CRATE ENGINE VS. RESTORATION
A crate engine is a high performance replacement engine built by an automaker that is delivered to your door. The engine is complete and ready to install.
A restored engine is the original engine from your car or similar period correct car that is restored. When restoring an engine you may choose to do the work yourself or hire experts to do all or some of the work for you. You may need to track down parts or have a machine shop create new parts as part of the restoration process.
Some classic are enthusiasts feel that a crate engine will improve an old car and increase their value. Crate engines are new and come with warranties. However, there are no crate engines on the market that are completely authentic in relationship to the original factory built engine.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR USING A RESTORED ENGINE
The options are fairly straight forward, you can by a restored engine that is period and model correct or tear down and rebuild the engine yourself.
When working on the engine yourself you always have the option to involve experts for specific tasks. For example you may choose to send out the block for machining or send the carburetor to a specialist while doing the rest of the work yourself.
Purchasing a period correct engine that was rebuilt by someone else is not a violation of any secret codes among classic car enthusiasts. It all depends on your skills as a mechanic and how deep into your classic car restoration you want to get personally.
WE SHARE YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR CLASSIC CARS
One of our special areas of interest is working on classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars. Please give us a call when you are looking for someone to work on your classic car. 320-583-3735