peicing together an S54?

[goarmy]

I will see if it is. They have quite a collection and not very organized if the wrecked car comes in and dont run they just put the engine on top of a hill full of motors. But I'll let you know

[nando]

sure - most important are if it's complete, and the head can be refreshed without replacing every part.

[goarmy]

I will see my brother at the used parts yard I know he has 3 s54 but one was no good they never open them up to see whats wrong maybe he would let that one go cheap, and its a good start for you. If you are interested I'll let you know.

[nando]

I don't have enough cash at the moment for a complete motor. I'm about halfway there.

[Luis325]

Why not buy Ferns motor Nando? its a great deal bud!

[nando]

I have an opportunity to pick up a fresh S54 short block, cheap. Unfortunately, it's pretty much just the short block - no oil pump, no pan, no head, wiring harness, accessories, etc. but it's cheap. It comes with some extra parts but there's a lot I'd have to find.

I'm looking around, and it's definitely expensive to buy each peice seperately ($700 for a core head, $500 for ITBs, $700 for vanos, $700 for a pump+pan, $500 filter housing, $400 harness). But there's the possibility I could find either a complete early motor that needs a bottom end, or maybe a high miles one that I could swap the fresh bottom end onto.

I already have cams, some seals/gaskets, and a few sensors.

to me, unless I can peice one together for around $2500 or so, it's not worth it. If it costs $4000, I can buy a whole motor (maybe even with a warranty) and not deal with the headache. on the other hand the motor would be fresh instead of an unknown junkyard find.

those of you who've built S54s or had to replace a bottom end - what do you think? is it worth considering? Assembling the motor doesn't scare me at all. I just don't want to end up spending $5k to build a motor just because the bottom end was inexpensive..