{"id":4258,"date":"2014-03-27T13:50:51","date_gmt":"2014-03-27T20:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.racingjunk.com\/news\/?p=4258"},"modified":"2016-11-30T15:26:10","modified_gmt":"2016-11-30T23:26:10","slug":"horsepower-in-a-box-what-to-look-for-inside-a-crate-motor-part-iv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.racingjunk.com\/news\/horsepower-in-a-box-what-to-look-for-inside-a-crate-motor-part-iv\/","title":{"rendered":"Horsepower in a Box: What to Look for Inside a Crate Motor, Part IV"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If it\u2019s a standard wet sump setup, something you probably won\u2019t 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\u2019s a g-rotor design that is externally adjustable. And yes, it works fabulously, but it\u2019s certainly more costly than a simple jobber pump.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In our final segment of \u201cHorsepower In A Box\u201d we\u2019ll take a short look at the oiling system along with a selection of accessory bits you\u2019ll need to think about.\u00a0 Obviously, the oil system is critical, but don\u2019t take the little pieces lightly either. Much of the little hardware can add up when it comes to costs.\u00a0 And that can turn a crate motor \u201cbargain\u201d into precious metal.<\/p>\n

Oiling System:<\/b>\u00a0 You can purchase a crate engine with an internal wet sump, an external wet sump or even a dry sump.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 On the other hand, a motor home crate engine with a dry sump would be absolute overkill and a complete waste of money.\u00a0 Remember too that in a street application, a steel pan might be more appropriate than an all aluminum pan.\u00a0 In a street environment, you have to deal with issues like speed bumps, high approach angle driveways and so on.\u00a0 Those aren’t issues for a race-only engine.\u00a0 In this case, plan for an oiling system geared toward the real application of the engine.\u00a0 Otherwise, you’ll be money and performance short.<\/p>\n

Additional Components:<\/b>\u00a0 There are plenty of other pieces on a crate engine that you should consider.\u00a0 For example, is the harmonic damper a SFI certified piece?\u00a0 If it isn’t, and the class you race in mandates one, then it means additional cost to you.\u00a0 How about items such as cam drives?\u00a0 Is the engine equipped with a timing chain, gear drive or a belt drive?\u00a0 Is a water pump included?\u00a0 How about little things like spark plug wires, wire dividers, a thermostat housing, a carburetor fuel line and other hardware?\u00a0 If these components are included in the price, be certain they are items you need for your application.<\/p>\n

After giving the crate motor equation some thought, it\u2019s 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.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be a bunch happier.\u00a0 And so will your car.<\/p>\n

Click on a photo to see the slideshow:<\/p>\n