I have come to a turning point, there are 2 options for me at this point either get a crate motor or build one my self. I beleive they both have pros and cons (that in my mind at least ) balance each other out making the choice very difficult. Some things to concider it is going to be a 460 build or maybe a stroker crate. One way or another it will be going into a 79' F150. Any imput is greatly appreciated.

 

I guess there is two sides to this.

Crate Pro
1) you are buying a proven package with usually a warranty. you know what it is going to do as far as hp and torque and takes all the guess work out of matching parts and assemblies. also don't have to deal with taking stuff to a machine shop to get all the block and head work done, buying individual parts and all the shipping charges, etc. as close to a plug and play option as you are going to get.

Con
1) usually more expensive than you can do yourself.
2) depending on who you buy from, never quite sure of quality of parts and build. of course buying from a well known and reputable shop negates this con.

build Pro
1) the feeling of accomplishing this yourself.
2) with all the kits and deals out there, not as tough as it used to be and fairly inexpensive.
3) the hp and cid limits are only limited by your wallet and imagination. want ot build a 600 ci monster with 1200hp, no problem, there is kits for that, just bring a Brinks truck with you.
4) better control of build, tolerances, etc than a mass produed crate engine.

con
1) making sure all the parts match and are compatible with each other. does the cam match the heads and hp goals, does the heads match the cubic inches, are the crank, rods and pistons all matched and balanced correctly., etc.
2) finding a good supplier and machine shop to deal with. are they qualified to do this work on your baby and do you trust them.

so what it comes down to do you just want to buy a proven package and take all the guess work out and time it takes to build or do you want the satisfaction of building it yourself and having something to brag about at car shows and meets.

it really comes down to your skills at building and the time factor and resources available.

either way is perfectly okay and acceptable, no right or wrong way to do it.

rgds
Mike

 

Well said mcdonaldm.

Kurt

 

Thanks man, so Yah some factors that I did not take into effect was the machine shop. Up here in wyoming especially where i am at there is not one machine shop with in 250 miles. Hardly any specialists around also, anyone have any ideas on where to find 390 crate motors? Thanks for you time guys

 

I would check out your local Ford dealer.

Kurt

 

the only people i know that are doing FE crate engines are Rousch and Shelby, but they are both 427 based engines and not cheap by any means. the Shelby one is all aluminum based and starts at around $25k. the Rousch is also a 427 based engine ( ithink it is 496 cubic inches, give or take) and not cheap either (not to be confused with the 427 Windsor based small block, they also offer them).


do a search for Ford FE forum and check on that website as they would be a wealth of info on these motors and might have a few more leads than i would.

good luck

Mike

 

Do the best of both worlds.... Buy a short block and install a new set of heads with all your old/rebuilt external components. You can get short blocks for pretty cheap and not only that you can see 90% of what was used. Before you install anything check torque on the rotating assembly to be sure IT IS torqued. Just a thought.

 

crateengine.net keith craft and performance unlimited all have fe crates i believe.

 

http://www.southernautomotiveengines.com/ has a 406 crate motor, as well as a 427 and 428.