I've been debating different engine builders for the crate I'm going to buy.

I was gonna order the CT350PC1 on Turkey-Day, because Yearone had a 15% off deal then, but turned out the engine did not qualify. So that gave me more time to shop around.

Now, There are a couple of 383's from AR Racing on ebay that look nice for the money. I've searched here for AR Racing, and found mixed reviews. I also contacted several ebayers who bought from them. I got pretty much good responses: (below)

Is there a current consensus on AR Racing?
Thanks

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Hello I'm Ben. And I bought the 475hp engine from them. As soon as i got it we fired it right up on an engine stand it seemed fine. We recently dropped it into my truck and it fired again without any problems. Its a crazy engine way to much hp. I'm shure it will be fun thou. The only thing I was pissed about was the orange oil pan on the red engine. Some paint took care of that thou. For the price its a good buy I wouldn't ever build any engine again if i can buy amazing hp for that price. Engine was a 383/475hp pro street chevy stroker engine, new. it actually has about 481 hp and 475 torque. I went with a gear drive bc I wanted the sound of a supercharger. and a demon 750 carborator. I havn't drove on it yet. any more questions just ask.

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I have no complaints,the price was right.I recieved the 383 with vortec cast iron heada. It is a very strong motor and works well.it is suppose to have 430 hrspower and 470 lbs of tourque. I had them break the motor in for me so I did not have any surprises. Very good guys to deal with. If you have anymore quwations just ask.
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I asked them to break it in because I live in Canada and wanted to make sure it was running good before it was shipped. They charged me 150.00 and that included the oil and spark plugs plus the time it ran. Basically they break the cam in for you so when you fire it up at home everything is a go. I am runing a 2800 stall converter with a 700r4 overdrive tranny. They recommended a 2500 at least but my tranny guy looked at the engine build and said go with a 2800. I have run it all summer no problems , it is stil running. I am still working on some timing issues is all and finding the right gas station for the right gas. But that will all work out I am just trying to get to much advance. I have it all figured out now. It runs real strong, can't keep the tires from spinning from the start with the family in the car. I like it. I priced the same build up here and they wanted twice the price and some more, so I figured I could blow one up if it never worked out. But I am happy. They will answer alot of your questions too, real good guys down there .
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Good bunch of guys to deal with, Motor runs great no problems I'm happy would buy from them again

 

Here we go again, try and find someone who has had one for a couple of years and see if it is still running

 

I had my 570hp 406 engine from American Speed already since nearly 3 years and about 6.000 miles on the clock...just changed regularly (fully sint) oil and filter every 500 miles, put in the best (italian) coolant available, changed plugs only once, clean filters and take dust regularly with alcohol every 2 days off its surface...and let it warm up every time i turn it on before hammering it.

Never had a prob, never heard a funny sound, never overheated...and i usually run it with no spared having in return a delirium of hard feelings

Ohhh...and until now if i ask the builder for an advice they reply with full indications just hours later!

It costed me more or less 16.000 usd though

Generally speaking and for my small experience i'd say go for the best, it always will cost you the less...

 

Far far away. Trust me on this. I have had 4 of their motors. I know.

 

Try the engine factory and ask for Mike. Quality, integrity and customer service. www.enginefactory.com

An no I don't work for them nor have any affiliation with them. Some of my buds have their engines in their rods for years!

Too bad I can't afford one.

I'm wrenching my own up to around 400HP and 400TQ.

Good luck with your search

 

Go local.

 

I may be the exception to that. I had them build a 383 for me. I have over 8000 miles on it, long hauled the Power Tour in 2006, and have dozens of eighth mile passes on it. It's not a "mild" build. It's 11:1 compression with a 242/248@.050HR in it. I haven't used my N2O yet. Maybe that will tell the true story.

 

I would really advise anyone to have a local race engine builder do this. The guy who built my engine had 2 crate motors the first day I visited him torn down due to problems right out of the box. Read the fine print on the warranties as well. A real pain if you do have a problem. A local builder knows if there is a problem you are right around the corner and if he builds race motors he knows they better "run the number" or he will have many unhappy customers.

Bill

 

I have one of there 383 builds.:o Ive had it for 2 years no problems ,when I got it it had normal oil pressure and when I pulled the pan for a 7 quart oil pan I found a stock pump which was advertised as high volume pump but everything else looked as avertised speed pro pistons roller rockers motors runs and pulls very strong have 5000 miles or so on it have run it hard alot no issues. I would say its hit or miss with them I would not buy another just because of some of the issues ive read about them but I feal that I got a good motor and a good price. This motor is all of the 426 hp 468 ftlb its says it is and no smoke and great oil pressure with the high volume I put in it. I agree that I would go local next time or build myself.