Re: Restore or buy restored ?

[Hydroglen]

I have rebuilt a number of engines and I find little difference in the end
cost, so I am surprised by some of the numbers quoted for engine work.
Perhaps in Canada we are lucky in that regard. Specific items may cost more,
but the total seems to average out. I am listing the 6 cyl engines to keep
the oranges in line......Bentley Mk V1 a few years ago and more currently
Alfa 6C, Hotchkiss, Hudson and Jaguar.
By rebuilding I am including: Regrinding / chroming the crank, bearings or
babitting, valves, new pistons/rings, balancing all components, block and
head resurfacing + gaskets. This work is on my cars and the crank work is
done by a shop that I am very happy with.
In looking at my spare Bristol engine I see no difference that should
present me with major surprises. I am missing some BSF nuts and bolts so
that will prove to be a real nuisance and some expense, but otherwise I see
no cost issues that would differentiate it from other engines. Thanks to
input from you chaps ( on crank specs) I have secured some bearings (happily
they are also the same as my small Alfa, so very convenient). It does not
need bearings but one day it may, so I beleive in stocking up while there is
availability.
You see, the machine shop charges by the number of throws and mains.
Bearings are comparable in costs and babitting is the same. Manufacturing
pistons goes largely by size so in-fact the "cheaper" engines cost a bit
more as in this case they are a larger bore (Hudson and Hotchkiss). Machine
shop work such as cleaning, boring and resurfacing is roughly the same.
I prefer the overhead cam engines as they are easier to set up and also
easier to adjust in the car. Changing a cam in the rest of them entails an
engine removal + radiator grille and bonnett.
The cost of a headgasket may be substantially higher for some cars, but on
exhamination it is a gasket with 6 large holes in it and a series of smaller
water passages. I have them custom made and there is little difference
between models.
I think that in the UK many suppliers and shops charge by make and model and
not by actual cost. A Bristol piston may cost a lot more than an Austin,
when in-fact they could be very close in spec. In other words they hear
the word Bristol or Bentley and strains of "Rule Britannia" waft over the
shop with accompanying large Pound signs!
Over here many of my suppliers don't know what I am working on so the costs
are more in line.
Cheers
Dorien