Shaver Crate Engine - Big-Block - Horsepower in a Box

Spanning the 600/600's aluminum heads is a Edelbrock RPM Air Gap 2R in Edelbrock's new ENDURASHINE finish.

An 800-cfm Edelbrock four-barrel supplies just the right amount of 92-octane pump gas to the 600/600 (FYI, the GM Mark V block has no provision for a mechanical fuel pump, so an electric pump is needed).

The Shaver crate engine's complete ignition system, from distributor to plug wires, is MSD all the way.

...and they're nestled beneath a set of wrinkle-finish Chevrolet valve covers. Now that you've eyeballed the ingredients let's take a look at one of these gems going together.

With Shaver's 30 years of race engine experience and the performance with drivability knowledge gained while competing in numerous Engine Master Challenge competitions Ron has succeeded in formulating the ultimate in components and techniques. After the block prep has been completed (which includes opening up the bores from 4.466 to 4.500), Ron prepares to begin assembly by calculating and checking ring gap measurements.

Filing/cutting rings can be a tricky process, but the pros at Shaver handle the task with ease

Special attention is paid to ring choice and fitment to maximize compression and reduce oil drag.

Shaver's attention to detail is legendary. No mass-produced crate engine's from this place.

With the Melling high-volume HV-77 pump and Moroso pickup in place a Moroso pan is installed and buttoned up.

The close R&D relationship between Shaver and Edelbrock (hats off to Curt Hooker and Rick Roberts) allow both entities to utilize the expertise of each, with the benefit shared by not only the companies involved but the end consumer, as well.

Edelbrock Victor 24-degree rectangular-port cylinder heads are a perfect choice for the 600/600.

Edelbrock is again the choice when it comes to hydraulic roller lifters. This is another example where Shaver and Edelbrock put their heads together to utilize the perfect combination to complement the camshaft and valvesprings.

Next up is the installation of the Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake. The air-gap design features an open air space that separates the runners from the hot engine oil resulting in a cooler, denser charge for more power.

A really cool addition to this particular engine is a good-looking Performance Stainless Steel 304 stainless, 360-degree-swivel, O-ring seal thermostat housing.

With the heads and intake in place and torqued, the Manly push rods and Crane 1.7:1-ratio roller rockers are installed.

This particular engine was ordered with carburetion. Shaver also offers the 600/600 equipped with fuel injection for, if it's even possible, better drivability. An 800-cfm Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor works perfectly in this application.

In keeping with Shaver's only the best will do philosophy, the ignition system for the 600/600 is from start to finish MSD.

The finishing touch to this most awesome crate engine is a pair of GM Performance Parts BowTie valve covers. With these baby's in place it was then over to one of Shaver's two Heenan-Froude dynamometers for initial fire-up and testing before delivery to its new owner.

And there you have it, an inside peek at probably the most powerful yet street friendly big-block crate engine I've yet to see. Hopefully you're as excited as I, and if so I'd strongly suggest giving the folks at Shaver Specialty Company a call for particulars-and I'd do it quickly because I foresee a possible waiting list for those that dawdle.