What's the going rate for a professional engine rebuild?

[Pacman99]

Hello all.

I have a Mk.4 Chevy 454 engine that runs well but is consuming a lot of oil. I've done a few checks myself including removal of cylinder heads. It's most likely either piston rings or valve guides. I'm gonna do a leakdown test once I have time and see what the problem is.

However I have been contemplating having the engine rebuilt by a professional as I do not know how long ago the engine was last overhauled. Though the heads and pistons were replaced at some point in the past. I would love to do the rebuild myself but I don't have the space or time at the moment to pull the engine.

I've contacted a few builders in the UK, including those I've found recommended on forums like this one. And I'm being quoted numbers like 6k + parts, 7-8k and possibly 10k plus. This was a lot more than I was expecting. Parts for these engines are cheap.

Now I am hesitant to have it rebuilt as I can buy a brand new 454 crate motor for 7k... And then still have my good running engine on the side.

Are there some people here who have had an engine rebuilt? Was the cost in this kinda range?

[Rockets7]

A lot of garages simply won’t want the pull job, by the time it’s in the shop it’s occupying an expensive ramp. The chances are the parts supplied will be wrong too. It’s a messy job, but my the time the lump and ancillaries are off they’re occupying good floor space. The car then needs to be shunted in and out the shop (maybe) most days so other work can take place. If you’ve a huge shed / shop then it’s no drama but if it’s a small but well reputed place then a ‘hogged’ ramp/lift is a very expensive loss / pain when other work is coming in fast.

[ConnectionError]

Rockets7 said:

A lot of garages simply won’t want the pull job, by the time it’s in the shop it’s occupying an expensive ramp. The chances are the parts supplied will be wrong too. It’s a messy job, but my the time the lump and ancillaries are off they’re occupying good floor space. The car then needs to be shunted in and out the shop (maybe) most days so other work can take place. If you’ve a huge shed / shop then it’s no drama but if it’s a small but well reputed place then a ‘hogged’ ramp/lift is a very expensive loss / pain when other work is coming in fast.

Would you not take the car off the ramp when the engine is out?

[drmotorsport]

I've just paid £5k for a rebuild of my simple 4 cylinder Fiesta race engine, it's a long detailed fiddly job with the engine already out of the car. Waiting time for specialist parts is also an issue at the moment - 6 weeks for pistons in my case.

[steveo3002]

id go with the crate engine , should be good for years , then sell the other one

[stevieturbo]

Crate engines when they are relatively cheap, quick....make a lot of sense.

How much is a rebuild ? How long is a piece of string ?

[Rockets7]

ConnectionError said:

Would you not take the car off the ramp when the engine is out?

I did say shunted in / out the shop. It’s also dependant on floor space to put it. But if it takes 3 folks to push it in / out / about every day that’s 3 people not earning on other ramps. We’ve done a few and if it’s something a drop precious they can become a real burden. If it arrives at same time as the new lump not so bad but there’s always some ancillary that’s also needed to finish / complete the job. Or a customer that calls just as the lump is out and says there’s a delay with the new engine. It’s coming a week Wednesday grrrr....

[HustleRussell]

There's a big difference between doing valve stem oil seals and doing rings. Also there are other reasons an engine will consume oil which aren't necessarily wear related. It's not worth speculating without diagnosis.

You're still going to have a bill to remove the engine and fit a crate engine, which will include hundreds in parts and consumables... and if it's not a direct replacement...

However with workshop rates the way they are I am not surprised that the rebuild is coming up expensive. Engine rebuilds are often not the cheapest way to rectify an engine problem and are best left to enthusiasts who want the project.

[Belle427]

These yank lumps are pretty simple and parts plentiful, maybe find out what’s wrong with it first.
May just need a simple head refresh.

[dpp]

I build Chrysler 383 &440s for around £6K with all new pistons, bearings, camshaft, lifters, oil pump etc and heads fully rebuilt with hardened valve inserts. But some customers expect new sump, inlet manifold, fuel pump and just about anything else bolted to engine to be included and all these parts plus lots of time detailing like polishing rocker covers to also be included.

Im not looking for the work as fully booked up just a heads up on costs.

[normalbloke]

Throw a few quid at decent diagnosis, compression+ leak down test, and maybe have the valve stem seals changed, most engines this can be done in situ for not a lot of money. You might be pleasantly rewarded.