What do you all think about crate engines? I know there are a pile of experienced do-it-yourselfers on here, but, suppose a person does not have the physical tools he once had, but still wants performance?

Back in my younger years (70's/80's/90's) I did a pile of small-blocks, Cleveland/M's, and FE's, but the limitations of a declining physical state (arthritis in spine, hips and knees) have forced me into acknowledging some harsh realities. I simply can't lug heavy engine pieces around like I once did . Life certainly doesn't always turn out as we expect..

I've been away from the performance scene for a while, but a few weeks ago there was a Hot Rod show here in Myrtle Beach, where we're spending the winter, and seeing/hearing some of those things got my blood going again, especially a VERY nasty F250 that came thumping/snorting by. The missus saw me looking/listening, and said "you should do a truck, you can still get into one of those, right?", so, off to the 'Net I went.

Anyway, I'm looking at a cherry '76 F100 4x2 styleside shortbed that currently has a 390/C-6 in it, and an '83 F150 4x2 stepside shortbed with a 302/C-4. I'm planning to mod them up (tubs/fat tires/wheels; 4 link rear suspension; lowered front end; body off frame-custom paint; etc..), for cruises, shows, etc.., and I'd like something potent for the engines.

For the '76, I'm thinking of one of Barry's (Building Survival Motorsports 445 Block Engine - Modified Mustangs & Fords) "Jailbreak" 445 turnkey setups, and, for the '83, a turnkey 427 Dart small block from Proformance Unlimited (427w Sroker Ford Stroker Engines, Ford Performance Engine), or B2 Motorsports (B2 Motorsports LLC).

What are your thoughts on crate engines in general, and the guys listed, in particular.

Thanks.

 

Get a W stroker shortbock. Add 351c heads. Make sure they know you plan on running canted valves if you do.

Aus Ford Parts - Aussie 351 Cleveland Specialists

If your going to go big add some heads you know will breath. You could handle building from a shortblock?

 

Thanks for the input, Dobie.
No doubt the Clevelands are the heavy breathers of the Ford lineup.
I actually discussed that combination with Barry from B2 Motorsports, and his feeling was that I'd be better served by sticking with a Dart 427 with Windsor style heads.
Personally, I think a set of the CHI 3V's http://www.chiheads.com.au/3V_225CC.php is the cat's whiskers for a setup like that.
Do you have any experience with the Aussie heads you mention?

 

It sounds like you know what you are doing from a technical standpoint... My suggestion would be to build what you want yourself but find someone to teach; have them learn to do the lifting. This and some good stands, hoists, lifts, etc... Will make life better.

 

I've done a head swap( C but not auissie) on a 302. But building a C atm. Using casties since im doing a near stock rebuild. Guys in the 335 section swear by the aussie heads.