A friend of mine bought a 318 from a junkyard and got a rebuild kit and it runs great. The whole thing cost him approx. $800 bucks and he is making anywhere from 265-285 HP. He has been tryin to talk me into buying a big small-block to replace my L03. I would be looking for at least a 350 and there are two junkyards that garuntee ANY size motor with computer and everything for between $400-$600. I could get a complete forged rebuild kit from Performance Automotive Warehouse for about $800. Would I just be throwing my money away with a junkyard motor? Has anyone else used a motor from a junkyard? Just want to say thanks for any help in advance.

 

Naw. Bunches of people have taken recycled engine cores and built them to their likeing (haven't done it in awhile, myself). Of course, you need to add machining costs to your figures. A similar crate shortblock is going to run you a least $1800, though.

Factory heads are usually a big limiter on performance. But then, so is factory exhaust. And cam. And, with a larger engine, you'll need to adjust things like TB flow, chip.

Get all that fixed, you're only about another 2 grand into it. On top of your original $1400, you understand.

 

think of it this way: you get to drive your ride while building up the replacement motor. have your cake & eat it too.

 

Thanks for the help five7kid. I can see where factory parts can be limiters but I'm not looking for anything to race yet. I would be happy with approx. 275 HP. Where I live that would give me one of the fastest cars anyways, people at school think my L03 is a beast After a while I know I will want to build on it but I just want something with more power for the time being. Project- I like the way you put it. I would like to be able to build this motor and keep driving my car around. A friend of mine happens to have a brother who is a master mechanic and he said he would help me do it all for free and provide the tools and garage. Anyways, thanks for replying, just wondered if anyone else had done it. Anyone out there who can respond with stories or there experiences with junkyard motors.