289/302 engine builder recommendations? Go crate?!?

[WarrenG]

Doug,
Your quote for $7600 seems kind of high to me for what you're getting. I had a 1965 289 stroked to 331 with forged internals that dyno'd at 391HP at 6200RPM for $8K. That included all parts, including the vintage block, labor, and dyno. Got it from Danbury Competition. Since I'm having ERA build the car, I didn't have to worry about shipping. I have noticed on several of my visits to ERA, Keith Craft engines awaiting install in their cars. Peter might be able to refer you to some of their customers who have used KC for references. In addition, I know of one very happy Engine Factory customer near Seattle. I think he purchased their 347 motor. I considered the crate motor option, but then I wouldn't have been able to have the vintage block.

[Dangerous Doug]

Shiloh: Excellent choice! Congrats on the deposit. My wait was about 7 months, but worth it. Even though my car is unfinished, I still stop and look at it whenever I have my garage open.

WarrenG: $8k sounds on the money for a dyno'd 331. That's about what I expect to pay. I'm taking pause on the engine build to review my options. I hear good things about Keith Craft. Also, looking at Engine Factory and World Products.

Lots of good advice here.

DD

[Shiloh4065]

Doug, check out the Keith Craft web site. Their "econo crate 331" look like a great motor. Mahle forged pistons, AFR 165 heads, 425 HP & 415 FP of torque, for $6500. Includes water pump, distributor, carb. Just need a car to put it in. Kirkham had a post thanking Keith Craft for a tremendous 331 that he put in one of his cars. Said it shocked a lot of the big block guys, as they could not believe how powerful and quick it was. I am looking at either the 331 or the "plain" 375 HP 306. All depends on the power curve of that motor - and upgrading it to AFR 165's. RD

[christainb]

Engine Factory is the way to go!!
1-800-704-5385
www.fordcobraengines.com

[hoppy]

Doug, I had Mike Lefevers do some mods on my BB and I could not be happier. He is a very good guy and explains everything well including after build questions. I don't have any idea of his prices for a complete engine but he was very fair with me in replacing the heads, cam Etc. He invited me and my son to the shop for the first fire up and dyno pulls which was not only interesting but educational to say the least. His experience with full out race motors is as good or better than any. JMHO.

[snakebitekit]

I too am currently going through the exact thoughts. Look at tandlengines.com/custom. They sound promising.

Dennis

[christainb]

www.fordcobraengines.com