Engine Rebuild -- My costs on a 392

["Daniel P. Smith" <Daniel.Smith@domain.elided>]

On the rebuild thread... I am 90% done with a 392 rebuild I did myself.

If you are interested in the cost of a doing the labor yourself to
save a little money, here is how I did.

I found a good used long block ($400), had it hot tanked, machined 
(crank came out ok, pistons are 30 over) and had the heads 
disassembled and cleaned ($350). Purchased a master kit (pistons,
cam, gaskets, bearings, oil pump, timing... etc) ($650). I then 
installed a new alternator, distributor, carburetor, starter, 
water pump, fuel pump... everything including hoses, paint and 
clutch, while it is easy to get to, ($500 to $600).

The price will come to about $1900-$2000. I did not install any
performance parts except for the 4 barrel carb (I had a 2). 
I know a 345 is less (you can pick up a core long block for around
$150 and a master rebuild kit is $300 to $400)

I was quoted $2800 to $3500 to have it done by shops in Denver, so
I like my savings. In the long run, a warranty would be a nice 
insurance policy but since I did it and I KNOW it was done right
I feel the $800 to $1500 dollar savings out weights my warranty 
concerns.

In short I would do it again...

...Dan Smith
'72 1310 4x4 Pickup, 345, T19, NP205, Dana 70 front, Eaton rear
with a newly built 392 in the garage and about a thousand in my
pocket for some other upgrade on the beast. =]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND COMING SOON... a 345 for sale in the Denver area. 
Price is Negotiable or Trade?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!