[CTCarGuy]

I was planning on having my 71 400 engine rebuilt locally until I was quoted $4,000. This is just a freshen build with no improvements. Seems very high to me! I see remanf. and rebuilt engines on line for under $2,000! I know if I change the engine it will not be numbers matching but this car is a driver, not a show car. Suggestions? (I'm holding off pulling the engine until there is snow on the ground. The season cannot be long enough!)

[1967Tempest]

Well I am in Sparta, NJ (North Jersey, I grew up in CT though) and there is Snow on the ground. I am waiting till it piles up to pull my motor.

What is a freshen up build?? Same bottom end with a new cam and valve train? That you can do yourself. I will be doing just that this winter.
Parts are estimated..

Cam - 140
Lifters - 75
Carb - 260
Valve job - 335
valve springs, retainers and locks - 228
new heads - 40 for heads 70 for bead blast.
New Gasket set - 70

Pulling the motor and adding all of this is free. My Labor cost.

Freshen up rebuild less than 1200$ roughly.

If you are looking for a good machine shop that is reasonable. Call Tom at Sandstrom's Machine in Bristol, CT. He redid my bottom end. Great guy and keeps you informed. Called and told me all of the prices and my options without making any assumptions.

HTH,
Dave

[getmygoat]

$4k is about right if it includes a .30 over bore and new pistons.

Word to the wise - be very very careful where you take it... most machine shops don't know a thing about pontiacs... and you can end up screwed.

While I understand the tendency to want to find the best price, it is money well spent to find a very well known pontiac builder and pay what he charges.

Just think how discouraging it is to go through everything, and then have the motor disappoint. (oil leaks, poor performance, lifter ticking, mismatched parts, etc) - especially when spending 20% more can result in a more positive experience.

If I were to do this again (and I will), I'd set aside at least $6k and have it done right - also - go ahead and have the motor broken in on a dyno... it will cost another $500.....which I know sounds like a lot - but this way they verify everything and break in the cam, and then you don't have to worry (no leaks, no cam failures, etc).

This is not an inexpensive hobby.

p.s. - if you don't believe me... do a search, there is a thread about "things the average machinest doesn't know about a pontiac" - you'll be amazed and the number of things a regular machinest will do wrong.

[mechanic17]

I hit the $4000 mark on my 400 when I had it zero-decked and align-honed, but that included Scat h-beam rods and wiseco pistons ($80 EACH). Also a milodon pan, ray tray. I built it myself and threw the money into parts and tools like mics and a dial-bore guage, rather than labor for a builder.

That said, the machine shop did screw me (4X the original estimate.) I would definitely not commit to another without a referral from someone I trust.

[The Boss]

Larry,

Give Pete @ Valley Auto Machine a call, 203-881-9713 they are in Seymour and Pete's done work for me before. The circle track guys use him quite a bit, and with the season winding down he might have some time - usually very busy. Using my name may not get you anything off the deal, but it may get you in the door.

Chris

[CTCarGuy]

I did not expect $4,000 to freshen the motor. I will check out the other shops mentioned. I used to be able to do most of the assembly myself but those days are over. I think it's interesting that no one suggested putting in a remanufactured engine. The oil pressure is 40 @ 2000. Not bad for that many miles but before a 2-3K trip, having it disassembled and all of the worn and old stuff replaced, is a good idea. Next I will check out transmission shops. I want to have that done as well. I can't wait to start although it's still decent weather to drive around during the day. I'm glad the heater works! Now all I need is the room to get started. The "Torvair" is up for sale and hopefully will sell and then I will have plenty of room to work in. If not, I will have to find someplace to store the Vair. Larry

[Matt Meaney]

X2 with pete. he built my first 455 back in '89 and many more since than for me and my friends. always top quality work.

i've recently had some dealings with bill carlquist in watertown. pontiac savvy and very thorough. he is working on a dual quad RAV and doing cnc porting on some wenzlers to go on a IAII block. he also has a dyno. http://www.carlquistengines.com/carlquist.htm

turbo69bird, who also is from simsbury, swears by larry liefhert in torrington. a pm to him would get his perspective.

just thought i'd throw out some options for you.

[2002Z4CSS]

That $4000 seems steep to me but then I would be doing a lot of my own rebuild.

[bulletpruf]

Originally Posted by CTCarGuy

I did not expect $4,000 to freshen the motor. I will check out the other shops mentioned. I used to be able to do most of the assembly myself but those days are over. I think it's interesting that no one suggested putting in a remanufactured engine. The oil pressure is 40 @ 2000. Not bad for that many miles but before a 2-3K trip, having it disassembled and all of the worn and old stuff replaced, is a good idea. Next I will check out transmission shops. I want to have that done as well. I can't wait to start although it's still decent weather to drive around during the day. I'm glad the heater works! Now all I need is the room to get started. The "Torvair" is up for sale and hopefully will sell and then I will have plenty of room to work in. If not, I will have to find someplace to store the Vair. Larry

$4,000 is a bit steep, but not unreasonable if it's a good shop. I was quoted $4k by a very reputable Pontiac specialist to build my RAIII 400, but that includes new forged pistons and new rods.

No way in he11 I would go with a "remanufactured" engine. Have heard too many horror stories there. Folks who owned my old Suburban put in 3 reman 454s - not a single one lasted longer than a week. They ended up with a new one.

Good luck,

Scott