Crate Engines and Builder Kits

Crate Engines and Builder Kits

We offer "ready to ship" crate engines. We don't pre-sell our crate engines and post each as they become available. Many people love to assemble and finish engines themselves or have a local builder they like to work with. We can absolutely help with that as well with our Crate Engine Builder Kits. This saves sourcing each individual part because we have full engine kit packages. Plus we keep it all in stock and can usually ship in 4-6 weeks or less!

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Crate Engines- Butler Built
Over the last couple of years our engine program has evolved, and we are no longer offering custom/built to order engines (short block, long block, or complete engines). Our Pontiac crate...More Details »
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Crate Engine Builder Kits
Butler produces Pontiac power with its high performance Pontiac crate engine builder kit. Get the power and performance you desire with an engine kit machined, blueprinted, and customized just for...More Details »
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Short Blocks (Assembled and Unassembled Kits)
Over the last couple of years our short block program has evolved, and we are no longer offering custom/built to order engines (short block, long block, or complete engines). Our Pontiac short...More Details »
Crate Engines and Builder Kits - Build Yours Like Butler
Build Yours Like Butler
Now you can see what we used in many of our popular builds. No matter if you buy a full engine kit or individual parts, your Pontiac will be on it's way to having your own Butler Combination....More Details »
Crate Engines and Builder Kits - Engine Blocks
Engine Blocks
The Pontiac V8 engine is unique in American automotive history. Unlike other GM divisions that relied on separate "small block" and "big block" architectures, all production Pontiac V8s—from...More Details »
Crate Engines and Builder Kits - Engine Cradles/Stands
Engine Cradles/Stands
Transport or store your Pontiac engine on an engine cradle from Butler Performance. These can be uses with or without casters and can even be fastened to a pallet to ship your entire engine safe...More Details »

More About Crate Engines and Builder Kits

Power by the Numbers: Pontiac Crate Engines and Builder Kits from Butler Performance

 

For enthusiasts seeking guaranteed, dyno-proven power without the hassle of a ground-up build, or for those who want a head start on their project, Butler Performance is the definitive source for Pontiac Crate Engines and Builder Kits. Leveraging decades of expertise with the iconic Pontiac V8, Butler Performance offers solutions for every goal, from turn-key street cruisers to dedicated race machines.

 

 

The Ultimate Upgrade: Butler Built Crate Engines ????

 

A Butler Built Crate Engine represents the pinnacle of Pontiac performance and reliability. These are complete, turn-key power plants that have been fully assembled, dyno-tested, and optimized by the experts at Butler Performance.

  • Turn-Key Reliability: These engines are ready for installation right out of the crate. They come with documented dyno sheets, providing proof of the engine's horsepower and torque output.

  • Engineered for Performance: Every component, from the forged pistons and performance connecting rods to the custom-ground camshaft and high-flow cylinder heads, is carefully chosen and matched to work together seamlessly.

  • Customizable Options: While offered as complete assemblies, customers work directly with the Butler team to spec out the perfect engine for their vehicle's weight, intended use, and desired power level. This ensures the engine is built specifically for the customer's needs, often with horsepower ratings reaching or exceeding 600 HP.

  • Models Available: Butler engines are available for a wide range of displacements, including the popular 400, 455, and 462+ cubic inch configurations, catering to iconic models like the GTO, Firebird, and Catalina.

     

 

Starting Strong: Engine Builder Kits and Short Blocks

 

For the hands-on builder or engine shop, Butler Performance offers various kits and foundational assemblies to kickstart a high-performance build. These options allow for significant cost savings and personalized final assembly.

 

 

1. Crate Engine Builder Kits

 

These are comprehensive packages that include all the major rotating and top-end components required to build a Butler-spec engine. A typical kit includes:

  • Rotating Assembly: Crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, piston rings, and bearings.

     

  • Camshaft and Valvetrain: Camshaft, lifters, pushrods, rocker arms, and valve springs (matched to the cam).

  • Top End Components: Cylinder heads, intake manifold, and gasket sets.

     

These kits allow the user to perform the final assembly, providing all the proven Butler components necessary to achieve the advertised performance levels.

 

2. Short Blocks (Assembled and Unassembled Kits)

 

The short block is the foundation of any high-performance engine. Butler Performance offers:

  • Assembled Short Blocks: These include a fully machined, decked, and bored engine block (either a new aftermarket block or a fully prepped factory block) that comes with the rotating assembly (crank, rods, pistons) already installed and clearance-checked. This drastically cuts down on complex machining and balancing work.

  • Unassembled Short Block Kits: These contain all the components of the rotating assembly along with a fully prepped block, allowing the customer to perform the final assembly and clearances.

 

Core Components and Engine Blocks

 

The quality of the foundation dictates the quality of the final engine. Butler Performance focuses on utilizing the best available blocks:

  • New Aftermarket Engine Blocks: Butler uses new, higher-strength blocks specifically designed for performance applications, capable of handling extreme horsepower and high RPMs that factory blocks cannot.

  • Build Yours Like Butler: For customers using their original blocks, Butler Performance offers machine shop services and components that adhere to their high standards for machining, balancing, and clearances, ensuring every engine meets their stringent durability and performance requirements.

     

Whether an enthusiast chooses a complete Butler Built Crate Engine for instant power or a detailed Builder Kit for a customized project, Butler Performance provides the precision parts and expertise required to put legendary Pontiac power under the hood.