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Rebuild from scratch
https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6627		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Jopapa [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 1:01 am ]
Post subject:  Rebuild from scratch
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 8)
Author:  Pierre [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 1:07 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  Doc [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:50 am ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  mighty mouse 63 [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Into the wild blue yonder
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
Author:  Joug_Fin [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:17 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
I will give away early (60-67) blocks and heads to anyone who want to "come and get it."
Hmm... it will be a long trip :D


Joug
Author:  DusterIdiot [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:37 am ]
Post subject:  If you have a 'spot' and minimize the labor...
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
Author:  Jopapa [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:37 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
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
I'll have to get myself station at Edwards AFB for a while :D
Author:  mighty mouse 63 [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 11:07 am ]
Post subject: 
Excellent, I get out there several times a year. We will have to get together I'll give you the $10.00 tour.
Author:  Eric W [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 11:33 am ]
Post subject: 
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. 8)
Author:  Jopapa [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 12:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
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. 8)
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 8)
Author:  Eric W [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
The hobby shops arn't free though. And alot of people to use limited space.
Author:  Jopapa [ Wed Aug 20, 2003 11:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
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?
Author:  slantvaliant [ Thu Aug 21, 2003 7:14 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  mighty mouse 63 [ Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:24 am ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  Jopapa [ Thu Aug 21, 2003 12:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
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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