I thought I might add a few comments since I'm currently building a Buick
215 with Rover heads and Rover 5 spd. I've been doing a lot of research on
these motors over the last few months and have contacted a lot of the
215/3500 specialists here in the US. A co-worker also has a lot of
experience building 215 race motors pushing 450+ HP (8000rpm+) in his
father's hydro-race boats. I think he said they have 15 different 215+cu/in
motors lying around their garage. He's been a great info resource. I've
also seen the 215 in planes, sandrails and various hot rods (lightweight
motor at 318lbs fully dressed).
For anyone thinking of building a 215 here's a partial list of parts on
mine and their costs.
-hot tank $35
-clean all parts $65
-.030" bore and hone $125
-r&r pistons and rods $35
-balance rotating assy $125
-rebuild big and small rod ends $85
-machine/micropolish crankshaft $69
-cam bearings $28
-install cam bearings $24
-new valve guides $3.90 ea
-install valve guides $62
-3 angle valve job $150
-surface heads $65
-pistons (10:1 silvolite) $229
-hastings rings $69.95
-rod bearings $35
-main bearings $139
-rocker shaft rebuild (look like new!) $159
-master rebuild gasket kit $69
-valley pan gasket $24
-hydraulic lifters $6 ea/ $96
-Edelbrock Performer intake manifold $185.95
-Edelbrock 4bbl 500cfm carb $199.95
-14" low profile chrome air cleaner $17.95
-ARP rods bolts $59.95
-Milodon dual roller timing set $59.95
-Milodon main stud set $87.95
-Isky 445"-262deg/110 cam $90
-215 exhaust flange kit $40
-modified Ford 302 shorty headers $150
-MSD6A ignition $129.95
-Mallory Unilite EI conversion (used w/ stock 215 distributor $99.95
-MSD Blaster2 coil $30.95
-spark plugs $15
-spark plugs wires $50
-cap and rotor $20
-high pressure/volume oil pump kit $47.95
--215 core from pickapart yard $75 short block
-Rover heads from a '84 3500 (SD1) also pickapart $70
-Rover aluminum rocker covers $25/both
-Rover 5 spd tranny w/ flywheel (same car) $100
-complete Transmission rebuild (including parts) $700
(go with the Chevy T-5 tranny combo, MUCH cheaper,but you have to buy the
T5-215 adapter)
-new water pump $30
-radiator $75
-fan/fan clutch $35
-alternator $35
-starter $35
-battery wires $10
-Volvo 240 front brake calipers (TBD)
-front brake pads (TBD)
-rear brake cylinder rebuild kit (TBD)
-rear brake shoes (TBD)
-1966 Datsun Roadster core shell with 1600/4spd $500
-hardtop $150
-soft top frame $165
-new soft top $250
-full interior panel/carpet kit (TBD)
-new windshield/sidewindow weatherstripping rubber (TBD)
-custom exhaust system est $300
-custom motor mounts/tranny mount (TBD)
-custom steering shaft (TBD)
-custom driveshaft (TBD)
-new battery $50
-new paint job/body work $1100
-clear coat $120
-240Z seats pickapart (both) $50
-new 240Z seat upholstery $200
-American Racing Libra rims $300
-(5) 205/60R/14's $275
-rechrome bumpers, handles, windshield frame, various $1200
I'm not even wanting to add it all up yet, cuz I'm not driving it yet.
Please don't drop it into Excel and add it up for me, I really don't want to
know. Once I start cruising around and immensely enjoying myself, I may get
up the courage, but until then...
Hope this info helps anyone interested.
Stan Wada
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