what makes American Speed so good?
Discussion
I understand Ultima only endorses engines made at American Speed.
Looking at the list, they're all N/A Carbie SBCs (small block v8s). Old tech compared to the LSx engines.
Just would like to see your opinion on what makes all these engines so good?
How are the reliability?
Tractability?
Idle quality and street manners?
Looking at the list, they're all N/A Carbie SBCs (small block v8s). Old tech compared to the LSx engines.
Just would like to see your opinion on what makes all these engines so good?
How are the reliability?
Tractability?
Idle quality and street manners?
Over here in the UK, the Ultima's can escape emissions regulations if the engine block is older than 1974 IIRC.
AmericanSpeed has to not only source these blocks, but ensure that they are up to spec, and any porting has to account for the Ultima's short, but twisty exhaust system.
Having said that, I have noticed other places, selling what appear to be fairly equal engines, for often, much less.
Hence, like anyone, with an 'exclusive' arrangment, they tend to stick the prices up a bit too much IMHO!!!
just my £0.02 or US$0.035
AmericanSpeed has to not only source these blocks, but ensure that they are up to spec, and any porting has to account for the Ultima's short, but twisty exhaust system.
Having said that, I have noticed other places, selling what appear to be fairly equal engines, for often, much less.
Hence, like anyone, with an 'exclusive' arrangment, they tend to stick the prices up a bit too much IMHO!!!
just my £0.02 or US$0.035
boomerkk said:
Just would like to see your opinion on what makes all these engines so good?
How are the reliability?
Tractability?
Idle quality and street manners?
Reliability - pretty good it seems. I had no problems with my Supercharged .383 at least! Most issues seem to be caused by overly rich running causing bore wash (from a couple of owners who've had their engines 'freshened up'). But you're supposed to tweak that once you've got it.
Tractability - very good, well in my experience at least
Idle - very much depends on the state of tune and how 'wild' the cam is. Again, my 630hp charger was a pussycat!
No question that there are plently of other great builders out there, but having an AS engine means that you've got some comeback if things go wrong and any problems are usually sorted very quickly. Take G-Mans recent alternator failure. Had he been using another builders engine, there'd be no guarantee that the factory could have supported him with a replacement before his impending trip to Le Mans.
Then again, and State-side customers have a lot more choice locally!
In the States you'll find lots of engine builders who can put together anything you want locally.
Be careful though, if it seems cheap, they're probably cutting corners somewhere. Putting a high performance engine together properly involves a lot of measuring and machining.
My Engine builder had to Mill almost a 10th of an inch of my heads (from a major US manufacturer) to get the bottom flush with the block. He could have just slapped them on and torqued the heads down, and it probably wouldn't have mattered if the output and RPM targets were somewhat lower.
Be careful though, if it seems cheap, they're probably cutting corners somewhere. Putting a high performance engine together properly involves a lot of measuring and machining.
My Engine builder had to Mill almost a 10th of an inch of my heads (from a major US manufacturer) to get the bottom flush with the block. He could have just slapped them on and torqued the heads down, and it probably wouldn't have mattered if the output and RPM targets were somewhat lower.
I looked at the choices as I have had other V8's before and AS really didn't offer anything over and above these specs (apart from an increase in £'s).
Look around and find good local V8 shop........
I'm sure the factory would be just as helpful where ever the engine was from as that's just the way they are!
Look around and find good local V8 shop........
I'm sure the factory would be just as helpful where ever the engine was from as that's just the way they are!
IMO if an engine is signifcantly cheaper than an AS engine then it doesn't contain the same comparable parts.
The main reason for Ultima to endorse SBC engines over newer ones is that under UK rules they do not require emisions testing or CATs.
A newer engine (post 1974) would require varying levels of emisions tests and CATs.
Why the factory specifically endorse only AS engines I can only suppose, but things like delivering on time and can supply the volume along with value for money and consistant results are high on the list.
The main reason for Ultima to endorse SBC engines over newer ones is that under UK rules they do not require emisions testing or CATs.
A newer engine (post 1974) would require varying levels of emisions tests and CATs.
Why the factory specifically endorse only AS engines I can only suppose, but things like delivering on time and can supply the volume along with value for money and consistant results are high on the list.
andygtt said:
IMO if an engine is signifcantly cheaper than an AS engine then it doesn't contain the same comparable parts.
The main reason for Ultima to endorse SBC engines over newer ones is that under UK rules they do not require emisions testing or CATs.
A newer engine (post 1974) would require varying levels of emisions tests and CATs.
Why the factory specifically endorse only AS engines I can only suppose, but things like delivering on time and can supply the volume along with value for money and consistant results are high on the list.
very true, and i think all the recordbreaking cars tested by the factory had Amer. speed engines
I'm can accept that perhaps not all of the "other" engine suppliers are using the same comparable parts but then again there are many other good engine builders out there that are probably using as good if not better.
It just happens that AS are in with Ultima and therefore deemed better (and supported by the factory).
But hey that's the choice we all make when building our cars.
It just happens that AS are in with Ultima and therefore deemed better (and supported by the factory).
But hey that's the choice we all make when building our cars.
It should be noted that the factory didn't just stick a pin in the yellow pages to find a supplier! They've had engines from all over the place and AS are the ones who've consistently delivered, good value, reliable horsepower.
By all means go elsewhere, but as I said, at least you've got some fallback with an AS. It's amazing how many builders are your new best friend... until you've paid them and find your engine has gone sour!
By all means go elsewhere, but as I said, at least you've got some fallback with an AS. It's amazing how many builders are your new best friend... until you've paid them and find your engine has gone sour!
stig said:
It should be noted that the factory didn't just stick a pin in the yellow pages to find a supplier! They've had engines from all over the place and AS are the ones who've consistently delivered, good value, reliable horsepower.
By all means go elsewhere, but as I said, at least you've got some fallback with an AS. It's amazing how many builders are your new best friend... until you've paid them and find your engine has gone sour!
Yes, very true. I'm very sure that the factory did not choose something as crucial as their engine builder randomly. Richard said that Gail builds very good and sound engines, and basically they are in the best position to know who makes the best engines for their own cars.
I've been looking at the new 720hp 406ci engine, and it's quite amazing that it makes peak power at only 6400rpm.
It's been said but worth repeating The Factory have been bitten in the past by various suppliers and have now found one that doesn't bite.
Bob, If you are looking at a big engine I would suggest you pay heed to the results Gareth has with his 'smaller' engine. Being short stroke it revs higher and makes better use of the Ultima gear ratios.
Huge grunt (torque) is nice in a big heavy pickup but revs/hp work best for us.
Steve
Bob, If you are looking at a big engine I would suggest you pay heed to the results Gareth has with his 'smaller' engine. Being short stroke it revs higher and makes better use of the Ultima gear ratios.
Huge grunt (torque) is nice in a big heavy pickup but revs/hp work best for us.
Steve
Gassing Station | Ultima | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff