Crate 440's from YearOne

[bb71challenger]

I just got an email from Yearone and they are now offering a crate motor 440 for 4500. That does not seem all that bad really. Made from seasoned blocks, I wonder where they got them all? I bet most are cast crank engines but still that is a decent price imo.

[6packCuda]

After all I've learned on this site about crate motors, I don't think I'll ever buy one no matter how good the price is.

[bb71challenger]

After all I've learned on this site about crate motors, I don't think I'll ever buy one no matter how good the price is.

LOL probably a wise decision there. Although I would not turn down a crate motor from Ray Barton   

[Aussie Challenger]

  While in America last month I had the option of buying a crate motor, in fact the guy I bought the Challenger off of tried to talk me into buying one as he has had success with the ones he has bought. However he usually sells the vehicles before they have many miles on them.
  I have only heard bad things about crate motors, and due to the fact I would be taking it back to Australia before fitting it I chose not to, a bit hard getting warranty from here. I have chosen to build up a "season used" motor, total rebuild to my spec's and then I will only have myself to blame if it doesn't work out. I think 35 + years as a mechanic, I can save myself a few dollrs as well.
  We only hear about the crate motors that go bad, MOPAR wouldn't be still doing them if they didn't have a measure of success with them. Hopefully they have read the negative comments on the various boards and tightened up quality control for everyones benifit.

  David

[bb71challenger]

I know a guy who has a few years on a 300hp crate small block in a 73 Road Runner but he does not put a lot of miles on it, maybe 2 or 3k a year.

[Chryco Psycho]

I cannot get any kind of warranty from Mopar here , nevermind in Aus

[Aussie Challenger]

    Yes I know I made the right decision, supprised that warranty couldn't be arranged over your border though !!

[bordin34]

On that show with the guy with the crazy mustache some guy from year one was talking about them and they had one on the show.

[ragtopdodge]

At least the YO ones are dyno tested from what I understand.

[moper]

Watch that "dyno tested" label. I've seen everythign from desktop dyno printouts to a generic "first engine of this type was dynoed and it made X power..." claims. If you dont buy a complete, carb to pan, ignition, etc engine, and it's not shipped with a real dyno sheet...It isnt dyno'd. Period. $4500 for a 440? From Year One? It's junk. "seasoned" means its' a rebuilt factory block. No better, no worse.

[ragtopdodge]

Yeah, you can do better yourself.

You can pickup any block for like $100.00.

Then, get Brandon's stroker kit....$1600 including balancing, rings, etc.

Eddy Heads (RPMs; not Victors)...$1400

machine work/assembly...$1500-2000.

Misc.  $500-1,000 (not including headers, intake) like roller rockers, oil pan.

Get a nice long block for under $5k!

[500Stroker]

I have no complaints with my crate.  I have the Mopar Performance 500 Crate engine with a six pack. I installed it in the spring of 2004 and have logged over 25K miles on it. After filling up on pump gas I can cruise the Power Tour all day long at 80 MPH or drive 1.5 hours to a track rental, put in 25 mid 12sec runs on a 4365 lb car and drive back home.  Now if only I could get some traction to lower that 12.51 number.

I have had two minor problems with it. The rocker arm spacers were made out of alluminum and were wearing thin at 12,000 miles. I replaced them with steel. At 20,000 miles a lifter would not pump up. Replaced that and all is good. You can't beat 560 ft.-lbs. of torque under your right foot.

I bought mine used with 50 miles on ebay at almost half of list price so it was well worth it to me.

[6packCuda]

Finally! Some positive feedback about a crate motor. How the heck does your car weigh 4365lbs.? I was thinking they were around 3500lbs.

[moper]

Finally! Some positive feedback about a crate motor. How the heck does your car weigh 4365lbs.? I was thinking they were around 3500lbs.

It's 3800 w/o driver  He's like 9' tall.

[500Stroker]

Oh no! Moper is on this forum also.   The car was weighed at the track with me in it last week.  I was shocked to see how heavy it was.  Take me out and it still weighs 4110.  I guess all the extras add up.  Big block, A/C, pwr brakes, pwr steering, Gear Vendors, lots of dynamat/Fatmat, spare tire, tools, chair and spare parts.