Engines available for purchase that are either partially or completely constructed are referred to as "crate motors." Ford, General Motors and Chrysler all offer crate motors, as do many private engine builders. Crate motors (or engines) are advantageous for those who either do not have the time or the knowledge to build an engine. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) common to crate-engine consumers often include those related to the design, features, cost and warranties tied to these products.
Which Applications Are Crate Motors Designed For?
Crate motors are constructed for a particular purpose. The most popular crate engine is for stock applications, which are designed to match the specifications of the engine the car was originally equipped with. Crate engines which have been mildly modified are also common, and are almost always designed for increased performance. Increasingly, engine builders are also making crate engines exclusively for racing applications.
What Are the Features of a Crate Engine?
With the exception of crate engine for stock applications, the biggest difference between crate engines is the horsepower and torque ratings, as well as the size of the engine, referred to as cubic inch displacement, or "cid." The cid of many stock engines can often be increased by using a different crankshaft and by expanding the bore of the cylinders. Generally, the greater the cid, the more power the engine will produce. Crate engines are also available with either a carburetor or fuel injection fuel delivery system.
What Is the Difference between a Partially Assembled Crate Engine and a Turn-key Crate Engine?
The majority of crate engines come only partially assembled. These crate engines feature most of the necessary components, but allow the purchaser to bolt on the remaining parts of his or her choosing, such as the fuel delivery system and distributor. At the other end of the extreme are "turn key" crate engines. As their name suggests, these engines are completely assembled. Once bolted into the vehicles engine bay, these engines start without any tuning or additional parts.
How Do Crate Engines Vary in Cost?
Stock replacement crate engines are the least expensive, while engines designed for racing are the most expensive. Generally, the more power the engine produces, the higher the cost will be. Crate engines are available that feature a small block size, but produce power comparable to a larger engine. The weight-saving feature of a smaller engine that produces large-engine power is particularly attractive to racers, but the costs of these smaller engines is greater than with a larger, and therefore heavier, engine with the same power.
Do Crate Engines Come with a Warranty?
Most crate engines feature some type of warranty by the engine's builder, but warranties vary greatly. Stock replacement crate engines almost always have the longest warranty. Warranties for crate engines usually extend only for a specified time or mileage. For example, a crate engine's warranty may last for 30 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Generally, the more power the engine produces, the shorter the warranty period.
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