My engine rebuild costs

[gsgns4me]

Well it's cold outside and , finally, quiet inside. I thought it might be fun to get out all the receipts I've been keeping for almost the last 20 years and organize them and tally them up a little.

I started out with engine stuff today. Maybe over the course of the winter I can do the body, interior, and any others later. Make it sort of a series.

I had to rebuild my engine a second time in 2004 just as I was expecting to get it on the road legally, let's just say because of youthful inexperience the first time I did it. The first time was in the mid to late '80's. The car was never driven in that period, but developed a rod knock.

I'm not rich by any means, so I try to pick the best parts I can get at the best price I can get. I tried to include part numbers and dates. Thought this might be interesting for others with an average income like mine. The guys who get to spend mega-bucks doing it right might get a good grin out of it.

Anyway, I got to drive my car all summer last year without a hitch. That included a trip to Lenoir and one to Mt. Airy. I hope to get to a track next summer. We'll see.

[gsgns4me]

Bottom half of Excel sheet, totals include costs posted above.

[gsgns4me]

I just realized there is a cylinder head I bought from Mike Garrison for around $100 and a set of adjustable push rods I bought from someone for about $75 missing off the list.

Brings the total closer to $5,000 for a "budget" job. Assembly was done by me.

[Dave Burns]

Dwayne,

Not too shabby man. A couple of the machining costs through me a bit but not that much. Example, the swung the rods for $40 but recon'd them for $28 ?? And the bore was $11 a hole not including the tank ? Where I come from thats included. But areas are all different in pricing, I understand that. Just amazes mesometimes what people charge for machine work that I can do, have done, and know how long it takes them. In some places it is quite a racket. But, more importantly.................. as in MOST importantly.........

Hows it run, and feel ??? Fun is what its all about !!

[gsgns4me]

Dwayne,

Not too shabby man. A couple of the machining costs through me a bit but not that much. Example, the swung the rods for $40 but recon'd them for $28 ?? And the bore was $11 a hole not including the tank ? Where I come from thats included. But areas are all different in pricing, I understand that. Just amazes mesometimes what people charge for machine work that I can do, have done, and know how long it takes them. In some places it is quite a racket. But, more importantly.................. as in MOST importantly.........

Hows it run, and feel ??? Fun is what its all about !!

On a scale from 1 to 10, the fun factor is at least 90 or higher!!!!

Seeing the cost on paper makes me wonder how I did it! I would have expected about half that.

I think the machine shop I used was pretty Buick friendly. They had a few "old timers" left there, if you know what I mean. One of them likes to build/race Olds.

Wish I would have had the knowledge to have done it right the first time. Live and learn.