
This engine will cost from $1000 to $3500 to build, depending on how much scrounging you do to get the parts together. Custom machine work should be kept to a minimum to keep down the cost and complexity.

And to make this example a real-world version of a first-timers engine, weve used as many factory components as possible to keep the cost down (cast crank, stock rods, pistons, valvetrain) and added an aftermarket intake, carb and headers. Here, we have used the 350ci Chevy, the most common of these engines, as our example. The engines are in the 300- to 400ci range and have similar traits.

The most common engine built by the first-time hot rodder is a small-blockwhether its a Chrysler, Ford or GM engine. To get the engine performance you want, you need to provide the proper information to a cam company so it can recommend a camshaft for your engine combination.
