Chevythunder,
Glad that you're hanging in and considering your options. I hope you get where you want to be, and I look forward to hearing about your build as you go. I really think you ought to give the Chevrolet Performance Parts "crate" engines some consideration, and take time to call the dealer and get the net price vs list, as they discount pretty deep!
Jerry, not sure where you're getting your info on engines from Chevrolet Performance, but if you go direct to Chevy (link -
Crate Engines: Powerful and Classic Chevy Race Engines | Chevrolet ) the engine listed there, from the base 290hp 350 to the LSX454R are all "GM Certified Parts" built in the GM Engine works, and carrying the full GM warranty (Call 800-450-4150 to chat with GM Performance Parts if you want to confirm my understanding.) I consider them a great alternative for someone who may not need a custom build. I'm pretty sure that the same goes for Ford engines from Ford Racing Parts Direct, but I have not talked to them today. They are Ford Certified Parts, I know that they are available from your local Ford Dealer, and I am pretty confident that Ford will say that they are built by Ford shops and carry Ford warranty. Buying a takeout engine from salvage is of course a great alternative, too!
Pat,
You're taking one thing out of what I said, twisting my words and then calling me a dumb ass? If you look back, what I said (in part) was
I offered what are important things
to me based on my experience, and mostly that anyone can toss out a line of BS, but if they can back it up with some hard evidence that shows success it's more than hot air. Maybe that's successes by clients in pro ranks, time slips from the track, published results on their engines, or even a dyno run on the engine built for me. When a guy says, "This engine will put out 600HP and 700ftlbs of torque", but offers nothing to verify it how does one really know? I've said nothing about you, your shop, or your capabilities as a builder here and there's no reason for me to. I've simply stated what I consider things that a prudent customer looking for a complete, assembled engine might want to consider, and it's my opinion and nothing more. If that makes me a dumb ass then I guess I'll just have to accept that and move on. I'll not add anything further to this thread.