Want a 528/572 Hemi crate motor, and have questions.....

[Plum Crazy 71]

Hey folks,

I just bought (month ago) a 1971 Challenger without a motor.

I want a 528 or 572 Hemi, and have some questions.

I hear good stuff about Ray Barton, and Larry Shepards (actually talked to both of them today).  I am coming from a motorcycle backround, so I am a tad slow on the lingo, but am ready to do this (with some help from a local Indy to install the motor, etc). 

Anyways....I have it narrowed down to 3 options.....

1) a crate motor from my local Dodge dealer

Not sure how long to get it, but $15200 I was quoted. with this option, the website (moparonline or something like that) says "assembled by Ray Barton", but when I talked to Ray, he said he hasn't build one for Dodge in years. 

2) Ray Barton

3-4 months out and $21,000.....but set up nice (so he says, and I belive him I guess).  Ray say his rods/valves/assembly are all better then #1 (above). 

3) Larry Shepard

4 months out, around $20k and was very nice on the phone.  Kind of a mom and pop deal it sounds like, but that's cool. 

4) Indy heads.com

He said he can have us a motor in 6 weeks, but it would have to be an alloy block, and the cast steal blocks are hard to get. 

Any downside to the aluminum block (other then the $2400 upgrade charge)? 

So, can you see why Im confused? 

I'm tempted to order the one from my local Dodge dealer, but Im afraid of the 'ol "you get what you pay for".

If you have been in my shoes......I would love to hear what route you went! 

Thanks in advance.....

I've got the cash, I just don't wanna wait 3-4 MONTHS......ouch! 

Is ray or larry worth the wait?

[Oldschool]

If you are comfortable working Hemi's, you might want to buy the Mopar crate and a rebuild gasket set. Get the engine, tear it down for inspection and replace what you need to - if anything - and put it back together. If you don't feel like that is something you can do, do you know of any local machine shop/engine builders in your area that can do it for you?

[Topcat]

You can try here as an option

http://www.forhemisonly.com/hemiblockmachining.html

[roadman5312]

You can try here as an option

http://www.forhemisonly.com/hemiblockmachining.html

                                              Tim is a great guy to deal with, will build to your specs.   

[Plum Crazy 71]

If you are comfortable working Hemi's, you might want to buy the Mopar crate and a rebuild gasket set. Get the engine, tear it down for inspection and replace what you need to - if anything - and put it back together. If you don't feel like that is something you can do, do you know of any local machine shop/engine builders in your area that can do it for you?

Interesting idea, never thought of that, but I'm not sure I wanna tackle that kind of a project with my schedule (work, kids, wife, blah blah blah), and its probably over my head.  I have the word out to the local "mopar guys" that I have a E-Body and need a Hemi....that could open a door to a local builder and make your idea do-able. 

How about the Alloy block deal?  Any downsides to that block (other then the added cost)?

Thanks for the help guys.

BTW....I am in central WI

[MOPAR FANATIC]

  Central wi,well good ol biggs might chime in here as he has a 70 hemi chally and lives in the milwaulee area.he may have a lead or two. 

[Oldschool]

These guys are up your way too..  Here is a link to their 528" HEMI Killer Crate..


http://musclemotorsracing.com/engines/hemi-killer-krate.html

.

[4406v]

Read the reviews on-line. See for yourself

My advice stay away from Indy Cylinder head. (read the reviews I don't want to deal with guys like them) They have a reputation and apparently they've earned it.

Don't buy a Mopar Performance crate engine. Poor quality workmanship , maybe good parts but not assembled correctly, too many problems to trust putting one in and letting it rip.

Ray Barton = I've seen ALOT of cars running Barton engines they are runners!!! Might be pricey but you get what you pay for.....

Larry Shepherd = great guy , great engines , he stands behind his work

Call Eric at Muscle Motors he'll build you a great Hemi and prices seemed fair, depends on your needs

Check out John Arruza racing engines as well.

[Topcat]

If you decide to go Muscle Motors, send me a PM.

[Chryco Psycho]

Roseville / Dave is another option for a Mopar Hemi
 I have heard there is a shortage of Iron blocks , Alum has no downside & is lighter , but just as strong or stronger really

[Plum Crazy 71]

http://www.goodwincompetition.com/

Any imput on Todd at Goodwin Competition?

[Plum Crazy 71]

Man, it got quiet in here.   

[Oldschool]

I am refreshing my HEMI right now. I am using Barnett Performance near Atlanta as my machine shop and a guy local to you for design and parts. His name is Rick Cassel and he is in Theinsville. If you would like to speak with him to help you along, PM me for his number. 

Here is a little update on what he is doing now. Read the short Bio in the article and you will see that Rick flat out knows his stuff when it comes to making HEMI's run.

http://competitionplus.com/drag-racing/news/tuner-cassel-trying-his-hand-nostalgia-pro-stock

 

[Plum Crazy 71]

I am refreshing my HEMI right now. I am using Barnett Performance near Atlanta as my machine shop and a guy local to you for design and parts. His name is Rick Cassel and he is in Theinsville. If you would like to speak with him to help you along, PM me for his number. 

Here is a little update on what he is doing now. Read the short Bio in the article and you will see that Rick flat out knows his stuff when it comes to making HEMI's run.

http://competitionplus.com/drag-racing/news/tuner-cassel-trying-his-hand-nostalgia-pro-stock

 

These are the kindof leads I am after.  I am new to the Classic car loop, and need to learn my local (WI) options. 

I liked Ray Bartons stuff, but I now know there are local options for me and my new toy. 

If you need a CRF450 tuner/motor builder, or a Harley guy, I know where to go and who to see.  As far as this Hemi goes, I'm learning as I go, with help from you guys!!

Thanks much!

[Chryco Psycho]

http://www.goodwincompetition.com/

Any imput on Todd at Goodwin Competition?

 No info on them , sorry .