My Experience So Far with Keith Craft

[Lindy]

I am normally not prone to being overly complimentary, however in this case it seems warranted.

We just lit our new 331 yesterday, and the engine (so far) has run perfectly. The shop that did the installation builds and races Rolex Grand Am cars (Leighton Reese/Banner Engineering) said that this is the smoothest install that they have done. The engine fired immediately and ran at 185 in very heavy stop and go traffic here in Minneapolis in 95 degree-plus temperatures.

Keith, Tony, Shelly and Jeff expedited the build, and did an excellent job of communicating. They always took the time to answer my questions, and if needed returned my calls quickly. I had called Keith out of the blue when we had problems with the 289 in our ERA, and he said that he would try to help out. The engine arrived on the same day that he promised after a very short lead time. When we had recieved the wrong clutch from another vendor (my fault) Tony got one out and to the shop before they arrived at 7:30AM the next day.

The only thing that I am waiting for is the dyno sheet, which we may need because I am guessing that the big block guys will not believe how much power this little Windsor is making.

Knock on wood - pretty darn impressive so far. Just my $.02.

Thanks!

[saltytri]

Lindy:

The KC 331 is a sweetheart of a motor. Mine dyno'd on the stand at 421 lbs/ft at 4400 RPM and 457 HP at 6100 rpm. Since my car is intended to replicate an AC 289 Sport rather than a Shelby 427 S/C, it is just the right motor as far as I am concerned.

Enjoy!

[btsai]

Both of you -- please tell us more about your builds, induction systems, etc.

Both sound great!

[Dwight]

I'm looking at the 331 and 347. More info would be appreciated.
Dwight

[Lindy]

This particular engine has an Eagle forged crank and H beam rods, AFR 185 heads, JE pistons, Scorpion roller rockers, Edelbrock Air Gap manifold and a Holley 4150 650 CFM carb, as well as a Ram aluminum flywheel and clutch. We are running an MSD 6AL box and billet distributor. It is essentially their "standard crate 331".

According to Tony at Craft, this particular engine dyno'd at approximately 475hp and 449 ft lbs. (still waiting for the dyno sheet).

I am continuing to take it easy on the motor even though the dyno pulls have essentially broken it in, however it does feel pretty healthy - even without getting into it too much.

The car is an ERA/FIA with Trigos, etc.

[Lindy]

We got the car on the Dyno-Jet today, and the best pull as measured at the wheels was 315.0/HP and 326.2/Torque after doing a little work on the jets.

This engine showed 475 and 449 at the crank at Keith Craft's shop.

[ezplans]

These 2 sets of figures do not seem to correspond. With a 20% loss to RW should be closer to 380 HP

[Lindy]

We agree. We believe the loss is due primarily due to a more restrictive exhaust, the water pump and (minimally) the alternator and a more restrictive air cleaner. Also, after speaking with the people at Craft, they had used a carb spacer on the dyno which should be good for another 15-20HP.