It honestly depends what you want to do with it.

I have an engine similar toy our spec, but i ported my own head, standard valves, single springs, 45mm weber, extractors, crow 51606 cam, 1300 pistons (40 thou over) and a bog standard bottom end (NO BALANCING).

I club day race mine and it hasn't let me down yet, will rev to 6,500 sometimes 7,000 with no problem.

I paid 300 for all machine work (bore, deck and chemical clean), then around 1,500 for parts then went in or on it.

At the end of the day it probably owes me 2,000, although its relatively stock, its great, nice powerband, and as far as i know reliable.

My advice would be, just don't get too carried away with other add ons, things that don't need doing. Just build it as an ultimate tight ass build, then go from there.

Cheers

Honestly, i was going to put aside $2000 for the build.

I have the cam kit, the weber / intake, extractors and a stocka motor.

I was hoping to see what i could get away with keeping as much as possible stock standard.

it was the cam lift that hinted that i may need to modify the pistons, which then went onto the ol' 'whilst its open, what else should i change'.

if i get the valve clearances sorted (modified or new pistons) and keep everything else stocka... i was hoping $2K would cover it...

yeah that sounds good, just do what you can and go from there. Many people spend thousands on balancing and crack testing etc but if you haven't got the money, who cares?? You just have to take the risk!

My theory is, I'd rather be having fun than getting a couple of extra horsepwoer here and there.

thanks!

based on my limited budget

I think I will go with a reduced list (bottom end only);

- buy a second-hand motor
- strip motor and clean / chemical wash
- machine block (+60tho) with new oversize pistons (+60tho) with machined valve reliefs
- reassemble with new bearings
- balancing

then i will sort out the head / cam work later...

will start shopping around to see if this can be done under $2K...