Ford Crate Engines - Horsepower In A Box

With so many players now in the Ford crate engine game, the market has grown by leaps and bounds. There's a larger selection of engines from a greater number of suppliers than ever before. For this overview of the market, we'll focus on the 302 and 351 Windsor-based engines.

Most engine makers offer their wares in both original displacement and stroker displacements. The popular short-deck engines can be easily expanded to 347 ci using a stock-block. If you're after a fresh engine for your classic Ford, the 351 Windsor can often be substituted into the same car for a big increase in displacement and hence power. The Windsor is also a natural for stroker applications with its sturdy architecture and extra internal room. It's relatively easy to reach that magic 427ci mark in a Windsor-based small-block package.

Both the 302 and 351 can use the same cylinder heads, so the latest in technology and design is available to both engines. A huge volume of cylinder-head research has been done for 5.0 Mustang racing, and it transfers directly over to the tall-deck Windsor. The result is that a bored and stroked small-block Ford engine dressed with modern aluminum cylinder heads can deliver big-block power at a relatively light weight. Both the short- and tall-deck small-blocks are less expensive to construct than an FE or 385-series engine, and they fit in applications where a big block won't.

In this guide we'll look at the most popular-selling, small-block-based crate engines from the 17 builders we spoke with. These builders offer many options, and some will even build a custom engine, so call them or check out their Web sites for even more engine packages.

Jon Barrett Hot Rod Engines
Jon Barrett Hot Rod Engines specializes in engine development using properly matched components for great power production and reliability. Barrett has years of experience as a crew chief in both Top Fuel and Funny Car.

Bennett Racing
Bennett Racing has built a solid reputation for serious Ford stroker crate engines. These two engines are both sturdy combinations that use Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) blocks, a Scat crankshaft and forged rods. Ross pistons and Speed-Pro rings are also part of the package. The Dart Iron Eagle block is available at additional cost.

Coast High Performance
Coast High Performance is famous for its line of Street Fighter stroker engines. The company offers this 347ci short-deck crate engine, while the 351Windsor-based crate engines are available in 393 and 427 displacements. At Coast there are several different performance levels: Street Fighter GT, Street Fighter, Street Fighter Pro Street, and Dominator. Let's look at a Street Fighter 347 and a 427 Cobra Classic.

D&D Motorsports
D&D Motorsports was founded in 1996, and in that time it has become a mainstay supplier to the Ford Mustang racing world.

D.S.S. racing
D.S.S. now offers complete engine assemblies for the performance enthusiast or racer who's looking for more than just a basic long-block. The company understands that not everybody has the time, expertise, or tools to build their own engine, so it has "plug and play" combinations for any application and will fit each customer's specific needs with only the best that D.S.S. and the aftermarket has to offer.

Engine Factory
The Engine Factory has the answers to your tough Ford performance questions, and it can build your next crate engine to suit your application exactly. When you purchase a crate engine from the Engine Factory you'll get a fully dressed assembly, including water pump, fuel pump, flywheel, harmonic balancer, oil pan, and valve covers.

Ford Performance Solutions
At Ford Performance Solutions, technologically advanced engine-building techniques are combined with over 50 years of combined experience in the Ford Performance Market. From aerospace coatings to lightweight metals, FPS has a serious commitment to staying on the cutting edge of Ford performance technology.

Ford Racing Performance Parts
Picking up a genuine Ford crate engine is as close as your nearest FRPP dealer. The company offers several small-block crate configurations for most any budget.

Forte's Parts Connection
Forte's Parts Connection is a Ford Racing Performance Parts dealer, with complete crate engines available, such as the 347 listed here. Forte's crate-engine selection is expanding, so be sure to ask about its custom-built line of competition engines. The company also offers in-house engine dyno testing of all engines.

Keith Craft Racing
Keith Craft Racing has been in business since 1984. Owner Keith Craft has more than 30 years of professional experience in the racing industry, with over 40 national NHRA records set by owners and customers. Here are two of the company's more popular selections taken from its wide range of offerings.

Livernois Motorsports
Livernois Motorsports has proven ability when it comes to producing Ford short-deck and Windsor-based stroker engines. Its Street/Strip crate engines are constructed with heavy-duty components that are carefully selected for balanced performance. The parts used in a Livernois stroker are reasonably priced and readily available. They are intended to provide the weekend enthusiast affordable and dependable performance.

M&R Engines
M&R Engines is a full-service machining facility dedicated to high-performance engine design and production. The company offers complete engines as well as engine kits for your high-performance Ford project. In-house engine dyno testing services are available for precisely tuning your new engine.

Panhandle Performance
Panhandle Performance Street stroker engines are available in a variety of displacements. Inside the engine you'll find hardware such as a Scat crank and 4340-steel forged H-beam rods. Complete the reciprocating assembly with your choice of Ross, Diamond, or Probe pistons. The Canfield Stage II heads top off the package. Many upgrades are available from Panhandle Performance, including the FRPP or Dart cylinder blocks.

Smeding Performance
Smeding Performance in Rancho Cordova, California, is now a major player in the crate engine and stroker marketplace. A wide selection in displacement and options combined with expert assembly and good prices make Smeding one of the companies to beat.

Steve SchmiDt Competition Racing Engines
Steve Schmidt Racing is dedicated to the serious racer as well as the weekend warriors. The company's high-performance engines and parts are designed to provide its racing customers with the best possible competition engine that fits their racing budget.

Trans Am Racing
Trans Am Racing offers both short-deck and 351 Windsor-based stroker engines. While the 347 Street Demon is a great engine, the all-aluminum King Cobra 427 also sounds like a winner. It has TA Racing's own cylinder heads, ported Super Victor intake, and Barry Grant carb. The company also offers a series of small-block Ford road-racing engines.

World Products
World Products offers engines that are an alternative to factory crate motors. The company provides high-performance components that are reinforced in critical areas for excellent durability. If you decide to add a power adder, the engine is ready for it. World Products engines come completely balanced and dyno tested.