So I've got my motor broken down and ready to fix.  So a local shop around here says they will rebuild it and give it back to me completely sealed for 2400.  That's more than I want to spend.  So I was wondering if I sent everything out to be machined and then put it back together myself how much would I save.  The shop said they put new pistons, bearings, cam rockers and lifters.  Is that a good deal?   If I do all the same stuff myself would I save a lot of cash?  Also is my cam bad?  How do I know if I can keep it and reuse it?  And finally how hard is it to put the motor back together myself.  The guys in tv make It look easy.   Are there any special tools other than a torque wrench that I need.  Also how do I know if I have all my clearances correct.  Last thing I want to do is save five hundred bucks putting it together only to pull it apart again and spend the 2400 to have it done.   So any advice is really appreciated and if anyone wouldn't mind helping me I would be very appreciative in the form of ice cold beer.

So I've got my motor broken down and ready to fix.  So a local shop around here says they will rebuild it and give it back to me completely sealed for 2400.  That's more than I want to spend.  So I was wondering if I sent everything out to be machined and then put it back together myself how much would I save.  The shop said they put new pistons, bearings, cam rockers and lifters.  Is that a good deal?   If I do all the same stuff myself would I save a lot of cash?  Also is my cam bad?  How do I know if I can keep it and reuse it?  And finally how hard is it to put the motor back together myself.  The guys in tv make It look easy.   Are there any special tools other than a torque wrench that I need.  Also how do I know if I have all my clearances correct.  Last thing I want to do is save five hundred bucks putting it together only to pull it apart again and spend the 2400 to have it done.   So any advice is really appreciated and if anyone wouldn't mind helping me I would be very appreciative in the form of ice cold beer.

$2400 sounds very inexpensive, depending on the quality of parts and labor they are supplying.  Did they give you a written estimate or parts list?  If that's just "stock" type cast pistons and valve train type stuff, might be able to see it. 

Something you need to ask a shop when you have a marine engine built is what kind of piston to wall clearance they use,, and bearing clearances are important also.

Try looking up some of the parts you would need, pistons, rings, cam bearings, rod bearings, rear main seal, gaskets (good ones,, not just a rebuilders type set)  Cam and lifters,, were you happy with the performance you had?  They can't be supplying "performance" type rocker arms as part of that price

Ballpark on block machining,, hot tank, bore, hone, surface, $400,,, valve job, assuming your valves are fine,,, maybe $250-$300,,, new valve springs to match the cam,, depends which camshaft.

Start adding some of the stuff up,, what about engine balancing,, I bet that's not part of their $2400? 

As far as tools and assembly,, here is a link to one of my engine build threads.  http://www.performanceboats.com/dyno/59303-mild-pump-gas-454-dyno-test.html

It gives you some idea of tools that I have and use.  Certainly lots of guys assembly their own engines with much less in the way of special tools, many times without verifying bearing clearances, etc.  A jet boat engine has to run roughly double the RPM of a street engine, under constant load.

Back to the top,, $2400 is too cheap for a "performance" build, I suggest talking to a couple of other shops as comparison. 

If you have a list of the parts they are going to supply, you can PM me for my phone number and I will try to help with my opinion as well.

Gimme a call, bring all the pieces by, let's see what you've got to work with, measure stuff up, form a plan and take it from there.  I've built a few.  Nothing wrong with doing it yourself, just get some help from someone experienced. 

-pat
310-947-7014

The measuring is more important that any other component of the assembly IMO.  If you go for stock perf. you can save money for sure but you can't just assume you are going to find a "good" machine shop.  I would STRONGLY urge you to take your parts to Pat or Brian before AND after to doublecheck on the work.  YOu won't get a second chance once it is running and even if you put it together right, if the parts aren't machined right it won't last.  Take your time, do your research, and good luck.

Bring your parts to me or Brian (or better yet, me and Brian) before you go to the machine shop.  Machine shops need very specific instruction, and "before" measurements should be taken to assure that the machine work is needed, and the to compare to the "after" measurements to see if the shop has the ability to listen and follow instructions.  I'm not gonna charge you a dime...just beer.  I think it would also be a good idea to involve Brian, and compare/question any different advise you get.   

My best advise to a newb is to question everything you're told, ask questions until you understand everything that's happening, and make everyone explain
The reasons behind their thought/decisions.  If something sounds funny, ask
More questions.   

On your first Motor get a second set of eyes,,most times trying to Save a buck costs more in the long run,,save up and get it done right..Ive seen some nice exchanges on stroker bigblocks on ebay for around $1800 to $2k with unlimited milege or 5 years..just bolt all your external stuff on and go...

I've been there....we have a 16 month old...he loves the river.  If you need to get away, I've got a spare engine stand with nothin on it...bring your stuff down and we'll check it out, drink beer, talk shop, then arrange to get it over to Brian for a second opinion, and form a plan.