Author Topic: crate vs rebuild  (Read 1493 times)

Offline 300

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crate vs rebuild
« on: July 07, 2005 - 07:27:15 PM »
Hi.  I have a 70 cuda   with a 340 in parts,  would a good rebuild be the way to go or a crate from somebody ie Mancini.  Anybody do a rebuild where your replacing everything and wished they went the crate route. Anybody on this site from Ontario Canada that knows a good engine builder for Mopars. Thanks Terry




Offline matt63

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Re: crate vs rebuild
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2005 - 07:47:19 PM »
I did a little analyzing on the same issue.  I have decided to go with a rebuild as the build options are endless.  With a Mopar crate engine you have no choice on cams or heads and only one compression ratio as of the last time I checked.  The 360 short block does offer a few choices on compression ratios.  If Mopar offers exactly what you want then fine.  For example, if you wanted aluminum heads or a specific compression ratio,etc. you can't get it.  Also, except for the short blocks these engines have new blocks and are therefore more expensive. If you are refurbishing an existing block this will save money.  I do see that they have a new stroker short block which might be interesting providing it has the right compression ratios.  Hope this helps.
Matt in Edmonton

'68 Valiant
'73 Cuda 340 4 speed (408) SOLD

Offline 4drbrnko

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Re: crate vs rebuild
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2005 - 09:56:41 PM »
I think he's talking about aftermarket "crate motors".
That opens the door to limitless possibilities.
I'm at the same point in deciding which route to go myself.
It seems the hard part of doing a rebuild is finding a machineshop reputable enough to do what you ask and get you back your parts. Price on machinework seems to be climbing also.
Good question....... curious to hear other's opinions on this.
<-------<<<  Clickylinks..... My vehicles

Offline gomangoRT/SE

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Re: crate vs rebuild
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2005 - 07:20:51 AM »
I prefer the rebuild but my point of view comes from having rebuilt engines before,  here in Ky you can get good machine work done still reasonably.    I search Ebay for some real deals and have really saved myself some money.    You can customize your rebuild with the exact camshaft and carburation package you want.   In addition, greater satisifaction and having locals or close to locals doing your machine work makes them responsible for their craftsmanship.    If you just want a generic motor or short block thats ok I suppose, especially if your not wanting much build up in performance other than carburation.    I just would wonder who would stand behind those crate motors........the people who sell them to you are just wholesalers who buy and simply reselll.   Will they take much interest in you if something goes wrong.   LIke I said you can bargain on Ebay where others have started projects and lost interest and they sell brand new components sometimes 60 cents on a dollar.    I just recently purchased all new 440 steel crankshaft, Ross Pistons, new rods with high strength bolts, all clevite bearings (victor series) incl cam bearings for $1300.    He had $1900 in them and purchased it from 440 source and lost interest and bought a Mustang.........so I did well.   Where the largest potential for error is purchasing bad used equuipment and not having good machine work done and rotating assembly balanced.    Dont get to rushed to purchase anything less than what you need.   

Offline BlueStreak_Johnnie

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Re: crate vs rebuild
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2005 - 07:55:50 AM »
Start hitting the phone books in your area and going to car shows to network. Someone is bound to recommend a good place or shoot down the bad ones.

This is where I'm taking my stuff, too bad its on the other side of the country for you.

Kendrick Auto- San Antonio
« Last Edit: July 08, 2005 - 07:59:06 AM by Blue_Bucket »

Offline 300

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Re: crate vs rebuild
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2005 - 03:53:05 PM »
Thanks guys   i think i,ll go the rebuild  ie  local shop that will stand behind what they do. as you said talk to others and find the good ones.

Offline BlueStreak_Johnnie

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Re: crate vs rebuild
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2005 - 05:30:32 PM »
Well when you find one, let us know. Maybe some one else is in your neck of the woods.



J.