Other Great Crates
While the crate engines from GMPP are a sure bet for many enthusiasts, we would be remiss in not telling you about some of the other crate engine builders out there. Many of them have found a market for more specialized crate engines (and built-to-order powerplants) for customers who have specific needs or particular tastes. Whether you're looking for a mild street performer or a radical race-ready assembled long-block or crate engine, it's probably available from one of the following custom engine shops.
American Speed 396 "Enforcer"...
American Speed 396 "Enforcer" Small-Block
American Speed
Readers who remember our High School Hot Rod Malibu project from a few years back should recognize American Speed as the shop responsible for the car's 534hp 383 small-block. What you may not know is the fact that American Speed offers more than 40 different dyno-tested and warranted crate engines. This 485-horse 396 might be of interest, particularly because it's a stroker small-block, not a Rat. With a four-bolt block, JE 9.6:1 pistons, AFR heads, and a Comp Cams roller cam, it's not only strong, but also very street worthy. American Speed Enterprises: 3006 23rd Ave., Dept. SC, Moline, IL 61265; (309) 764-3601.
Arizona Speed & Marine Direct-Port...
Arizona Speed & Marine Direct-Port Vortec 350
Arizona Speed & Marine
Arizona Speed & Marine has long been known for its fuel-injection systems, so it's only logical that the company offers ready-to-install fuel-injected engines. The Signature Series line of engine packages includes a variety of small-block offerings (based on LT4, ZZ4, or Vortec engines) and big-block engines (454 or 502 cid). These fuel-injected engines are designed for optimum power, compatibility, and reliability, and are dyno tested are warranted. Options range from programming to polish. Arizona Speed & Marine: 6313 W. Commonwealth Ave., Dept. SC, Chandler, AZ 85226; (480) 753-0208.
Beck Racing Engines 468 "Street...
Beck Racing Engines 468 "Street Kill" Big-Block
Beck Racing Engines
Just because you like the simplicity of buying a crate engine doesn't mean you have to forfeit your desire for a custom powerplant. Beck Racing Engines has 79 different engine packages available, so there's sure to be one to suit your needs. The engines range from mild 350s designed for towing, to stroker small-blocks and monster big-blocks like the 650-horse, 468-inch "Street Kill" shown here. Most are designed to run on pump gas, and all are built by professionals and dyno tested prior to shipping. Beck Racing Engines: 21616 N. Central Ave. Suite 1, Dept. SC, Phoenix, AZ 85024; (623) 780-1001.
Dallas Export Sales 383 S...
Dallas Export Sales 383 Small-Block
Dallas Export Sales
If it's Texas-sized small-blocks you're looking for, you might want to see the engine packages available from Dallas Export Sales. This company's primary crate engine offering is a 383 small-block producing 425-plus-hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque. The engines are built using a four-bolt block, a Scat crank, Lunati rods and cam, and aluminum AFR cylinder heads. Naturally, the assembled engines are balanced and blueprinted. Additional options are available, as are 500- and 550-plus-hp packages. Dallas Export Sales: 10530 Shady Trail, Dept. SC, Dallas, TX 75220; (214) 350-4979.
Performance Chevy
Performance Chevy has a variety of assembled engines befitting the company name. Among them are 327- or 350-inch performance short-blocks and long-blocks, as well as "Stump Puller" 383 stroker short-blocks and long-blocks. All assembled engines are balanced and blueprinted, and long-blocks are available with a variety of cylinder heads (GM, World Products, Trick Flow, Edelbrock or Dart) and cams. Performance Chevy also offers "restoration" engines using blocks and heads with casting numbers and date codes that are appropriate for your particular vehicle. Performance Chevy: 2995 W. Whitton, Dept. SC, Phoenix, AZ 85017; (800) 203-6624.