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ABOUT OUR HIGH PERFORMANCE CRATE ENGINES:

CAROLINA MACHINE ENGINES is an expert at extracting the most horsepower and producing the most dependable High Performance Pump Gas street engines available. We are able to do this because of our long time involvement in racing and performance street rodding 'and' because of our experience as a Production Engine Remanufacturer (PER).

Although we produce "high end" Performance and Race engines with expensive parts, we also produce more economical engines that use one or more of the stock OE parts such as block, crank, rods, heads, oil pan, etc. These engines can produce amazing horsepower and give good long service when "done right". We have the ability to accomplish this because of knowledge and experience gained from decades of racing under basically "stock" type rules and regulations of the various sanctioning organizations.

Our Performance Crate engines receive new high Quality internal components such as performance valves, forged or hypereutectic pistons(when available), moly rings, brass expansion plugs, premium rod and main bearings, cam bearings, pushrods, valve springs, rocker studs, hydraulic lifters, rocker arms, timing chain set, and a specially chosen and dyno proven performance camshaft, often of our design.

We use the highest quality brand parts such as ACL, B&B, COMP CAMS, CLEVITE, CLOYES, DURA-BOND, EAGLE, EDELBROCK, ELGIN, FEDERAL MOGUL, FEL-PRO, HASTINGS, HOLLEY, K-LINE, LUNATI, MAHLE, MANLEY, MELLING, PERFECT CIRCLE, PIONEER, PROBE, SCAT, SEALED POWER (Speed-Pro), SILVOLITE, STERLING, US SEAL, US TOOL, and VICTOR-REINZ.

Many people make their engine choice based on the vacuum and idle characteristics of the engine. It can be absolutely critical to one's satisfaction to choose the correct idle type (cam size) for the engine. Most of us are happy with the sound and drivability of our "LOPEY" idle camshafts "BUT" some may find it too rough and some may find it not rough enough. Please put some thought into it!

For normal street use, we recommend either our "Mild, "Lopey", or "Choppy idle version engines. Our Mild idle has a "slight" hint of performance sound, good vacuum, and can be driven cross country. Our "Lopey" idle has a definitely noticeable performance sound and can be driven daily and short to medium trips. Our "Choppy" idle has the definitely performance "Chop" and can be driven daily but is not recommended for long trips or as primary daily drivers. Keep in mind that one horsepower per cubic inch is a good rule of thumb for a performance daily driver and the more horsepower per cubic inch, the less drivability. Also and maybe more importantly, larger cams sacrifice the lower RPM torque and horsepower. This lower RPM, 2000 to 4000, is where we mostly drive. This is where the fun and tire spin happens. Big cams make big power but are not as much fun for many of us.

"SMOOTH" idle is as smooth or almost as smooth as a stock OEM engine and has high manifold vacuum, 18 inches or more. These engines work well with the stock exhaust system and torque converter but all engines benefit from a good performance exhaust system and a higher stall torque converter. This is absolutely a true "Daily Driver" but more camshaft is needed for higher RPM power and the "Muscle Car" idle sound.

"MILD" idle can have a slight rumble and has very good manifold vacuum, 16 inches or more. These engines also work well with the stock exhaust system and torque converter. Again, a true "Daily Driver" with a hint of "Muscle" sound.

"LOPEY" idle is a well defined lope as in the lope or gallop of a horse, and will have good manifold vacuum, usually 14 inches or more. This is pretty much the "Muscle Car" idle of many cars of the 1960's and 1970's. These engines have the largest cam recommended for the stock torque convertor. They are the maximum in compression, camshaft size, intake manifold, and head runner volume recommended for every day driving and for using overdrive, and lock up torque converters. Although no true performance engine should be classified as a "cross country driver", this is as most cam and compression that we would recommend for occasional long distance driving. These engines make "Great Daily Drivers" that have a "Nice Muscle Car Idle".

"CHOPPY" idle is a very definite performance idle and will have a somewhat lower manifold vacuum, usually 10 to 12 inches. We recommend quality headers and a torque converter in the 2000 to 2500 RPM range. This is basically a rougher "Muscle Car" idle. They are daily drivers but not distance or primary drivers. We define these engines as our "Aggressive Daily Drivers" with a "Great Muscle Car Idle".

"ROUGH" idle is rougher than "Choppy" and is for those who really want the a super Hot Rod sound and higher peak horsepower numbers. Also, they must be willing to tolerate the down side of these type street engines. With the "Rough" idle cam, the vacuum will be under 10". Also this engine will need headers and performance exhaust system. A 2800 RPM or higher torque converter is recommended. A vacuum canister or electric vacuum pump may be necessary. This engine is not recommended for daily driving, overdrive transmissions, or lock up torque converters because it may have a rough or jerking motion at lower RPM cruising.

"VERY ROUGH IDLE STREET/STRIP" engines have a very high duration and lift camshaft and have a very rough "Hotrod" or race type idle. These engines are slightly toned downed race engines. They will have very low manifold vacuum, need performance exhaust, and a torque converter with a lot of stall. Very light street driving only and 100% racing gasoline is recommended when WOT is in use.

All vehicles will perform better upon acceleration with a performance torque converter. We can advise you and supply you with the correct torque converter.

Many of our engines receive new aftermarket cylinder heads which flow much better than the stock OEM heads, therefore increasing the horsepower output significantly. "Stroker" engines have a crankshaft with a longer piston stroke than original. Some engines are all "Brand New". See the footnote column for each engine.

Our "Complete Engines" include the oil pump, oil pump screen, oil pan, oil filter adapter, oil filter, dipstick, timing cover, balancer, valve covers, intake manifold, and spark plugs.

Engines are expertly machined, balanced, blueprinted, plate honed, line honed, decked, and sonic tested. Engines are then assembled by a highly capable technician and spin tested with heated break-in oil with the proper additives. The oil pressure, compression and oil circulation is carefully verified.

To remove the possibility of our valued customers experiencing problems with break-in or initial problems of any kind, we dynamometer test "EVERY SINGLE" complete version using comprehensive "break-in" procedures including the correct break-in motor oil and oil additives. The actual dyno sheet for that particular engine showing the horsepower and torque at various RPM points is provided with the engine, no copies! A dyno session is not a 30 minute assembly line job, it takes most of a day per engine to do the right kind of job. Also we break open the oil filter after dyno testing and inspect for debris to ensure that the engine is perfect internally. Finally the engine is pressure tested at the crankcase for oil leaks and then painted. When provided or purchased, the carburetor and distributor will be verified and tuned to the engine to ensure a 'no hassle' installation, just install, fire it up and it is ready to go! Carburetors and distributors are notorious for not allowing the best horsepower and drivability. They can make a good engine look bad. The dynamometer does not lie! Always have your engine dyno tested with the carb and ignition you will be using no matter who builds it!

We guarantee the quality, dependability, and accuracy of our engines. Some engines are not legal for sale or use on pollution controlled vehicles.

Smooth, Mild, Lopey, and Choppy Engines come with a 12 month-12,000 Mile written warranty. Rough idle engines carry a 90 day CME labor only warranty (purchaser pays for all parts). "Very Rough Street/Strip" engines have no warranty but have a 30 day CME labor only insurance policy (purchaser pays for all parts). For the best performing and Highest Quality crate engines available, please call, fax or email us for more information or to place your order.

CALL: (800)-903-6446 (800-90-ENGINE)
OR CALL: (803)-275-2549
FAX: (803)-275-4582
EMAIL: sales@cmengines.com

 

CME POLICIES AND DISCLAIMERS NOTICE:

Note that current SUPPLY CHAIN issues can cause unexpected delays. Also due to basically having to bid for certain parts such as aftermarket cylinder heads, a surcharge may be required for such parts.

Please use EMAIL rather than phone calls when concerning engine status, unresolved issues, complaints, warranty questions, etc. You can be sure our management  will read and respond. We cannot be responsible for "Word of Mouth" claims. Prices listed are subject to change /correction without notice. It is best that you have all quotes and other information in print (emails) as we do not accept verbal claims. Emails can take 1 to 5 working days to answer and sometimes longer.

For CORE REFUNDS to apply, returned cores should be the exact same engine as the engine purchased. Also assembled, complete, and rebuildable. Other cores of equal or higher value may be considered. No rusty or "junkyard" cores.

BUILD/REBUILD time for normal stock replacement, undamaged, non performance longblock and shortblock engines typically takes 10 to 20 working days. Other engines take longer which includes complete engines,  "High Torque",  Power Upgrades, and special stock replacement engines. Upgrades , changes, and additions to orders can  add considerable time. Antique, special, and  Performance engines can take three to twelve months or more depending on the engine. Any ETA, when quoted, is an estimate only and is not a promise or guarantee. We do not rush our engines. Please make your plans accordingly. Please do not call for updates, it takes time to look up a job to find the exact status. We prefer emails asking for updates or status which can take 1 to 5 working days to answer. We do not have the personnel to make routine calls or emails for updates, etc.

CANCELLATIONS after we have time and money invested into the job for stock OEM replacement engines require a 10% to 15%  cancellation fee of the quoted engine price. For Performance, antique, and special engine jobs, cancellations can be 25% or more of the quoted job price. A full refund can be made only after the order is completed and  the engine is sold elsewhere. This decision is solely at our discretion.  

HORSEPOWER figures advertised may vary somewhat and also require that the user install the recommended performance parts and accessories such as carburetor, ignition system, and exhaust system for those figures to be accurate.

PEFORMANCE engines will be NOISER than OEM stock engines especially when cold. That is part of a Hot Rod's charisma. This is due to centered pin pistons, extra clearances, and faster ramp lift camshafts! This cannot be avoided. These are NOT warranty issues.

Engines sent to us for rebuild or machining should be STRIPPED PROPERLY. We absolutely DO NOT take any responsibility for lost parts when left on an engine such as brackets, tags, bolts, motor mounts, etc that are not needed for the rebuild of the engine. Also we require specific instructions in writting concerning the preservation of originality such as stampings, decals, tags, etc. We will make every effort to maintain the engine's originality when given written detailed requests but NO guarantees will be given.

We make no GUARANTEES expressed or implied of merchantability, fitness for special purpose, or exact original replication or specifications. Correct or matching casting numbers are NOT guaranteed or promised. WE DO NOT DO DATE CODES.

SLEEVING of cylinders and other  repairs can be part of any engine recon. Requests for no such repairs including minimum overbores and undersizes are extra charge and can add considerable time to the job. Also must be made in writing (email).

REQUESTS FOR PICTURES or videos during the building process cannot be guaranteed even when requested! Also not guaranteed available are spec sheets, build sheets, etc. This information is time consuming to produce and some information is proprietary and not available at all. When available, such special requests can be at extra cost.

IMPORTANT: Please READ the detailed WARRANTY supplied with your engine or request a copy at time of order. Note that field labor is not available for performance and some other engines. Purchasers are required to agree to NOT make chargebacks or deposits and payments for engines must be cash, check, or wire. Deposits and payments are considered acceptance of our policies and warranty.