LAST issue, we looked at all the flash new direct-injected, supercharged hotness in the world of crate engines. That’s all well and good, but old-school donks are the foundation of our sport. While they don’t get as much press as their more contemporary counterparts, they can still provide bulk horsepower for minimal bucks. Buying carefully, you can put a brand-new engine in your project for under $10,000, without having to go through the delays and expense of having one built.
Traditional small- and big-block Chevs, Fords and Mopars are all still available as fresh crate motors, from 290hp stockers to wild, race-ready, 800hp aftermarket jiggers. There are also options for fans of Holden’s all-Aussie iron lion, though most are available as long motors on an exchange basis rather than as fully dressed, ready-to-run crateys.
Most of the engines in this guide are based on 1960s designs but have been upgraded with modern niceties like alloy heads and hydraulic-roller camshafts. These mills generally won’t need complex break-in procedures or high-zinc oils, making ownership easier than ever before. And without the added complexity of having to upgrade your car to suit EFI fuel systems and ECUs, these old-style crate engines can present the best way to reliably repower a mild streeter.
FACTORY FATTIES
CHEVROLET Performance has a stack of awesome big-block options on its website, but supply into Australia has been limited throughout the pandemic. From basic Vortec 454ci and 502ci plants up to the wild 720hp ZZ572/720R and 1004hp ZZ632/1000 mills, there’s a bigcube mill for all manner of project cars.
The ZZ427/480 is a great option for a musclecar repower, packing the famous 7.0L capacity and 480hp. GM included plenty of
