First engine build (Page 1/1)
bmac JAN 18, 11:24 PM
I own an 87 Fiero GT. I use it as my car to learn about cars. I try to do as much work on it as possible. However, when it come to the big stuff, such as the engine, I have a good local friend who does all the work(however he lets me watch and learn). Anyway all of that is to say that my Fiero has a 4.9 V8 in it, but I want to learn about engines and I don't want to touch the one already in it because its fine the way it is. After doing some research it seems that the sbc 350 is the way to go for learning. Simple and cheap with tons of modification options. My real question is do yall think this is a good place to start for a first engine build/learning about engines project? I found a cheap block and I'll grab an engine stand and start working and learning. Also what am I looking at cost wise? Thanks for the help.

Brian
carnut122 JAN 19, 12:50 PM
That's as good of a choice as any. It's very common and parts are very reasonable. Good luck!
bmac JAN 19, 11:10 PM
Thanks for the response. Do you have any idea what a decent middle of the road partswise build would cost?
tebailey JAN 22, 07:50 PM
Been awhile, but the 2 I did for myself ran about $1200 each. Depending on how much machine shop work that needs to be done. Could be more or less.
carnut122 JAN 22, 08:02 PM
tebailey's answer works for me. That said, if you don't have a lot of machine work done, the rebuild kits are pretty cheap (check out Summit Racing for prices). I usually just buy a rebuilt short block and beg, borrow, or buy the heads. I bought 2 shortblocks from City Motors out of Dallas, TX as they're VERY reasonable on prices and so far, I like what they've sent me.

[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 01-22-2014).]

cmechmann JAN 22, 10:39 PM
Get it apart and start measuring. You will have a better idea of cost after that.
At the least, let a machine shop check the crank, mains and rod journals. You can assemble it with pistons if the cylinder walls are decent after measuring and honing. Reman heads are fairly cheap.

[This message has been edited by cmechmann (edited 01-22-2014).]