Power Lunch

Are you hungry for more power? A phone call or a Web site visit will uncover hard-running small-blocks to wild big-blocks offering power to burn your tires. And all these engines are ready to install in just a weekend, and most come with a warranty, too.

One of the benefits of purchasing one of the crate engines is that you eliminate visits to machine shops and the endless search for all the little parts that can consume much of your time. We'll be the first to admit that building your own engine has its benefits, but if you're new to the game, or just want to install an engine without spending a big part of your schedule in the process, a crate motor offers benefits beyond price and time.

Because there are so many choices, we've devoted a section this month to the topic. We've selected an assortment of engines ranging in price from under $5,000 to about $10,000. Some of them are referred to as turnkey, which means that they are generally ready to run but will typically need items like a fuel pump, starter, belts, coolant, hoses, and maybe a water pump. For the most part, a turnkey engine (complete engine) will have parts beyond what you'll find on a long-block (an assembled block with cylinder heads attached).

So whether you're looking for a moderate power increase or an all-you-can-eat special, we promise these offerings will cure your yen. Just have a seat and we'll serve up plenty of horsepower helpings.

Beck Racing Engines 350 Street Plus Engine
Add great throttle response with this easy-to-install 368-horse 350 small-block engine. The turnkey package comes with an Edelbrock 750-cfm carburetor, BRE (Beck Racing Engines) Hi-Flow low-profile chrome air cleaner, Mallory HEI distributor and coil, BRE/Moroso Blue Max spiral core wires, a Holley 110-gph Mechanical Fuel Pump, and much more. Inside you'll find items like a new Scat crankshaft and a Crane Cams hydraulic camshaft. The cylinder heads are Dart items and feature 2.02 swirl-polished stainless steel valves. The rugged turnkey package even comes with a 12-month warranty.

Beck Racing Engines 496 Pro Street engine
Move your musclecar quicker with this torquey big-block. Based on a seasoned 454 four-bolt main block, the 496 breathes through Dart Pro 1 aluminum heads topped with an Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake and a Barry Grant Demon carburetor. The works is fastened together with ARP hardware and uses select parts from Childs and Albert, Manley, Moroso, and Mr. Gasket. An MSD ignition ignites the needed 91-octane fuel supplied by a Holley 130-gph mechanical fuel pump.

Edelbrock Performer Series
Edelbrock teams its proven total-power package with the reliable GM Goodwrench short-block and MSD distributor to form the Edelbrock Performer Crate engine line, offering consumers 72 different package combinations, including a dual quad and 50-state legal version with or without optional custom polished finish. Edelbrock's Performer cylinder heads, intake manifold, and hydraulic camshaft make this a very streetable and reliable combination. For cruise-night fans, these engines can be purchased with the custom polished option that glistens the intake manifold, valve covers, cylinder heads, and optional water pump; in fact more than 70 percent of Edelbrock crate engines leave their Torrance, California, facility custom polished. Each Edelbrock crate engine is hand-built and fully assembled by Edelbrock and shipped in a durable, reusable plastic crate. Combine these features with Edelbrock's exclusive two-year, unlimited mileage warranty and you have a package that's hard to beat.

Edelbrock Signature Series 383, limited edition
This limited-edition SS383 Edelbrock crate motor offers a new GM ZZ383 short-block that Edelbrock technicians carefully hand-assemble with Edelbrock polished E-Tec 200 heads; polished RPM air-gap Vortec manifold; a custom spec camshaft; and a special, black anodized Edelbrock water pump. Custom black powdercoated valve covers and air cleaner top off the SS383; take a close look at the valve covers, and you will see the serial number of the motor (one of 250) and Vic's signature laser-etched with precision. The air cleaner features the classic look of yesteryear with the cubic-inch displacement and horsepower rating laser-etched along with the Edelbrock logo. Additional features include stainless ARP fasteners, an MSD distributor and wires, and an industry-leading two-year warranty. A certificate of authenticity signed by Vic Edelbrock Jr. and sealed by the Edelbrock Corporation authenticates this limited-production masterpiece.

GOLEN ENGINE 383ci/480hp LT4 Long-block
Pump up your street performance with this Golen late-model 383/480 LT4 that runs on pump-friendly 91-octane fuel. This engine works best with a 2,500-rpm-plus stall converter and 3.73 gears, and it will easily nail you back in your seat. The heads are hand-ported aluminum Trick Flow 200cc LT4 items fitted with roller rocker arms. Because this is a long-block, you'll need to supply the additional parts to complete the package.

GOLEN ENGINE 383ci/400hp LT1 long block
The 383/400 LT1 is an excellent performing engine package designed for the LT1 Camaro and won't break the bank. It produces excellent power numbers, with 400 hp at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Has a good idle and runs on 91-octane or higher pump fuel.

GM Performance Small-block ZZ383/425 from jeg's
With the ZZ383/425 you get the power of a big-block with the size and weight of an aluminum-head small-block. It's one of the rare combos that let's you eat your cake and beat the pants off the next guy, too! The ZZ383 has a specially modified engine block and 3.80-inch-stroke crankshaft, which enable its 383ci displacement. The reciprocating assembly is comprised of a 4340 forged crankshaft and heavy-duty powdered metal rods to ensure bulletproof performance. This engine is backed by a one-year/12,000-mile warranty.

World Products Small-block 427-cid Motown street engine from Jeg's
The `'World Class'' series of engines represents an ideal powerplant for many musclecars and street machines, as well as street rodders who appreciate performance, without sacrificing drivability. A hydraulic lifter cam is employed, so you won't be popping the valve covers often to adjust valve lash. Each engine is properly broken-in, then dyno tested to ensure that it meets or exceeds published specifications. A dyno sheet accompanies each engine.