Engine supplier

[marlowe]

Thanks to all you guys out there that answer most of my questions before I even ask. Question is: I have decided to go with the 392 stroker but everone has a different opinion on who to get it from. Some say buy the crate motor from Ford, others say no way, have it built. Opinion?
Second: was thinking of fuel injection due to living in Mich and vacationing in the high Colorado area. Don't really want to rejet every time out west. Anybody make a injection system, looks like a carb, has altitude adjustment?
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Gator

[Toivo]

For altitude changes, you want a system that uses a MAP sensor.
Some systems' MAP is only read on startup, so if you startup in a valley and drive up a mountain, you may need to stop and restart the engine every so often in your climb. These are the 'cheaper' systems. The better systems continually read the MAP sensor to calculate the barometric pressure the engine is running under.

As for systems that look like carb's, Holley has several systems but I don't know a lot about them, they have a website.

As for the source of your engine. I think the factory does a good job on the 392, but this is just my opinion. If you go another route, it always ends up more expensive and more difficult to place blame if something isn't quite right...was it the part, installer, installation procedure, combination with other parts. From the factory, with no changes, just bolted in, if there's a problem, it was a problem from the factory, period. And Ford is usually pretty good (but no guarantees) about taking care of problems. Others may/will have different opinions and experiences I'm sure.

[marlowe]

Tiovi,
Thanks for the reply. You have a good point on the Ford supplied engine. You never know what can happen, as I can verify from past engines built by custom shops.
I did get onto Holley's website, but they do not list any injection systems other than Chevy and 5.0 Ford. I may call them to discuss it via land line. Worst case is to go carb with quick change jets, but will still investigate.
Another question: Crate motor comes with steel flywheel. I know it will run rougher with an aluminum wheel, but is the alum as long lasting as the steel. Any draw backs to the alum?
Will try to spell the name correctly next time.

[Jack21]

Have usually had decent results with local engine builders with reputable credentials. As a general rule, you can get the same engine with less cost than a factory crate motor, or a better engine for the same cost. It's not rocket science, it's attention to detail. Let your engine shop do those things that you can't, or don't want to do. Trial assembly is the most important step. Perhaps as important as the work they do, is the advice they give you.

Use a steel flywheel on the street. The billet steel one should outlast your engine. Use aluminum on the track if your race application requires it.