Ford offers four engines in the 351 family, two of which displace 392
cubes and two of 427 cubic inches. The 392s are called Sportsman 351s.
The 427-cid/535-hp engine is the Boss 351 and the other 427 is an
aluminum-block engine for which no specific horsepower rating is listed.
These engines all have many high-performance goodies and external
appearance upgrades. Prices are in the $7,895 to $13,595 range.
Ford’s crate engine lineup includes six racing engines that are specially
marketed and not a choice for resto-mods. On the other hand, both of
the Ford big-block crates are popular with resto-mod builders. Both have
521 cubic inches and both produce 609 hp at 5,750 rpm. Both also list
630 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. In fact, both have nearly identical
specs such as mechanical roller cams, forged pistons and 10.0:1
compression ratios.
MoPar Factory Crate Engines
Chrysler (www.mopar.com) also “imports” three crate engines from
Detroit. The first is an all-aluminum 426 HEMI Gen III. If horsepower
and speed count, this MoPar engine (P/N P5155513) could be what the
doctor ordered. With 540 hp and 530 lb.-ft. torque, it apes the classic
Hemi. Lightweight aluminum aids performance through better
acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics and weight distribution.
MoPar’s 440 Super Commando crate engine commands instant respect
and admiration with an estimated output of 500 hp and 535 lb.-ft. of
torque. With this engine under its hood, a resto-mod packs punch on the
street or drag strip.
Last, but not least, is the 410 Magnum “Six Pack” crate engine with
465 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. This MoPar crate engine is packed with
power and additional performance capabilities.
Aftermarket Factory Crate Engines
In addition to the crate engines available from automakers, there are
many aftermarket companies that make/sell crate engines. Lingenfelter
Performance Engineering (www.lingenfelter.com), Gale Banks
Engineering (www.bankspower.com), Edelbrock LLC
(www.edelbrock.com) and Promar Precision Engine