Budget six conversion builders, Please tell us how you do it! Options

[anthony]

I compiled the following list of conversion parts. This is just to put a six cylinder engine in the car and doesn't include a 5 lug conversion or suspension mods. So for you guys that throw out low total conversion prices please tell us how you did it and how you cut costs. Often I see references to exceptional deals on engines that can't be easily reproduced or incomplete parts lists that don't include all the parts or headers/exhaust.

[brant]

QUOTE (grantsfo @ Feb 23 2006, 03:06 PM)

QUOTE (brant @ Feb 23 2006, 12:03 PM) you were smart to factor in the extra money.. but how come in all the threads about cheap conversions no one is telling this idea of having a safety net budget to the general public... I'm well humored about this whole thing. My key point is that when people talk about big bore T4's they almost always underestimate conversion costs, yes conversion costs. There are countless threads here where plenty of people warn about hidden costs of a 6 conversion, but few warn about the true costs of a big bore t4. I did do some home work around Big Bore T4's . When discussing these engines people often discount the cost of fuel delivery conversion costs, exhaust system costs, oil cooler costs, clutch upgrades, critical gauges to measure temps, ignition systems, machining work and plenty more if you dont want a hack job Massive 4. I am also leary of true long term logevity of big bore t4's for track use. Plenty of validated data that shows longevity of stock sixes. Very little verifiable data about big bore t4 reliability other than here say. There are plenty of accounts of low mileage blown big bore T4s. And ulitmately most people dont factor in increased resale value of a 914-6 conversion over a big bore T4. As long as I dont do a complete hack job my 914-6 conversion should be worth at least $3K more than a big bore t4 conversion. I factored this value increase into my cost justification as well.

but Grant....
you forget the title of this thread.
it wasn't:
4 versus 6

in fact it I'll quote the question:

" So for you guys that throw out low total conversion prices please tell us how you did it and how you cut costs. Often I see references to exceptional deals on engines that can't be easily reproduced or incomplete parts lists that don't include all the parts or headers/exhaust"

to which I answer...
those prices thrown around are the exception and not the norm. The are achieved by thrifty spending, luck, patience, and by investing sweat equity. The average person will not be able to replicate that price and will usually spend more money than 4K.

brant