Engine suppliers....
Discussion
Right, we despite initial attempts of working to 'a budget' this has now largely gone out the window as it's pointless building something like an Ultima and cutting corners 
Now researching engine options (Chevy) and want to go for something like a 6.3 litre with about 450-500 bhp.
Had a look at American Speed and a 6.3l 460hp unit comes in at just over 6 grand (GBP) although this excludes shipping and the inevitable import duty.
I heard that Real Steel only do turnkey engines with new blocks which is no good as I need a pre'74 to avoid cats.
So, any suggestions as to any other decent builders/suppliers for rip-snorting Chevys?
Now researching engine options (Chevy) and want to go for something like a 6.3 litre with about 450-500 bhp.
Had a look at American Speed and a 6.3l 460hp unit comes in at just over 6 grand (GBP) although this excludes shipping and the inevitable import duty.
I heard that Real Steel only do turnkey engines with new blocks which is no good as I need a pre'74 to avoid cats.
So, any suggestions as to any other decent builders/suppliers for rip-snorting Chevys?
Stig
Ultimatum and Circuit Driver both have a 400-420bhp ad (same person) advertise for £3,950. Fortunatly I got an American Speed 525 Enforcer from the factory after a nasty acident with a lampost with just over 3,000 miles of use. The clutch still had the markings on it, god only knows how as most driver give the car a good thrashing. To make those that know happy this was not from a certain black car that got personal with a Vauxhall
Hope this helps
Ultimatum and Circuit Driver both have a 400-420bhp ad (same person) advertise for £3,950. Fortunatly I got an American Speed 525 Enforcer from the factory after a nasty acident with a lampost with just over 3,000 miles of use. The clutch still had the markings on it, god only knows how as most driver give the car a good thrashing. To make those that know happy this was not from a certain black car that got personal with a Vauxhall
Hope this helps
Stig - I did a bit of research on this matter before going down the self build route. Real Steel wanted £6.5k for a stock 350 !!!!!!! I have not seen better value than American Speed, remember their engines come fully dressed and ready to go. This can save a lot of dosh if you start comparing dressed against undressed engines.
The other people I spoke too were Peter Knight Engineering, I never ended up getting a quote as the block I ended up buying turned up out the blue. Not sure what his number is but he's based in Brackley. Directory Enquiries should be able to help......
Best of luck
Paul.
The other people I spoke too were Peter Knight Engineering, I never ended up getting a quote as the block I ended up buying turned up out the blue. Not sure what his number is but he's based in Brackley. Directory Enquiries should be able to help......
Best of luck
Paul.
Thanks chaps.
I also found cobra classics www.cobraclassics.co.uk/engine.htm who do a pretty good deal and also I read with interest an article in this month's Kit Car about a bloke who builds for Gardner Douglas who had done a supercharged version for a Cobra - could be worth a look as it's relatively cheap power.
Will let you know how I progress.
I also found cobra classics www.cobraclassics.co.uk/engine.htm who do a pretty good deal and also I read with interest an article in this month's Kit Car about a bloke who builds for Gardner Douglas who had done a supercharged version for a Cobra - could be worth a look as it's relatively cheap power.
Will let you know how I progress.
Hmmm, I see what you mean. PD Sportscars (classic cobra website below) do 425 for 5995, which could be a good choice. I think this was a bit cheaper than Peter Knight, but you would need to check the specs against each other carefully. I get carried away looking at paceparts and american speed 
Cheers
Domster
Cheers
Domster
Check VERY carefully on the internal specs, 400, 450 even 500bhp is fine. You wouldn't want it going pop tho' would you?????
Do your research, find out what is available and then go for the deal that makes sence. A 400bhp engine may be better than a 550bhp engine if it is reliable power......
Good luck which ever way you go.
Paul
Do your research, find out what is available and then go for the deal that makes sence. A 400bhp engine may be better than a 550bhp engine if it is reliable power......
Good luck which ever way you go.
Paul
quote:
Domster
As with all things Ultima, costs always increase. If you take an American Speed engine (480hp) for approx $10,500 you will need to add shipping at around $700 by air then pay duty on that in the UK at 21% (i think). This then comes to approx £9,700
Domster
Don't take the 21% too literally. The tax depends on the DECLARED value of the imported item. Need l say more.
The other thing to watch is that american views on BHP figures may differ from UK views. l was told the Americans measure in ponies which don't quite measure up to UK horses. Speak to David McDonald at the Ultima Club. He may tell you a useful story about the difference between what was ordered and what was delivered. Pin the supplier down to a figure then dyno the engine on arrival. David sent his back.
Best of luck with it. lf l was to do this again l would go for the highest reliable power l could. The car deserves it.
I can suggest some good engine builders from USA with good price. I bought my engine from www.allchevyengines.com
I think that $4.500 is not a bad price for a 460hp 383. All that you need to install is the carb. distributor and coil and water pump. More sites:
www.beckracingengines.com, www.enginefactory.com, www.autoshopracingengines.com. I have a lot of them in my favorites folder. Cheers, Javier.
I think that $4.500 is not a bad price for a 460hp 383. All that you need to install is the carb. distributor and coil and water pump. More sites:
www.beckracingengines.com, www.enginefactory.com, www.autoshopracingengines.com. I have a lot of them in my favorites folder. Cheers, Javier.
Isn't a Chevy LS1 suitable? I have those here and in transit and can build it anyway you want. My website is www.chevroletls1.com. Mike.
quote:
Mike - although the LS1 is suitable, as it's so modern the SVA rules would force you to put CATs on the car - and no self respecting Petrolhead wants that
There's an easy and already popular way of dealing with that little problem, fit the catalysts, pass the SVA, remove the catlaysts. Afterwards at the MOT the car only has to pass 'no visible smoke' test as it is 'amateur built'. The kit car firms that are already dealing with this problem will actually hire or lend catalysts to their customers for SVA purposes, I am sure the chap at Boost Performance will also be doing this (he'll have to if he wants to sell LS1's)
I decided I wanted my engine to rev so I have an 377 ci engine with alloy block, lightweight steel crank and rods, an Edelbrock 18 degree head from Chapman Racing, 4 stage dry sump system.
PS A 377 is a 350 ci crank bored to 4.125 inch.
It revs like hell to 7500,
>> Edited by Bug G on Monday 26th August 13:03
PS A 377 is a 350 ci crank bored to 4.125 inch.
It revs like hell to 7500,
>> Edited by Bug G on Monday 26th August 13:03
Real Steel have recently built me a 350 ci engine for my Ultima based on a 74 block, all up cost around £7000 complete inc VAT with all ancilliaries. Dyno'ed at 413 hp, over 400 ft-lbs between 4000 and 5000 rpm. Probably compares in price with similar American Speed motor after you pay tax and shipping. Only potential glitch is clearance between 7.5" deep Canton Road Race sump and chassis sump guard tube. Ultima say 7.5" should be OK but might need spacers between block and mounts to raise engine slightly. Trial fit suggests will be tight so I might swop for 7" deep version. Any words of wisdom on best wet sump or engine mounts?
>> Edited by gdr on Tuesday 27th August 16:13
>> Edited by gdr on Tuesday 27th August 16:13
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