Crate engines ?

[PANAVIA]

You can have good and bad luck depending on who is working that day. -- the best thing I did at Mustang Ranch (Santa Clara CA) was to put in place a Engine Test/Run Stand.

In that way after it is built and assembled, we can run it for 1-4 hours at various speeds to wear in the cam (flat tappet) or just to get things to seat and seal.

Companies like Harbor Freight and northern tool have engine run stands that you can customize to fit your needs, that you add a fuel tank and a radiator to and you are good to go.


Any "Mail-Order" engine you get, I would highly suggest that you thoughtfully and throughly examine it and verify that everything is 110% clean before firing it up.

I would have it run (your house or somewhere else) BEFORE you go putting it into your car. Also keep in mind, lots of crate engines are just long blocks with oilpan and valve covers. it usually takes 1500 to 2000 in "Stuff" to get your engine operational in a car.

Also keep in mind that most Crate Motors are not made in the cleanest of places and manufacturing debris can (and does) show up in places, and they are on a few trucks before they arrive at your house.

What We personally have found with Crate engines;

1. Rust from it sitting outside at a depot uncovered
2. parts removed from engine whilst sitting at a depot
3. forklift damage
4. casting sand in blocks
5. metal shavings in cylinder heads
6. missing parts internally

This is not to scare you, having a crate motor can be a great thing, and mail order can provide good engines, You can use a few mottos;

1. Trust but verify. (CIA)
2. It is not who actually makes the NUT, but the NUT actually who MAKES it. (me)


PS: --Good luck! Send me a PM if you need help.

--Steve

[Jim Doak]

I had a custom 331 stroker built by a reputable local builder when I lived in Wyoming. Unfortunately I moved out of state before my FFR build was complete and I could put any miles on the engine. Long story short: after I got the car finished and put 4900 miles on it, I'd experienced several problems including a broken rocker stud on the Edelbrock heads, and head gasket leaks and oil pan drips. Then two years ago the 331 started making really ugly sounds and bearing metal ended up in the oil filter. I replaced the 331 with a 345-horse Ford Racing crate 302.

After almost two years and over 4000 miles on the crate engine I've had zero problems. It may not be quite as powerful as the 331, but it doesn't use or leak any fluids or make any unusual sounds.