Keith Craft Perfomance Engines

Keithc8 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 12:37 AM

I wanted to thank the members for their support over the years and let anyone know that is in the market for an engine that we are still here and working hard. It does not seem sometimes that I have the time I did in the past to get on the forum and help much. With 15 and 10 year old boys and a daughter that is 22 and a new grand baby here I have tried to spend a little more time with them. This does not mean that we still do not work 40 to 50 hours a week but that we sometimes do not have as much time for some of the forum stuff.
I am still very much involved in any engine builds but have Lance and Tony in the office and both can help with anything you need. I am available just may take a day or two for me to get back with you. Like every other company we have had to make some changes in the last 4 years to stay in business and still do quality work. I now spend more time in the shop working on your engines. I do most of the head work and also do head work for a lot of other engine builders. Many people are running our heads and do not even know it.
We use CNC head and block machines to get the best quality we can as well as a Sunnen diamond hone that was 55,000.00 alone. This is just for honing the cylinders on the blocks but this new machine gets them rounder and straighter than anything out there. You have to hone a lot of blocks to pay for that thing. I am lucky in that we have the same core of people we have had for 10 to 20 years.
Please bare with us like I said if I can not get to the phone because I am normally elbow deep working on a block or set of heads. Be assured that when you deal with us that each engine is built for you with what you wanted. We are not perfect and from time to time we will have a vendor issue are part problem but we do get it figured out.
Come by the shop if you can or check out the website. As many of you know my wife answers the phone and works her butt of as well to make sure you have a pleasant experience. Not may of these Mom and Pop stores left anymore. Oh and on occasion we have been known to go racing.

Thanks, Keith Craft
President
Keith Craft Inc.

Keithc8 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 12:42 AM

Can not believe that I spelled Performance wrong, just get in a hurry. Wife spells and I do math.

RET_COP · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 07:04 AM

Have fun with the family Keith, thanks for the post.
Lou

gsharapa · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 07:35 AM

If you're thinking about building a Cobra or want to step up to more power Keith Craft Performance Engines needs to be on your list. I have had several and my 496FE (681HP) drives like a baby kitten down the road until you put your foot down then you better be strapped in and paying attention. Thanks Keith!!

601HP · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 08:23 AM

I'm pleased that you started this thread. Been wondering where you've been.

David

ERA 778 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 10:12 AM

I'm another one who can endorse Keith and his engines. He does great work at a reasonable price and does exactly what he says he will do. He took the time to work with me and help me define exactly the engine I wanted, then made it happen in LESS time than he promised. When do you have that happen?

I too can say that if you are looking for an engine builder, give Keith a call. Lance, Tony, or Keith will do you right!

Hal

philminotti · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 10:53 AM

What's important, I think, is that the volume builders with technical expertise weigh in on the technical threads (which, sadly, have been slowly diminishing over time)...it's nice to see you're still looking in from time to time, Keith.

Great Asp · #8 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithc8

Can not believe that I spelled Performance wrong, just get in a hurry. Wife spells and I do math.

I have one of your 496 FE's, and I think you know how to spell performance.

E

Varmit · #9 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 02:13 PM

KEITH
I have just received my Alum482 s/o from you, and it is currently being installed. Had the pleasure of touring your facility in May, and got to talk to Tony and several others. They showed my my engine parts, heads and the machines that had been used to do the work. All very impressive!! I am really looking forward to hearing this "dawg hunt".

It wass through several Cobra owners here in San Diego and the people on this forum that led me to your shop. All my dealings with Tony and your staff have been prompt and professional Thanks

Benny

Bernica · #10 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 04:37 PM

Good to see you checking in Keith. And great that all of your hard work is paying off and allowing you time with the family. Also sounds like you've surrounded yourself with good people to continue a solid and reputable operation.

COACH MIKE · #11 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 09:40 PM

It has been my good fortune to have gotten to know Keith and wife Shelly along with many of Keith's employees. Over the past 12 years I have personally purchased three of Keith's engines (408, 428 and 427. All strokers). Our North Alabama Cobra group has also purchased two additional engines from Keith with excellent results.

I can attest to Keith's committment to his company and profession. As all engine builders have experienced over recent years, the quality of supposed "high quality performance parts" has declined considerably. Keith has always been more than willing to do what ever necessary to repair or replace the parts or problems we have encountered.

We look forward to coninueing our good relationship with the Crafts and their top quality company.
Mike Lane (Coach Mike)

Keithc8 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-30-2013, 11:12 PM

Thanks for the good words. We try to do what is right with very little support from some of our vendors as they use performance engine as an excuse to warranty some parts. We try to use the best possible for the job and the price. We are not building NASCAR engines and we do not have many that could afford them. We do some nice race stuff that is well north of 30,000.00 and they require higher dollar parts to take the stress.
I would like to see the company go on without me in the future but very hard to find anyone with the money and drive to do that. I have the guys in place to do the work not that I think I am gong anywhere soon unless I get an offer that I can't refuse.
Thanks

ERA 778 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-01-2013, 02:45 PM

Keith, you might want to ask the gurus on the forum to fix the link to your website. (The one on the side/bottom of page; the banner at the top works) I can't get there from here!

kobra fever · #14 (**permalink**) 07-02-2013, 01:08 AM

Hi Keith, do you build Ford Modular engines?

Danr55 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-02-2013, 10:21 AM

KC, With all that going on, what do you do with your spare time? (Pardon the smart ass, I just had to stay in character.) Everytime I've called, you've been gracious and taken the time to answer all of my questions and offer all of the help possible. I don't think there is any need for you to apologize to anyone on this board. I'm sure that everyone holds you in good standing. Spend time with your kids and family When it all comes down to it, that is the only thing that is really important.