it is possible to machine a 500hp engine for $700, but it all depends on who you know...me and a buddy of mine are building a blown 383, we're lucky that we got cool guys at our local machine shop because they are letting us do most of the work for free, only gonna cost us about $400, but thats just for machine work

 

Andros also has a source to save money at the machine shop, his dad is in training to run a machine shop(whom would let him use their equipment) which I believed he wanted to know how much he could save by having his dad do the work and I gave a price that I have experienced from machine shops. I believed the question related to having the machining balancing clearancing ect ect and some assembly necessary to build a true 500hp 383 engine out of a 350. My price is not carved in stone but I think it represents a number you could expect.


I believe you are representing a unique situation(ie you are lucky) with your pricing $400 for machining and finding a machine shop to let someone come in and use their equipment. Obviuosly you guys must know them pretty well and they have confidence in you ....

Just curious but how much money total do you think you will have in the engine parts included and maybe a rundown on the parts you are using???

 

Well it seems that the origional plan with my dad isnt gonna work out. ill just have to have it done myself..

 

So what are your build plans?

 

I've been following this post wiyh great interest. I think Lafferty is probably a big fish in a small pond here. Problem is too much self promotion. Everyone else is trying to give helpful answers with no monetary reward. Bottom line is what does the young man need in his price range. Remember the purpose of the forum is to help each other. We need to give our opinions without regard for money on Our end. There isn't any place for commercialism in this space. I'm sure that the forum will provide ad space for any commercial enterprise willing to pay for ad space or sponsorship of thr forum. ..........Just another opinion.................

 

I really appericate all the advice from everyone in this thread and have taken it all into great consideration.
I have spoken to quite a few people about multipule options including Chris Lafferty and I have decided to go with rebuilding a 383 myself.
Thanks again to everyone for all the help

 

Andross I think its been a very good topic, heck maybe I am paying to much. Uncle Bill actually I was kind of hoping you would have commented earlier in the discussion,what do you think it should cost to have machining done to produce a solid 500 hp 383 out of a 2 bolt main 350 block? I also need to know since I have a block in the shop right now. What steps would you recommend for block prep and machining in a budget format? Thanks

 

Watcha gonna do with it? Boil, Pressure Check, CB & FP, Check align bore, Lite deck surface, Rough Bore. About $250 so far. Finish Hone with Plates another $125. I'd put ARP main Bolts or studs, whatever You Prefer. So, complete block prep, about $ 425 including parts. Add another $ 125 if it needs align honing.

 

I didn't say anything about Lafferty cuz I didn't know how to word it. I agree with you.

 

I have to find a cheaper machine shop lol..... do you recommend magnefluxing the block. This is what the machine shop has been is going to do with my block(2 blolt 350) hot tank, magneflux install cam bearing and new freeze plugs check over the block for problems and shot peen blast the block it will cost $215.00. Ill verify the prices they are charging for the other items tomarrow and see what you think. Its a different shop than the ones who did the 406 so I dont have actual costs yet.

I am not exactly sure what we are going to put it in I was looking for a 1957 wagon but havnt had any luck finding one it would be for the street , right now I am just planning on getting the block cleaned and checked so I dont have a junk block laying around. I am thinking 400 hp, hydraulic cam engine I have the cam, lifters, a quadrajet or a 750 holley vacuum sec, a hei ignition a high volume fuel pump, I would go with a eagle or scat cast crank and a medium grade piston/ rods, the heads Ill have to shop around I also believe the main caps should be upgraded. Ill use the arp stuff throughout.