408 shortblock pricing

-
NC Engine Builder

NC Engine Builder

Grumpy Old Man
Joined
Oct 10, 2008
Messages
6,361
Reaction score
8,906
So, there seems to be a lack of affordable stroker shortblock assemblies for sale these days, so having a good selection of cores, I have been considering building a few basic street performance 408 shortblocks, to sell, but the question is, what price point makes this a worthwhile project? What would you guys like to see, and at what cost? Thanks for any input!
 
well, blueprint asks 3K for a short block (when they are in stock) and just over 8K for a fully dressed roller cam one

my guess is if you can not beat those prices, there is no reason not to just buy one from there (and of course "i want to build it myself" is a great reason)
 
I would say $3000 if you are building similarly to blue print.
Being a smaller entity you could work with each individual buyer to select cam. Charge extra for the cam service.
Offerings for LA blocks would be great. Blue Print is Magnum only.
A service for folks who may have their own LA or Magnum block. I've recently used Fastenal for shipping and it's not that expensive. Some folks might have a date correct or original block they might want a basic build on and don't want to do a Magnum block.
Basically, follow Blue Print's lead but offer a more focus on the individual customer's need based on a standard rotating assembly.
Parts availability will be your biggest roadblock..
 
Could you even make money doing 408 short blocks for $3000...
 
I noticed blueprint lists there 408 with forged pistons, forged rods, but the crank is just specified as "steel" so I assume its cast
 
The first one I'm fixing to build is a LA block, scat 9000 series crank, icon forged pistons, resized factory rods with upgraded ARP bolts, clevite or king bearings, fully machined and plate honed, with internal neutral ballance, painted and assembled, for under 3k.... how does that sound?
 
Not sure Blueprint is doing Chrysler short blocks anymore, but I know ATK offers both Scat cast crank/Scat rods w/KB hypereutectic pistons for about $2700 and Scat forged crank/Scat rods w/Icon forged pistons for about $3400 iirc. Both Magnum based. I’ve read that the Magnum short blocks they send may have the LA head oiling holes even though they list as being pushrod oiling only
 
Last edited:
I can also do a magnum based one, would be the same price as the LA version. It just so happens I have a number of good LA360 blocks at the moment
 
diymirage said:
well, blueprint asks 3K for a short block (when they are in stock) and just over 8K for a fully dressed roller cam one

my guess is if you can not beat those prices, there is no reason not to just buy one from there (and of course "i want to build it myself" is a great reason)
Click to expand...

blueprint has a great warranty too---------
 
You need to make money or don’t do it
An mopar had good rods
Cast stroker cranks are good for a while
Optional upgrades are good but parts are getting hard to get already
Camshaft selection???Questionable
I’d recommend Cummins engines
 
replicaracer43 said:
The first one I'm fixing to build is a LA block, scat 9000 series crank, icon forged pistons, resized factory rods with upgraded ARP bolts, clevite or king bearings, fully machined and plate honed, with internal neutral ballance, painted and assembled, for under 3k.... how does that sound?
Click to expand...

Where is this located, when will it be done and what is your final price? :popcorn:
 
bob mCcarty said:
blueprint has a great warranty too---------
Click to expand...

Exactly, and that's a big part of the value proposition.

Buying a short block with a "tail light warranty" would alter the calculus a bit, IMO.

Still, not a bad idea since BPE is short on cores and demand is there.
 
DentalDart said:
Where is this located, when will it be done and what is your final price? :popcorn:
Click to expand...
Concord NC, I just finished honing it yesterday, need to surface the decks next. It hasn't been I priority since it's not for a customer, but it will probably be ready in a week or so, sooner if someone really needs it. Final price looks like 2900
 
Hone activity!

20210805_110112.jpg
 
Also this particular one will have new eagle I beam rods, not factory reconditioned ones
 
Good move since reconditioning factory rod (and other parts) is time consuming and expensive making it hard to recoupe the money (and make a few sheckles) on the time and effort to do the work.
 
rumblefish360 said:
Good move since reconditioning factory rod (and other parts) is time consuming and expensive making it hard to recoupe the money (and make a few sheckles) on the time and effort to do the work.
Click to expand...
Actually, I would make more profit on this one if I used factory rods, just the cost of the bolts and the cores, plus my labor. Putting in new rods, just makes it go together quicker, and its easier to ballance. But I dont really make any markup on the rods..
 
replicaracer43 said:
Actually, I would make more profit on this one if I used factory rods, just the cost of the bolts and the cores, plus my labor. Putting in new rods, just makes it go together quicker, and its easier to ballance. But I dont really make any markup on the rods..
Click to expand...
This is a great thing your doing. Some lucky guy/gal will get a great foundation. Kim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top