I am looking to get my 1959 ford 223 cid rebuilt. I called a local machine shop, and they quoted gave me a quote of around $2100 for the entire rebuild. This would include everything from regrinding the crank to putting harden valve seats in, but I would have to supple a master rebuild kit. I have never rebuilt a motor or had one rebuilt. Is this a good price or does it seem high? The engine smokes from need of new rings, but other then that it runs great. Could I (with limited internal engine experience) do a minor rebuild myself, or will it be a big headach?
$2100 and YOU supply the parts ?? That shop is robbing you. I do not recommend that you rebuild it yourself. There are so many things that must be done right and easy to get wrong. At the very least, get an experienced engine builder to help you.
In my area, this is an average cost for machine work : Vat block and parts $75 Bore block (6 cyl ) $60 Grind crank $80 Swap pistons on rods (6) $45 Complete valve job $250 (approximately) Freeze plugs / cam bearings $75 Now we are at $585, let`s round it off and say $600 . Add $250 labor to ***emble , now at $850. I`ll estimate master rebuild kit at $500, hell let`s just say $650 to be safe .... Now we are at $1500 So $1500 would be fair. Not sure what you`re getting for $2100 ?
2100 is a little high to be asking especially if you have to provide the kit, I would definitely do some more research. If you've never done a total rebuild before I wouldn't attempt one by yourself, if you have a friend with experience that would definitely help but there will still be plenty of things you need a machine shop for. In my opinion I would do a lot more research and find a really reputable shop and go from there.
These are good price figures. Texas prices seem to be about the same as "fair prices in Kansas". I am an engine builder if you need help pm me >>>>.
I think they gave you the "We don't really want to work on that old, what did you call it? engine. We don't ever see anything in here that isn't metric so we hope you go away" price...
Had the L8 rebuilt, parts and all (no new valves along with a few other problems though) for $2300. They had to turn the crank special which raised it up a bit. The price you have seems high.
The question is- Do you want to learn to rebuild a engine? I rebuilt my first engine (292 y-block) when I was 14 y.o. in 1964, because I wanted to learn how. If it's really not something you want to learn, it probably will be nothing but a big headache. It ain't rocket science, and there is a TON of info on rebuilding old engines nowdays, right here on the HAMB for one and on the internet in general. And there is no greater sense of satisfaction, than when you light off that first engine that you put together with your own hands.
That seems a bit high. I had a 223 in my Fairlane until last year. When I was shopping for kits to do it myself, I also got some quotes locally for a complete rebuild that were around $1,500. Most places didn't even want to touch it. Once my Fordomatic ****ped out, I just decided to drop in a SBF and I moved on. I agree with the earlier post that said the $2,100 quote was more of a "we don't want to do this" than anything else. I would highly recommend finding someone who might be able to work with you and show you how to do a rebuild...even if you have to throw a few bucks their way for the time if it's not a buddy who's willing to do it for free. I've done a few straight engine swaps over the years, but never a complete rebuild until my SBF project last year. I had a good friend look over my shoulder and show me what to do, but I did all of the actual work. I will always do my own builds from here on out and that experience was priceless. If you do go the route of having it done, try to make sure it's a place that is familiar with the old engines. The one shop that I was going to use locally said they have one specific tech at their shop that does the old inline 6 rebuilds because he "knows what to look for" - whatever that means!
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