Crate Engines
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 264
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From: Northcentral Missouri
Crate Engines
I am looking to find a crate engine for my 2005 F250 (5.4). Getting one from Ford is not an option since they are about $1500 higher than the other two (local) options - which are:
CARQUEST - $3,300 ATK motor - none available for 3-4 weeks
O'Reilly's - $3,600 PowerTorque motor - take less than a week to get one.
I have heard good and bad about both. Anyone have any experience with either?
Local shop will install it. Ford dealer wants over $7,200 to do it (with engine included), local shop wants $5,300 (with engine included).
CARQUEST - $3,300 ATK motor - none available for 3-4 weeks
O'Reilly's - $3,600 PowerTorque motor - take less than a week to get one.
I have heard good and bad about both. Anyone have any experience with either?
Local shop will install it. Ford dealer wants over $7,200 to do it (with engine included), local shop wants $5,300 (with engine included).
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
Likes: 2
From: So. Utah
I would be EXTREMELY careful when looking at crate engines, Jasper has had some terrible reviews on some hotrod type forums. I wouldn't even think of buying a reman engine from any of the parts store outfits....Carquest, O'Reillys, Autozone etc.
Can't your local shop rebuild your orig. engine? If not then try to find a local hotrod club or group of guys or go to a street rod show and ask around about a good engine builder. Word of mouth plays a big deal with these types.
If you have to pay a little more then it will be well worth it. Nothing like having a new engine take a chit after a few thousand miles and then have to argue with the crate engine outfit that YOU screwed something up. Believe me it happens a lot, guys will tear the "newly" rebuilt engine down and find different size pistons, bearings, clearnces that are off by a mile.
Do lots of research before you pick an engine and make sure you get a real warranty that covers everything. You might also look at this forum's performance engine section and see what you can find. Also remember, these things cost money to do it right with quality parts and machine work. If you don't have that kind of cash then a later model used engine might have to work........
Can't your local shop rebuild your orig. engine? If not then try to find a local hotrod club or group of guys or go to a street rod show and ask around about a good engine builder. Word of mouth plays a big deal with these types.
If you have to pay a little more then it will be well worth it. Nothing like having a new engine take a chit after a few thousand miles and then have to argue with the crate engine outfit that YOU screwed something up. Believe me it happens a lot, guys will tear the "newly" rebuilt engine down and find different size pistons, bearings, clearnces that are off by a mile.
Do lots of research before you pick an engine and make sure you get a real warranty that covers everything. You might also look at this forum's performance engine section and see what you can find. Also remember, these things cost money to do it right with quality parts and machine work. If you don't have that kind of cash then a later model used engine might have to work........
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Northcentral Missouri
I would be EXTREMELY careful when looking at crate engines, Jasper has had some terrible reviews on some hotrod type forums. I wouldn't even think of buying a reman engine from any of the parts store outfits....Carquest, O'Reillys, Autozone etc.
Can't your local shop rebuild your orig. engine? If not then try to find a local hotrod club or group of guys or go to a street rod show and ask around about a good engine builder. Word of mouth plays a big deal with these types.
If you have to pay a little more then it will be well worth it. Nothing like having a new engine take a chit after a few thousand miles and then have to argue with the crate engine outfit that YOU screwed something up. Believe me it happens a lot, guys will tear the "newly" rebuilt engine down and find different size pistons, bearings, clearnces that are off by a mile.
Do lots of research before you pick an engine and make sure you get a real warranty that covers everything. You might also look at this forum's performance engine section and see what you can find. Also remember, these things cost money to do it right with quality parts and machine work. If you don't have that kind of cash then a later model used engine might have to work........
Can't your local shop rebuild your orig. engine? If not then try to find a local hotrod club or group of guys or go to a street rod show and ask around about a good engine builder. Word of mouth plays a big deal with these types.
If you have to pay a little more then it will be well worth it. Nothing like having a new engine take a chit after a few thousand miles and then have to argue with the crate engine outfit that YOU screwed something up. Believe me it happens a lot, guys will tear the "newly" rebuilt engine down and find different size pistons, bearings, clearnces that are off by a mile.
Do lots of research before you pick an engine and make sure you get a real warranty that covers everything. You might also look at this forum's performance engine section and see what you can find. Also remember, these things cost money to do it right with quality parts and machine work. If you don't have that kind of cash then a later model used engine might have to work........
Yeah, I understand all that....BUT.....I don't even have the cash to cover the lower cost engines! I have to borrow it to get THAT far! I checked around for used engines - none are available in this area that have any kind of warranty, and then you are inheriting any problems the PO might have had. As for "Hot Rod clubs" and gearheads....not to many of either in this area that would be trustworthy.
I'd LOVE for Ford to put it in, but the cost is just too high. None of the shops (including Ford dealers) are willing to rebuild the thing. Figuring out the hours involved, parts, etc - the cost isn't any cheaper than replacement.
I will probably end up with the one from O'Reilly's, just because it is quicker......
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 693
Likes: 76
From: Kansas City, MO
What part of Missouri are you in? $2,000 seems like a lot to change an engine, something a couple guys could help you with in a weekend.
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More Turbo
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Laramie, WY
For years I worked as a professional mechanic and I have seen lots of crummy rebuilds from those companies. One short block that I remember had 13 welds between the cylinders. I refused to install that.
It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck. If the body is great and you want to keep it for a very long time I would buy a NEW crate engine from Ford. The real problem is the 5.4 oil system. Otherwise it's time for a newer truck with a 6.2L engine.
It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck. If the body is great and you want to keep it for a very long time I would buy a NEW crate engine from Ford. The real problem is the 5.4 oil system. Otherwise it's time for a newer truck with a 6.2L engine.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Northcentral Missouri
North Central Missouri....north of Trenton. I'm not able to do the work myself, and the only guys I know who WOULD BE are Amish!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Northcentral Missouri
For years I worked as a professional mechanic and I have seen lots of crummy rebuilds from those companies. One short block that I remember had 13 welds between the cylinders. I refused to install that.
It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck. If the body is great and you want to keep it for a very long time I would buy a NEW crate engine from Ford. The real problem is the 5.4 oil system. Otherwise it's time for a newer truck with a 6.2L engine.
It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck. If the body is great and you want to keep it for a very long time I would buy a NEW crate engine from Ford. The real problem is the 5.4 oil system. Otherwise it's time for a newer truck with a 6.2L engine.
Guess I will just have to hope it holds up!
