Re: V8 vs. built 4.3
sparkwire said:
Its hard to comapre motor from 2 different shops. When I had my Corvette I would hear about guy with 2000-2500 stoker SBC with parts included. My local shop want that in labor for splayed 4 bolt SBC not including parts.
If you want to compare them, think about a 4.3 as a 3/4 350. Most of the parts cost the same, their might not be as many choices (especially connecting rods) but they rally don't cost much different to build up.
The major differences in cost for short block would be 4 bolt splayed caps, billet crank (if you go that route) for the 4.3's. I am not expert on LS series, but I think the only thing that is pricey is resleeving the aluminum blocks (I am not sure if anyone does this anymore with all the block choices out their)
Heads, their are lot of options for heads with LS and SBC's. You could get away with a basic stock heads or fully port CNC set of aftermarket aluminum heads. Their are far few choices with 4.3, Factory castings, race castings, and how much do you want to spend porting them. Their are also costs associated with swapping to Vortecs. Once you get into the more exotic heads, you really looking at full custom setup.
Once most people get into the Bowtie build up with custom heads, intake, Billet crank and realizing almost everything will have to be fabricated is when LS Turbo series, starts looking very appealing, if you going to have to fabricated it anyways might as well use cheaper motor that has more potential and still can be less stressed than an all out 4.3.