72 455 in a 71 Riv Questions. Opinions needed for an idiot.

2k is a pretty conservative estimate on what you want to do. Sounds like triple or quadruple to me, by the time all is said and done.

 

If you are going to take that motor out and apart and do a piston and cam change, that =new valve train, resize rods, bore or hone, should replace cam bearings, gaskets, mounts etc, supplies (you will but lots of them) and fixing all the other 'sitting for 15 years' issues, you will be broke in about 10 seconds. If you cheap out, it will last maybe a year.

 

Did I mention new water pump, upgrade radiator/cooling system to handle the extra heat that is the direct result of more power?

 

You guys are awesome. I think, after much "soul searching", I've decided to keep the Riv mainly "street". I'm going to throw the TA 10:1 standard pistons in, the TA 284 88H, and bolt on the headers. Anything more than that and the wife will kill me. So, yeah, that's never good. If I'm not satisfied (which I imagine I will be), I can always save up for some aluminum heads. And I know I'll be sinking a LOT of money into a new water pump here and new hoses there, etc. Maybe I can squeeze another thousand into it. Lol. Thanks again, guys!!

 

Just got a rough estimate from a local and reputable machine shop. Around $1,200 for labor to paint and assemble. This is the price IF I strip the engine myself, which I think I can handle. I plan to throw about $2,500 worth of parts at it that the machine shop will handle. This, plus the $800-ish for my local mechanic. So, about a $5,000 engine. More if I get someone to build a 3-inch exhaust system. Luckily, I'll be coming into some money this Fall. While it's completely apart, is there anything I should let the machine shop know or do that I'm completely missing? Burst my bubble more, because my budget is now about $15k to get this car to show(ish)-quality.

 

Shawn,

I know how it feels to be anxious to get this project on the road! One thing that helped me was devising a solid plan with an itemized price list. That really helped me keep track, as I had budget limitations as well. It sounds like you have a loose plan which is good. Sure everything up before you start spending the money. Like mentioned by others...it goes FAST!

When it came time to buying parts for my project, they came from EVERYWHERE. TA...board members...eBay...Amazon...Advance Auto Parts...Autozone. Some basic parts you can get good deals on with 20%-25% coupons from Autozone/Advance.

It's good that you are able to do some of the work yourself. Best of luck!

 

I took your advice, Langston, and made myself a checklist/parts list. Looks like it's going to be about $3,000 in parts. Yikes! I keep telling myself (and my wife) that it'll all be worth it in the end!