Ready-to-Run Crate Engines for Sale

Purchasing a crate engine requires significantly less time and effort compared to building or rebuilding an engine. It's just that simple. Even if you possess a lot of experience building or rebuilding engines, many things can go wrong that are outside of your control. Working on an engine requires a lot of trial and error accompanied by countless trips to the machine shop. Occasionally, costly mistakes can be made despite the best of intentions. Getting a high performance crate engine can save you a great deal of trouble, but at the cost of more money upfront, especially if you plan on investing in a supercharged or turbocharged crate engine.

Crate engines can be expensive. There is no denying it. Brand-new crate engines for sale can range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Powerful high performance crate engines can run $20,000 and up for those looking to max out their vehicle's performance capabilities. The Chevrolet Performance 2014-2015 350ci / 530hp supercharged crate engine alone costs close to $40,000. Despite the higher upfront costs, crate engines can save you money over the long term. You will avoid wasting money on accidental mistakes while building or rebuilding an engine. Moreover, quality crate engines are extremely reliable and performance-built which means fewer repairs. If you are a race car owner, using a crate engine for racing eliminates the possibility of disqualification because your custom-built engine uses a part that is not sanctioned for a given event. Finally, most replacement crate motors are covered by a warranty to protect owners from any defects and performance issues. Regardless of whether or not you build or buy, engines are expensive. A warranty is certainly a benefit that comes with buying a crate engine because your investment is better protected.

If you are building or rebuilding an engine, you have to work with what you got and what parts you can hunt down. Crate engines give you the luxury of finding a fully assembled, ready-to-run motor that meets the demands of your application. If you are racing in events with specific rule sets, it is much easier to find a crate engine that meets requirements and gives you confidence in your setup. The selection of crate engines for sale is immense and allows race car owners to ensure their engine is compatible with a particular application and customized to their needs.

As the name implies, a "crate engine" is a fully assembled, ready-to-run engine often delivered in a crate. Most aftermarket crate engines will include the block, rotating assembly, and cylinder heads. Other crate engine manufacturers and builders seek to make installation even simpler by including a camshaft, intake manifold, and carburetor as well. As a result, high performance crate engines only require bolt-on accessories such as water pumps, fuel systems, ignition and exhausts to work successfully. A "turn-key" crate motor typically includes a full ignition system from spark plugs to distributor, starter, belt accessory drive, air cleaner, fuel pump, water pump, and nearly every other required major component in order to start the engine.

The cost of a crate engine can vary. For example, our Small Block Chevy 350ci Crate Engine 195 HP, among the top-selling crate engines for sale at JEGS High Performance, can be purchased for less than $2000. On the other hand, a supercharged or turbocharged crate engine can easily cost over $20,000.

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to declare a single brand or manufacturer to be definitively the best. There are many exceptional crate engine builders like Ford, GM, Chevy, and Edelbrock. We are not afraid to include JEGS engines into the mix as well. Race car owners eventually find their favorite crate engine brands because they provide performance solutions that best meet the demands of their specific application. If you are not sure which crate motor is right for you, read our Guide to Crate Engines to get some ideas.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the crate engine that you require for your specific application.