A buddy of mine has a shortblock 400 with a crank that I can get pretty cheap. I have never built a shortblock or had any dealings on repairing one. I am wondering if it is extreamly complex. I am a senior mechanical engineering student, and I know I can get a few books or something. I'm just afraid I'll forget a plug, bearing or shim or some stupid thhing and I'll end up blowing the sucker(and all my money) in a big puff of smoke. Also amy idea how much it would cost to get the block bored 30 over, balanced, plus the cost of the rest of the shortblock, excluding cam, lifter etc.

Thanks,
Chris

 

If you have reasonable mechanical skills, you should be ok doing it yourself. I did my own 350, and I had never done any major engine work before, and all I had to guide me was a Hayne's manual and this site. It's only got about 800 miles on it now, so I can't fully claim success yet, but all looks good, and it runs great. Just take your time and test-fit everything, and measure everything (rod and main clearance, crank endplay, ect.) that your book says to measure. Cleanliness and attention to detail are the keys to a successful rebuild, and if you're in doubt about any part of the assembly, or if something just doesn't look right, stop and find out for sure before continuing.

Machine work varies by area, I think, but I paid $200 for the basic block work. I didn't have mine balanced (should have). I think that costs a couple hundred, depending on long it takes.

If you feel like you're up to it, I'd say go for it. It's very satasfying to see it fire up for the first time and know that you did it all yourself.

 

92RS,

The beauty of this situation is that you are not relying on the engine if it is a spare. You can hang the block in a stand and work at your own pace. This gives you plenty of time to do research, spread out your costs, acquire material and parts from whatever sources you desire, and source out the machining work as you see fit. And it only requires a few square feet of working space and an open workbench for sub-assemblies.

I would presume that someone with a mechanical engineering background would have little trouble understanding the systems at work and devising improvements along the way. The process of disassembly and reassembly are relatively simple. Understanding the systems and reasons why things are done the way they are will be very easy for a fourth-year engineering student. When you start looking at forces, loads, angles, etc. you'll see where all those "boring" lectures come into play. Consider it a home version of your senior thesis with a practical application.