I have a question. I would like the opinions of you guys about something.
It is coming to the time when I need a new engine. Now I'll only have about $2,500 to spend. I have been beating myself up for months now about if I should buy a stock l31 and do some up grades later(that would be about 5 years later when wifes car is paid off) or take the money and build an engine with performance upgrades. I have the ability and knowledge to build my own I just don't know what the better choice would be?
I want the l31 for the vortec heads, so If I want to later down the road I can upgrade the cam and intake and have a nice street car.
But I also have priced a Hot Cam, HSR, rotating assembly, and patriot vortec heads and it would be right around the same price as the new l31 but I would have the performance up grades now.
I guess I would just like to hear your opinion on what you would do with this choice at hand? So any opinions good or bad is welcome, I just need advice in making my decision so I don't pull all of my hair out thinking about this

 

Engine rebuild kit with pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, seals, oil pump from Summit - $450
Timing set - $50
Upgraded Vortec head kit from SDParts.com with TPI intake - $1765
Machine work (block, crank) - $350

That's slightly over your $2500 budget. If the block only needs rings, not pistons, then you can cut that down considerably. And maybe add a Hot Cam to the list ($205).

 

for my two cents worth, I say rebuild. You'll have the satisfaction of accomplishment once you're done.

 

You dont have to use vortec heads. There are other heads that flow just as well as teh vortecs and have a standard port so you can use your stock intake with a few mods, such as porting and better runners. Might save some money over buying a new intake and heads.

 

The engine block has had the machine work done. and the crank was turned 10/10 BUT!!!! a faulty tailgate and 75mph destroyed the crank and pistions that were in a box in the back of my truck driving back from the shop. the effin tailgate fell down and the pistons, rods and crank were in a box and hit the highway at 75. the few pieces i did find are no longer useable.
I was thinking on getting a whole rotating assembly from summit and patriot vortec style heads with a hsr and a new timing set from jegs and then finding a hot cam to go along with that. and a gasket set.
I'm just trying to weigh the options of the rebuild vs the cost of the new long block. and I will only get to do this once for the next 5 yrs so I have to make the right decision.
But I do thank you guys for taking the time to share your opinions and I will take all into consideration