Haven’t had to rebuild a 394 in a while but if I have the unit complete, what should I expect for a rebuild? I’m thinking $3500 from a reputable shop all in would be about right? Or is that labor estimate and start adding the actual parts from there? Thanks

 

It sounds like it should be reasonable but I doubt you can get it done for that. I would think in the $4,000 - $5,000 range. And this is just a SWAG. I hope somebody that has had one done will speak up.

 

I just rebuilt the heads on my 71 last year. I was quoted $1100 to completely rebuild the heads. I told the machinist that was way too high, especially since I didn't do any work on the bottom end. I ended up paying $450 and he didn't install new seats or guides.

 

So for your rebuild, was it just replacing the valves and rockers? I’m not very knowledgeable on complete rebuilds vs partial rebuilds.

 

The machinist cut new seats and valve faces for me; as well as, trued the heads. I reused all the lifters, rocker arms and pushrods.

 

So is it fair to say had it all been replaced, the $1100 for the pair would have been reasonable? Thanks again

 

I think the $1100 quote was high. I used the same machine shop years ago to completely rebuild another 455 I have. I don't recall how much I spent at the time. It was probably close to your original estimate. Of course, that was over 10 years ago.

I think the $5000 guess given earlier is a reasonable starting price. Don't forget there's a lot of machine work that can be done on the bottom end too.

 

I had a pair of C heads done a couple of years ago. Hot tank, mag (they found a crack and I had to scare up another head), new valves, seats on the exhaust side, machined for teflon seals. I provided the springs and retainers. My bill was coincidentally also $1100.