This all started about 3 years ago. I have a friend that I have known for 20 years now. I am a toolmaker and have made and or done a lot of different things for him at no cost over the years. He acquired a mopar 4.5 siamese mega block in a car trade. He told me he had nothing in it and whatever he sold it for would be pure profit. I said I would like to have it. I gave $350 for the block. Brand new, never used. I put it in the corner of the garage and my wife asked what is that the day it was delivered. I told her it was a hemi. She was pretty pschyed about it cause she somewhat understands the mystique of a hemi. I started gathering parts at swap meets, ebay and good deals whenever I found something. It pays to not get in a hurry. I decided I didnt want to build the mega block since I am building a cruiser not a race car. A real good friend here told me that he would buy me whatever block I wanted for the 4.5 mega block. So I ordered the 4.25 block I have on the way now. It should be here in a week to 10 days. I have the following to put it together:
original black valve caovers swap meet $150
indy 426-2 intake "" $350
manley rods new $550
eagle crank new $525
wiseco pistons new $350
850 mighty demon new $425
comp cams complete valve train $750
rockers from fho rebuilt $1400
mopar aluminum heads new $2300
and the list goes on. I have under $8500 in all of it, including getting it finished at the machine shop. I have all the bearings, rings, oil pan, pump, everything. Attached is a picture of the 4.5 mega block with some of my stuff on it. I also have a rebuilt 18 spline 4 speed for the car. The dana 60 is already rebuilt all new from drum to drum with moser axles, auburn posi unit and I have $1500 in it. It pays to be patient and shop around.