Short Block: build or buy

I have recently been investigating how much it would cost to build a steet engine for my 86 GT.

Rebuilding my stock short block:
$600 in machine work which includes bore, clean, torque plates, balance, install cam bearings, and decking services.
Stock rods and crank, with KB281 pistons, Federal Mogul bearings and oil pump, new roller cam, new lifters, new damper, new gaskets, etc. Just the short block would be about $2,000. So, $2,000 for the short block shipped here, then $1,400 for heads, and more for valvetrain and intake items.

Buy the DSS 331 Level 2 short block:
I have no idea where they get their parts from to build the crank/rod/piston/rings combination. I also have no idea what other block I am getting, or what the do to get "Level 2". Is it just bore/clean then slap it together? I would insist on sending them my flywheel and damper so they could balance the whole thing, but I'd imagine some schmoe there just sending it back with the block saying "Yea, we balanced it... he he.. " So, $2,000 for the DSS short block shipped here, then $1,400 for heads, and more for valvetrain and intake items.


Buy the FRPP 302 engine, P/N M-6007-XE3, assembled long block, with the E303 cam installed and ready to go. The only thing I would change is the water pump and the rocker arms, to full roller, as they specify stock rockers. This is by far the easiest option, saving time during the swap. $3,400 for all, plus intake items. I could also sell the complete 86 motor from intake to pan, pump to flywheel with ECU, for around $750.00 and make some of the money back.


If the DSS kit held together for more than 50k, street driving, then a set of AFR 165's with the 331 kit and a mild street cam (212-218 @.050") would be the top pick for streetable torque. Rebuilding the stock motor using "good" parts, like KB pistons, and doing all of the machine work is a lot of running around, but satisfying when it's done. I don't want to start a war, but DSS really didn't make me feel good on their web site, with such lack of information on what the do to their assemblies. Maybe if I knew more about them and what they do, at level 2, I would feel more comfortable making the choice here.

'any input would be appreciated!

I have had three strokers in the last year. A DSS 347, which I purhased with a bad crank due to an incorrect flex plate used. I rebuilt it with a CHP GT kit using the DSS block. The price was $700 difference for the 347 kits. Parts seem to look equal in quality. I also have a 331 built by M&R Engines of Gledale Calif. The DSS block doesn't look that much different except the extra machining for the bigger stroke, and their DSS CNC'd stamping.