How much does it cost to have a Chevy 350 engine rebuilt?

A Chevy 350 rebuild typically costs between roughly $1,500 and $8,000, depending on scope, chosen parts, and where you have the work done. Most street-ready rebuilds fall in the $2,000–$4,000 range.

Rebuilding a Chevy 350 involves several variables: the condition of the block and heads, how much machine work is needed, the level of parts you choose, and whether you bring your own parts or have the shop supply them. This article lays out typical costs, how they add up, and options to fit different budgets and goals.

What drives the price

Prices for a Chevy 350 rebuild are influenced by four main categories. The following list outlines where money usually goes and what you can expect to pay for each segment.

• Parts and gasket kit: A basic gasket set, rings, bearings, timing components, and seals typically run from about $150–$600. Higher-performance or stainless parts can push this to $800–$1,200 or more.


• Machine work: Core services such as boring/honing the cylinders, deck resurfacing, bore alignment, crank grinding, and cylinder head work vary widely. Typical machine work can run from $500–$2,000+, depending on the scope.


• Labor: Shops charge for time spent assembling the engine. Expect roughly 12–25 hours of labor at local shop rates of about $75–$150 per hour, translating to around $900–$3,800.


• Ancillary costs and services: This covers items like an oil pump, water pump, fuel pump, camshaft kit, balancing the rotating assembly, exhaust-related parts, shipping, disposal fees, and any ancillary repairs. These can add $100–$2,000 depending on choices and needs.


• Core charges and credits: Some shops apply a core charge if you don’t provide a rebuildable core; you may receive a credit if you return your core in good condition. Core-related costs typically range from $0–$350 depending on the shop and core quality.

In short, the total price line is a function of how much machine work you need, how many performance upgrades you want, and whether you supply your own parts or rely on the shop to source them.

Cost scenarios

To give a sense of what you might expect at different levels of rebuild, consider these commonly quoted ranges. The amounts reflect typical regional pricing and standard parts; your actual bill can vary.

• Basic/reliable street rebuild: About $1,500–$3,000. This usually covers a gasket kit, standard bearings, a cam kit, essential seals, basic machine work, and standard labor for a dependable daily-driver engine.


• Mid-range rebuild with mild performance tweaks: About $2,500–$4,500. Adds upgraded gaskets, a modest cam or different timing set, better bearings, balanced rotating assembly, and more thorough machine work or head work.


• High-end/performance or forged/race-ready build: About $4,500–$8,000+ (and higher for aggressive setups). Includes premium parts (forged internals, high-performance cam, ported heads, advanced timing, meticulous machine work, and full balancing), plus potential upgrades to fuel system, ignition, and exhaust to match the output goals.

Note that shops in different regions, and those with higher-grade parts or specialty expertise, can push these numbers higher. If you’re aiming for a very specific power goal or reliability target, plan accordingly.

Ways to save or maximize value

Costs can be controlled by strategies that balance reliability and performance with what you actually need from the engine. Here are practical approaches.

• Source parts yourself: Buying a reputable gasket kit, bearings, and seals can sometimes save money versus letting the shop source everything.


• Reuse a good core when possible: Supplying a solid core or choosing a long-block can reduce or eliminate core charges.


• Be realistic about machine work: Ask the shop to quote the exact machine work needed rather than approving an oversized scope; avoid unnecessary porting or oversized cams unless you have a clear performance goal.


• Shop around and compare labor rates: A reputable independent shop may offer better value than a dealership or performance shop depending on your location.


• Consider a crate engine or long-block option: If you want speed to market or a guaranteed level of reliability, a crate or long-block can be cost-effective when you factor in labor and downtime.

Carefully weighing these options can help you land a rebuild that meets your needs without paying for features you won’t use.

What to know before you start

Before committing to a rebuild, assess the engine’s core condition, your vehicle’s usage, and your budget. Obtain multiple written quotes, request a detailed parts and labor breakdown, and clarify warranties. A well-planned rebuild with transparent pricing reduces the risk of cost overruns and ensures you get the expected performance and reliability.

Summary

Rebuilding a Chevy 350 is a multi-faceted project whose cost depends on parts, machine work, labor, and your performance goals. Basic street rebuilds typically land in the $1,500–$3,000 range, mid-range builds generally run $2,500–$4,500, and high-end, performance-oriented projects can exceed $5,000 and approach $8,000 or more. By choosing wisely—selecting the right parts, understanding required machine work, and shopping around—you can achieve a dependable, well-tuned engine without surprises. Always start with clear quotes and a detailed scope to protect your budget and your engine’s longevity.

How much does it cost to rebuild a Chevy 5.7 engine?

It may be a cheaper option: A full engine rebuild costs about $2,500 to $4,000. Rebuilding may make sense if the damage is limited and the engine's core is still in good shape. But if the engine has widespread failure or high mileage, a replacement may offer more long-term reliability.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a 350?

Bottom Line on Engine Replacement
Replacing a car engine can be costly, but choosing a rebuilt or remanufactured engine is often more affordable than buying a new vehicle. Rebuilt engines are cheaper ($3,500-$6,000) and involve replacing only worn parts, but may have shorter lifespans.

What year is the best Chevy 350 engine?

The best Chevy 350 engine is often considered to be the 1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L due to its significant improvements in performance and efficiency. This version features Vortec cylinder heads for better airflow and the more durable hydraulic roller camshaft. While earlier models were simpler, later ones like the Vortec offered a stronger block design (880 casting), which is ideal for high-performance builds. 
This video explains the advantages of the Vortec 5.7L engine: 58sMyvintageiron7512YouTube · Mar 17, 2023
1996-2000 Vortec 5.7L 

• Vortec cylinder heads: Significantly improved airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to better performance and fuel economy. 
• Hydraulic roller camshaft: This provides greater durability and reduced wear on the valvetrain compared to older flat-tappet cams. 
• Stronger block: Blocks with the "880" casting number were used during this time and are built for roller cams, making them a great foundation for building a high-performance engine. 

Other notable years

• Early 1990s (with roller cam): These engines are also desirable because they came with a roller valvetrain, but some may lack a provision for a mechanical fuel pump. 
• 1970 LT-1: For those seeking raw, early-era power, the 1970 LT-1 version is a legendary, high-performance option with solid lifters and high compression. 
• 1986 and newer (one-piece rear main seal): Engines from 1986 and newer are equipped with a one-piece rear main seal, which is different from the two-piece seal found on older engines. This distinction is important when selecting a compatible flywheel or flexplate. 

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace an engine?

It is usually cheaper to rebuild an engine ($2,500–$4,000) than to replace it ($4,000–$6,000), especially if the vehicle is in good condition otherwise and the damage is not extensive. However, if the engine is severely damaged or the vehicle is older with high mileage (over 155,000 miles), replacement may become more cost-effective. 
This video explains the cost comparison between rebuilding and replacing an engine: 59sMytonYouTube · Nov 26, 2017
Engine rebuild

• Cost: Typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000. 
• Best for: Minor engine damage, simple wear and tear, and vehicles with less than 155,000 miles. 
• Pros: Can be significantly cheaper than replacement, especially if only a few parts are needed. It allows you to address specific known issues and can restore the original engine's life. 
• Cons: Can be time-consuming. The final cost can approach or exceed replacement if the damage is more extensive than initially thought. 

Engine replacement

• Cost: Generally ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, but can be higher depending on the engine and parts. 
• Best for: Engines with significant damage or older vehicles (over 155,000 miles) where other systems may also be failing. 
• Pros: Can be faster than a rebuild. A remanufactured or refurbished engine may be more reliable than a rebuild and comes with a warranty. 
• Cons: Can be more expensive upfront than a rebuild. The cost of parts and labor can add up quickly. 

How to decide

• Assess the vehicle's overall condition: If the rest of the car is in good shape, rebuilding or replacing the engine is likely worthwhile. If other components are failing, the money might be better saved by getting a new car. 
• Consider the severity of the damage: Simple fixes are best for a rebuild, while severe damage might make replacement a better choice. 
• Talk to a mechanic: Get a professional opinion on the damage and cost estimates for both options. They can help determine the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation. 

You can watch this video to learn how to rebuild an engine: 1mYeah Buddy GarageYouTube · Jul 23, 2025