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Cheaper? Build 1 or buy built?

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Chad1993

10+ Year Contributor
758
0
Sep 1, 2012
Batesville, Arkansas
Hey guys, I was wondering what you guys would do in my situation. My block is crap now, but I can reuse most other things like the head, intake, exhaust manifold ect. Now what my question is, would it be cheaper to buy a 7 bolt block that has "new" crank and bearings already installed, but has some minor wall damage, or buy a decent already built engine? Thanks in advanced.
 
Hey guys, I was wondering what you guys would do in my situation. My block is crap now, but I can reuse most other things like the head, intake, exhaust manifold ect. Now what my question is, would it be cheaper to buy a 7 bolt block that has "new" crank and bearings already installed, but has some minor wall damage, or buy a decent already built engine? Thanks in advanced.
That question is so ambiguous that it would be impossible to provide an answer. From what I can understand you are asking if it is cheaper to buy a descent already built engine or a descent already half-built engine. At this point, with the information you've provided, im going to say it will be cheaper to buy a decently half-built engine, and finish it yourself. But its all relative to who is selling it, how many miles it has, and what it has in it, so its really an impossible question without specifics.
 
Buy a built shortblock used from someone trustworth, or a reputable tuning shop. I don't have any personal experience with DSMgraveyard, but they have 6 bolt shortblocks starting at 1500 bucks, and for an extra 200 you can get evo 9 pistons. Not to mention there is a 3 month warranty, but then again I can't speak for their customer service because I haven't ever dealt with them.
 
You are risking buying anything used, but I wouldn't rebuild a 2G 7 bolt either. I have had a couple friends get lucky with used built engines from private parties. Just make sure you take someone with you who knows a bit about DSM's, and do a compression test and pull the oil pan. If they won't let you drop the pan, they might be hiding something. If you can find a good condition running 6 bolt shortblock, that's your cheapest bet. Most shops do brand new shortblocks (minus accessories) for around $2k if you can swing it.
 
Built not bought :thumb:

I always agree with this for personal satisfaction/knowledge and saving $$. But not everyone is capable of engine/trans assembly.

I still stick to my recommendation for a 6-bolt swap.
 
I vote buy a built but only if theres paperwork and it was built by someone that has good reputation. while theres a lot of pride involved with building an engine, its much cheaper to buy a built unit IMO. I bought a full engine for $3800, and to built it myself it would have cost probibly11-12 thousand. (mirror finish machine work, rotational assemblies spun balanced to 14k rpm, seals and gaskets, all parts(crank, pistons, rods, cams, valves for example) and hardware(new bolts, studs, ect))

it can add up REALLY fast. the engine i bought was brand new, valve cover to oil pan ready to make 700 or so HP. even came with zink fortified break in oil :)
 
WOW, thanks for the posts guys! I did find a block with evo 9 pistons ,bore .040 with 6 bolt rods and stock crank with only 6000ish miles on the whole assembly. He wants 800 for it. Good deal?
 
Only thing I would watch with that is the .040" over bore. That's about the limit on a 4G63. Meaning block is trash if u ever burn a ring land or score a cylinder wall. Can someone with access to CAPS check to see if Mitsu even offers a .040" over piston?
 
Well its evo 9 pistons in the block as of right now.

I have also failed to mention, I do have a revised 7 bolt block with new crank and bearings with minor wall damage. .020 over bore should do the trick. Should I just go with new rods and NPR pistons? (on a small budget) as of right now I have 800ish setting in my bank.
 
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its hard to say... I love 6 bolt blocks, cause they are damn near bulletproof.. but 7 bolt blocks can achieve Perfect ignition timing with the crank sensor AND black top CAS.. id say if your building huge power, go 7 bolt built.

if you plan to daily drive and go no more than 500hp hp or so, you could make a stock 6 bolt block go a long way with a good tune, and you wont have any crankshaft play to worry about. its really your call, im just going to stand behind 6 bolt block all day.

EDIT: if you modifications are up to date on your profile, a stock block will be all you need for quite some time. I have no experiance with evo pistons, but if theres cylinder wall damage, its going to need a rebuild. Hone or bore the walls, new pistons and rings. minds well do crank & rod bearings while your that far in. I wouldnt go off brand pistons. OEM or performance pistons. I run Ross, and wiseco pistons, and i have had no issues with them. i think it really sucks rebuilding engine cause its crazy expensive, like i said before. But do it right the first time, so you dont have to rip it apart and do it again in 6 months. learned that the hard way, what 6 times now. 4 stock blocks, 1 built block, and i now finally got it right.
 
My vote goes for built, not bought. How can you trust anyone else to build your motor. If you do buy a built motor make sure that you check all of your clearness, torque specs., and tolerances. Just my .02
 
Well I am on a small budget. I do not plan on going high HP anytime soon. So just for a daily driver with maybe 300 or less HP is fine with me. For now. But I really need my car right now. Walking to work sucks...
 
Bought is cheaper if you've never built a motor before and your not a super technical person. Obviously your going to try to get gobs of power out and an experienced engine builder will know what could go wrong and how to do it right. A stock motor will easily handle 300hp.
 
Buy built is gonna be so much cheaper just make sure u see paper work I know a lot of ppl who have been burned
 
This is what I have:
A revised 7 bolt that needs bored .020 over, and has new crank/bearings. (bought awhile back)
I'm buying a 7 bolt block built by Graveyard Motorsports with 6,000ish miles. EVO 9 pistons, 6 bolt rods, Bored .040 over, has stock crank, new OP and WP. I have everything else to slap on the block to get going again. All i need to do is put head on and time it. I am going to slowly start rebuilding my revised 7 bolt block so whenever this motor i'm buying gives out ill have another. Once a block hits .040 over, there is no fixing it after scuffing the walls (it's what research taught me). I think i'm in the right direction.

I need my car ASAP, its my only way of transportation.
 
Buying one would possibly be cheaper, but it being bought might not be proven to be trustworthy.
I personally would do it myself. just to be safe and knowing it is done right and not half assed.
 
Build yourself with a good machine shop and have piece of mind. As long as you know how and what to do.
 
This is what I have:
A revised 7 bolt that needs bored .020 over, and has new crank/bearings. (bought awhile back)
I'm buying a 7 bolt block built by Graveyard Motorsports with 6,000ish miles. EVO 9 pistons, 6 bolt rods, Bored .040 over, has stock crank, new OP and WP. I have everything else to slap on the block to get going again. All i need to do is put head on and time it. I am going to slowly start rebuilding my revised 7 bolt block so whenever this motor i'm buying gives out ill have another. Once a block hits .040 over, there is no fixing it after scuffing the walls (it's what research taught me). I think i'm in the right direction.

I need my car ASAP, its my only way of transportation.

That alone should scare you away from it. You should definitely read up on their vendor reviews before even thinking about buying it. Also make sure that the person selling it is legit if they're on here, check their posts, see if they've had any problems. I personally wouldn't touch one of their engines.
 
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