Thinking about getting a crate engine and wanted to ask what brand crate engine is recommended? I was thinking either a 350, 383, or 454. I currently have a 350, probably producing around 300 hp from what my butt dyno tells me. I want a performing engine that is also cost effective and is in turn-key condition that would be a solid investment and completely reliable. My goal performance-wise is at least 400 hp, nothing extravagant, preferably want to get about 500 whp if I can, but a 400 chp is a definitely nice upgrade. I found this crate engine featured in Top 10 Engines based on budget in a Chevy Performance magazine. http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/part.asp?pid=CT350PC1&c=0&e=1&cat=8&hid=826DK73490&trk=

I was wondeirng if this is a good engine for starters and was wondering if I could get any more HP out of it. Another absolute must is that the crate engine and its components must be less than or equal to $4000. Any input is appreciated.

That's that engine Ray suggested to Eric68 in Erics thread. Helluva motor for the money I think. If you have a 4k$ ceiling you'd best jump on one. I don't think you could build that engine for that price. Mind ya, it's not a new block though ok?

As for getting more out of it, yeah just the small stuff like good headers,ign and carb. Unless you want to go changing heads, but then you will blow your $ceiling.

It has PM rods... 450hp on a 350 CID is what I've always heard is about all you want to try if you don't want to wreck a good block.

Edit: Oh yeah, you could put some Crane Gold full roller rockers and gain some, it just has roller tip from the build sheet. Or what's that brand that GMPP uses, hell I have a set on my zz just can't think of the name maybe if I type long enough.....HARLAN SHARP, YEAH THAT'S IT. But w/ vortec heads they may need to be self-aligning.

Abot how much does it cost to get an engine installed?

Anyone know of any cost-effective 383's?

I don't want some ebay item or anything. Brand new from a manufacturer(fine if the block is old like in Year One's case). Just don't want something someone has been thrashing around the strip and pumping nitrous through, etc :(.

http://www.jonbarrett.com/

Used to be my neighbor. Great guy. 2 man shop.

http://www.jonbarrett.com/

Used to be my neighbor. Great guy. 2 man shop.


Nice, I like the power for price option. Only thing worries me is that it is a 2 man shop :(. I want something reputable that will last me a long long time. Nothing against him, I am sure he knows his stuff with the cars, but understand I want a name brand company willing to back its engine. I will definitely consider it though, thanks!

Nice, I like the power for price option. Only thing worries me is that it is a 2 man shop :(. I want something reputable that will last me a long long time. Nothing against him, I am sure he knows his stuff with the cars, but understand I want a name brand company willing to back its engine. I will definitely consider it though, thanks!

Although, if you find someone who's running their engine and has written a review, it might push me in the right direction:thumbsup:.

http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/PerformanceStreetEngines/tabid/63/Default.aspx

Are these good engines? Especially the 350 w/ 425 hp? Are these engines just too good to be true? They have the performance at a cheap price, but is it one of those "you get what you pay for" types of things? I am not really all that technically inclined on these engines, so any help is appreciated.

Jon backs all his engines with a 2yr/24K warranty I believe. Call and talk to him. Great guy. I used one of his 383's for a friend of mines 92 RS. Very FAST.

His engines have set records at Bonneville for years. Barry White of SuperCars INC uses his engines exclusively. 2 man shop means more attention to detail. :D

2 man shop means more attention to detail. :DCustomer satisfaction/service is what it is all about.

Well I read up on both Jon and CMEngine. They both seem to be reputable companies. So which is the best for reliability that produces the most power?

A choice youll have to make on your own.....do a google search on them and see what happens...
:D

I did and they all seem reputable...Anyone got a suggestion?