buy a crate motor or build it

[Relax360]

Hey guys I am saving up to put a Hemi in my 70 RR and i have a few questions.

1. Would you guys build you own engine up or would you buy a crate motor from MP?

2. If i do build my own which block is a good one to start with Iron or Aluminum? Any block to avoid?

This will be going into a street car so I don't need full on race equipment

 

[monaco66coupe]

I had a terrible experience with the 426 crate hemi from Chrysler. Granted it was in the beginning, around 2002. The block wasn't honed properly, and the crank had the wrong bearings. When I opened the crate, the distributer shaft just spun freely. I thought, what the hell? The assembly guys had Installed a 383 distributer in it. It sounded funny, so I had to pull it back out and rebuild the whole engine. Chrysler said since it was over 90 days since it was paid for, I was out of luck. I sold that engine, and put the original 440 HP back in the car.

 

[Rocketman]

I couldn't decide between a CMengines crate or a top end kit from Edelbrock since I knew my motor was good as it had been gone through and balanced. I went with the top end kit and it freed up dough to buy other things that will compliment the set up.

 

[ma mopar nutz]

i couldn't decide between a cmengines crate or a top end kit from edelbrock since i knew my motor was good as it had been gone through and balanced. I went with the top end kit and it freed up dough to buy other things that will compliment the set up.

how do you like that edelbrock top end kit ?? I was thinking about going that way with my 68' x !

 

[Rocketman]

how do you like that edelbrock top end kit ?? I was thinking about going that way with my 68' x !

Hopefully I will be able to give a full review by the first of next week. It is going on with a Memphis comp cam .545 lift. I was told by several mechanics that the Edelbrock cam was the weakest part of the kit so I decided to avoid it completely.

I am way over budget already, so hopefully the smiles will be soon.

 

[Garys1969RR]

I prefer to build my own motors, then I know exactly what I have. There are so many variables, C/R, heads, cam, intake, etc. I built mine on the computer, trying a bunch of different combos. Finally settled on a Hi Compression 451, and never regretted it. Plus you can start mild on the top end, then change heads, cams to try things out. My next step is Eddy Perf RPM heads.

 

[rev.ronnie]

We build every engine specifically for the car and it's own set of parameters. It's impossible for a "crate engine" to be the best for all cars, weights, gear ratios, induction/exhaust system, transmissions and driving styles.

Find a reputable builder, knowledgable in Hemis and have one custom built for your application. All said in done, you really won't spend much more money than buying a "crate engine" and setting it up for your needs.

I can't emphasize enough that you find a well equipped shop that has all the proper machinery, tooling and experience to build it for you. I see a lot of "assemblers" that get in over their heads with these things. Also, make sure it gets comprehensively dyno tuned and broken in.

Know what to ask, get good references, know what you want and what you're willing to spend.

 

[MT_Mopar]

I would not buy a crate motor, too many unknowns. Even with a guarantee, I would not want to have to deal with RMA for an engine, no way.

I'm with Ronnie, find a reputable shop, spend a little dough, and you will really have something that will last.

If your are in CA there should be some good shops around your neck of the woods.

Good luck!

 

[Rocketman]

We build every engine specifically for the car and it's own set of parameters. It's impossible for a "crate engine" to be the best for all cars, weights, gear ratios, induction/exhaust system, transmissions and driving styles.

Find a reputable builder, knowledgable in Hemis and have one custom built for your application. All said in done, you really won't spend much more money than buying a "crate engine" and setting it up for your needs.

I can't emphasize enough that you find a well equipped shop that has all the proper machinery, tooling and experience to build it for you. I see a lot of "assemblers" that get in over their heads with these things. Also, make sure it gets comprehensively dyno tuned and broken in.

Know what to ask, get good references, know what you want and what you're willing to spend.

My guy said he needed complete focus just to check tolerances on the top end kit and cam. He seems very meticulous and he is not cheap, but they do stand behind everything they do.

 

[Relax360]

I think im going to piece one together my first stop will be to Keith Black for an Aluminum block. not cheap but lightweight is a plus.

 

[Budnicks]

IMHFO another vote build it specifically for it's usage, not some mass produced Crate engine, you may not know what's actually in it... I know there're rare exceptions to the rule, but if you already have most the hard parts it a better way to go...