Moparts
to build a hemi or buy a crate motor?
Posted By: relax383
to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 07:19 PM
Hey guys I am saving up to put a Hemi in my 70 RR and i have a few questions.
1. Would you guys build you own engine up or would you buy a crate motor from MP?
2. If i do build my own which block is a good one to start with Iron or Aluminum? Any block to avoid?
This will be going into a street car so I don't need full on race equipment.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 07:27 PM
Quote:
Hey guys I am saving up to put a Hemi in my 70 RR and i have a few questions.
1. Would you guys build you own engine up or would you buy a crate motor from MP?
2. If i do build my own which block is a good one to start with Iron or Aluminum? Any block to avoid?
This will be going into a street car so I don't need full on race equipment.
For what your doing the crate engine is a good bet
BUT I would have a good shop go though it due to
they use to come out of MP sorta messed up... that was
some years back
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 07:44 PM
Thanks Mr P Body
all advice is welcome
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 09:26 PM
I agree with the other advice, buying a motor built is fine but I wouldn't buy from MP. You'll get a better engine for your money with other vendors.
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 09:46 PM
why buy a crate motor just to have somebody rebuild it? just find a builder and have them build it.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 09:50 PM
Quote:
why buy a crate motor just to have somebody rebuild it? just find a builder and have them build it.
Because the price isnt bad for a crate... but the
last time I heard(some years back) the valve train was
a mess... if you know how you can do the work yourself
Posted By: RoadRunner
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 10:48 PM
Either way, start shopping now. New block inventory is pretty much dried up. Asking price for the few blocks out there are 2x the price they were a few months ago. Not sure on crate engine builders. They may have an inventory. I prefer to build myself. If something is screwed up, it's my mistake and I have no one to blame. You can also buy the parts you want and tied to parts the supplier works with.
Good luck.
Posted By: Uncle Barry
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 11:23 PM
I was just contemplating on this subject myself. The price of a crate motor is pretty reasonable and my brother and I would tear into it and check or fix what needs fixed as long as there are no bad castings, bores, crank etc. But I'd hate to buy one and be a piece of junk.
Posted By: maxie
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 11:25 PM
I have pieced two hems together with quality parts.
The one in the road runner:
426 cubic inches
eagle crank
manly rods
j and e pistons
mopar aluminum heads
indy single four intake
comp cams mechanical cam
rockers from FHO
stage V valve covers
jesse biggs 1070 cdm single four
all new parts when I built it, but the intake. I have $8500 in it
The hemi in the demon
433 cubic inches
callies super stock cheater crank
diamond pistons 11 to 1
990 tool steel pins
600/600 248 at 50 solid roller
comp roller lifters
dick landy roller rockers
iron heads
stainless valves ferra
rick allison cross ram
770 holleys
I have about 14,000 in it. All new parts when assembled but the valve covers
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/06/14 11:31 PM
Quote:
I have pieced two hems together with quality parts.
The one in the road runner:
426 cubic inches
eagle crank
manly rods
j and e pistons
mopar aluminum heads
indy single four intake
comp cams mechanical cam
rockers from FHO
stage V valve covers
jesse biggs 1070 cdm single four
all new parts when I built it, but the intake. I have $8500 in it
The hemi in the demon
433 cubic inches
callies super stock cheater crank
diamond pistons 11 to 1
990 tool steel pins
600/600 248 at 50 solid roller
comp roller lifters
dick landy roller rockers
iron heads
stainless valves ferra
rick allison cross ram
770 holleys
I have about 14,000 in it. All new parts when assembled but the valve covers
I dont see a block in either or the machine work..
and when did you build them
Posted By: maxie
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 12:31 AM
Quote:
Quote:
I have pieced two hems together with quality parts.
The one in the road runner:
426 cubic inches
eagle crank
manly rods
j and e pistons
mopar aluminum heads
indy single four intake
comp cams mechanical cam
rockers from FHO
stage V valve covers
jesse biggs 1070 cdm single four
all new parts when I built it, but the intake. I have $8500 in it
The hemi in the demon
433 cubic inches
callies super stock cheater crank
diamond pistons 11 to 1
990 tool steel pins
600/600 248 at 50 solid roller
comp roller lifters
dick landy roller rockers
iron heads
stainless valves ferra
rick allison cross ram
770 holleys
I have about 14,000 in it. All new parts when assembled but the valve covers
I dont see a block in either or the machine work..
and when did you build them
The one in the road runner was done about 9 years ago, the one in the demon was done 3 years ago. Both times I had new blocks.
It would be hard to justify/build the road runner motor again. I am a toolmaker and a buddy of mine would ask me to make him stuff for his car. I never charged him anything, thats what friends are for. One day he called me and said he had a new hemi mega block and did I know anybody that would want it. He buys all sales parts and acquired it in a trade. I told him I would take it if the price was right. What ever he got out of it was pure profit. He said as long as I built it and didn't sell it, that I could have it for $350. He said it was his way of paying me back for all the years of making him stuff or wrenching on his car.
All the machine work and assembly was done at Sharpes Racing engines in Liberty Indiana.
Posted By: maxie
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 12:33 AM
There was a complete 1966 hemi at the Indy swap meet last year for $8500. Was a running motor on a test stand.
There was one on craigslist in Richmond Indiana back in the winter for around $7500. Had a blower with it and was apart
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 12:37 AM
The one in the road runner was done about 9 years ago, the one in the demon was done 3 years ago. Both times I had new blocks.
It would be hard to justify/build the road runner motor again. I am a toolmaker and a buddy of mine would ask me to make him stuff for his car. I never charged him anything, thats what friends are for. One day he called me and said he had a new hemi mega block and did I know anybody that would want it. He buys all sales parts and acquired it in a trade. I told him I would take it if the price was right. What ever he got out of it was pure profit. He said as long as I built it and didn't sell it, that I could have it for $350. He said it was his way of paying me back for all the years of making him stuff or wrenching on his car.
All the machine work and assembly was done at Sharpes Racing engines in Liberty Indiana.
I dont know if new blocks are used in the crate engines
or not but whats the cost of a new block now days..
if you can find one
Posted By: maxie
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 12:48 AM
I think $2800
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 02:28 AM
I see the merits of going either way. Thanks for all the replys.
I am actually leaning toward piecing one together since i can choose which parts. Also if i collect them slowly I can always resell them if things don't pan out.
Who would you guys recommend buying a block from? Aluminum or Iron
Posted By: AndyF
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 02:44 AM
A buddy of mine just sold a Barton 528 inch crate Hemi for $14,000. That was a good price for that engine but it took him quite awhile to sell it. Not too many people have the cash to buy an engine like that.
Posted By: 68HEMIRR
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 04:35 AM
YOU COULD CALL TIM BANNING
http://www.forhemisonly.com/index.htmlhe could build you whatever you want.....great guy
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 02:13 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Hey guys I am saving up to put a Hemi in my 70 RR and i have a few questions.
1. Would you guys build you own engine up or would you buy a crate motor from MP?
2. If i do build my own which block is a good one to start with Iron or Aluminum? Any block to avoid?
This will be going into a street car so I don't need full on race equipment.
For what your doing the crate engine is a good bet
BUT I would have a good shop go though it due to
they use to come out of MP sorta messed up... that was
some years back
My buddy paid a ton for his 472, he pulled the pan and hit every nut/bolt on the thing before he put it in the car. Seems the assembly was NOT done w/ care.
I'd think you could get a better deal buying the parts and doing it yourself.
Posted By: rickseeman
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 04:01 PM
It's not like it used to be. If you get a block, the cylinder bores would be off so you would have to take it somewhere to get it honed, the main bores would be too tight so it would have to be line honed, the nose of the crank would be too big and the balancer would have to be honed, the valves wouldn't fit the guides etc. You can't really "put one together yourself" because none of this stuff you can buy today fits so it won't bolt together.
If I were in your shoes I would call Ray Barton and get a pump gas 528.
Posted By: Challenger340
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/07/14 04:14 PM
I think the Crate Engines are a great "Building Block"... or rather "parts package" from which to dis-assemble, go through, and correct, or otherwise build into something you would be more happy with ?
Sorry for the negativity here... but even the later ones we've seen/Dyno'd.. that ran fine.... just weren't that great at anything.
Nonetheless,
as a parts pkg.... Block, Crank, Rods, yada, yada, great place to start from IMO.
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 02:01 AM
Man you guys weren't kiddin about people trying to sell blocks at a premium. I better get on it.
Posted By: HEMI472
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 03:48 AM
I thought crate 528 hemis was done by Ray Barton?? i dont think you have to tear it apart????? He might have done 1 or 2
Posted By: mosweethemi
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 10:32 AM
HELLO BUILD YOU A HEMI . FOR AROUND $10.000 THERE OR A LOT OF GOOD USE PARTS, WE JUST PICKED UP A 1968 STD BORE BLOCK AND A SET OF STOCK RODS. FOR $2500.00 AND A SET OF NEW HEADS FOR ANOTHER $2500.00 AND A STD CRANK FOR $500.00. WE HAVE MOST OF THE BIG PARTS ALL BUT ROCKER ARMS . LOOKING AT A SET FOR $1500.00 THAT COMES TO ABOUT $7000.00 IN BIG PARTS . MACHINE WORK FOR ANOTHER $350.00 .SMALL PARTS BEARINGS, CAM KIT , RINGS ,GASKET, OIL PAN ,PICKUP OIL PUMP CHAIN SET. INTAKE ,VALVE COVERS.$1500.00 FOR A TOTAL $8850.00 YOU HAVE $1150.00 TO GO . CAN MAKE YOU A 10.000 MOTOR . BETTER THEN A CRATE MOTOR.
A REAL MOPAR MAN ,
Posted By: RoadRunner
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 04:24 PM
Quote:
Man you guys weren't kiddin about people trying to sell blocks at a premium. I better get on it.
Word has it that the machining for the blocks isn't up and running. From what I understand, and I could be wrong, is that all the machining is in storage and looking to be installed somewhere. Jegs, Summit and those type of places were told late May for availability. Some of the suppliers who advertise here indicate that MP has no chance of making the late May date. My guess is by next year blocks will be back on the market. If you are not in a hurry, you could wait for supply to catch up to demand.
For reference, block DCC-5155072A was $2600 last November, went to $2900 in March. I tried ordering and told it was on back order. They are now showing up on ebay for $5000.
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 08:18 PM
I can wait unless some one is selling one and isn't too greedy.
Posted By: Biginchmopar
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 08:29 PM
I can build you one. That being said I can get parts or you can get parts either way doesn't matter to me.
I could get a KB Aluminum block for right around $5000.00 that would be the best block you can get.
The rest of the stuff is probably readily available.
Let me know, I'm on the West Coast, sort of.
Posted By: fishy340
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 08:30 PM
Mopar doesn't build anything other then cars in a showroom.I know 5 yrs ago that Ray Barton built all the crate 528 hemi's ( not sure if that was exact cubic inch one ) anyway you know what i mean.
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/08/14 08:37 PM
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/12/14 10:09 PM
I gave Keith Black a call I am going to start with one of their Aluminum blocks yes it is expensive but the weight reduction and improved handling will be worth it. Going to fill the bottom end with Crower crank and rods. they are local so i can just pick them up. not sure yet on pistons and final CR would do you guys think for a street hemi? I can run on pump gas or there is a SOCO station by my house i can get 100 if i want.
Thoughts?
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/12/14 10:13 PM
Quote:
I gave Keith Black a call I am going to start with one of their Aluminum blocks yes it is expensive but the weight reduction and improved handling will be worth it. Going to fill the bottom end with Crower crank and rods. they are local so i can just pick them up. not sure yet on pistons and final CR would do you guys think for a street hemi? I can run on pump gas or there is a SOCO station by my house i can get 100 if i want.
Thoughts?
I would stay with pump gas 93 at max and base comp
on that
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/12/14 10:25 PM
good idea I wish we had 93 in CA
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/12/14 10:34 PM
Quote:
good idea I wish we had 93 in CA
Well what ever your premium fuel is but stay short
just in case they reduce the octane
Posted By: relax383
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/12/14 10:42 PM
thanks for the advice wasn't trying to be sarcastic. Just wish CA wasn't so..........different.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: to build a hemi or buy a crate motor? - 04/12/14 10:51 PM
Quote:
thanks for the advice wasn't trying to be sarcastic. Just wish CA wasn't so..........different.
I understand... I built my SB to run on 87 and its
still about 600HP