rebuilt engine-crate engine

What happens when you need to have your engine rebuilt? Before deciding on a rebuilt engine you have to decide on ordering a rebuild kit or buying a crate engine. Both situations have benefits and you will have to decide on which way to go. First is you vehicle a daily driver? If so, your down time can be a large hassle. In this case you would probably be better off to go with the crate engine. Crate engine, simply implies the way the engine is shipped to you. A crate engine will be complete and ready to run, many times with a warranty included. Crate engines come in different power levels, especially v-8 engines. They can range from stock 350ci to 502ci monster sized engines. Many import tuners also upgrade to a JDM crate engine, for increased horsepower.   These engines are easily available and many times can be purchased cheap on the internet, and shipped to your door. It is difficult to rebuild an engine cheaper than what a crate engine can be purchased for. Crate engines can also be purchased as a long block or a short block. This doesn’t actually have anything to do with the actual engine size. Long block assembly simply means that the engine is complete with heads and accessories. Short block engine assemblies are the rotating assembly and will require heads, intake, water pump ect… depending on the kit. Crate engines offer a cheap alternative to rebuilding an engine. Some people would rather build their own custom spec engine or do a cheap rebuild. Some car owners want a race blueprinted engine (tight tolerance) engine for abusive environments. With special selected parts to match what the engine will be used for it can potentially get more power if they are a knowledgeable builder. This unfortunately will cost a lot more money, hp = $. Others want a really cheap alternative and don’t have a completely destroyed engine. Many times they will check the bore to see how worn out it is. If the bore is not bad it can be ridge reamed to remove excess bore at he top. After this is done the bore will need to be honed out with at least a ball hone. Then if the piston to bore clearance is good and the pistons don’t need to be replaced, just the rings can be replaced. If there is an excessive ridge in the bore or distorted bore or damaged pistons, it would be best to bore the engine out. Boring the engine will ensure a correct fit with a straight bore so that the compression will not blow by the rings. A cheaply rebuilt engine should probably include replacing the cylinder head intake and exhaust valve stem seals also. This will prevent the oil from leaking down into the cylinder then leading into the exhaust causing the vehicle to smoke. Also the valves should be checked for blow by before dissembled to see if they are sealing. If not they will at least need to be lapped or machined until they will seal correctly. Other basic items should include measuring all bearing clearances such as crankshaft and camshaft. All bearing should be replaced especially if loose fitting. Every component should be visually inspected such as valve springs, camshaft lobes, engine block ect… The oil pump, water pump and all gaskets should also be replaced and will usually all come with a engine rebuild kit. Be careful about being too cheap with rebuilding an engine, and make sure every component is in good condition. Many people try to cut corners and blow a rebuilt engine, for the sake of one cheap part they wouldn’t buy. Take your time and do it right! Then break in the engine reasonably, so that it will last you a long time.