Unfortunately, your vehicle’s engine won’t last forever. At some point, your oil pump, valves, timing belt and camshaft will wear out. If you appreciate your vehicle, you may not want to invest in a new one, but having your motor rebuilt can be costly. You also may just want to upgrade your engine right away so you can get more power out of your vehicle. Ready-to-run crate engines may be the solution you seek.
Crate Engines
When you purchase a new 350 crate engine or other crate engines, you get an assembled engine block with the camshaft, timing chain, pistons, rods and crankshaft. You may have to replace your water and oil pumps if your crate does not include them. These engines also require new spark plugs, filters, thermostats, plug wires, hoses, exhaust manifolds, belts, clamps and motor mounts. However, other parts from your old engine can be swapped out if you choose.
Manufacturing Technology
Today’s crate engines are produced using new technology. The cylinder heads and intake manifold have benefitted significantly from computer-aided design. In addition, these engines have higher-quality materials, and the manufacturing process is much more precise than in the past. These engines are produced by high-quality machine work and highly skilled assemblers.
Better Balance
Many crate engines are made with boosted power. They tend to be high-performance short-block options for your vehicle. In addition, your short block can become a long block when the cylinder heads are installed, but the short lock has a well-balanced rotating assembly, producing more power in the engine itself.
Some crate engines have 1,000 horsepower and 876 lbs of torque. For example, the 350 short block is more powerful than a spec or factory-installed engine. When your engine is balanced, the rotation is smooth, which improves performance and longevity. Although factory balance rates work for everyday driving, high-performance vehicles need significantly better balance because increased speed and power requirements increase the engine vibration, which impacts its lifespan and power output. Crate engines are built with an internal balance that is greater than any factory engine.
Improved Camshaft
You can get crate engines with better camshafts. When the camshaft is improved, the engine flow is impacted. Longer cams allow for greater high-end power, and these engines are made to handle the longer flow. In addition, the timing of the camshaft is at optimal, opening and closing the valves at just the right time.
Engine Revolutions Per Minute
When your RPMs are higher, your vehicle burns more fuel, but it also gets greater power because your torque is lower. Low RPMs increase torque, which reduces horsepower. The best engines produce enough torque to get you going and horsepower to keep you going strong
Air and Fuel Mass
Due to their manufacturing process and design, crate engines have greater air and fuel mass, which increases horsepower. In addition, they have greater cylinder displacement and the heads have higher flow, which works with the fuel and air mass to increase the engine’s power. However, the heads and valve size needs to be increased to handle the increased flow properly.
As you consider the power benefits of a crate engine, investigate the other modifications that can impact your vehicle’s power, such as an exhaust cutout.