Where do "crate" motors come from?

3515 Views 21 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Nightfire, Nov 7, 2004

Arrowhead

Discussion Starter · Nov 1, 2004

I'm kind of curious as to where the blocks come from that are used to build "crate" motors. I'm sure it depends on who you buy it from, but are they brand new blocks or rebuilt ones from scapyards? How do the casting numbers work, do they indicate a 04' build date if it's a new casting? Who actually makes the castings if it's not an original? Who makes the ones from Mexico I hear about?

Just wondering

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302 Z28

· #2 · Nov 1, 2004

The term "crate engine" has been spun off the OEM manufacturers new crate engine. Now, anyone offering an assembled, or partially assembled engine will call it a crate engine.

OEM crate engines like Chevy, Ford or Mopar are new castings. GM Performance Parts engines, as GM Goodwrench engines blocks are all cast in Mexico. The Goodwrench engines are actually assembled in Mexico. I understand that the GM Performance Parts crate engines are assembled by Mercury Marine division. Typically the Chevy engines that went for Mercury Marine applications had all the HD parts in them.

It depends who you buy your crate engine from whether they use seasoned or new blocks, most I am aware of use seasoned blocks. You can even specify two or four bolt mains and high nickle alloy blocks.

When I hear "crate engine" I think of a new engine from an OEM source.

Vince

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Ghetto Jet

· #3 · Nov 1, 2004

It's called a crate motor because it's shipped in a crate.

GM's Universal 350 is made in Mexico, overall I hear good things about it.

roys63

· #4 · Nov 1, 2004

You better ask your Parents, And Santa is coming!!

stepside454

· #5 · Nov 1, 2004

Arrowhead said:
I'm kind of curious as to where the blocks come from that are used to build "crate" motors. I'm sure it depends on who you buy it from, but are they brand new blocks or rebuilt ones from scapyards? How do the casting numbers work, do they indicate a 04' build date if it's a new casting? Who actually makes the castings if it's not an original? Who makes the ones from Mexico I hear about?

Just wondering

I always thought they came from the stork

Ghetto Jet

· #6 · Nov 1, 2004

haha

hey now play nice, this guy might be 30 for all we know.

pro70z28

· #7 · Nov 1, 2004

Re: Re: Where do "crate" motors come from?

stepside454 said:
I always thought they came from the stork

That's where ''CRANE'' cams come from.HEHEHE:welcome:

And "WEB"er carbs. tooooo.:thumbup:

stepside454

· #8 · Nov 2, 2004

Dangit, I always get that confused:spank:

ChevelleSS_LS6

· #9 · Nov 2, 2004

302/Z28 said:
The term "crate engine" has been spun off the OEM manufacturers new crate engine. Now, anyone offering an assembled, or partially assembled engine will call it a crate engine.

OEM crate engines like Chevy, Ford or Mopar are new castings. GM Performance Parts engines, as GM Goodwrench engines blocks are all cast in Mexico. The Goodwrench engines are actually assembled in Mexico. I understand that the GM Performance Parts crate engines are assembled by Mercury Marine division. Typically the Chevy engines that went for Mercury Marine applications had all the HD parts in them.

It depends who you buy your crate engine from whether they use seasoned or new blocks, most I am aware of use seasoned blocks. You can even specify two or four bolt mains and high nickle alloy blocks.

When I hear "crate engine" I think of a new engine from an OEM source.

Vince

GM turned against it's own countrymen!? Why can't they build the best GM has to offer (GMPP) in the US?

spinn

· #10 · Nov 2, 2004

we build the best GM has to offer in the US. us, the individuals who choose to have more.

willowbilly3

· #11 · Nov 2, 2004

Which brings up a point; Which is more American, a Chevy that is built in Mexico, A Ford that is built in Canada or a Honda that is built in Lexington Kentucky?

pro70z28

· #12 · Nov 2, 2004

willowbilly3 said:
Which brings up a point; Which is more American, a Chevy that is built in Mexico, A Ford that is built in Canada or a Honda that is built in Lexington Kentucky?

The "least" American is the Honda built in Kentucky, because the profits go offshore.

But I prefer the cars that were built back when American made was American made.

WOW, the way I skirted your real question, .......... I should be a politician. HEHEHE:welcome:

Ghetto Jet

· #13 · Nov 3, 2004

you left out that some of the Dodges are built in Mexico.

Arrowhead

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 3, 2004

The reason I asked this "stupid" question is because the DMV in my state requires a vin number and a copy of the registration from the donor car the motor block came from and a bill of sale from the manufacturer/rebuilder even if I use a "crate" motor. They require these documents to prove ownership and the parts are not stolen. This would apply to home built and kit cars like what I am building. I would think the odds of getting a vin number and copy of the donor car registration from a short block from PAW or other souce would be pretty slim. Maybe Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny will drop off a title for me so I can get plates for my car when it's done. Otherwise, I could end up with a very large lawn decoration.

RodFather

· #15 · Nov 3, 2004

When I was a kid I was told crate motors came from a stork.

pro70z28

· #16 · Nov 3, 2004

RodFather said:
When I was a kid I was told crate motors came from a stork.

Nope, I had to explain this on another thread.

Storks only bring "CRANE" cams and "WEB'er carburetors:mwink: HEHEHE

RodFather

· #17 · Nov 3, 2004

hehehe....I just hope Santa can find it in his heart to bring me a Merlin Big Block.

roys63

· #18 · Nov 4, 2004

I would think a bill of sale from the builder with block # will work just fine, This would be the same as replacing the engine in any auto with a crate motor or New, verses a used or salvage yard.

Dubz

· #19 · Nov 6, 2004

willowbilly3 said:
Which brings up a point; Which is more American, a Chevy that is built in Mexico, A Ford that is built in Canada or a Honda that is built in Lexington Kentucky?

Ford built in Canada, hands down. Just pray you didn't buy a car that was assembled during a hockey game

club327

· #20 · Nov 6, 2004

You forgot to mention the very bland, but very capable GTO that's made in Australia. At least the engines and transmissions come from your shore, and all the profits that Holden make go back to its parent company GM in America. And Holden is doing very nicely indeed profit wise. Unfortunately it's not all glory over here. The 4cyl engines that power Daewoos are manufactured by, ahhem' Holden. A thousand apologies.

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