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What can I expect to pay for an engine rebuild?

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Sparkie93

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Hi all,

I'm contemplating a complete engine rebuild for one of my 67 BJ8s. I can handle the disassembly and re-assembly, so what should I expect to pay for the machining labor and parts? I believe to engine to have 47K on it, and I'm unsure whether the cylinders need to be bored. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in the Atlanta area for these engines, and are there any critical areas or steps to be careful of? I've rebuilt a half dozen small block Ford V8s, so I'm not too much a rookie here.

I'm also curious to know what some of the more common upgrades people have been making to their engines for little to moderate HP gains (nothing radical) or other reasons. A few that come to mind are the Pertronix ignition and switch to a screw on oil filter. I'm only looking to improve drivability, not make a race car.

Thanks,

Robert
 
I'm in the Atlanta area, and just had this done for my 66 BJ8. The folks associated with Atlanta Imported Auto Parts in Decatur are first rate. I've had my MGB and Healey engines built there. Bob Wagner and Neil Estes are both fine and knowledgable folks, as well as very nice.

Expensive items are cams and cranks. Other items are a bit pricey by American standards, but not too bad. I would disassemble your engine, keeping the parts in order, and clean it up as much as possible. Don't disassemble the head. Arrange with them for a time when they can look at the engine, then take it down, expect to leave it for a bit, and they will evaluate the wear and recommend replacement or not of parts. If the crank is good, or it can be ground, you're in luck. If one or more bores is too far gone, expect machining and new pistons. Most likely, the cam will need replacing. In any event, spring for a valve job.

My engine needed one sleeve, boring .060 over, new pistons, new cam and lifters, valve job, bearing inserts and assembly of the short block. Total cost in Fall of 2005 was around $3500.00. Hopefully you won't need all that I needed. And, of course, prices certainly have gone up since.

In any event, they are good folks, and if you're starting a restoration in the Atlanta area, you need to know them.
 
That price in 2005 sounds very reasonable. I just had my head rebuilt..here are the costs..

Clean and pressure spray the head,replace intake and exhaust valve guides, install hardened valve seats, perform 3 angle valve grind, mill the head gasket surface. $655

all the guides, gaskets bushings, pushrods, rockershafts were $715

plus $500 labor for removal of the head, dissasembly of the head etc..

so all told $1870......Obviously the more you do yourself the cheaper the job.....

Good Luck

Pete
 
Thanks guys. Cutlass, I sent you a PM the other day. What part of town are you in? I saw a blue 66 or 67 last weekend in Buford. I haven't seen one on the road in years.

Robert
 
Hey Robert,
I would highly recommend Neil Estes too ! Neil worked on my
1949 MG TC and last year on a 59 100-6. Very honest and
does excellent work. His number is 404/292-9333.
Regards,
Mike Lewis
 
I had Alan Taylor of English Engine and Chassis rebuild the engine, transmission and rear-end on my BJ7. He has 30 years experience working on and restoring Classic British Cars (MG's to Aston Martins). He has a great reputation, is very reasonably price and delivered incredible value with the finished product. I would be glad to show you my car and introduce you to Alan. I'm in Acworth, GA.

Alan's number is 678 910-0735. He's in Powder Springs
 
Guys,

Thanks for the info. The car hasn't run since ~1983, and I found out the engine currently in the car is frozen from sitting so long!!! This engine belongs in my other car, as the original one smoked like crazy. My 17 year old daughter is after me to get the car going - to be her car - yikes! Then again, I was her age when I "restored" it. And if it keeps the hobby alive...

It sounds like I could easily be into it for 3-4K. Then there's all the other fun stuff that goes along with a car sitting that long: brakes, tires, fuel tank/line, clutch... I'll give these guys a shout at some point. Right now I've put in some Marvel Mystery oil my dad had. I think it was meant more for the head rather than breaking engines free. I didn't put in much though. Does anyone know of a product that works well? If it is Marvel, is there a particular type I should look for? I'm hoping I can go the cheap route getting this engine running, get it driveable, enjoy it for a while, and sometime later on (years from now) do a full resto.

Cutlass - I never received the PM you mentioned.

Robert
 
Hi Robert. You've got some really big issues here. I'd be really concerned about the hydraulics that have been sitting for 20 plus years. Even if you can get the engine running, your brakes will be quite dangerous. As far as the engine is concerned, the rings are either rusted to the bores, which is likely, or the gasoline varnish has them stuck. Probably you will at least need new rings and a good honing. More likely a re-bore is necessary.

I'll try to get you a pm. Jim
 
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