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.

[John]

I'm sorry.

Maybe I misunderstood what this thread is all about.

Perhaps I don't belong in this thread.

When I started my current conversion, I didn't even have a "budget". My conversion started shortly after I started getting quoted prices to rebuild a stock D-Jet 2.0. I was starting with a known good and fully functional D-Jet system and a fairly low mile core 2.0. I was needing the heads to be totally rebuilt. (Len Hoffman quoted a lot of money to do the work, and I feel fairly sure that it would have been done right, but I have no true experience with him or his company.) I was needing to have the case checked out and fitted with new bearings, a new cam (the old one had big flat spots), and the crank and rods R&R'ed. When the prices for materials and labor (no assembly) got to be higher than $5000.00 for a 4-cylinder which was never my long term goal, my wife asked why I don't put that money toward a 6-cyl (which had been my long term goal for quite some time).

When my wife made that statement, I jumped at the opportunity. I had no fixed budget, but I knew I wanted the best engine and latest engine that I could afford at the time. I knew I would be fabricating everything that I could to save cost.

I simply didn't plan on a fixed budget. So perhaps I don't really belong in this thread.

If I was to advise someone else how much it COSTS to do a /6 conversion, I would tell them anywhere from about $6,000 up. If they do all the work, and they are resourceful and patient, they could come close to this number. If on the other hand, they drop the car off at a professional shop (I won't name names), stand back and open your wallet.........

It's kind of like buying a yacht. (If you have to ask, you don't have enough money).

THIS IS NOT and I repeat NOT AN INVESTMENT (unless you like crappy returns on your money). These cars are toys at best. (just don't tell my wife even if she already knows)