popular with hobbyists today, because they can speed the completion of
a project. They also provide a warranty that provides peace of mind to
hobbyists that drive their cars. In addition to GM, Ford Motor Co. and
Chrysler also offer crate engines to the hobbyist.
GM Factory Crate Engines
GM crate engines come in five families and numerous horsepower and
displacement combinations. The engine families are the LS small-block
V-8, the Chevy small-block V-8, the Chevy big-block V-8, RPO engines
and race engines.
The 290-hp 350 H.O. Chevy small-block V-8 is a deal that delivers
reliability with its four-bolt mains, PM steel rods and strong cast-
aluminum pistons.
Fuel injection fans can order a Ram Jet 350-cid/350-hp GM crate
engine with iron Vortec heads. One of the nicest things about this power
plant is that, once installed, all you need is a 12-volt power supply and
fuel. You don’t have to deal with a whole mess of electrical wires.
The 383-cid stroker engine has been built by rodders for years and
now GM makes it at the factory. This crate engine packs 425 hp and
offers plenty of stump-pulling torque at 460 lb.-ft.
GM’s 320-hp LS1 350 provides state-of-the-art performance and
famously powered the fourth-generation Camaros and Firebirds. The all-
aluminum small-block V-8 comes complete with fuel injectors, exhaust
manifolds and a flex plate. It also includes the ECM (electronic control
module) and a wiring harness that allows it to be installed and teamed
with a four-speed automatic transmission for use in any 1975-or-earlier
vehicle.
Hobbyists fascinated by the big-block mystique can order a 770-hp,
572-cube GM big-block V-8 straight from the factory. The old adage still
rings true: “There’s no replacement for displacement!”
The base big-block crate engine is the 454-cid, 425-hp mill, which is
priced to maximize “bang for the buck.” This is a good classic high-
performance V-8 with big valves, rectangular ports, forged pistons, a
forged crank, forged connecting rods and four-bolt mains. At 500 lb.-ft.,
it has plenty of torque, too.
The next step up from 425 hp is GM’s Ram Jet 502 crate engine with