It all depends on how much work you'd be putting in yourself really. If you source an engine and have a local machine shop build it for you, you could do it for way less than it would cost to have ADC/Buckshot do it. A lot can be gained in the head work and is a very important part of these engines. If you do them or you have Kinger do them, it's a must-do if you want to make it easier on your engine to see the 300 HP/TQ mark.
For a nice 300 HP/TQ, I'd say a turbo is the way to go. No need for forged internals as long as you're intercooled. Warmonger has shown that to be true, and I've followed suit. I'm likely going to keep my power down around there for daily driving since anymore than that would be pretty crazy with this platform IMO. I'm guessing that I am rolling around at about 270 HP/TQ now that I have some minor issues worked out and am now able to run all of the way to 7K and it's simply wicked even at 3.5psi
OK, now for prices in a ballpark sense.
*Price of an '01 Escape or Taurus 3L- $300 to $600 (LKQ is the best source, hands down! Ask Taylor
)
*Misc gaskets and SP Pistons and TTY bolts, $400 on a high guesstimate (better than OEM, but not as good as forged. Keep an eye on my engine, I'm sticking with 12psi for a max level for longevity sake)
-OR- Forged Pistons and rods add about $1800 for insane amounts of boost you'll never be able to really use with these cars unless some leaps are made with suspension, etc.
*Kinger's headwork- About $1200 IIRC, but I'm probably a bit high
*Machine work/balancing for 3L- $400-500 ballpark
*ADC's kit- $? Anyones guess at this point
If you can assemble the longblock (not hard to do with a Ford CD and CEG) and install everything, it will only cost you your time from this point.
Paying someone could get spendy.
For an NA beast get CAT cams, forged pistons w/ high CR, ARP head bolts and have your longblock built for you. This would be a good choice and might cost a bit less than the turbo 3L option while having a shop do it all for you.
