Is a crate engine really a crate engine?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Why is a crate engine called a crate engine? Because it comes in a crate. Any engine that comes in a crate is a crate engine. Any other definition is just silly. Isn't there enough real stuff to argue about?
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
To me a "crate engine" is new and kinda "mass produced" for public consumption. And of course comes in a crate.
However I see the higher end custom stuff like you'd order from Dart or World Products to be "a step up" perhaps deserving the term "custom crate engine" or something - but that's just me.
I think we all mostly agree that it has to be a new build made from new castings to be a crate engine of any type. (as well as of course come to you in a crate).
-W
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
Around here, the dealer engines are called counter engines. Someone said earlier that the crate engine might be an engine built the same as many others in a uniform manor.
I think the popularity of "crate engine" has come into popularity because fewer folks are building their own engines.
Another skill being lost to the world by virtue of the ease and access of the crate engine. Personally I feel the learning curve in understanding how an engine works is part of the hobby. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in an engine built by one's own hands. Not everyone wants that, but look at the learning curve of the fella who built his 383 over the last year on here. I'd bet he has a vastly expanded understanding of what's what in an engine now.
There is a radio car guy here who give advice. Among that advice he says auto repair stores won't screw ya. LOL
I think the popularity of "crate engine" has come into popularity because fewer folks are building their own engines.
Another skill being lost to the world by virtue of the ease and access of the crate engine. Personally I feel the learning curve in understanding how an engine works is part of the hobby. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in an engine built by one's own hands. Not everyone wants that, but look at the learning curve of the fella who built his 383 over the last year on here. I'd bet he has a vastly expanded understanding of what's what in an engine now.
There is a radio car guy here who give advice. Among that advice he says auto repair stores won't screw ya. LOL
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 465
Likes: 18
From: NorthEast
Simple yet effective.
