I would buy a crate motor from someone like Indy Cylinder Head or Muscle Motors, probably not MP. I think they are more concerned with their reputations and do thier own work as opposed to having the motors built in mexico, although I may be wrong about that. Their prices seem to be a little more than MP, but I would pay that to get a better quality motor. I also think you would get better customer service. If you had a problem with a motor from Indy or Muscle Motors you could call them and talk to someone that actually knows how these motors are put together, not just someone behind a parts counter at the local Dodge dealership.

My 2 cents
Arno

I've dealt with Dave (Hughes engines) & he's as conscientious as they come & a dyed in the wool Mopar nut.

Thanks for all the good advice people. I now have a lot more info to pass along to those who need it.

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FWIW I had muscle motors build me a shortblock several years ago.It ran great and made good power.I had a problem with it and Eric was great to deal with and PROMPTLY took care of it to my satisfaction.
Another good shop is Hensley Racing.I purchased a set of ported iron heads for above longblock.Ran great and made much power but engine smoked constantly.Replaced intake gaskets twice to no avail.Ken said send back and I'll do you another pair no questions asked.He did and smoking went away.You can't find service like that just anywhere.
Hughes Engines has always been good to me as well.

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Man, that motor sounded like it was a pain in the butt from the get go. I think he(cyl head guy) tried to cut corners on the first set of heads, sorry you had to do it(rebuild the motor) at least twice.

As far as the new 426 & 472 Crates I sure wouldn't worry about them now. With Gary stanton building them the quality is there. He also build's SB's & Wedge motors for them too as well as Still building Outlaw & Sprint motors. They had a new 410 Sixpack SB going on the Dyno the other day.

And yes he'll build anybody a motor. We've got an Indy-headed 528 Hemi being built there right now for a friend.

Butch

my friend has one of those 472 crate hemis in a satellite and it runs great. the only problem is he wount let me run it up to 6000 to REALLY test it out... but ive driven it and it runs hard. no noises. typical hemi issues

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Man, that motor sounded like it was a pain in the butt from the get go. I think he(cyl head guy) tried to cut corners on the first set of heads, sorry you had to do it(rebuild the motor) at least twice.

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I don't feel like Hensley cut any corners at all.When extensively porting a 30 year old pair of heads it could be real easy to have a thin spot in a casting or a small crack go unnoticed.I have ordered from them since and will do so again.I have the utmost respect for Ken and the whole gang at Hensley.
The muscle motors deal was an honest mistake.Yea it sucks it happened to me and it cost a few extra bucks but what matters is when mistakes are made(and they will happen)the people are honest and do whatever they can to rectify the situation.Both times they did just that.There are some local guys I have used that havent.I am still dealing with the after effects of one on my corvette right now.