Help me understand rebuild vs crate?

stumblinhorse said
I am putting together my plan for a rebuild on my 318 in the fall picking out pistons etc.

It will be a mild street engine. So I am doing a bore and hone, squaring the block etc. New Pistons and heads with roller rockers and new cam/lifters/pushrods.

So my question is all in with me doing all the work it is going to cost me about $3500-4000 to do the rebuild. Machining with balancing is $800, new LAX heads with rockers are $1500. KB 167 +.020 Pistons and rings are $400, New cam, lifters, pushrods, timing chain and gaskets is about another $1000. Then small incidentals, head bolts, fluids total $3500-4k.

I can buy a dressed long block 408 from blueprint for $5000.

I really wanted to rebuild myself, but I am not sure having a mild 318 for 4k is better than a mild 408 for 5k.

Thanks for the mention and the interest! I'd like to weight in, and I'll let the masses take it from there.
We're an outstanding company, and we offer a 50K mile, 30 month warranty with any of our engines. We also Dyno test every single one of them. I really think that's worth its weight in gold. You also get your actual dyno sheet with your engine. You also have myself as a company representative and activists at your disposal for any assistance I can be.
The value we provide comes from being such a large company, and having the ability to purchase or manufacture parts in bulk. We truly can sell engines cheaper than an individual can purchase all the parts in most cases. Now there is a sense of pride with building your own engine, and thats understood, but for the individual that realizes the value, and the horsepower per dollar we provide, thats where we shine. The numerous QC checks, and test that our engines and parts go through allows us to offer what I feel is the best overall package and support in the industry.

I'll be happy to answer any questions I can, and glad to help if/when you're ready. Best luck with the car either way!

Johnny M
Director of Project Development
BluePrint Engines