408W from the Engine Factory or Keith Kraft?

Cannoball888 · Dec 9, 2006

I've looked at about a half dozen crate engine builders and have narrowed it down to two. They both are about the same price. Which is the better one? The one from the Engine Factory I would have them sub with the Vic Jr heads and intake and a larger cam.

Engine Factory 408W crate

Keith Craft Standard 408W crate

entdoc · Dec 9, 2006

I would go with Craft

coolblue65 · Dec 9, 2006

I really like DSS, I have been planning on a new motor for awhile, and I am planning on going with them. I have yet to hear any negative opinions on them.

http://dssracing.com/

xoxbxfx · Dec 9, 2006

coolblue65 said:
I really like DSS, I have been planning on a new motor for awhile, and I am planning on going with them. I have yet to hear any negative opinions on them.

http://dssracing.com/

Do some research...I have read many bad things abou them and Coast High.

I personally would go with Keith Kraft.... They are local to me and I know of a few people running their motors with no problems.

Robdogg67 · Dec 10, 2006

Another vote for KC, most all the others are "me-too's" with same or similar components. They do not have the experience or longstanding reputation and you cannot me-too that either. In 5-10 years KC will still be there like he has for 20+ no question, others will fall out for sure as the market tightens.

Assumming both are equal price wise with apples to apples stuff, I would go with KC even if the others offered a warranty.

coolblue65 · Dec 10, 2006

xoxbxfx said:
Do some research...I have read many bad things abou them and Coast High.

I personally would go with Keith Kraft.... They are local to me and I know of a few people running their motors with no problems.

Really? I have heard plenty of bad things about Coast, but never anything about DSS - is there anything specific about them? I suppose I will have to do some more digging.

xoxbxfx · Dec 11, 2006

coolblue65 said:
Really? I have heard plenty of bad things about Coast, but never anything about DSS - is there anything specific about them? I suppose I will have to do some more digging.

man..I have heard lots of things over the years and cant honestly tell you anything specific...just been to long since I have even thought about them. Sad to say, Im not really into the mustang thing anymore... I just pop in once and a while to drop my $.02

66HertzClone · Dec 11, 2006

I had a problem with the stroker I bought from KC. A head gasket failed after about 500 miles worth of driving. When I took it apart I found they had used those graphite Ford head gaskets, and when checked we found the gasket was thicker by .012" at the upper head bolts than the lower bolts. The machine shop said this indicated improper torque.

I also found rusty sediment in the engine, it looked like the boil process was skipped. I was unable to remove the drain plugs from the block, two tools were broken in the process. I ended up making a vacuum like tool with small diameter tubing that I could slide into the holes for the water jacket and suck the sediment out of the block. I kept the sediment as a souvenir and even thought of sending a sample to KC.

While I did all the work other than a pressure test of the heads, the repair cost me $280.00 in parts. All I wanted from them was to cover the costs I incurred. They denied any responsibility and offered to send me replacement head gaskets, this saved me about $100 of the total, had they agreed to the total I would not have even replied to this. I spent over 7K for the motor and a dyno run with them, in my opinion they should have stood up and taken responsibility, just thought you would want to know.

Cannoball888 · Dec 11, 2006

Wow, you're the first I have read about having had a problem with KC. I guess all the builders have some bad examples. I'll just have to choose the one which I think has the best record. However, I still think it's KC so far.

GoinBroke · Dec 11, 2006

Does any of your local builders offer a warranty? I just have completed the breakin on my 408 I had sourced locally from a builder and could not say better things about the service. I supplied him the block, the rotating assembly and other parts (except heads) and he completed the engine from there. I picked it up and after installing it in my car he came to my house and did the initial firing and the cam breakin.
I have visited him twice since for checkups and carb tuning at no charge also. His normal engine warranty for general service cars is 12 month/12k. His builds like mine he warranties to not leak, use oil or smoke for 6 months since most people run them at the strip mostly.
Just food for thought.

65ShelbyClone · Dec 11, 2006

If you have the facilities to assemble an engine yourself, I would look into getting everything done seperately and assembling it myself. Crate engines are cenvenient, but you can't personally be sure everything is right unless it holds togehter or something breaks.

67FBack · Dec 16, 2006

Another vote for KC. I have never seen Keith not back up his products without a solid reason. Not to say your reason is not valid.

FullRace · Dec 16, 2006

Do the work yourself, and youll have a better motor. If you think your not capable, ask someone who might now or buy a book. Just take your time. Why would anyone buy a crate motor?

Cannoball888 · Dec 17, 2006

FullRace said:
Why would anyone buy a crate motor?

For people like myself who would rather be driving than spending all free time in the garage.

Cannoball888 · Dec 17, 2006

double post

65ShelbyClone · Dec 17, 2006

Cannoball888 said:
people like myself who would rather be driving than spending all free time in the garage.

Or those who perhaps lack the tools, garage space(apartments & condos), or even the physical mobility/ability to do it.

I lack none of those, but often I do in the budget area, so I try to save money by doing the labor myself.

hurst1979olds · Mar 20, 2012

I purchased an engine from Engine Factory for my truck. I did a long research with different crate engine companies. The Engine Factory, Matt and Bruce, is absolutely amazing.
They built the engine for my needs, I am towing my Harley once in a while. Also when you have questions, they will have an answer for you!
Get the matching March serpentine system also, it not only looks great but works even better. The engine is hot tested and runs right out... of the box. Everybody who has seen it so far is just wowed. I wanted a daily driver I can depend on and that is what I got.
This was one of the best decisions I made on the truck!
Good luck, give them a call you will not regret it.Gunther
http://enginefactory.com/letters.htm

408W from the Engine Factory or Keith Kraft?

Which is the better engine for street and occasional track??

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