Having lived on this planet for 64 years, I'll give you my take on it. I wouldn't be too swayed by big horsepower claims from small private builders. They can say the motor will produce anything they want to say to make it more attractive to you. Then there is the question of warranty. If you buy a crate from a small builder, will he be there tomorrow to honor your warranty claim?

I'm absolutely certain that there are honest builders out there, but it's tough to try to segregate them from the bad guys.

If I were going to purchase a crate, I'd buy from someone like Scoggin-Dickey or another nationally recognized Chevrolet dealer or outlet. That way, if something did go wrong, I'd be certain they would make it good. Their power claims aren't from some fairy tale either.

The other thing I will caution you about....you get what you pay for. If it seems like a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. I've read lots of horror stories lately about some low-priced roller rockers that will disintegrate. Quite a lot of this junk is made offshore, China mainly. Spend your money only with long-term reputable manufacturers and you'll be o.k.
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