CME crate engines

[Lenny Arsenault]

This was a concern I had too... What got me around it is that they explained yes the SHOP does do various brands but they are designated builders i.e. the "performance technician" who did my build was on my build from start to finish and is a MOPAR builder... They even called in December and explained to me my engine was 3 weeks behind because the builder responsible for my motor had to take some time off for personal reasons and they don't mix and match people on an engine. It's all up to you and your comfort level when selecting your builder but it helps that CME's claim of building over 50,000 engine's since 1984 and you can't find any negative feedback anywhere online made me comfortable as well as knowing KnoGood was happy with the customer service and finished product he received.



Wedge they don't advertise blower motors on their website but they are known for race engine's (2 time NHRA Racing World Champions) so I'm sure they have in the past... Best bet would be to contact them directly [email protected]

Hyrdgoon I looked at CME before I decided to go local I really liked what I researched about them online nothing negative I was close to making an order. The local shop I went to also had no negative reviews and been in busness since at least the 80's and thats why I went with them they also just finnished a 440 build for a guy in N.J. and I know of a local guy that had a strocker 400 built that was awesome with gobs of torque.

 

[bill clutter]

Any updates on CME engines crate motor buys. I am new here and also looking
for a crate motor for my 1969 Charger SE. A 400 or 440 block is my choice. Looking to get at least 500HP or more. Any
suggestions would be great. So far I am looking at CME, Muscle Motors, Hughes, Mancini, or summit. Thanks for any help you can offer me. Bill

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Any updates on CME engines crate motor buys. I am new here and also looking
for a crate motor for my 1969 Charger SE. A 400 or 440 block is my choice. Looking to get at least 500HP or more. Any
suggestions would be great. So far I am looking at CME, Muscle Motors, Hughes, Mancini, or summit. Thanks for any help you can offer me. Bill

I have a 440 built by CME with a BW T-6 turbo pumping into it, after a year with boost it's still running strong and it was N/A since 2011 making near 575-600HP/800+ with FI. I wouldn't worry about their builds from a reliability standpoint.

 

[bill clutter]

Thanks for the report. I have talked to another guy who used CME and he said they were great. Said he had them build him a 440 with the optional Six Pack set up and it ran great. He said he went to pick the engine up personally. While there CME gave him a guided tour of the facilities and were very customer friendly. He bought the engine complete. Carbs, Distributor ect. The guys at CME tuned the Six Pack for him. All he had to do was drop it in and turn the key. My biggest decision will be 400 block or 440. I'm looking to replace my 383 and make my stroker crate engine look stock. I know the B block would be more correct looking, but will it have enough torque to get the heavy 69 Charger off the line. It will be used for mostly street / some strip. I think the 440 would have more torque & HP but I'm not a mechanic. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for posting. Bill
I will post a picture of my car soon. Thanks again.

 

[wedge5]

I am happy with the 522 they built me. Their HP/TQ # were higher than advertised. Dropped motor in and fired right up. Car ran flawless at the track.

My only issue is that they were a little slow on the build wasn't that big of a deal though.

 

[bill clutter]

Thanks for the reply about CME engine crate motors. They are my No1 choice so far. But now I have found a new problem for my motor choice. After I made a user name and password for CME's web sight, and looked around on the sight, I found out that I can have my numbers matching 130,000 mile 383 rebuilt by them and go from 290HP to about 365HP. My original plan was to get a 500HP crate motor and swap it out with my original motor. Now I have to choose, Rebuild the 383 numbers matching, or go for the big HP with a crate motor. If money was no problem I guess I would just get the 440 / 522 CU engine. The difference is about $3000. to $4000 dollars. So I guess I would be paying about $4000. more for the extra 135HP & added torque with the bigger motor. I never drove a B-Body Charger with 365HP or 500HP. I sure would like to hear some of your opinions about what you think I should do. While I'm not a professional mechanic, I like tire smoking fast cars as much as anyone on this forum. I don't want to big of a Cam, (It will be mostly a street car with Power brakes and power steering) Is the extra 135HP like day and night when driving the car ?? Any replies would be great !! The numbers matching motor would help keep the cars value higher but I don't plan on selling it anyway. But then again things can change over time. I have to be honest, I still like the idea of the 500HP motor though. Please let me know if you think it's a bad idea. I really do respect the opinions of everyone online. You guys have been doing this for a lot longer than I have. I sure look forward to trying to catch up though.$$$$
















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[KnoGood]

Hi Bill !

I went through the same thought process when think of my 70 charger build. Bought it with the original 318 / headers / 4.10 gears and was happy. Then one day the engine gave up from running at 4500-5000 rpm on the highway and HAD to get another engine. Convinced the wife a 383 would be the best of everything with 3.23 gears, bought one used in great shape and after the gear conversion and engine swap ... ready to kick *** and burn rubber ... was disappointed. My friend who owns a 1992 Acura TL almost beat me. Must say I went for the original "high perf" manifolds instead of new headers.
Several years later, I was going to build up the 383 when the engine builder said to me "son, what are you waiting for? just when do you think you'll put that big piece of heavy metal in it's rightful place on the street?" He explained "you cant get the torque you will want for that car with a 383" He explained the c.i.d. torque multiplier theorem and told me "get a 440 or you are wasting your money". With that, I changed my mind went to CME and bought just that with a steel crank, rpm manifold, msd distributor, quick fuel carb ... and just worked with Mike and Ritchie on other recommendations (they are great for that). In fact, when choosing cams they encouraged me to "go bigger" so I wound up with a 230deg piece that sounds awesome. HP was 441 at 5400 and torque ran from 3000 - 4700 at 500 ft/lbs.
Admittedly I have yet to install this beast as the whole car is being re-built by ME, and yes I am slow.
I recommend you go for the RB over the B for that car.

 

[73SwingerDart]

I have a 408 stroker on order from them now. I was told it would take 4-6 weeks to complete. Im on week 5 of waiting and excited to recieve it.
Todd in Tulsa

 

[Lionized]

I have a 408 stroker on order from them now. I was told it would take 4-6 weeks to complete. Im on week 5 of waiting and excited to recieve it.
Todd in Tulsa

Let me know how this goes for you. I just bought a 1984 5th Ave and I'm thinking about building a sleeper out of it. the 408 seems to be the best choice.

 

[bill clutter]

Thanks for the Info. I will ask richie about your build and see if it might apply to what I am trying to do. I like original cars but I think I am going for performance. I guess I can always swap the original 383 back into the car if I'm going to sell it. I'm hoping after I drive it with a 440 / 522 stroker motor the only reason I would put the 383 back in it is to sell it. We'll see ?????

 

[rt-man]

BTT, long dormant thread. I'm interested in buying a 408 stroker motor from them, anyone do that with CME?

 

[moper]

There are some really good builders closer to you if you haven't looked. There are some issues with some of CME's stuff if you do look. Anyone that says they need a Mopar specialist is nuts. A good machinist will know what to do on anything he gets. I know of nobody that is infallible regardless. Personally I wouldn't want a crate engine from anybody - but that's me. Not pressuring you in either direction. Just thinking out loud.

 

[rrTor-Red]

Hughes Engines