How much does it cost to build a Chevy 350 engine?
Costs to build a Chevy 350 vary widely based on scope, parts, and labor, but you can expect a basic rebuild to run roughly $1,500–$3,500, crate or long-block options to run about $3,500–$7,500, and high-performance builds to exceed $6,000–$15,000 or more depending on specs and machining.
What building a Chevy 350 typically involves
“Building” a 350 can mean several things: reusing or rebuilding the existing short block, installing a rebuilt long block, or purchasing a crate engine and installing it. Each path has different price drivers, such as machining needs, parts quality, and labor. The sections below outline common routes and their typical price ranges as of 2024–2025.
Basic rebuild options provide a functional engine with fresh seals and gaskets, while machine-work-heavy builds rise in price due to cylinder work and head services. Crate engines offer a predictable, ready-to-run alternative, and performance builds introduce higher costs for upgraded components and porting, headers, and induction systems.
Cost options
Here are common routes to consider, with typical price ranges. Prices vary by region, shop labor rates, and part brands.
- Basic rebuild (reusing block, new seals, rings, bearings, gaskets, and a basic timing set)
- Machine-shop long-block or partial rebuild (bore/hone, head work, deck, and proper assembly)
- Crate engine (new 350 to drop in, often with warranty and complete front-to-back kit)
- Full performance build (upgraded heads, cam, valvetrain, induction, exhaust, and extensive machining)
Conclusion: Your route determines most of the price. A simple refresh is the cheapest path, while crate and performance builds add substantial cost for reliability, power, and customization.
Cost paths to consider
Below are the typical cost bands for common approaches. Use these as a planning guide and remember that regional labor rates and part choices can move these numbers up or down.
- Basic rebuild (short-block or reuse of core, with parts kit, bearings, seals, timing set)
- Long-block or machine-shop build (block work, cylinder head service, new pistons/rings, bearings, complete assembly)
- Crate engine or rebuilt long-block (new engine or tested core delivered with warranty)
- Performance-focused build (custom heads, cam, upgraded valvetrain, induction, exhaust, and additional machining)
Conclusion: For most enthusiasts, the choice hinges on whether you value a quick installation, budget constraints, or maximum power potential. Each path includes different trade-offs in reliability, customization, and future maintenance.
Basic rebuild components and typical costs
Common elements and their approximate contribution to the total price in a straightforward rebuild. Actual costs vary by brand and regional rates.
- Engine internals kit (rings, bearings, gaskets, seals)
- Timing set and oil pump
- New water pump and commonly required seals
- Labor for disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
- Optional: basic valve stem seals and minor head work if needed
Conclusion: A basic rebuild focuses on restoring reliability with fresh seals and components, avoiding extensive machine work. This keeps costs relatively compact but may require future work if the block or heads show wear beyond standard limits.
Machine-shop long-block or more extensive rebuild
When the block needs machining and the heads require service, costs rise due to precision work and quality assembly. Typical services include:
- Boring/honing and decking of the block
- Valve job or head work (surface, valve seats, guides)
- New pistons, rings, and connecting rod hardware if chosen
- Cam bearings and upgraded oiling components as needed
- Machining labor and engine assembly by technicians
Conclusion: This route yields a more robust foundation and can support higher-performance builds, but it adds substantial labor and machine costs compared to a basic rebuild.
Crate engines and performance builds
If you want a predictable, turnkey option or a performance-oriented setup, crate engines and front-to-back builds are common choices. Typical ranges reflect the level of hardware and warranty involved.
- Crate 350 engine (new or remanufactured, with warranty)
- Shipping, return-to-assembly kit, and available installation hardware
- Performance head and cam packages, induction upgrades, and exhaust systems
- Additional machining or porting if you’re optimizing airflow
Conclusion: Crate engines offer speed of installation and warranty, but may limit customization. Performance builds deliver power but require careful component selection and precise tuning, driving up cost.
Performance-focused enhancements
For higher horsepower or specific reliability goals, expect to pay more for upgraded components and machining. Common upgrade categories include heads, camshaft, induction, and exhaust, plus any necessary tuning and fuel-system adjustments.
- Head upgrades (aluminum or upgraded factory heads, porting as needed)
- Camshaft, lifters, valve-train components, and timing set tuned for power band
- Induction upgrades (carburetor, EFI system, intake manifold)
- Exhaust upgrades (headers, exhaust, catalytic considerations)
Conclusion: A performance build sharply increases cost but delivers meaningful horsepower and driveability gains. Budget extra for dyno tuning and potential reliability checks after break-in.
Summary
Building a Chevy 350 can be as affordable as a modest refresh or as costly as a fully dressed performance engine. Basic rebuilds typically start around $1,500–$3,500, machine-shop or long-block efforts run about $2,500–$5,000, crate engines generally fall in the $3,500–$7,500 range, and high-performance builds can easily exceed $6,000–$15,000 depending on parts, machining, and tuning. Your final price depends on block and head condition, the parts you choose, whether you’re doing the work yourself or paying a shop, and how much you want to push the engine toward performance. Plan for some flexibility in quoted ranges and allow for unexpected machining or installation needs.
