I am about to embark on a frame off restoration on my 1961 Dynamic 88.
(Already have new glass!) inside joke.
The body is a very clean and straight California NO RUST car.
Doing a mild custom ..
The body is a 1961.
The motor, dash and interior are from a 1962.
Motor runs well,burns very little to no oil, but is a 1962 . NON matching numbers.
Last owner did the trans swap to a turbo350,
I'm going to add a 700R4 overdrive trans.
I want to rebuild the motor.
Question?

It looks like a rebuild on a 394 is going to be expensive.
For that kind oif money, I could get a very sweet crate motor.
"Built, delivered install it and run it.
Any advice as to rebuild kits?
AND??? since it is not the stock motor, how much of a sin would it be to replace it with a CRATE MOTOR?

 

Since this is an Olds site you will get blasted for putting a brand X engine in there. Just my opinion if you buy an Olds be prepared to spend $$. If ya want a Cheap ride buy a Chebby or Furd. I would expect you to be around 3 thou for a completely rebuilt 394. To me the "kits" are overpriced and you may be getting things not needed. I like to buy everything seperate including pistons cause ya can shop around and pick and choose.... as always just an opinion.

 

So your doing a total frame off and your worried about the cost of a 394 rebuild??? Anyways I never got a 394 rebuild under 3K