Thread: Crate Engine Opinions

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I would like to get the pro's on here opinion on GM Performance crate engines. I am thinking of just putting a new engine in our coupe and be good to go for awhile. Summit has a brand new with warrenty 350ci with 290 horse long block for about $2000. I have all the dressy stuff ,ignition and intake on our current engine that can go across. To me this sounds like a good option but am really curious how you guys look at it. Thanks for any input.

GM sold a lot of crate engines to people like Summit, etc

However--with the bank rupcy, re-organization, govverment involment---the so called warranty is now probably non-exsistant

yep them are cheap engine . not hard to build one up .the warranty is what ever they want to do or not .still it is not a cover all warranty

If you're just after an engine that looks pretty and is stock on the inside, might as well buy one at your local chebbie dealer. They used to start at about $1500.00

Personally, I think crate engines are a super value. There is one sitting on the floor of our shop right now that my Son Don bought to replace one bad engine in his boat. We couldn't have built an engine for the money we got it for, and it comes with a warranty. I know a few guys who have either bought the Goodwrench base engine or the Vortec one, slipped in a hotter cam, bolted their intake and accessories on it, and installed them into their hot rods.

They are also a cinch to dress out and install, and come prepainted (if you like black ) At my job I probably buy 2-3 a week.

I like em.

Don

Basically, I agree with others: you can't (re)build one any less expensively than you can buy a basic crate engine. However, I'd caution you to do so with your eyes and ears wide open, don't take anything for granted; often, quality control seems to have taken a back seat to production quotas in the factories where they are produced. I found leftover casting sand in one I bought (a GM 350); my son bought a Ford crate motor from the dealer, and the valve train went south in a couple of years, and we never did figure out why.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is: you can rebuild what you have and have what you want, done right for about fifty percent more cost, or you can buy a "pig in a poke" for less, and take your chances on finding it to be a silk purse.

Just one grumpy old guy's opinion.

for not very much more i can build better or just the way you want it not how you get it from GM.the decks and heads are very chopy head gaskets will fail in time

Thanks for all the input you guys, boy there are some really varied opionions on this topic.

Don in buying 2 to 3 a week at work do they work out well?

Pat, I appreciate what you are saying but Bay City is probably 5 hrs one way for me I guess there are plenty of builders around here also. I just thought the crate seemed like a great plan, we mostly just putt around probably haven't been over 3000RPM's for years.
Haven't totally decided yet but still leaning in that crate direction.
Thanks again

you'll generally not get what you don't pay for----want forged components, etc---a few more dollars, internal balance, roller lifters---

lots of times people have to change oil pans, pumps and pickups on the ford crate engines because of the sump arrangement, chrysler and gm have similar issues---clutch lingage bosses, manifold bolt angles, various front covers and pulley systems

I have used them many times....never had a problem and the few people I know that have the warranty is solid as a rock.
Recently I found a guy who will build a 383 about 425 horse for $2200. Just got the first for us ( he has been doing it for years) and will have it in soon.
Block is used but everything else is new. Block is cooked and decked. You need to supply water pump, carb and dist.. Heads are stock. Everything I have heard is very good with this guy and will warrant it as well. Near Carlsile so not to far from you. Let me know if you want the info.
But I think GM is a great way to go

Originally Posted by usmcdad

Thanks for all the input you guys, boy there are some really varied opionions on this topic.

Don in buying 2 to 3 a week at work do they work out well?

Pat, I appreciate what you are saying but Bay City is probably 5 hrs one way for me I guess there are plenty of builders around here also. I just thought the crate seemed like a great plan, we mostly just putt around probably haven't been over 3000RPM's for years.
Haven't totally decided yet but still leaning in that crate direction.
Thanks again

well am sure there guys that can build you one . i have to look at the paper work but i doing a all new vtech dart head roller cam engine all new parts but block crank and rods tin around 2700. that hot tank deck with bhj true deck bore 030 over . re built rods with arp bolts the 383 would not be that much more . i not looking for another job i am book up till fall most stuff i build for guys out of MI .i ship out using road way there is no need to see me i think i did post to you in the spring on a one of your postings you said you were looking for a plug and play 350? if that was you? i told you i did have one that is all .i have a line on many core 350s.but for someone that wants a engine a crate engine they would be ok and they work .i just build better i am happy guys want better and still see me

Originally Posted by pat mccarthy

well am sure there guys that can build you one . i have to look at the paper work but i doing a all new vtech dart head roller cam engine all new parts but block crank and rods tin around 2700. that hot tank deck with bhj true deck bore 030 over . re built rods with arp bolts the 383 would not be that much more . i not looking for another job i am book up till fall most stuff i build for guys out of MI .i ship out using road way there is no need to see me i think i did post to you in the spring on a one of your postings you said you were looking for a plug and play 350? if that was you? i told you i did have one that is all .i have a line on many core 350s.but for someone that wants a engine a crate engine they would be ok and they work .i just build better i am happy guys want better and still see me

Originally Posted by iceburgh

:hmmm::hmmm::hmmm::d

The guy that put my SBC 302 together said that he makes most of his money blueprinting crate engines. He said that he can't believe that most of them are supposed to run. Most of the pistons/bores are the wrong size and when yo call to complain, the warranty is void because you took it apart. How's that for a way to run a business?

Mark

I'd just find me a good core and take it to a good machine shop that has a good rep around town and let them build it, if I didn't want to build it my self.
Just tell them what you want and what your gonna be using it for.
Though I have allways liked to build my bottom ends a little stronger
then they need to be. Thats just me though. Kurt