Tips on Buying Crate Engines
Trying to find all the original motor parts (molar) for a 1960s or 70s muscle car is nearly impossible today. Even if you do find each piece, the amount of time it takes to track down each one is much too long. It's one of the many reasons why buying a crate engine is a better choice. However, before you unload your wallet on a crate engine, it's important to know what you're looking for and what you need.
Every crate engine is different (e.g. price, components, etc.), which can make the purchasing decision a bit more difficult. Take a look at these tips we put together for you. They will definitely help you find the right crate engine for your muscle car.
Choosing the right Block
We all know the engine block is the foundation of an engine. Some people are focused on purchasing used blocks, because they are cheaper or feel more like the original muscle car. If you decide to go with a used block, make sure it's not been overbored too heavily. It has become much harder to find used blocks in pristine condition. Most of them are found in salvage yards, so they were most likely a problem for someone else in the past.
Could you imagine going through all the hassle to find a used block and then have constant issues with it? No one wants to waste their time like this, so it's a good idea to go with a new block that has never been used. This alleviates the worry of rust in the water jackets. A new block provides better heat dissipation and provides more longevity for the radiator.
Also, when a block isn't overbored, the cylinder walls are in great shape. When their walls are thick, it provides better cooling for the engine.
Find something durable
We understand there are a lot of mechanics that love to tinker with their engines. If you are one of these people then this tip isn't going to matter. However, if you want to enjoy a crate engine that only requires preventative maintenance, consider one that is extremely durable. The individual that loves tinkering will want to do things like check and set the valve lash. The proper crate engine won't require you to this at all.
Another thing to consider is the compression ratio. If you don't, racing fuel can drain your wallet in a hurry. A crate engine with 10:1 compression or below can use premium gas at a gas station.
There is a long list of things to consider when finding a durable crate engine. Whether it's finding a better roller valve train for less friction, hypereutectic pistons that fit better to reduce noise, or the proper spin balance for longer engine life; you should think about them all. So make sure these are on your things to look for when you make sure the crate engine is a durable one.
Know who built the engine
While each component is just as important as the other, the reputation of the engine builder is crucial to your purchase. They should have a high level of experience under their belt, especially if you need a specific part. If you go with the "jack of all trades, master of none," you will end up being disappointed with your engine. Maybe not initially, but when problems start occurring you will understand why this tip is so important.
A crate engine company doesn't become one by building 50 engines. Sure, they are getting a little better, but you want someone that builds the same engine; over and over again. If they've been around long enough to make 500 or more, then you have yourself a reputable and experienced crate engine company.
When you're looking for the right company, some will choose independent engine builders over large corporations. This is due to the response times and a better quality product.
Think about Vacuum
A crate motor can produce a substantial amount of vacuum if you make the proper camshaft selection. In our opinion, the best choice is a crate engine with 10-12 inches of vacuum. Even though you might be leaning towards the big camshafts, a milder camshaft can be driven easier and your gas mileage will be higher.
Since you're going to choose something with a lower compression ratio, adding a milder camshaft will provide even more benefits with economic fuel. Just make sure you use the premium version.
Torque vs. Horsepower
Over the years, more people focus on horsepower as opposed to torque. Since you will most likely drive your muscle car to different shows or around town, it's a good idea to look at the torque first. Even if two of the crate engines have the same amount of horsepower, the one with a lower rpm will have more torque. This allows you to get the vehicle moving.
Another thing to consider is that this is a necessity if you have taller gears or an overdrive transmission. So look for something with a lot of torque, but lower rpms. You will thank us later.
We also recommend powerband on the crate engine. This can be done by using a graph or dyno sheet. These will show you the overall output of the horsepower and torque. They will also show the different engine speeds as well.
Don't forget the Warranty
We can't stress enough how smart it is to look over the warranty of your crate engine. Some of them won't even come with a warranty, and you shouldn't buy a crate engine without one. There are also warranties built to last until the first time you run the engine. These companies are basically telling you there is no warranty.
A crate engine company should offer at least a one-year warranty. When you come across the companies that offer at least one-year, ask them if you can pay an additional fee to extend it out. Most of the reputable companies will offer extended warranties up to 3 years. Others companies will give you about 36,000 miles in a warranty. However, the best ones will off both options.
In Conclusion
When you start looking for a new crate engine, be sure to take these tips with you. Forgetting one of them could result in several problems in the near future.
In the end, crate engines are a better choice if you want to restore a muscle car to its original form. While most of the parts are only similar to the original ones, it takes too long to track down each component. Plus, most of the parts are used and lying around junkyards or salvage establishments. This is a recipe for trouble, but you can overcome them if you purchase a crate engine instead.