Am I better off ordering a crate based motor or having one custom built

[MichaelLeeHearn]

I have been doing some searching around and have found a custom built engine from a well know builder with the same basic specs as I was planning on having built.

Here are the specs of the engine from Katech.


TRACK ATTACK 500Bore: 4.165”
Stroke: 4.600”
Displacement: 502ci/8.2L
Horsepower: 812
Torque: 775
Redline: 6200RPM
CR: 14.0:1
Block: RHS aluminum, billet main caps, ARP studs, piston squirters
Crankshaft: 4340 forged steel with ATI damper
Connecting rods: Forged H-beam steel
Pistons: 2618 forged aluminum, hardcoat anodizing, skirt coating, gas porting, and DLC-coated pins
Camshaft: Desert Attack 500-spec solid roller, Jesel lifters and rockers
Cylinder heads: CNC-ported All-Pro with bronze valve guides, ARP studs
Valves: Katech titanium/molybdenum intake, hollow sodium-filled exhaust
Induction: Kinsler vertical with 8 individual throttle bodies
Oiling system: Dailey 5 stage

Only real differance in the build is the heads and the solid roller cam. I was looking at and planning on using RHS PRO ELITE heads and hyd. roller camshaft.

I am looking at using the engine in a RCR GT40 MKII build I am working on, the transaxle I am backing this up with is ALBINS STS-6 6 speed sequential shifting unit. While order the transaxle there are several options for final drive and gearing so I can have it set up to my needs.

My question is -- it better to go with this engine package or have an engine built locally, to specs close to these.

[XLexusTech]

I am in the exact same boat... BUY am GMPP LSA.. or have Texas speed or Golen Engine (around the corner form me) build me an engine...
Pros.. the GMPP engine is pretty well proven.. cons.. OEM crank rods rings pistons.
Aftermarket" Pros.. local, "better" crank rods pistons...ect

[MichaelLeeHearn]

I have sent out an email to Katech to get a price on there motor and a little bit more info on the specs of the motor and if it is possible to either order a long block or short block from them instead of the entire package.

I have a fiend than has one of there modified CTS-V V-2 packages and a Z06 track attack built cars. They have never had any issues with them. Katech is also the company that builds the engine packages for GM Racing for the Corvette racing team and for the camaro's in grand-am.

I am not sure if they build a Crate style motor for what you are looking for but the do have packages for ZL-1 Camaro and CTS-V, so they may.

If the numbers work out right this is what I am going to go with.