I recently took a job as a small engine mechanic and am in charge of the weeders, chainsaws, and all other 2-cycle powerplants. One day before clocking out I got on the computer to check the cost of a Poulan 46. I wanted to see if a Shortblock (complete engine without carburetor, igniton, muffler). From what I can see it is not available that way, but the components to build it are all available. You can buy a cylinder assembly(with piston), crank assembly(with rod and bearings), a wrist pin bearing. This should be all you need to start building an engine, minus ignition of coarse. The cost for all the above mentioned parts are about $100.00 retail.

Now let's say you bought a CH Ignition conversion kit for this engine which retails for $208.00.

We are up to $308.00.

But we forgot the muffler and carburetor. I think another $100.00 will buy both, which brings us up to $408.00.

Is that too much for a brand new engine?

For those that want to say you will "still have a conversion" need to look around, because most engines we fly have a far different background. Most are originally from saws and such. Yes DA, 3W, and the such are not from that arena, but were not talking about that much money either. The average DA-50R set-up will cost you $600.00 without stand-offs, unless you buy somebody's used engine. Used engine.