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

[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.