Crate Engines

[Rob Magnus]

My 69 RT has a lazy H440 (1972) engine and it appears to be a low compression motor.
I was looking at a rebuild but I'm tempted to purchase a new crate big block from Blueprint, ATK or Muscle Motors. I want something around 500HP and streetable, but my question is does anyone have experience with purchasing a crate engine and can recommend a well built and reliable engine and the right company to deal with? There are some horror stories out there on the net and I live in New Zealand so this is a costly exercise for me and warranty will be of no use to me if something goes wrong as I live so far away. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Lets Roll]

If no warranty I would see if there's a machine shop available in your area. Even if they never assembled old Mopar engine, if they are skilled at rebuilding engines it should be no problem. Your block could be stroked and upgraded heads added.

 

[steve from staten island]

All i know is that a guy i use to work with his family owned a automotive machine shop and truck repair. They rebuilt engines,rears,heads anything related to cars or light to medium duty trucks. He told me he rebuilt amoung other engines,small block GM's on a regular bases. The crate motor industry put a stop to that all. He said that some use cheaper parts but generally because they did so much volume it was impossible to compete. My thoughts would be living in another country id find a reputable machine shop and have a go at it myself....Plenty of books material out there and good luck to you

 

[e-440]

Check out Hughes Engines in Illinois. I had a 440 put together by them many years ago. Stock stroke iron heads 530 hp what a beast, it is and still going strong. I have had a good experience with them. There are other good shops out there that are mopar only. Be patient and talk to as many a you can.

 

[moparedtn]

I'll be watching this thread with interest as well, since my infamous 440 "mystery motor" is not exactly a happy camper either.

How about one of our sponsors here - MRI Performance?
See their ad on the side bar over there? >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Anyone dealt with them before?

 

[themechanic]

Read these threads:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/search/984594/?q=cme&o=relevance

 

['73bird]

Hot rod magazine had a few articles on how to budget build motorhome motors to 500+ hp beasts.

 

[polywideblock]

what about Carolina machine engines
http://www.cmengines.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/Dy...rformanceStreetEngines/tabid/117/Default.aspx

 

[Car Nut]

Why not go with a Hellcat crate motor from Dodge, unless 700hp scares you.

 

[Rob Magnus]

My 69 RT has a lazy H440 (1972) engine and it appears to be a low compression motor.
I was looking at a rebuild but I'm tempted to purchase a new crate big block from Blueprint, ATK or Muscle Motors. I want something around 500HP and streetable, but my question is does anyone have experience with purchasing a crate engine and can recommend a well built and reliable engine and the right company to deal with? There are some horror stories out there on the net and I live in New Zealand so this is a costly exercise for me and warranty will be of no use to me if something goes wrong as I live so far away. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Rob Magnus]

Thanks for all the info guys, I guess CME, Muscle Motors and MRI look like the front runners, and Car Nut thanks for your comment if you nothing about Kiwis we don't scare easy but I'm not looking at racing my RT we leave the racing to Scott Dixon!!

 

[kiwigtx]

Thanks for all the info guys, I guess CME, Muscle Motors and MRI look like the front runners, and Car Nut thanks for your comment if you nothing about Kiwis we don't scare easy but I'm not looking at racing my RT we leave the racing to Scott Dixon!!

Hi Rob,
Before you go committing to any engines, can I get you to go for a ride in my mate's Challenger? I'm sure you'll like the feel of that power. Stroked 440 and 4-speed - real smooth and nice idle, but tons of torque and acceleration.
I'll call you a bit later today.

 

[Super-Bee-69]

...what do you guys think about Carolina Machine Engines??

 

[Dreadl0ck]

Anyone say low compression? Hello blower