Hey Mopar madmen, Can someone give me an idea of how much it would cost to have my 400 V8 rebuilt by a pro? Assume that the engine does not need boring out, just a basic rebuild and a new cam kit installed. Also I'll remove and reinstall the engine in the car myself. My research indicates a cam kit runs about 4to5 hundred. I'd do it myself but I fear the number of tools & equipment needed might be too costly after reading a factory service manual on the whole procedure. Opinions please, thanks guys.

 

how many miles on the motor ?

 

102,300 miles strong compression 126 to 130 runs good but has mild cam, would like to change it anyway. thanks

 

I would consider doing a head rebuild only but first do a cylinder leakdown or air pressure test to help my decision.

Maybe fresh heads and a new cam, springs and chain, that you could do yourself with the engine in the car. That way get some more fun before a complete rebuild with new pistons.

A deglaze, rings and bearings would be OK but you would have to find someone you could trust to do your work first. This type of stuff I would do myself, building new short blocks I leave to my trusted machinist.

 

at 102k I would assume it needs boring and new pistons

 

I'm doing my entire 440 right now...... was told I will be under $4k for EVERYTHING........ new cam, bearings, bore, crank grind, new pistons (.030 over)..... I'm excited, this is gonna be a killer motor

 

If you are not going to bore it ? DO not do anything to the short block, just do the heads. Any reputable shop will not do a motor without boring it...

 

Agreed on leaving the bottom alone if you aren't boring it.


That being said, $3500-4K is right in the range.

 

I am under the impression that shops in the U.S. are much cheaper than in Canada but I know doing all my own work with heads, cam, springs, lifters, timing set and headers I was a little over $3000 and my friend that had a motor built at a local speed shop here with edelbrock top end and the remainder as a factory rebuild was over $10,000.

If your mechanically inclined I would say take on the top end rebuild yourself. These motors are fairly easy to work on and botom end is normally pretty solid.

Just my 2 cents.

Gary