Hot Rods Flathead machine costs

So my 8BA has a good bill of health. I took apart a stuck motor and dropped it off at my machinist to clean it and magnuflux as well as pressure test. It came back as a good block that can be rebuilt.

I read all these threads on here how expensive it is to build a flathead and with that in mind I thought that maybe I should do this. I have built a number of SBC and to be honest with you the costs aren't that far off.

The machining breaks down to this.
Clean and check for cracks $150.00
Bore cylinders $260.00
Furnish & Install cylinder sleeve $165.00 yes I need one
Install new cam bearings provided by you $50.00
Grind the valve seats $100.00
Install new pistons to your rods $50.00
Resurface all decks $175.00
Total $950.00

Now keep in mind that you must supply all parts and assembly is totally on you. By the time you are done you are going to have at least $2,000.00 in a rebuilt motor.

Not much different than a SBC as long as you have the ability to build the motor youself.

These are quoted prices given to me today by my machinist.

 

You will never spend so much money for so little HP gain, but I aint in no hurry! Hence the name.

 

"Check it before you deck it!"

 

That sounds pretty reasonable. On a flat motor I align bored the crankshaft, did a balance job, ported and polished intake runners and exhaust ports, and trued up new heads. App. $5K

 

Yeah I agree...I told him i really don't want to deck unless I have something major going on. He is going to check it before milling.

 

Well you did more than I am doing and I suspect your final number is probably not that far off.

The reason I posted this was to try and encourage people to try and save these engines. There is so much negative things written about the costs associated with a rebuild that I wanted to post some actual figures. I am not line boring etc. Just making a reliable weekend driver.

 

Try to avoid decking the block.Flathead v8 have a pretty thin deck and unless yours is warped or needing attention,I wouln't deck the block unless absolutely essential.

 

Thank you but there is some minor pitting that may need a pass.

 

I think the machining expenses is not the problem. It's all of those go fast things some of us like to add. If you buy a merc or scat crank,new rods,pistons,valves, adjustable lifters,rings,cylinder heads,intakes ,carburetors,distributor,starter water pumps,headers etc.
You can easily spend well over 4 grand for 135 HP even if you build it yourself.

Having said that I would not discourage some from building one as they are are a piece of history worth saving and besides they are fun even if they are not usually fast.

 

Maybe not a lot of HP but they sure sound great!

 

Its interesting that you come up with a total number of about $2k. The guy who is building my flathead gave me an initial estimate of exactly that number to start. I am having it bored out an 1/8", putting in a 4" crank, and providing all parts needed. He is doing all the machining on the block, after sonic testing and magging, and will do all assembly as well. I have provided new pistons, new rings, new cam bearings, new oil pump, reground cam, new valves, seats, guides, heads, gaskets, water pumps, and so on. I have the feeling before this is finished it will come in probably closer to $3k or $3500, which is ok as I am not doing it to have a racy hi power motor. Just a unique old time motor in a car I would have built way back when if I had the resources at the time to do so.

 

Other things that I think most people will need:

1) Rods: Many times they do need to be rebuilt, new bushings, big-ends reworked, etc.. Truth be told, if you can buy a 'new' set from guys like SoCal, it is really WORTH it ($225). (Costs more to rebuild them, then a new set in most cases).
2) Crankshaft Regrind: I don't see that many cranks that don't need to be reground and polished
3) Balancing: I would sure have the assembly balanced - can sure make the engine run a lot smoother.

Just wanted to add to what I see as typically needed . . .

 

I had $1800 in mine, all machine work with eight sleeves, but that was in 2000 or so. Only crack free block I could find before the internet.

 

Winter/Spring of 2007 I rebuilt my flattie for about $1200 in parts (bought by me) and $1400 machinist costs. Flatheads don't cost more to rebuild, they just deliver less horsepower/dollar from modifications.

 

I had a crank magged, cleaned, and reground .010-.020 last summer for $120.

 

if there are any colleges around often they have engine building classes you can take. cost me $50 to machine my motor....