Shortblock vs. Building
 

It's getting about time that I start thinking about the new engine. I'm trying to figure out what building a motor myself would cost vs getting a shortblock.

Who has decent prices on shortblocks? Who's the best, etc. I've heard VT Engines was good, is there anyone else?

Have truck, will travel. thumb:

It's hard to build an engine for what DSS charges for a built short block with warranty etc.

You can likely save yourself a few dollars by piecing it together, getting the machine work done locally, and assembling it yourself. That being said, I've sold MANY engines to people that went this route, only to have it all fall apart. Not many machine shops (especially in Ontario) are properly fitted with the right accersories to machine a modular block. It is imperative that you use torque plates when boring and honing the blocks, especially the almuminum ones. Usually, in the end, its cheaper to spend the little extra on one done by an established company with the proper equipment and knowledge of what they like for tolerances.

Like I said before, you guys are one of the companies I have been looking into.

Right now it looks like I'm staying N/A for a while but would like to keep the blower option open for the future.

The current idea is going for a 5.0 stroker, is this fine for N/A or will it end up hurting me? Also, are the aluminum blocks you use the Teksid block?

BIg bore is more suited for n/a power, but if you're keeping the centri style blower, then the stroker is a good way to get 'out of boost' power up.

I use all the aluminum blocks. I've made well over 1000hp on all of them.

One of the reasons I was thinking of dropping the blower was to pay for the motor. If I don't sell it, the car probably won't be running this year...

Gotcha.

Keep the blower, and just fix what you need to. You won't like going n/a after having boost. Trust me! lol