[rideelement247]

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/p...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.

[77wolf10.85]

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?

[77wolf10.85]

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.

[rideelement247]

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 .

[wiskeesour]

http://www.jonbarrett.com/

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

[rideelement247]

Originally Posted by wiskeesour

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!

[rideelement247]

Originally Posted by rideelement247

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.

[rideelement247]

http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/Per...3/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.

[wiskeesour]

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.

[Everett#2390]

Originally Posted by wiskeesour

2 man shop means more attention to detail.

Customer satisfaction/service is what it is all about.

[rideelement247]

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?

[wiskeesour]

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

[rideelement247]

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