A crate long block 302 from Ford Racing costs $3,000. A 351w crate from them costs $4,995. There are other sources and if you find good engines used, you can rebuild them and save money. Here's the usual gouge...you find your $1000 rebuilder engine from salvage yard and take to rebuilder. He quotes the cost of rebuild at $1,600. You sign up for it expecting to have a total of $2,600 invested. Trouble is it isn't exactly what you want and so you ask the rebuilder, "Can you do some head work while you're at it? I want rocker arm studs to be bolt in and I want to use larger valves with high temperature seats...can you do this? Your rebuilder says, "Sure!" Some weeks later he tells you your engine is ready. He also presents you with a bill for $3,300. You ask, "Hey, I thought you quoted $1,600?" He responds, "Well, yes I did but then you asked for the rocker arm and valve work so that is in addition to the $1,600! Thats what you wanted, right?" The fact is engine building is expensive and the expense only starts at the $1,600 level. Be sure you know what you want and then state what you want and NEVER add anything to the work order or you'll have sticker shock at the outcome.
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