Total "bill of material" for Aluminum head swap / Advice on where to save $ welcome...
This is what I have as a BOM for an aluminum head upgrade...I'm leaning toward the new Trickflow heads as I'm under the impression that the Edelbrock castings really need to be cleaned up before they can be used which adds time and wipes out the price difference...
I have to be honest that I thought it could be done cheaper. This is encroaching on Blueprint engines crate motor territory after factoring in the sale of the stock/healthy Magnum long block (and the many hours of labor that I will put into the install). Any advice is welcome regarding this BOM.
Trickflow Heads
TFS-6141T784-C00
$1200x2
Rocker arm shaft studs
TFS-61400613
$60
Cylinder head studs
TFS-61400613
$200
Harland-Sharp roller rockers
S72026K
$900
Head gaskets
TFS-61494040-040
$90
Pushrods
$??
custom cam
~$450
Break-in oil, consumables
$??
Did I miss anything?
Would the end product be worth the ~$4500 investment?
Compared to...
BluePrint Engines 408CI Stroker Crate Engine | Small Block Chrysler Style | Longblock | Aluminum Heads | Roller Cam
$6300
And it comes with a warranty too. :D
Thanks for any input!
I guess we should ask, what is the intended use of the engine?
Also, I'd want to know what Aluminum heads they are using as well as the other components as well. Blueprint does have a good rep but if they are using different/cheaper/more cost effective parts, it wont be a true apples to apples comparison. For example, if they are using Speedmaster or Pro Comp heads, that cost less than half of what Trickflows do, then thats part of where the price savings for them is. Trickflows are amongst the best heads in the market but also priced accordingly. They aren't a cheap aluminum knock off of a factory head either. Not saying Blueprint is using low quality parts, but it does need to be asked.
Also, that $6399 is not for a complete engine it appears. So you're still gonna need probably another 1000-1200 in parts on top of that. Maybe more.
"
- $6,399 Longblock Includes: Oil pan, timing cover, valve covers and individual dyno results
- $7,299 Fully Dressed includes: Above plus Carburetor, intake manifold, distributor and harmonic balancer installed.
- $7,799 Drop In Ready includes: Above plus waterpump, air cleaner, spark plugs and spark plug wires"
I'm not sure why people have that impression of the Edlebrock heads. I had mine spec'd by a good machine shop and and they didn't need a thing. Cost me 50 bucks for the task but that's the second set of Edlebrock heads I've owned, one each of SB and BB and neither have needed anything out of the box to work just fine. Any cylinder head you order should be checked out by a qualified shop. Cost is minimal but a good idea just to ensure quality control did their job. Yes, I'd even have the Trickflows checked.
You did miss roller lifters as well. That's any where from 400-700. You also didn't mention anything about the rotating assembly. What are your plans there?
As for your custom cam, call Oregon Cam Grinders. They have a great rep. They quoted me 75 for a regrind with a used core. They simply regrind the core to your specs. Or If I wanted a brand new cut one from a fresh blank, 150 bucks. Roller or Flat Tappet, same price. They also sell roller lifters for a better price as well.
Comp Cams have some decent roller rockers for about half the price of the Harland Sharps.
You can also save things on good quality used parts as well. Such as the intake, valve covers, carb etc. You don't always have to go name brand, or brand new either. Really depends on the engine.
Now, I'm building a 440 currently. After the machine costs, the head work and the rest, I'm gonna be in for about $4,000. If my combo turns out as good as the one I'm duplicating, I'm looking at around 550-600 hp with a modest compression ratio. Rarely do you find BB crate motors, but for something like that, they're usually about 8-10 grand.