big four build up, need some of your engine recipies Options

[modpr2]

looking at a couple different engine choices, but really looking at a built big four. im looking for about 160 to 180 hp. what do you think this would cost me and what particular parts do you recommend. i plan to build the engine myself and just have any machining needed send out. thanks

[Mark Henry]

I'd just get a 2270 kit from Jake Raby, or if you're in Canada from myself. My "kits" (I don't really sell kits) would have a lot of Jakes parts in it, but is not a Raby kit.
A kit will give you a longblock that, if put together right, will give an engine that is reliable and will give you years of trouble free service. It's worth the couple of extra bucks.
A bad "Combo" will just suck and if you smoke the engine it will cost you way more than the kit would have. A kit will also take the guesswork out of building your engine.

Figure about $4000.

Carbs or PEFI? Carbs are about $1000 new, around half that used. PEFI (Programmable Electronic Fuel Injection) can be done for under $1000 with a DIY mega-squirt system, or start at about $2000 and up for a commercial system like SDS ( www.sdsefi.com ) Both Jake and I use the SDS but there are many other systems on the market. Price will vary depending on the intake system and options you chose.

Exhaust figure on say $500 for a triad and some good SSI heat exchangers or anywhere from $700 to $2000 for a header set-up.

" im looking for about 160 to 180 hp."

Hard to do but not imposable, this power level will need a nice header and very good heads. I think if you set you sights on the 160hp figure you are being more realistic.