Hello all. New guy here.

Well was wondering if you could help shed some light for me. Have a hand me down 78 Z from pops. Engine threw a rod. So I know I'm going to need a new short block and the heads rebuilt (so he told me). Few questions:

1. Would it be more cost effective to get a new short block, have someone disassemble and reassemble it for me, or to just get a new crate engine?

2. Is it easy enough to reassemble the engine myself ( I consider myself moderately inclined)?

3. What costs am I looking at for this project?

Thanks so much in advance. I look forward to working with you all!

 

here's the pic just for those wondering

 

Nice looking car,you may be able to just do a crank kit if the top end was still good and the block didn't get damaged.
Pretty hard to tell what the lowest cost route will be till you get the engine you have now out and taken down.
In theory if the block is undamaged repairing the current engine would be the lowest cost,that would be the way I would go over a crate engine if it's not a total loss.
On the other hand you can get a pretty good warranty with some of the crate motors if you are just looking to have a nice driver and not a racing machine.
The 383 stroker is a nice set up,hopefully you can just have the crank turned,maybe the rods resized,new bearings installed and be on your way.