOT!!......Most chevy/ford guys who try to build a MOPAR enegine say its totally different than the build up of a chevy/ford where you slap the parts in and viola you have a engine ready to run vs a mopar engine more intricate.

[Ghoste]

I had a bit of a search to find a machine shop to do my 440, they just don't know Chryslers around here.

[500Jon]

Seems about right!
If you're spending that much you need to go for a new block.
As much as 50 year old 440 blocks are good they ain't great!
Its all to do with the maincaps and two bolt arrangement.
Gotta be a 4-bolt set-up as per the Hemi blocks.
If you build it yourself and have others do the machining and supply parts,
there's now guarantees at all.

Thats why Folks like to go crate with a reputable builder.
Dyno'ed with figures and broken-in ready to rock and roll.

I have built many engines, the higher the horsepower the bigger the risk of failure!!!

$10,000 is a big bill but a little more cash, may soften the headache of worry.

Good luck with your new engine and Happy New Year.

[Challenger340]

I hate trying getting into "price wars" with guys ? and luckily I don't have to very often !
because,
as already mentioned.... the Parts cost the same pretty much everywhere give or take with freight ?

The only parts differences then being, the "actual" Parts used.... Good stuff that a guy KNOWS works from experience using them.... versus .... some El Cheapo CRAP that might make it off the Dyno, but ain't long for REAL WORLD use much after that ?
and,
the WAY the Engine is supplied... or how "complete" ?

I only supply Engines COMPLETE, Finished and Dyno'd for 8 hrs, just my preference, That's it... That's ALL !
Carb to Pan... Flexplate to Water Pump.... Dizzy, Wires, Plugs to Valve Covers and Breathers.
Hook up some hoses.... and it's ready to go again.
It's the only way I can insure that what the Customer is getting... is Broken in.... Tuned correctly, Oil Changes done(multiple W/Filters cut apart and inspected), Makes the HP & Trg for the guy, and REALLY ready to "drop-in" !

The whole point of my long-winded diatrabe here....
IMO, I think anybody looking to purchase/Build an Engine these days, should seek out "like minded" Builders in your geographical area, no matter cost...
because,
Does ANYBODY here believe ANY builder is going to go putting a product on a Dyno, to be BEATEN like a "Red-Headed Step Child", in the presence of the Customer... that is anything less than his absolute BEST WORK ?
especially when he might NOT get paid if there is a problem ?

Those few thousand bucks you save up front doing it the "cheapest" way possible..... IMO, just ain't worth it long term !

off topic here ....
but kind of gratifying getting calls back from guys...8... 10... 12 years later, forgotten their names, them then asking "can you build me another Engine ?"
Then me asking about their "old" Engine.....
Them saying... "still running great, my neighbor/brother/friend is taking it, and I'm moving up"

The signature of quality... will live on far beyond.... the "sting" of a few bucks saved cheaping out !

Apologies for the rant.... just my thoughts.

[Ghoste]

I don't think its off topic at all and valuable to the whole thread.  When I sat down this week with the shop I just told him what my realistic goals were for the car and accepted his recommendations.  I did my research ahead of time much less by parts and prices and much more by shop reputation.

[heyoldguy]

I hate trying getting into "price wars" with guys ? and luckily I don't have to very often !
because,
as already mentioned.... the Parts cost the same pretty much everywhere give or take with freight ?

The only parts differences then being, the "actual" Parts used.... Good stuff that a guy KNOWS works from experience using them.... versus .... some El Cheapo CRAP that might make it off the Dyno, but ain't long for REAL WORLD use much after that ?
and,
the WAY the Engine is supplied... or how "complete" ?

I only supply Engines COMPLETE, Finished and Dyno'd for 8 hrs, just my preference, That's it... That's ALL !
Carb to Pan... Flexplate to Water Pump.... Dizzy, Wires, Plugs to Valve Covers and Breathers.
Hook up some hoses.... and it's ready to go again.
It's the only way I can insure that what the Customer is getting... is Broken in.... Tuned correctly, Oil Changes done(multiple W/Filters cut apart and inspected), Makes the HP & Trg for the guy, and REALLY ready to "drop-in" !

The whole point of my long-winded diatrabe here....
IMO, I think anybody looking to purchase/Build an Engine these days, should seek out "like minded" Builders in your geographical area, no matter cost...
because,
Does ANYBODY here believe ANY builder is going to go putting a product on a Dyno, to be BEATEN like a "Red-Headed Step Child", in the presence of the Customer... that is anything less than his absolute BEST WORK ?
especially when he might NOT get paid if there is a problem ?

Those few thousand bucks you save up front doing it the "cheapest" way possible..... IMO, just ain't worth it long term !

off topic here ....
but kind of gratifying getting calls back from guys...8... 10... 12 years later, forgotten their names, them then asking "can you build me another Engine ?"
Then me asking about their "old" Engine.....
Them saying... "still running great, my neighbor/brother/friend is taking it, and I'm moving up"

The signature of quality... will live on far beyond.... the "sting" of a few bucks saved cheaping out !

Apologies for the rant.... just my thoughts.

Thank you brother for your two posts in this thread. I was thinking exactly the same things but was just too tired to go through writing it up all over again.

[Paul G]

There is a lot to be said about building your own engine. There is no better feeling than telling someone "I built it myself". Or "I did the restoration". There is no doubt in my mind that I, and many others can build a monster engine. Built to rival the best engine builders out there. I could build 30 of them. The 30th one might be perfect. The first 29 not so much, the first 5 not at all. The first few might not even run very well.

I think it is in the best interest of most of us to let the "experts" build the monster engines. I have learned so much from the "experts" on this forum. Thanks guys. What I have gained most is learning the right questions to ask the real engine builders. Do it once, do it right, and spend the money on what works best for my application.