ravyn50

One of the things in the long hall that I would like to do is either rebuild or get a new crate engine for my car.

I had a reputable shop in town quote me for 4k to build up and stroke an engine to a 331. This includes the top end of the engine except the intake manifold. He did also state that the engines that they build are between 350-375 hp and around the same torque to the crank (is this what I should expect?). This is keeping in mind I am looking for something streetable and still is able to smog.

If I was looking for something similar around the same price range where should I go look for a crate engine? Is that possible? I've noticed the gt-40 crates have gone up substantially in price the last time I checked.

Also if you did purchase a crate would you go with a short block or a long block and why?

And after doing either one of these would you go and tune your car even though you had more plans for the car?

Sorry for the stupid questions, I am completely new to building up cars and didn't find these subjects in search.

1984Fox

You can get much better for cheaper.... Try Quartermilemustang.com
Great guy, relatively inexpensive, uses DSS Racing parts, builds awesome motors.

glaranotch

i think the most important thing to look for when buy an engine is to find out what it made out of. i know that when stroking an engine it is best to have forged or steel parts instead of cast iron or aluminum especially for the bottom end of the engine. essentially how the saying goes, its all about "how fast you want to spend."

ravyn50

I am actually only looking to have about 350-400 crank hp. From what I understand the stock bottom end should hold up to this and so should the stock crank. Being an 89 it should already forged internals with a cast crank right? I'm looking for suggestions on where to go for everything or is the 4k not a bad deal? Or can I get a pre built block from a different provider with the same parts?