1970 Corvette Engine Rebuild

[Kelby]

What's the going rate for a rebuild on my '70 vette's 350ci/300hp engine?

[Dave F.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Engine Rebuild

In the Cincinnati area, my 68 L79 was $1500 (included disassembly, gaskets, rings, machine shop work, and assembly) plus the cost of valves and cam kit, and fuel/water pump/carb rebuild costs. Then there are costs for paint, plugs, points, wires, coil, voltage reg., thermostat, belts and hoses added to that.

[Brian Monticello]

Re: 1970 Corvette Engine Rebuild

I just paid ~$1300 for the following machine work:
-Cut crank
-drill/tap crank snout
-bore
-hone w/torque plate
-cut flywheel
-balance rotating assembly
-press fit rods/pistons
-polish piston pins/hone pin bores
-fix small crack by head bolt on deck
-hot tank
-cam bearings (installed)
-freeze and galley plugs (installed)

I'm doing the assembly... pistons ran about $180 and I bought a set of rebuilt heads for $550. New aftermarket Rods were around $240. Cam and Lifters $160. Water pump $40

Add in another $300 for gaskets/rings/hoses/bearings.

My total cost for the engine only was about $2800 + many hours of researching / shopping / and assembling. I probably paid too much for the machine work but everything here is expensive.

If you're going for broke (literally) add in another $750 for so for complete distributor and carb rebuilds.

I converted my engine from NOM 327/??? to 327/365 so I had to find new intake, carb, air cleaner, oil pan, studs, windage, tachometer, oil gauge needed a new radiator, and countless other tubes, stickers, and widgets. I stopped counting so I wouldn't have to answer to my wife. I'm probably $5000 into this project and the value of the car probably went up $2000. If you're like me you'll need to buy a hoist, stand, and many tools..... oh man my pocket book hurts.

Now I understand why people say $45000 invested - selling for $30k..but I digress.

HAVE FUN.
Brian