cynner wrote:I can get a brand new EJ257 bottom end and reco'd heads, fitted for $6500 drive away. The $4000 engine doesn't include labour, so by the time i'm done with that it's probably going to be $5500 or so...
In my humble opinion while your doing the engine it's well worthwhile strengthening a few known weak points, such as the head studs, headgasket and oil pickup. Pistons are also fairly weak so if you plan on making big power (220+) forged pistons as well.
If you do the studs, headgasket and oil pickup it'd probably be around an extra $1k on top of the $6.5k quote for new EJ257.
The main reason I'm in favour of that built engine is that its cheap when you consider the parts used, especially if its confirmed to be running well and guaranteed by your mechanic. It should also be much stronger than a stock EJ257 and safely support much more power