LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

How hard to build my own engine...literally...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-01-2004, 05:08 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
AxeGrinder30thZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pelzer, SC
Posts: 1,411
How hard to build my own engine...literally...

I've been doing a lot of calculating, and I know labor costs are going to kill me. I am building a 355. Do you think it would be possible to build my engine myself? I suppose I would just have to buy a seperate block and get it machined for a 355. Anyone else installed their own crank, cam, rods, pistons, etc.? I know it would take a lot of patience and time for a beginner, but as long as I can save money, it's not an issue. But I just want to know if anyone thinks it's possible. I'll be spending a lot to get it bored and to get my heads p+p, but as for the assembly, is it honestly just that difficult to do?
AxeGrinder30thZ is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 05:16 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Bow94z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Philly,PA
Posts: 2,365
yea i would like to know the same.....

Thanks
Bow94z is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 05:25 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
cndctrdj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: abington MA
Posts: 998
if you can take it apart you can put it together.....
and you will always have this board to help with every question. i have taken apart 4 motors none of them were an american v8. it is time consuming but i think the hardest part is getting the motor out and finding a place for it to go. but really once you have it out everyone on this board can lead you step by step through the process.
cndctrdj is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 05:28 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Dave88LX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: AACO, MD
Posts: 2,168
My builder is assembling from pan to intake/valve covers for $175.

The bulk of the money goes into machining, which you can't do yourself.

The assembly is rather cheap!
Dave88LX is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 05:36 PM
  #5  
Moderator
 
rskrause's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: Buffalo, New York
Posts: 10,745
As Dave said, assembly is not very expensive. In a 4th gen you can save a lot by doing the motor R+R yourself. That is basically "grunt work" and most people can do that without any huge problems. But I'd say if you are building a performance motor, let a pro do the assy. I do, and I know my way around cars pretty well.

It's not a black art or rocket science, but it requires a lot of knowledge and experience as well as some specialized tools to assemble an engine properly.

Rich Krause
rskrause is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 06:04 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
Bow94z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Philly,PA
Posts: 2,365
k Thanks DOC!!
Bow94z is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 06:11 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
jdizzell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 527
With all the money will spend for the tools and the time you will spend, just have pro do it. Will also get the satisfaction that your high performance motor is built right!
jdizzell is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 06:42 PM
  #8  
Registered User
 
badazzcamaro97's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: mt. vernon,tx
Posts: 250
Its not that hard at all if you have the right tools, which can be quite expensive,and someone knowledgeable to help you.My dads been building motors for close to thirty years so that helps me.
badazzcamaro97 is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 07:11 PM
  #9  
Registered User
 
Serene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 914
Originally posted by cndctrdj
if you can take it apart you can put it together.....
Not in this case.
Serene is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 07:15 PM
  #10  
Moderator
 
rskrause's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: Buffalo, New York
Posts: 10,745
Originally posted by Serene
Not in this case.
Though that does remind me that you can save a few $$$ by not only removing your old motor but tearing it down. At $70-75/h that's a good way to save.

Rich Krause
rskrause is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 07:36 PM
  #11  
Registered User
 
97Camaro007's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Lufkin, TX
Posts: 414
Just have someone put together the shortblock and you can do the rest....it's not that hard after the shortblock is done....
97Camaro007 is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 07:41 PM
  #12  
Registered User
 
95_LT1_6SPD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Caledon Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,093
Originally posted by rskrause

It's not a black art or rocket science, but it requires a lot of knowledge and experience as well as some specialized tools to assemble an engine properly.

Rich Krause
And hes not a rocket scientist Just go for it, you should be able to do it with the proper tools, its always more fun when you have the satisfaction of building your own motor.
95_LT1_6SPD is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 07:52 PM
  #13  
Registered User
 
Dave88LX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: AACO, MD
Posts: 2,168
Plus if something goes wrong you can blame the builder.
Dave88LX is offline  
Old 04-01-2004, 08:01 PM
  #14  
Registered User
 
chy20k1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 324
buy a book, and a video........read the book watch the video.
chy20k1 is offline  
Old 04-02-2004, 05:36 AM
  #15  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
AxeGrinder30thZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pelzer, SC
Posts: 1,411
Originally posted by rskrause
Though that does remind me that you can save a few $$$ by not only removing your old motor but tearing it down. At $70-75/h that's a good way to save.

Rich Krause

Originally posted by 97Camaro007
Just have someone put together the shortblock and you can do the rest....it's not that hard after the shortblock is done....
This probably sounds like the best stuff to do. Thanks guy for the opinions. I'll keep everyone updated on how it turns out.
AxeGrinder30thZ is offline  


Quick Reply: How hard to build my own engine...literally...



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:53 AM.