Build or crate

[L92 OLDS]

For me, it was a no brainer. New and rebuilt are not the same thing. The key to having a good rebuilt engine is finding a really good machine shop and I have yet to accomplish that.

This^^^ While I enjoy the build experience and have built several Chevy and Olds engines I have paid a few rebuild shops to provide rotating assemblies. Two of these came back with workmanship issues. One Olds 403 wasn't honed properly with a torque plate causing cylinder wall scoring and one SBC that had ring gap issues. Just sayin....you might be better with a crate engine and its warranty.

 

[64nailhead]

For the inexperienced the crate is the way to go. Learn some basic tuning skills for fuel and spark, add on the accessories and headers and you're done with a reliable runner.

But I'm with most everyone else about building your own - the fun and satisfaction is in the eye of the beholder - for this beholder I prefer to build. I can't say that it's cheaper or quicker, but I prefer to know what I have and if something goes wrong, then the only person to blame is me. But it definitely will not be quicker and it will, at best, be comparable in terms of cost. I mention the cost as comparable because I won't build a performance anything without a line bore and rotating assembly balance. Using old worn parts won't be letting me down either. Building your own can easily exceed the $10/hr number depending on what you're starting with but can be achieved. I'm presently at $7K in my current motor but only making about 600 HP - you can do the math I'm sure. And that's in a SBC. The costs can skyrocket for anything that isn't a SBC.

Best of luck - Jim

 

[Opie Knievel]

Personally, I prefer to build an engine myself. Engines have always been my favorite part of working on cars. I've built a variety of engines ranging from a 5hp Briggs&Stratton up to an 855 cu.in. Cummins out of a Tractor trailer. When you build it, you know what's in it.
I agree with what others have said about finding a good machine shop. If the machining isn't done right there's no way the engine will be right. There's a lot of decisions to make when picking parts for your engine too. Picking the right parts that work with the other parts to give you the performance you're looking for is very important.
Good tools are also important. Quality measuring tools like micrometers and dial indicators, etc. A couple good torque wrenches. Specialty tools like ring compressors and an oil pump priming tool will be needed. Also a clean workspace where your tools and parts won't be messed with.


If you've got the place and the tools you can
do the research to figure out what parts and machine work you'll need. It's definitely a very rewarding experience to put an engine together and hear it run for the first time.