buying parts/upgrade/resto versus buying a rebuild engine; what would you do?

[CB]

I currently got a tired 318 in the Fish that replaced the # 340 engine. It's fine to cruise around this summer so i was planning for upgrading/restoring some stuff.

Assuming around $1500 for the TTi-system, front end parts, another 6-700, maybe other wheels/interior goodies, ~$1500 , ... grand total of 4K lets say.

Now there's a shop that has a 340 engine that a customer paid for rebuild, selling for under 5K.
The guy has gone too a big block so don't need the fresh 340 anymore.

What would you do?  Get the engine and take care of the upgrade/resto later or upgrade/resto the car for a fresh engine now?
Getting my #engine rebuild will take $5-7500.
Like to hear your input.
CB

specs on the engine:
ported edelbrock heads (street porting), 2.055x1.600 valves, dual spring setup, comp 1.5 rockers, comp solid FT cam (244-252@.050), 10:1 compression, pump gasser, vic jr intake, stock rods, stock steel crank, KB pistons, good stuff. 1070 block, .030 over for a 4.070 bore. Made 455HP @6700rpm and 400TQ @5200. Real responsive too.

[CB]

forgot to tell, my trans is allready rebuild to new engine specs. 
stock manifold/exhaust less the resonators, thoug
CB

[Troy]

Hmmm, that engine would be nice to have in my 340 Challenger. Having just sold a 318 Barracuda, I'd do the other improvements first. You won't have overwhelming power but you'll get decent mileage and it will still be fun to drive. Once you've gotten the rest of the car up to snuff then worry about the engine - especially if it will break the bank. You won't need the TTi headers until you  drop in another engine but you'll certainly appreciate a new suspension, tires, working electrical system, and shiny trim. Honestly, I'd probably just hang on to the original engine and build another. You can get a 318 or 360 (or even 5.9 Magnum) for much less than a 340 and have as much power while still looking nearly identical. I think $5000-7500 sounds like a lot for a rebuild - especially on a small block but your location probably has something to do with that.

Troy

[CB]

I think $5000-7500 sounds like a lot for a rebuild - especially on a small block but your location probably has something to do with that.
Troy

those prices were given me in California ...
BTW thanks Troy!

[Troy]

I think $5000-7500 sounds like a lot for a rebuild - especially on a small block but your location probably has something to do with that.
Troy

those prices were given me in California ...
BTW thanks Troy!

Yeah well, just another reason for me to avoid California...

Labor is cheaper here in the Midwest too. You're not going to have your engine rebuilt before the car ships though right? To me, a "rebuild" means using stock or equivalent parts so if that included aluminum heads, rods, porting, new crank, etc. then I can see where they got that price. Something to remember is that a "stock" 1970-1971 340 would generally hang right with (or outrun) a 383 in the same car so it's not like they are weak to begin with. Of course, the power output was crippled in 1972 but not because of a major redesign of the engine or anything. If that shop can sell that 340 for under $5k with all those parts on it then surely they could do a stock or slightly modified build for less. I'd still do all the other stuff first while you have a running/driving car. It's not like you're waiting for an engine to get it on the road so I wouldn't rush it if you don't have to.

Troy

[firefighter3931]

Like i said in the PM that is too much motor for what you want to do with this car, inmo. 

Nice strip build though....needs 4500+ stall and 4.56 gears. 


Ron

[CB]

Thanks guys. I am not looking to build a race car but more of a weekend warrior
You know what's cool? The seller of my cuda knows the shop owners personally (he has done business before with them ) so I might found a good reliable shop to take care of the #'s 340 

They are also registered with Better Business Bureau.