My engine has about 180,000+ miles, it loses about a quart of oil every 2000 miles. lately, it started eating coolant. I think it is time for a rebuild. I was wondering what is the cheapest engine build I can do while getting the most performance? I have a tight budget and I want to get the best bang for the buck.

 

A quality rebuild of your current shortblock with a set of 113 heads and a ZZ4 cam, which both can be had, used, for a decent price will net you around 50 more RWHP. Don't forget a tune.

 

Here's the reusable parts list, HSR, 1.6 RR's, Crank, Rods, oil pan, valve covers. I was going to get the block machined for $300, buy new heads for $600, buy the LT-4 Hotcam for $250, buy forged pistons for $300, new oil and water pump $150, Gaskets and fluids, $100. Total was $1700, this seems a little too high for me. The goal is at least 330 horsepower at the flywheel. I have a chip burner that I can use for this set up. I want to know where I can cut costs and achieve my goal.

 

You don't need forged pistons for that power level. I think $1700 sounds totally reasonable for another 180k miles of use.

 

I started looking at an LT1 swap, so far it might be cheaper than $1700.

 

And you'll have a used engine of questionable history.

Rebuild what you have that will be the best for budget.

Agree, don't need forged pistons, heck, you may not even need to bore the block and thus could reuse the stock pistons, with fresh rings.

What heads are you looking at for $600?

 

I was looking at a set of 113 heads with stiffer springs.

 

I would not spend $600 on 113's that are marginally better then your 083's. Have the 083's machine for bigger springs and get a valve job.

For your needs and budget you'll be fine, IMO.

 

That would probably be around $400 for the machine work and springs. As long as I can hit that 330 crank horsepower, I will consider it.

 

Are you going to dyno this engine?

 

No, I'm doing it for competition and resale purposes. The forged pistons were in case someone wanted to add a supercharger down the road.