Just tryin to find out what other people are paying in there area i was quoted 650 for just assembly lmk

 

My machinist charges me only $100 to assemble
60 to overbore and hone
40 to deck the block
15 to micropolish crank

 

We charge about $600 to assemble/blueprint a short block.

That includes:
Measuring for bearings, file fit rings, torque down all the bolts to spec.

Here's the process so you have an image of what and how long it takes.

1. Set the block on the engine stand.
2. Torque down the Main caps on the block.
3. Measure main journals and rod journals on the crank.
4. Measure mains on the block.
5. Measure rod journals.
6. Take off main caps.
7. Install bearings on mains and drop in crank on block.
8. Put back main caps and torque down to spec.
9. Measure rings and file fit to desired specs.
10. Measure cylinder walls to double check clearances for each piston.
11. Install pistons to rods(wrist pins and locks)
12. Install rings on the pistons.
13. Install bearings on rods.
14. Compress rings and install pistons into the block.
15. Install rod cap and torque down rod bolts to desired specs.

This is a basic list of how the process goes. At the same time, the engine builder is writing things down, making calculations, possibly making adjustments back and forth on calculations, etc as you go, and putting assembly lube on certain surfaces.

What I'm trying to say is. You get what you pay for. Not all places assemble the same. Some use plastigauge to measure, it works, but its not the best. But some use higher end precision measuring tools that range from $500 to several thousands to assemble your engine.

Alot of people think "Assembling" and engine is simple and just drop it in and go. It can be simple, but at the same time, there are many things that are complicated especially with high performance engines.

 

Your machine shop is cheap! I just got my block, bored/honed for $150. $12 to install pistons onto the rods. To balance the crank was $50.00. That assembly charge for $650 however is crazy priced.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is how the place does the bearing measurement process.

With ACLs, its is a universal sized bearing. Which is a ONE SIZE fits all deal. In many cases, just dropping in that bearing will work. Honda has a RANGE of clearances that is acceptable.
With Honda OEM Bearings, they come in several sizes so you can use the certain sized bearing to get the EXACT clearances you are trying to achieve. Keep in mind that not all rods maybe precisely machined. You can have one rod machined differently and can run tighter than the others when installed. So its always best to MEASURE and not just drop in a universal sized bearing.
Those details are what you are paying for.

 

My machinist will use acl or oem honda bearings. The $100 assembly fee applies if you supply the parts and size the bearings, and file the rings to give you the clearances you want, and all he has to do is install them. If you want him to mic and measure clearances, then he charges $150-350 depending on the motor.

 

$12 per piston or for all 4?

 

each.

 

how about setting side-rod clearances, end-play, deck-height, pin clearances/or press on and off, check and adjust oil pump clearances, clean block and tap all important threads.
As Exospeed said, you get what you pay for.

 

My engine guy charges about 900$ which includes bearings, some machine work and assembly. He is a one man operation and I trust his work completely. I pay 900$ because his work is worth it and I want him to be around the next time I need his assistance, so I pay for that experience, time, and quality.

 

Is there anything better available to the DIY'er?

 

ya, the list is endless for what a reputable experienced engine builder can do for you. I'm sure we can go on with a long list on what is actually checked and done but most wont even understand what they are.

 

micrometer + bore gauge. but of course it doesn't mean much if you don't know how to use them.

 

A good micrometer and bore gauge will set you back $300-500 up to several thousands. Some builders will have several bore gauges, dozens of micrometers for different sizes, etc. So it can get up to $10K easily on just tools.

 

You and exospeed are absolutely right, you get what you pay for, but since the OP stated in his first post, that he was quoted $650 just asked for 'assembly' price, i thought i'd mention what my machinist charges merely for assembly. He would definately charge accordingly for the other services you mentioned.

 

thanks guys i just dont want to get ripped off and i didnt know what a ball park price was another shop in my area said 500 to assemble so one says 650 the other five hundred what should i do this will be dropped off friday to be done

 

Question the place that can do the work. If they are meticulous and can describe to you what they are capable of doing, then it will justify the price that they may charge.

People forget that price shouldnt be the only factor in getting services done. In any specialized service, you should always check the quality of the work compared to the price of the work.

If our company and staff didnt really care, we could charge $100 and throw bearings in there, not even measure it or use the proper torque specs. that would make it so much easier and that 1hr of work for $100 would be worth it. But engine assembly takes time, as little as 4hrs to a whole day just on one block and thats why shops charge the amount that they charge.

Pay people as much as you would want them to pay you if you were doing the same work.

 

this is exactly why i dont trust most "performance" shops. you buy everything that is needed for a bottom end build w/ acls bearings, they slap it together and thats it. they dont know nothing about your clearances etc. i think a good builder/shop, should measure stuff before hand, then order the correct bearings for you

 

It's free for me. Of course I do my own assembly and have access to $1000 tools like ExospeedAMcrx's.

It pays to be able to do your own work.