This is a question for everybody that has purchased an engine from the Engine Factory for their vette. Or if you have a friend that has done so.

How do you like it? Are you satisfied with the engine? How was the engine factory to deal with? Were there any issues that came up unexpectedly?

I am finally at a point with mine that I can seriously look to get an engine. I want something turn-key, drop in and go. I would just like the opinions.

I am also considering local builders, but some of the comments I have heard are less than stellar. I will look into the GM crate engines as well.

Thanks
Ryan

 

I'm expecting my 383 from the engine factory in a few weeks. I can only tell you that I researched them thoroughly and was satisfied with everything that I found out about them. The nicest thing that really sealed the deal for me to buy from them was that i told them I needed the motor now for fitting purposes into my hot rod and probably wouldn't have the car running during my warranty period. They told me this scenario happens all the time with some of their customers and I could just let them know when I get the car running and they would start my warranty period at that time. Now how nice is that? That tells me they have sound business practices and are confident of their products! Regards, Marv

 

I have an engine From the Engine Factory and it came as described...somewhat.

First the picture on their site shows a March belt setup with two belts that wrap all the pulleys very well, but the one you get stretches one belt around every thing. I don't know if the lack of contact will be a problem as yet, maybe not. The ad says, "your belt system may not be as shown", but I assumed that depended on the number of accessories.

Second, Be prepared for delivery charges above and beyond the rate you pay Engine Factory. Their deliverer wanted an additional $135.00 to lower his lift gate. Even if you have a way to get it off his truck "he still has to lower his lift gate".

Third, After I get the thing unpackaged I noticed there were two cuts in the serpentine belt, (obviously happened during packaging). Numerous attempts to contact them were fruitless. It does seem as though once they have your card number the service kind of disappears.

I have not yet started my engine, but everything does look good. They were good to work with until the entire bill was payed. They did send me the video of the engine running and explained everything in the video. I did a considerable amount of research before going there and have since learned that there are equivalent deals out there.

The 383/450 has a 10.3:1 compression ratio which is on the raged edge of pump gas and pinging. There are options out there for higher HP'r engines with a lot less comp ratios.

I wouldn't say they are a bad or terrible place to shop nor is their product bad, since I haven't started it yet. But you got to wonder about their availability when and if there is a problem with the engine???

 

I've been very satisfied with my 383 from Engine Factory. They emailed me pictures first and that's where I too notice the single serpentine belt. I called them and they corrected it and said that the long water pump would also be required. No problem for me as I was also installing an electric fan. I did have to remove the HEI distributor, not because it was bad but it was way to tight up against the firewall. I replaced it with an MSD distributor with tach drive. I have not driven the car out of my driveway yet but the motor sounds real strong. It fired right up, no leaks and looks great. The Engine Factory did a good job in my book.

Thanks,
b

 

There use to be a guy on here that had worked at Jasper engines in your state. He said they had a special program and would build or rebuild about about any motor that you wanted. This was a side to their regular motor buildups. Don't know, if they do it now.

 

Hello Ryan,

Just thought I would toss in my $.02. I am in the process of a 65 300hp rebuild. Although the crate enginer route is still an option for me, I am currently pursuing a rebuild on my original motor. After removal, total disassembly, and considerable research with local machine shops and other real and cyber "experts", I am looking at at minimum of $1500 in machine shop labor and probably another $500 in parts. These are Chicago area numbers and are based on me doing all the disassembly and assembly. I know there are several crate solutions which would be comparable in price, and I wouldn't have to worry about "ventilating" the original block when cruising the town.

Anyhow, my car seems to be a pretty orginal old car so I will probably just do the restoration thing to keep the car consistent. If you car or motivations dont fit this genre, then the crate motor makes a lot of sense.

JMHO...

JimV

 

How long is their warranty? Have seen Edelbrock has similar engines, a bit more dollars but they have a two year warranty.

 

3-Month Warranty! Though, as was stated earlier, they said they will not start the warranty until you are on the road. They say give them a call when you are operational then the warranty starts.

 

To me a 3-Month Warranty = You start it, you own it.

 

GM Performance Parts crate motors have the BEST warranty; 12 months and you can take it to any GM dealership and it is covered parts & labor (even if you or some other shop installs the engine).
Roy

 

I also talked to the people at the Engine Factory. I got their video as well. I went with the GM zz383 because it was a fresh engine no used parts and the warranty as stated above.

 

While we are on this does GM offer warrenties on the LS1 and LS6? How long?

 

I have also seen World Products 509 motors with 575hp for about $9000. They come with 2 year warrenties as well.

 

Just checked and ALL GM Crate engines have the same warranty, 12 months parts & labor.
Roy

 

In May 2004 I replaced the original 5.7 in my 1989 Suburban with a 5.7 Chevy crate engine - all new parts- not a rebuild. The warranty is 5 years or 50,000 miles. I did the install. All the dealership required was the odometer reading. Not sure if that same warranty applies to high performance engines. However, the engine was made in Mexico.

 

I think all GMPP engines are assembled in Mexico.

 

Thanks for the information. This is the kind of info I was looking for.

Talisman, my car has the original engine, but the car has flares and will not be original anytime soon. I planned to bag the original engine and go with a crate engine and not worry about it.

I have no experience with engine building, so I don't want to go that route with me doing assembly. In the future, I would like to learn.

Thanks again.
Ryan

 

That's correct, and it's nothing new - the only set of foundry tools and engine machining lines in existence for Gen I Chevy V-8's is in Mexico, and that's the way it's been for many years.

 

Ahhh yes, the taco block.

Rich

 

I installed a GM Crate Motor, ZZ4 in my '61. Swap to a short water pump if needed, add plug wires, fuel pump, carburetor, etc. You have a new engine that has a nice torque curve and plenty of power for a C1.

This motor has aluminum heads and compression is 10:1. 355 hp. I used an 800 cfm Edelbrock, heard the 650 cfm was not quite enough and the 800 made the engine come alive. I think it seems to be plenty .

Shipping was reasonable and no problem. They also have several fully configured packages that are drop in installs it sounds like.

www.sdpc2000.com
www.sallee

Best of luck. Dave