440hp 331 Stroker for $7800??? Need advice!!!

shops charge roughly 1200-1500 to install/build a shortblock?

what do you think a shop would charge for installing a new assembled shortblock, cam installed, everything done. just building on it?

we just moved, and dont really have the shop or tools and i have a shortblock coming.. just curious, especially since everything with this car turns into a headache on my own.

Any local mustang clubs around? I know ours (http://www.mamandf.com) has several members who are more than willing to help out another stanger install anything and they typically have the tools and experience to understand what they're doing and you get to learn a little while you're at it.

If you've never touched a torque wrench, then maybe this shouldn't be your first project to accomplish by yourself - I'm sure there's someone local that'll be glad to help out for a case or two....or even your old engine.

88SC_GT said:

shops charge roughly 1200-1500 to install/build a shortblock?

what do you think a shop would charge for installing a new assembled shortblock, cam installed, everything done. just building on it?

we just moved, and dont really have the shop or tools and i have a shortblock coming.. just curious, especially since everything with this car turns into a headache on my own.

Click to expand...

You can pay $350-$500 to have a shortblock built, pan to intake up around $700+ and that really isn't that bad of a deal if you can't do the work yourself and pay for expeirence. There is a difference between someone just slapping all the parts together and anthoer guy or shop, building the motor checking all clearances with the proper tools (not plastigauge), checking the cam, degreeing the cam and properly setting up the valve train, properly filing rings...you need to know how to do all of that or you could be giving up a lot of power.

Paying $1200+ is not un common for pulling the old motor and installing a new one.... Most shops charge $1000-$1700 plus for blower installs, with the supporting parts (inj, pumps, etc)

I'll summarize and agree with what most have said here. Buy the motor you're happy with and has the most bang for the buck. If you're not comfortable with installing it yourself, find help or pay someone to do the install. Keep in mind that you'll need to set aside money for the tune when it's all together (that may include a custom chip).

thanks for the information rick 91gt

we have a 2-car garage, just moved, and i dont have an engine stand, cherry picker, or alot of stuff required to do an engine swap. i have a nice 306 coming with a custom cam already installed, degree'd ect.

i just need to take out my 103k shortblock and have this one installed. would that seem like a $1000 or under job? i also have all the gaskets already.

I'd suggest joining a club or finding someone off stangnet or corral that lives close that wouldn't mind helping out. Also, 89roadster hit the nail on the head. I had a buddy help me out and all he wanted was the old stock engine. Not a bad deal for me and him both. Good luck with whatever you do.