Video: How to Choose the Right Crate Engine

If you’ve decided to go with a crate engine instead of the original engine or a used engine on your vehicle build, there are several choices you’ll need to make.

You will first need to choose which style of crate engine you want. Your choices are: Short blocks, Long blocks, and Fully dressed engines.

Watch the video below to learn both the advantages and disadvantages of each crate engine style, so you can choose with confidence the crate engine that’s best for your build.

Here’s a brief overview of the various crate engine styles and what is usually included with each:

Short block crate engines

• Engine block with balanced rotating assembly
• Requires many extra parts and accessories (camshaft, cylinder heads, ignition system, intake manifold, carburetor, water pump, fuel pump, oil pan, pullies, brackets, etc.)
• Increases build time
• Increases cost
• Can limit how much of the engine is covered under warranty

Long block crate engines

• Essentially a short block with many more installed components
• Usually includes cylinder heads, camshaft, oil pan, harmonic balancer, and valve covers
• Some include intake manifolds and water pumps; you are encouraged to pay attention to the details
• Typically includes a horsepower and torque rating

Fully dressed crate engines

• Fully dressed from head to toe; fuel delivery system included
• Dyno tuned with dyno sheet included
• Probably will not include front drive accessories, though some include serpentine kits with alternator and power steering pumps
• Completely covered under warranty, so long as all manufacturer suggestions were followed at installation

Watch the video here: