Technical 6k or more for a 4 banger rebuild!?

Yes, prices were less 65-70 years ago!


https://www.rd.com/list/this-is-how-much-classic-cars-cost-in-the-1950s-and-what-theyre-worth-today/

Here's some car pricing back then. You can figure out rebuild engine VS used car price however you want.

 

I did a pretty "scientific" spread sheet on a Burtz block compared to getting my block done with inserts and the stock crank counterbalanced. With everything the Burtz was going to end up at about $10 K for a long block. [not counting lightening the flywheel and a V-8 clutch if I recall correctly.] This was with stock intake, exhaust, etc...
That being said my block will be just under $8k for a complete and painted long block, including the lightened flywheel and a V-8 clutch. With a 3 month turnaround time frame.
However, there was a bit of "project creep" with mine. A 6:1 head, gapless rings, larger SS valves, higher lift cam, forged connecting rods, and including the lightened flywheel and V-8 clutch. All other internals new, including pump, lifters, etc...
I figured when all was said and done, about $2k [?] more for the Burtz.
Mine fit my anticipated needs, but you are getting a bit more with the Burtz. And my block was matching numbers for whatever that's worth.

 

With those prices, Buy a whole car with a running engine. Remove the engine and sell the car to someone who wants to build a hot rod. Can probably come out close to even...............


Newly Rebuilt Engine $11,500 ^^^^^


$12,000



$13,000 Huntingdon Tn This one has a video of the engine running
Engine shown below



All of these were within driving distance of Louisville Ky and there were a whole lot more, maybe a dozen. And those were "asking" prices.