Horsepower in a Box: What to Look for Inside a Crate Motor, Part IV

If it’s a standard wet sump setup, something you probably won’t see in your crate motor is the oil pump.  Before you buy, determine what pump is inside.  This is a high-end wet sump oil pump from the folks at Titan. It’s a g-rotor design that is externally adjustable. And yes, it works fabulously, but it’s certainly more costly than a simple jobber pump.
If it’s a standard wet sump setup, something you probably won’t see in your crate motor is the oil pump. Before you buy, determine what pump is inside. This is a high-end wet sump oil pump from the folks at Titan. It’s a g-rotor design that is externally adjustable. And yes, it works fabulously, but it’s certainly more costly than a simple jobber pump.

In our final segment of “Horsepower In A Box” we’ll take a short look at the oiling system along with a selection of accessory bits you’ll need to think about.  Obviously, the oil system is critical, but don’t take the little pieces lightly either. Much of the little hardware can add up when it comes to costs.  And that can turn a crate motor “bargain” into precious metal.

Oiling System:  You can purchase a crate engine with an internal wet sump, an external wet sump or even a dry sump.  One thing you have to keep in mind here is that a wide-open Pro Stock style chassis will accept a big box style pan.  A chassis such as a something found in a stock ’68 Dodge Dart will mandate a far different pan. Engine speed is also an issue.  If the engine you’re planning on purchasing is built for high RPM use, there’s a good chance a dry sump is part of the equation.  On the other hand, a motor home crate engine with a dry sump would be absolute overkill and a complete waste of money.  Remember too that in a street application, a steel pan might be more appropriate than an all aluminum pan.  In a street environment, you have to deal with issues like speed bumps, high approach angle driveways and so on.  Those aren’t issues for a race-only engine.  In this case, plan for an oiling system geared toward the real application of the engine.  Otherwise, you’ll be money and performance short.

Additional Components:  There are plenty of other pieces on a crate engine that you should consider.  For example, is the harmonic damper a SFI certified piece?  If it isn’t, and the class you race in mandates one, then it means additional cost to you.  How about items such as cam drives?  Is the engine equipped with a timing chain, gear drive or a belt drive?  Is a water pump included?  How about little things like spark plug wires, wire dividers, a thermostat housing, a carburetor fuel line and other hardware?  If these components are included in the price, be certain they are items you need for your application.

After giving the crate motor equation some thought, it’s easy to see there are a large number of things you have to consider when doing your shopping. When the time comes to select the engine for your car, be certain you match the engine as well as the engine components to the task at hand.  You’ll be a bunch happier.  And so will your car.

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See other articles in “Horsepower in a Box”

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