build or buy
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: baltimore ohio
build or buy
I'm looking at a patriot 383 engine . Looks like it make great hp and torque for the money and a 12 month and unlimited mileage. does any have any dealings with patriot? It seem like I would have that much in machine work and heads and other stuff for my motor, just thinking
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
there are quite a few places like pace and yearone that sell crates at good prices. You probably would have a hard time building it yourself for the prices and you will have a warranty. On the other side of the argument, you won't know what parts are used inside if you don't do it yourself.
For a 383, I'd personally buy the crate. Alot of people have had good success in here using them. I don't know of the patriot specifically though.
For a 383, I'd personally buy the crate. Alot of people have had good success in here using them. I don't know of the patriot specifically though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Depends on what your goals are. Crate engines are the easiest way to go and you have a lot of options. For me, I want to LEARN to assemble motors and build good power, so crate is not an option.
I'd look at GMPP or YearOne for some of their motors.
I'd look at GMPP or YearOne for some of their motors.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
For most, a crate motor's best, as there's more to a basic build than you'd think. If you're really wanting to tweak, such as ring file fit, cam degreeing, bearing clearance, ext. then good if you know what you're doing. A crate is a good general choice, and usually carries a warranty.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
I suppose the main advantage to a crate is that one doesnt get caught up in slight improvement here slight improvement there, i.e. buying the best bolts in the world, adding on every little internal power adder, like expensive windage trays mtd to pricey studs, crank scrapers and expensive oil pans. All of which the home builder might do.
they probably just static balance the reciprocating assembly, use low cost parts where possible, I doubt they degree cams or file fit rings.
I for one like to assemble my engines, I've done six so far without any problems.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
I've often wondered how do they sell crates at such low prices if there is a lot that goes into a basic build?. what are they leaving out? machining? parts quality? There was a recent thread about even GMPP big block crates not boring with torque plates.
I suppose the main advantage to a crate is that one doesnt get caught up in slight improvement here slight improvement there, i.e. buying the best bolts in the world, adding on every little internal power adder, like expensive windage trays mtd to pricey studs, crank scrapers and expensive oil pans. All of which the home builder might do.
they probably just static balance the reciprocating assembly, use low cost parts where possible, I doubt they degree cams or file fit rings.
I for one like to assemble my engines, I've done six so far without any problems.
I suppose the main advantage to a crate is that one doesnt get caught up in slight improvement here slight improvement there, i.e. buying the best bolts in the world, adding on every little internal power adder, like expensive windage trays mtd to pricey studs, crank scrapers and expensive oil pans. All of which the home builder might do.
they probably just static balance the reciprocating assembly, use low cost parts where possible, I doubt they degree cams or file fit rings.
I for one like to assemble my engines, I've done six so far without any problems.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 50
From: Prosper TX
I was going to go crate due to my lack of experience building motors (none), however I have decided I will build my own. There are great books, dvd's and online videos that will walk you step-by-step that I've decided this winter/spring I'll try this myself. If I have any issues or need direction, I hope to lean on my friends here on the forum and my local Corvette buddies. Personally, I think the more I know my motor, the more I'll be able to troubleshoot and fix things on my own.
We'll see how it goes!
We'll see how it goes!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I've built a few engine's myself and agree getting hold of some publication's is a good idea. S-A Design book's has some good one's. I have their engine blueprinting book and is very good. They have several other's, even one dedicated to building small block's. Pretty sure most of the speed shop's like Summit and Jeg's carry these.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
I was going to go crate due to my lack of experience building motors (none), however I have decided I will build my own. There are great books, dvd's and online videos that will walk you step-by-step that I've decided this winter/spring I'll try this myself. If I have any issues or need direction, I hope to lean on my friends here on the forum and my local Corvette buddies. Personally, I think the more I know my motor, the more I'll be able to troubleshoot and fix things on my own.
We'll see how it goes!
We'll see how it goes!
Keep your work area scrupulously clean, measure everything several times and always ask questions if you dont know what to do next. never just storm ahead.
you will be fine
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 50
From: Prosper TX
I've built a few engine's myself and agree getting hold of some publication's is a good idea. S-A Design book's has some good one's. I have their engine blueprinting book and is very good. They have several other's, even one dedicated to building small block's. Pretty sure most of the speed shop's like Summit and Jeg's carry these.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,868
Likes: 961
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I think most guys will agree that buying a crate motor is faster and less headache than assembling the engine yourself, but there's an unmatched feeling of accomplishment and pride every time you start-up and drive/race an engine you've assembled yourself. There's an appreciation of what the engine has to deal with at high RPM when you've physically lifted the weight of that crankshaft and know how much that piston/rod combo weighs.
Good luck, and post photos.
Good luck, and post photos.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 50
From: Prosper TX
That's the experience and feeling I want to have as well. What freaks me out most is cam bearings, main bearings and this plastigauge stuff I read about. Oh, and also filing rings. I have a lot to read!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
How close are you on cost to buliding the 383 short block ?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Whoever does your machine work can do those things for you if you don't want to try it. Cam bearings they should do anyway.