Ok, So I have no idea how this works but I was looking at crate engines the yesterday. I will post some links so you can see what I am talking about.

http://www.fordcobraengines.com/396_485_stroker.htm

http://www.fordcobraengines.com/460_506Horsepower.htm

I was just wondering I mean, do you just basically drop these in? Obviously there probably has to be some mods and other parts like pumps, lines and whatever else i cant think of. But basically is this a whole engine that you can just drop in? If so, it seems kind of cheap mostly being around 6-9k for 425+ HP. Just wondering exactly how all this works. I know a guy in town who has a Crate engine (i dont KNOW him but i know of him). He car is pretty bad ***.

-W

 

Generally a crate motor will come with everything except the bolt on accessories i.e., water pump, alternator, a/c compressor, pullies and so on. The exception is a long block which usually only is a block, heads and the internals. No intake, valve covers and so on. The easiest way to go is a direc t replacement engine that is externally the same as the original. That way you can swap over all of the accessories from the old engine and you don't have to fabricate and modify. There are a few companies that are now doing the 4.6 modulars with anywhere from 325 to 800 H/P. Most are using the stronger cobra block.

 

A lot of the crate engines you look at are not complete. remember, alternator, water pump, fuel pump, etc.
Roush has a crate program that is truely complete, but I imagine the price is pretty steep. A lot of the ford racing will be minus the intake and fuel system, or that is something you might want to change anyway, so figure that into your cost. It isnt something that a weekend mechanic should take on, but Im sure you know that. I suggest talking to some people in the know, and then map out what you want component by component, and start pricing that way. Im doing a project for a 67 stang, and Im starting with a long block, and building from there.

 

I guess the biggest thing i was thinking about was the fact that they seem pretty cheap when compared to the power you gain. I saw some complete engines for around 13k ish. But they were like 650HP. And this was with no S/C. I mean if you were to fix up a stock engine to these numbers.. wouldn't that be a lot more? or about the same? Wouldn't it make more sense to get a crate engine? The install cost would be pretty high but other thenthat, arnt you getting basically a engine that could handle a crap load of boost and NOS? I mean with a stock 650 HP engine with forged everything, plus a S/C and NOS... I mean we are talking some seripus power. Unless i am totally wrong.

-W

 

Hey Woody,

I think what folks are saying is that the devil is truly in the details. In some regards, you're right, they are cheap by comparison, but in many others, you may not be looking at such a savings.

Something that isn't clear to me is what you plan to plop such a crate engine into...an older car may be more feasible than a new one (electronics, space, etc.). Also, beware of plans to boost a n/a 650 hp engine--they're usually pushing a compression ratio (like 10:1 or more) that makes boost extremely difficult to manage. That leaves you with nitrous as a power adder, which is likely fine for most applications. Also, some engines weigh a lot more than what you may be running stock, so that will take a toll on your weight distrubution (thus, handling), if that is a concern for you. And then there's mating it to an appropriate tranny, etc.

Details...funny how they come with the ever fearsome "unexpected cost."
Best,
-j