Thread: What does a Scratch Built 383 cost?

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Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Free shipping is not your friend. Balanced assemblies-one manufacture and seller of balanced rotating assemblies has out of balance on EACH end of the crank within reasonable limits-problem is that both ends were in same direction so crank shakes like a train is going past- Valve springs off assembled heads--------thats where the culled out springs go- assembled heads have guide plates, studs, etc-----mostly won't be compatable with your cam specs-------
Crate engine???? how much is the box worth????????
etc, etc, etc

I don't understand your logic. On one hand you decry "crate engines" being a questionable value, but then when someone talks about swapping an engine into their new build you jump on the band wagon of buying a takeout unit from a salvage yard car in order to have a trouble free swap. Doesn't that seem to be just a little bit hypocritical?

I'm the first to admit that the term "crate engine" has spawned far too many fly-by-night "businesses" that sell junk in a box, but I also believe that there are some out there that do quality work, and they stand behind their product with a strong warranty. I've repeatedly said that I consider Chevy Performance and Ford Performance offerings to be equivalent to new car engines, something that MatthyJ has brought to question based on his personal experience, but still my belief. Like everything, a "crate engine" comes in many forms, and it's up to the buyer to determine what works best for himself. Not everyone is chasing 400, 500, 600 or more HP for their ride, and for many people buying a complete engine from a reputable source is simply the best value. Heads? I think Pat's advice is best - visit a machine shop that you respect/trust, and work with them to get the best base core and the best total product.

I'm not going to argue with you about it, just pointing out that it seems to me that your logic doesn't hold water.

Originally Posted by rspears

I've repeatedly said that I consider Chevy Performance and Ford Performance offerings to be equivalent to new car engines, something that MatthyJ has brought to question based on his personal experience,.

Roger, I have to agree with you that the Big 3 crates are to their spec's for new cars, the problem I had was not with Ford specifically but with their lack of info & knowledge of their product they sold me, the motor runs like a top today. Though I do know the 302 doesn't come from the original factory (which has been torn down I heard) but are assembled in a Ford Performance division for crates, I haven't personally confirmed this but the motor is quite nice today and appears even better than the original due to the benifit of the roller cam & valve train. Best of Luck