Even for folks that have the money to spend on the good stuff, they
still look to save a buck, which is human nature, really. But let's think
about all this - if you want a beefy engine, and you're going into the
bottom end, why in the world do you want to skimp? I'd rather
spend the extra bucks and get the good parts and machining and
be done with the short block.

 

Well a line has to be drawn somewhere. I would love to start with a bowtie block billet crank and carrillo rods, no way it will happen though. Compstar is a good middle of the road option that will handle what better than 99% of us will ever ask of our shortblocks.

 

I would LOVE to go all out and get top of the line parts, trust me. But my engine spun a bearing so I need to rebuild it and have a very small budget. I am just trying to get an understanding of where different things really are on a priority list. What would you guys suggest for the best budget rebuild?

 

What I HAVE done is just get a junkyard engine, make sure it is in good shape and then focus on the topend.

I will sooner run a stock crank than a $200 cast one, yes the $200 cranks often function well enough but down the road as you keep wanting to add power it will always be there a constant worry.
I bet for $800-1000 you could get a junkyard motor go through bearings and maybe have the rods reconditioned, no balancing or anything needed so it would be cheap, then spend money on the topend.

You can then slowely work your current damaged motor into something you really want.

I have been lucky enough to find a genuine low milage junkyard motor in awesome condition for $500, just slapped the heads and cam on it and let her rip.