GM Performance Parts
The mother of all crate-engine suppliers has a seemingly endless inventory of motors in a box, from the mighty ZZ572 big-block to the LS1 small-block and down to a V-6, called the HT 3.4, that's a 160 hp bolt-in upgrade for your tired 2.8. Shown here is GM's HP290/350, what the General calls its "value-leading crate engine." Capable of making 290 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from 350 ci, the engine is built with four-bolt mains, PM steel rods, cast-aluminum pistons, iron heads with 76cc chambers and 1.94/1.50 valves, and a cam with 0.450/0.460-inch lift. The short-block retails for around $1,600.
Information:
GM Performance Parts
800/557-6888
www.gmgoodwrench.com
JEG'S
If GM Performance Parts is the mother of all engine suppliers, then JEG'S High Performance may be the mother of all crate-engine retailers. The list of engines it sells is huge and includes motors from Edelbrock, Ford Racing Performance Parts, GM Performance Parts, Mopar Performance and World Products. The company Web site is very informative, listing a detailed description and specs on every engine in inventory. Shown here is one of its offerings from Mopar Performance: the 360 Magnum/320HP. Yes, there is also a 390-horse 360 Magnum from Mopar, but from what we understand, that's truly a race-only engine. The 320 hp version features all-new components consisting of Magnum R/T heads with high-swirl combustion chambers, 2.02/1.625-inch stainless steel valves with heavy-duty springs, and a 250/264-degree, 0.385/0.401-inch-lift hydraulic roller cam. JEG'S and Mopar say this engine is good for 320-plus horsepower and more than 385 lb-ft of torque, and it retails for about $3,200.
Information:
JEG'S High Performance
800/345-4545
www.jegs.com
Scoggin Dickey Chevrolet
Scoggin Dickey may be a Chevrolet dealership in Texas, but its umbrella also includes the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center (SDPC), a high-performance store with a full selection of crate engines. Its inventory includes Ford, GM, Mopar, and Roush engines, plus its own street-performance crate-engine line. Among the interesting GM Performance motors we found at SDPC was the ZZ383/425HP small-block. This stroked 350 delivers 425 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, thanks to GM's "fast burn" aluminum heads with 62cc chambers and 2.000/1.550-inch valves, a 0.509/0.528-inch-lift steel camshaft with 222/230 degrees duration, and a forged steel crank for strength. Plan on paying around $4,700 for this torque monster.
Information:
Scoggin Dickey Parts Center
800/456-0211
www.sdpc2000.com
MTS Cadillac 500
We've been saying it for years, but only a few of you seem to be listening. At 575 pounds with an aluminum manifold, the Cadillac big-block weighs roughly the same as a small-block Chevy. Maximum Torque Specialties manufactures replacement and performance parts for the big Caddy 472 and 500 engines, as well as parts to swap them into your Jeep. The company offers parts and components for Cadillac big-blocks, short-blocks, long-blocks, and turn-key crate engines based on the 500 Caddy block, with prices starting at around $3,100 with exchange. MTS can deliver a pump-gas bruiser to your door that makes 450 hp and over 600 lb-ft, all under 5,000 rpm.
Information:
Maximum Torque Specialties
262/740-1118
www.500cid.com
Ajax Auto Parts
It's not a crate engine exactly, but this late-model, used 4.0L sold by Ajax Auto Parts will replace your tired 4.0L or update an older engine bay. Improvements to the '99-and-later 4.0L engines bumped their output to 193 hp and 231 lb-ft of torque. In addition, they're fuel injected, so you don't have to hassle with carbs starving when you're on a steep ascent or descent. You'll need a new gas tank, fuel-line plumbing, and the proper engine computer to complete the swap, but John Kearny at Ajax has plenty of satisfied customers that will attest to this swap's viability.
Information:
Ajax Auto Parts
800/606-6043
www.ajaxauto.com
505 Performance
While not available at the time of this writing, 505 Performance is said to be working on its own line of 4.0L and stroker crate engines to augment its line of bolt-on turbo kits for 4.0L engines. The company is also working on a fuel-injection system for Jeep engines. Check its Web site for availability.
Information:
505 Performance
505/325-3533
www.505performance.com
Golen
If 4.0 liters are good, then 4.6 liters are better. Golen Engine Service offers a stroker 4.6L long-block that will bolt right in place of your tired 4.0L. The power specs are 260 hp at 5,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The stroker crank is polished and the oil holes are chamfered, the compression is 9.0:1 for use with 91-octane fuel, and a Comp Cams cam tickles the valves. The 4.6L engine will tap your wallet for $3,299. Golen also offers lots of parts to make your stroker work better with your existing fuel injection, like an adjustable MAP sensor, a 66mm throttle body, an adjustable fuel-pressure regulator, high-flow injectors, and more.
Information:
Golen Engine Service
800/591-9171
www.golenengineservice.com
Hesco
Hesco has a long-respected name in straight-six Jeep performance. Now the company is offering stock and performance engine packages from 4.0 liters to 4.7 liters. We can't imagine anyone going for the stock package when they can have a supercharged 4.7L stroker-six with Hesco's new aluminum cylinder head, H-beam rods, and dished blower pistons. The new heads feature a 1.91-inch intake and 1.50-inch exhaust valves and don't require a valve-cover spacer for use with roller rockers. Expect a supercharged, aluminum-head 4.7L stroker to punch out over 400 hp. The price was not available as of press time.
Information:
Hesco
205/251-1472
www.hescosc.com