Best engine for around $3k

[Prime Lord]

So if I've got about $3000 to drop on a motor, i.e. I can go as high as maybe $3700 or so, what's the best deal on a motor? I'm looking for something new preferably and already kinda tricked out. I was looking at the Ford Motorsports XE3 engine which runs for about $3400 and its supposed to make 340HP w/ a GT-40 intake and equal length exaust. But I'm just wondering if theres something else out there I should consider. Thx.

 

[Jo_885o]

thats a nice step up for the money. But i spent about the same (2100 on kit and short block plus or minus some) So you have options. Im assuming u dont wanna do H/c/i cause ur going crate, but either way a good choice.

 

[artus70]

Jegs and Summit each have a few items in the gt/40 all for about 3100. The 347 is sweet but they only do short blocks and they are about 2400 when all is done you'd probably be over your budget unless your a master on ebay???

 

[Jo_885o]

Just get the GT40 crate and spray it, Call It a day.

 

[2002BLGT]

DSS longblock would get my money if I were you ...IMO....

 

[ImportEater98]

I'd say go with a D&D 347ci 425 hp longblock for $4200. Its a better deal than the GT-40 motor. The GT-40 motor doesn't even come with forged pistons! The 347 comes with forged pistons, rods, AND crank. Basically bulletproof. I'd sacrifice for a little longer and get that one its well worth it.

 

[willys1]

Yeah the GT-40 motor is 3199.Get that and take the heads off,port and polish them and get a nice cam And port the intake..OR Kieth Black makes a 375hp long block for I believe under 4 grand (306)

 

[cdog301]

crate motor

I would not get the crate motor (hyperuretic pistons) they are waaaay over rated and they are not going to make 345 hp! Even stock 5.0's had forged pistons from the factory!a good DSS 331 stroker short block and a set of AFR 165's will make that crate motor look real bad for about $3,000 do your homework it will be worth it in the end!

 

[Prime Lord]

I would not get the crate motor (hyperuretic pistons) they are waaaay over rated and they are not going to make 345 hp! Even stock 5.0's had forged pistons from the factory!a good DSS 331 stroker short block and a set of AFR 165's will make that crate motor look real bad for about $3,000 do your homework it will be worth it in the end!

Well, originally, I was going to get a DSS 331 longblock but it was gonna run about $7k. The problem is, I'm not only on a tight budget but a truncated time table. I've had this car in my garage in pieces for about 2 years, just today I got it over to the paint shop to get the engine bay done and then I'm gonna start putting the wiring back in. The problems is, my lease on my house is up January 1st and I really don't have another place to let the car sit. So I'm trying to get this thing back on the road relatively quick-like. If I go the short block + heads route it costs more money that I don't have by the time I buy all the other stuff that I need (rockers, pushrods, flywheel, balancer, etc...) I won't have the $$ to get the stuff and it will take longer. Ideally I'd like to have a forged base to build on, but I'm looking for an all-inclusve setup that I can just buy, bolt on the accessories & the tranny and drop that sucker in there.

 

[hllon4whls]

I personally have a lot of faith in my local engine builder, and I would not look further than there. I know about 10 years ago he built my 400+ hp street 351 for about 3200. Believe that was carb to pan. Parts should be cheaper, labor might be higher. I dont see why you cant build a nice motor for that price.