Brand new GM 350 1 piece rear main seal from Scoggin Dickey is $600. I will be building a 383...so I will need cylinders bored...and have the block clearanced for the crank. A local engine builder gave me this quote:

"The block would cost $650.00. It would be vatted and magnafluxed,bored and honed w/torque plates and clearanced for the stroker crank. If the block needed to be line bored that would be an additional 175.00. When we build a short block it comes painted with hi temp paint. As far as a warranty, most of the manufacturers we use have a warranty against defective workmanship. That is the only warranty that is applied. Hope this helps."

What do you think? I would think the block from the builder would be a used block....but im guessing it would be checked completely, so it shouldnt give me problems. What do you think?

 

I personally prefer a good used block that has been freshly machined. New blocks haven't had any stress relieving done and some clearances will change with the first few heating/cooling cycles. A used block has already had the stress relieving done through normal use. (driving/parking = heating/cooling)

 

You dont need the cylinders bored to make a 383, it will just be a 377 instead. I wouldnt do the .030 over on a new block just to pick up 6CI.