Favorite Crate Engines?

not so much of a challenge, but more cash than other big 3 parts. It's open for opinions but I can't see a quality stroker going together for $4K. You'll get more out of a properly designed 360 than a 4" arm with not enough head, header, intake, or carb. Stroker kits are not creted equal, cheap stuff needs work beyond plastigage and a service manual, and need to have air to make power. A basic 360 with hyper pistons at 0 deck, a set of Brian's (OU812 on here and Moparts.com) LA-X heads, and your current intake and carb and you can reliably reach 400hp/430tq with a fairly mild cam. You can save by factory balancing it and use the B&M flexplate, don't need main studs or anything fancy. I'd think by assembling yourself and re-using a carb, intake, ignition, and headers you could be out of it for around $3800.