Well I got my call today saying I'm finally approved to go in and sign my 6-year contract and swear in to the Air Force.

While I'm in, I plan to buy an A-body (preferably a Dart Swinger) and also an extra engine (slant of course) that I can rebuild from scratch to be a nice street rod engine. Anyway I was wondering how financially do-able would a project like this would be for a guy making enlisted military pay? How much would a junker engine cost (ball park) that I could tear down and rebuild? I want to take my time on something like that so that I can go completely nuts on it and buy/do the best of the best for performance and strength.

Yeah I know this is just some late-night ramblings from yours truly, but hey, thought it'd make an interesting discussion

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Local pick n'pulls charge $120 for a long block with 3 accessories (pumps, manifolds, etc is 1 accessory each). They usually don't observe too carefully and miss a few things.

Everytime I have been to a PNP there typically is 3-5 slants (and thats just in the passenger car section), I'm sure at least one of them would be in rebuildable condition.

If you start asking around, you can find SL6 engines for free, as long as you are willing to go pick them up.

I will give away early (60-67) blocks and heads to anyone who want to "come and get it."
DD

Do you have a place to store your finds? With your career choice and the times in which we live, your time on the ground will be precious. Hope your getting flight crew pay as part of your enlistment sign on. On the plus side think of all the time you will have to plan your buildup and perfect your skills and knowledge as you will be taught hands on at some the finest schools the Air Force can offer. And believe me,as a crew chief you will learn how to keep an aircraft operational with duct tape/bailing wire and a lot of cussing!..Dave

Hmm... it will be a long trip


Joug

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Sorry, my english is not very good

Prices will vary by geography, and parts availablity.

A JY long long block averages $150 in some yards(shop around).
Typical rebuild kit from Northern Auto Parts is up to $360 now (unless you are needing some 'trick items' /like a roller chain, cam, etc.)
It may still be cheaper to go that route and add more items than buy all the parts separately.
Cam and lifters can be $180 or so
My mill is mild, but since I did my own assembly and had the resources to be able to port my own head, tools to blueprint the engine, the machine shop work cost around $800...(head rebuild, block work, etc...)

So a 'regular' build up can be in the area of $1200-1500 depending on who and what you know, if you're looking at the 'Slantzilla' buildup double the number at least....

-D.Idiot

I'll have to get myself station at Edwards AFB for a while

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Excellent, I get out there several times a year. We will have to get together I'll give you the $10.00 tour.

Alot of bases have hobby shops where you can rebuild engines and have lifts and stuff. I rebuilt the 400 in my old Fury at the one at Travis AFB. It even has tools you can use.

That's awesome. I'd love to to a ground up restoration on some Mopars and sell 'em for a bit of profit. I think I'm gonna enjoy my time in the military

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

The hobby shops arn't free though. And alot of people to use limited space.

I take it you have to pay for your time there?

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

It varies, and probably changed since I left the Army in '94. As I recall, the equipment was free to use unless you messed it up. Small charges for consumables. The folks I dealt with there were very helpful in showing how to use equipment, even offering to do some of the trickier steps for me. Storage space and bay time were limited, though.
Beware, while you're a student (Basic and AIT), you may not be allowed to have a car on post, and probably won't have time to tinker with it anyway. Once you get settled into your first duty post, that should change.

In LA the going rate at the hobby shop was $26.00 per every 8 hours. Now that were getting a new state of the art shop expect prices to increase..Dave

Yikes. Guess that pretty much eliminated having an engine on a stand for extended periods of time, huh?

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me