396.

I'm three weeks out from taking my BBC into the machine shop. The block, heads, crank, intake are disassembled.

I have an engine rebuild kit from Summit.

Parts missing are balancer and connecting rods.

Any idea what a machine shop would charge to machine the components and assemble the motor?

Also, I have a q-jet 4v intake that matches the heads, I'm just wondering if I should go aluminum and store the cast unit?

I just did one for a customer that need everything and he had me get the parts from summit The cost was $4992.02 My shop is in pa north of philly.

Ps: if he would of let me get the parts for him it would have been about 300.00 bucks less.

Ge3t dynamically balance at the same time
Be it daily, street, or race its worth every penny.

t,
Just finished a nice 396 for a customer too. Out the door for just about $5K, almost identical to Mike. This was a nice street and strip engine, forged pistons, GM heads with a fair amount of work done to them. Pioneer damper, sfi flexplate etc.

Personally I will absolutely not assemble an engine with parts that a customer brings unless there are some very unusual circumstances. I am doing a nice rat for a guy right now that had arranged for someone else to do but the other guy let him down, but ... he has all brand new, all top dollar parts. I mean everything from the Dart block on up is new. That is one of the rare exceptions.

Would you bring a steak and some veggies to Outback and ask them to cook it for you :rolleyes:

My engine guy usually charges in the $2-2500 range for just a basic, stock rebuild. Not hot-rod stuff, just basically back to stock specs. Machining, pretty much all new internal parts, rebuild heads, balance, and assembly.

The stock rebuild route is the way for my pocketbook. My parts aren't generic but I don't have a lot of hot rod stuff. Demon carb, headers, ignition set up and intake will be the non-stock stuff.

I got a quote for just under $3,000 about an hour ago. The shop has a good reputation so I'll probably go that route. Thanks for the advice on the balancing also.

If you don't mind a drive to drop it off - try Tr-Valley Machine in Concord/Pleasant Hill, CA. ( right near the airport )
I have been pleased with their work over the years and they offer just about any level of service you need.
Prices are very reasonable for stock and even performance machining.
Clean, Bore & Hone to size (w/plate) @$200 (I usually do this myself, but install new cam bearings is $50)
Mag, deburr, install ARP bolts and resize & match rods @$125 max
Assembly prices vary by the assembly and parts needed.
I assemble my own engines.
Heck, you may want to try one yourself :thumbsup: stock type engines are pretty easy - we can even talk 'Mr.DanB' through it... :D
I used to do some business with Smedling in SAC., but they only sell 'crates' now...
Maybe others in your area will have some input.

Hope this helps;
John

I kind of honed in on Dave's Performance Engineering in Fresno, Ca. I have heard he has a great reputation and has been around for quite a while. I appreciate the reference but this shop isn't far from where my car is being painted so it's also convenient.

My hope is that I can walk in and say I want 375-400 horses but want to run pump gas without pinging and still be reliable. Then keep my fingers crossed, I guess.