[MARKDTN]

If you like original, or want to have the experience of doing it, then build yours. In dollars and cents you will be hard pressed to do it cheaper than you can buy a new crate one. Last SB engine I built (327 from '68 Camaro-bone stock) was around $1500 in parts and machine work and that was in about 2004. Now it is as good as it was new but it isn't cheap to do it right. Price the machine shop work for heads (guides, valves, springs, hardened seats, etc.- which is probably the biggest chunk), bore block, turn crank, check block, clean parts, re-size rods, press pistons, magnaflux-the whole deal-and I'll bet it is at least $1000. The kit for all the parts and gaskets and a cam kit can easily be another $500+. To me it depends on if you want to get it done quick and easy for the least $$ (crate in a weekend) or if you want to do it yourself and have the experience (build it over a month or so).