Feedback on Turn Key Crate Motors from the “Engine Factory” in New Jersey.

[skippy]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

KC is offering an FE for about 8-9,000. 500 horse. Thats a great deal. If you want a small block, no problem there either. With KC there is no need to question the work, it's as solid as you can get, period.

Keith is building an engine for me as we talk and i can say the service so far is incredible. You only have to look up other peoples comments about Keith to know that he is a "Real Deal" and i have been watching for the last 7 years.

http://www.keithcraft.com/

Ask for Keith, Tony or Lance (even Shelly )

Good Luck..

Skip.

[RICK LAKE]

Voyager Bob the only thing I will say Living in NJ, is you get what you pay for, MAYBE. If they are using new parts,I see no real problem. If they are using recyclied engines from junk yards and other places, STAY AWAY. Save your money and get a motor from one of the GUYS here that build and sell motors. KCR, Barry R, Gessford Machine, You have a good machine shop in Mannassa down there that works on alot of Ford motors. Rick L.

[Voyager]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll put EF on the back burner for now and continue to look at others. My overall goal is to build a “street” car with balanced power, handling, and looks. I know this is going to sound crazy, but my current sports car is a highly modified Miata. After upgrading basically everything (supercharger, etc), it’s pretty entertaining to drive on the back roads. Now I want a Miata on steroids.

I assume a small block will allow the best handling. I assume a 351w will give me a decent amount of power (400ish), with room to grow. Want classic idle, but still retain reasonable drivability. My engine budget is about 8-9K.

I will continue to research engine options, starting with the folks you all mentioned above.

Thanks,
Bob

[kayakjack]

Originally Posted by Voyager

Gentlemen,

My overall goal is to build a “street” car with balanced power, handling, and looks. I know this is going to sound crazy, but my current sports car is a highly modified Miata. After upgrading basically everything (supercharger, etc), it’s pretty entertaining to drive on the back roads. Now I want a Miata on steroids.

I assume a small block will allow the best handling. I assume a 351w will give me a decent amount of power (400ish), with room to grow. Want classic idle, but still retain reasonable drivability. My engine budget is about 8-9K.

I will continue to research engine options, starting with the folks you all mentioned above.

Thanks,
Bob

Interesting. I too am a Miata driver. I had one of the first ones sold in the US. Uprated it with supercharger etc. My current one (1999) is pretty much stock. Great cars.

The Superformance is the other side of the sports car spectrum. Lots of power with a "heavier" feel.

I have a Ford 351w crate engine. 385 hp. One of these might fit what you are looking for. Decent power. Great driveability. Bulletproof reliability. Reasonable cost. The only downside I see is - nobody ever has enough power. 385hp sounds like a lot when you are used to a Miata, but believe me, after driving it for a while 100 more horsepower will sound like a good idea.

That said, I think my motor is a great compromise of power, driveability, reliability and cost.

Jack

[undy]

If you're building a "427" car then Keith's $8995 stroked (445ci) 390 FE would be just the ticket in adding value to your car over a small block windsor based motor. It's rated at 500HP and you'll get it all by 5500 RPMs.

If you're down at the Beach give me a shout and I'll show you one of Keith's FE beasts in person.

[Mark O'Neal]

Originally Posted by Voyager

I assume a 351w will give me a decent amount of power (400ish), with room to grow. Want classic idle, but still retain reasonable drivability. My engine budget is about 8-9K.

Just for comparisons sake.....a 408 with around 10:1 compression - maybe AFR 205 heads (even 185's) and a .580 235/250 @ 112 (ish) will make over 550 FWHP and over 500ft lbs of torque.

I had the 418 version in my Backdraft car and it scared the beejeesus out of my wife.