Rebuilding cost for a 1970 440HP engine sitting for 30 years

[70SunFun]

I know this is a wide-open question on an engine's current condition but was wondering what a ballpark cost is to rebuild a 1970 440HP engine. It's been sitting inside for 30 years, currently is bored 30 over, and has 12.5 to 1 pistons. I haven't kept up with engine rebuilding costs in many years so I don't want to be upside down from the cost of buying the engine plus the rebuilding cost. All thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

How long is a piece of string ?
the budget could vary from $6k low end to $20k + stroker kits , Good alum heads , cam & rockers everything adds to the cost

 

[70SunFun]

How long is a piece of string ?
the budget could vary from $6k low end to $20k + stroker kits , Good alum heads , cam & rockers everything adds to the cost

Wow, that $ range is scary. The engine for sale is a long block for $450 plus I'd need to buy an intake and carb. Like you said, everything adds to the cost. Who knows what the inside of the engine looks like after sitting 30 years too. Much thanks.

 

[Ricks72Chlgr440]

Wow, that $ range is scary. The engine for sale is a long block for $450 plus I'd need to buy an intake and carb. Like you said, everything adds to the cost. Who knows what the inside of the engine looks like after sitting 30 years too. Much thanks.

That's the problem, you don't know. I bought a 1970 440 block and the machine shop had to overbore it 55 thou to clean it up because of the rust in the bores. Once I knew the bore size, I ordered the stroker kit that fit. Buying a stroker kit is going to be the easiest way to build the engine, but you're gonna want to have the block checked by a machinist before doing anything. Once you do that, you'll know what direction to go. It's time to plan, plan, plan. Think about what you want to do with the engine, then build the combo to suit. The planning should also include going through the transmission, torque converter (if auto trans), and possibly the rear end. Your vehicle is a collection of systems, and those systems must work together in harmony to get you the results you want.

 

[Spyder]

I recently picked up a standard bore block that looked good when I picked it up, had to go up to .040 over to clean it up. I'd be wary of one already at 030, and I wouldn't plan on reusing much or any of the internals which increases cost some, but I've got only slightly more experience than a rock so my opinion may not be worth much.

 

[One of few]

If you change your mind, I’ve got a brand new Edelbrock intake manifold I’ll turn loose $400, plus shipping.

 

[70SunFun]

That's the problem, you don't know. I bought a 1970 440 block and the machine shop had to overbore it 55 thou to clean it up because of the rust in the bores. Once I knew the bore size, I ordered the stroker kit that fit. Buying a stroker kit is going to be the easiest way to build the engine, but you're gonna want to have the block checked by a machinist before doing anything. Once you do that, you'll know what direction to go. It's time to plan, plan, plan. Think about what you want to do with the engine, then build the combo to suit. The planning should also include going through the transmission, torque converter (if auto trans), and possibly the rear end. Your vehicle is a collection of systems, and those systems must work together in harmony to get you the results you want.

Thank you.

 

[70SunFun]

I recently picked up a standard bore block that looked good when I picked it up, had to go up to .040 over to clean it up. I'd be wary of one already at 030, and I wouldn't plan on reusing much or any of the internals which increases cost some, but I've got only slightly more experience than a rock so my opinion may not be worth much.

Thank you.