I agree with do it right/do it once. BUT.... you CAN do it right even if you are a first timer. Understand that yes.... it will take a little more time vs. having(paying)someone else to do it, and you will spend that same amount of money in good tools..... but, you will know your motor like the back of your hand(which will afford you the knowledge/ability to troubleshoot any possible future issues), and you'll have the pride that comes with doing it yourself.
Btw.... most will do a (quality)build for around $800.00. At least that's what a pro. performance V8 build goes for.
Biggest thing(to me)is educate yourself on what it is you're doing before you ever pick up a wrench.
Buy any pertinent literature relative to your motor/build.
Read. Read. Read. Read some more. Then.... read again.
Know what tools you'll need to do the disassembly/build start to finish. Then buy them.
Remove/disassemble the engine(on a stand). Follow your instruction sequence.
Sends the head(s) off to the machine shop for a re-fresh(valve job/guides, and a slight mill(.005 if the deck surface is already relatively true).
Same for the empty block. Best case scenario it will just need hot tanked/cylinder hone.
Worst case is it will need to be bored oversize/honed/decked. Not a big deal.
They will measure/record everything you'll need to know(value wise.... bore dia./taper/out of round/deck height etc.).
You can have them size/install the piston rings for you(that's the trickiest part for a beginner IMHO.)
Understand the build sequence.
Do a mock up. Be sure EVERYTHING is absolutely CLEAN.
Disassemble and do ANOTHER mock up. Be sure EVERYTHING is absolutely CLEAN.
Pay attention to(and record)your clearances/tolerances, and crank/cam(s)end play during the mock ups.
Assemble your engine. Be sure EVERYTHING is absolutely CLEAN. It's really not that hard.
I've been building my own motors since I was 16 years old(I'm an old phuck now), and NEVER had a build related failure.
I just recently paid a local race shop(for the first time in my life)to build/install my stroker motor. Just didn't have the time or ass to do it. It was convienient, but I feel like I cheated. I don't have the same(kind of) pride in this motor as in motors past.
Anyway..... sorry for the long read.
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