Crate Motor builders. Who to trust?

[70cudaFun]

To me a "crate" engine from Mopar is nothing more than a convenient way to ship all the engine parts at one time. Once you get the engine it is mandatory you have it totally disassembled and checked over by someone you trust.
So forget any price savings you might get on a crate engine.


I also suggest you ask around and do some research yourself and find someone local who has experience with Mopar engines.

I recently had a mild 440 engine built for my wife's Challenger.
Buying a complete high $$$ engine from a builder out of state wasn't even a consideration for me as if, and many times there are problems trying to get an out of state builder to take responsibility and make it right is impossible.

I did some talking to a few trusted Mopar friends who are local to me about engine builders in our area that are honest, affordable and know their way around a big block Mopar.
I found a guy who was highly recommended about an hour away from me.
He specialized in Mopar engines and runs all his rebuilt engines on his break in stand to make sure everything is working properly and there are no leaks.
I took my wife's 440 engine core to his place.
He contacted me after he inspected the engine and we discussed what I wanted and my options.
We made a plan as to what parts were needed. 
He didn't try to sell my anything I didn't need.
I bought a Sealed Power total engine rebuild kit (with forged pistons) and all the other needed parts myself from Summit Racing(which is close to me) and new aluminum heads from 440 Source and took the parts to my engine builder who inspected everything.
The builder sent me daily texts and pictures of the engine's progress, invited me to drive over anytime I wanted to check things out.
I was able to be there when the engine was first started and run on the break in stand and he told me if there were any issues he would stand behind his work.

His prices were very reasonable and I am extremely happy with the results.
I'm getting ready to take another 440 down to his place to real soon.

That is good to hear.  It sounds like you found the perfect shop for the job.  I never considered taking apart a crate motor to inspect parts.  That sounds like too much of a headache and completely not worth it since the whole reason I was considering a crate is to drop it in without opening it up.  I guess it's hard to trust anyone these days and especially from reading some of the stories here, I have to be extra careful with my decision.   I'm slowly starting to see why building vs crate motor is a better option.

[70cudaFun]

ya, the price, reliability, and power you can get from a new LS engine is pretty amazing. All aluminum with 6 main cap bolts!

I noticed this as well.  A TON of options for Chevy guys out there...

[70cudaFun]

I would have a crate engine run in a dyno before install to see if runs, leaks, dial in the carb and show real power numbers. But, I too recommend a local shop.

This is why I was considering going with Blueprint Engines since they provide the warranty and dyno results with the shipment of the motor.  Summit, Jegs and Classic Industries all carry Blueprint Engines.  As a retail business, it would be hard to stock a product that is faulty so it makes me wonder that the quality is pretty decent on their motors if these big names carry them.  Then again, who knows man! 

[EbodyMod]

I Have used blueprint in the past for SB chevy and was not happy. poor quality parts and worse service. I have dealt with hughes engines a few times for my build and no I not buy a crate from them but there customer service is outstanding. I would at least call them and talk to them. 

[marc70challenger]

Ask people that race at the local drag strips and stock car tracks who builds their engines. I live in a town of 20,000 and there's people here that I would put up against the best in the business.

   why I said race shop. If they're building stuff that holds up on the track and have a good rep. There's not much more due diligence you can do. 

[cudabob496]

check Better Business Bureau ratings, then get as many opinions as possible
on a place. Contact previous customers.

[Markp]

I am in the process of deciding to go either crate or have a race shop build my motor. This just helped me decide. I have only got some rough pricing from one shop.

Can anyone recommend a engine builder near Vaughan, Ontario, Canada??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[marc70challenger]

I am in the process of deciding to go either crate or have a race shop build my motor. This just helped me decide. I have only got some rough pricing from one shop.

Can anyone recommend a engine builder near Vaughan, Ontario, Canada??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Brad should know. And Alan.

[brads70]

There is always Beatty and Woods in Toronto ( if they are still around?)  of I have a local buddy that has been building race car engines for over 40 years. He is a "Chevy" guy but he helped me out building mine.
Howard race engines here in Barrie
 http://www.profilecanada.com/companydetail.cfm?company=606005_Howard_Engines_Barrie_ON

If you have the budget to build it right he might do it but if your on a tight budget and trying to make a silk purse from a sows ear he won't be interested.He is so busy that he turns a lot of work away.  You would need to get him the parts as he hates sourcing stuff. Tell him Brad Richmond sent you if your interested? 

[jimynick]

They're not next door to Vaughn, but ERD- Engine Research Development, 2390 South Service Rd. Jordan Station, L0R 1S0  905-562-3966- just off the QEW on the right as you're Niagara bound and shortly before St.Catherines run a great, full machine shop and build most of the spec stock car engines locally as well. They have a full dyno facility and run several drag cars including Carl Sperlich's Pro Mod blown hemi. Speak to Terry or Robbie, as they're both stand up guys and racers to boot. It's about a little more than an hour or so from your town, maybe less if the QE is cooperating.

[moprr]

Beatty and woods is still around, They are in mississauga by the airport.  I know a few guys that had motors built there all with good results.  Years back I used a small guy G&R automotive machine shop in weston he built me a solid 340 no issues with the quality but his timeframe was way off as he gets sidetracked with other projects and Im not sure if he is still there I know he was downsizing. WHen your ready I would go talk to the guys at beatty.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

A buddy of mine has used Muscle a few times w no issues. There's also Kilpatricks ,  http://www.kilpatrickengine.com/  lots of experience at the local drag strip.

[cudabob496]

which builder do Graveyard cars or Gas Monkey use?

[Chryco Psycho]

Beatty & woods did an awesome job for me decades ago  they did the balancing  ,I did the assy , no problems ever 

[Strawdawg]

I have been very happy with my engine from Carolina Machine and Engine.