ATK motors
 

My 454 motor finally gave out after 35 yrs. I have done a lot of research from performance shops rebuilding my motor, to individuals, to remanufactured motors. My 454 needs to be bored 60 over to rebuild and basically needs everything. I am prob going to go with roller cam set up with some upgraded internals but not looking to ever drag race my car... Just cruise, get on it now and then and the occasional fun burn out. Prices are all over the map but basically $4000-$7500 for what I am looking for. My motor is not a numbers matching motor so I have thought about buying a 454 from ATK motors. Actually from their performance side, gearhead motors. It's a long block roller set up with a little more than 450 hp and more torque. Still a mild build.
I have already pulled the motor and it is rebuildable. Still a mild build.
I believe they sell these motors at summitt also.
Has anyone here bought a motor from them and what was your experience??

I've dealt with Brandon @ ATK personally. He offers some good stuff at very reasonable prices.
They produce great engines too!!
Call him directly for a discount...800-421-3746 ext. 409
http://www.high-performance-engines.com/

Bill, are you running one of their motors?

Not in the wagon...it's engine is all original...right down to the points distributor.
But I have purchased their short blocks before for other projects. I like to pick and choose the top ends (cam & heads) myself.
I've got a buddy wanting to build a 383 for his S10 pickup. We'll probably use another ATK mild short block and just add some Vortec heads already on hand.

Well, I ordered a 454 long block from atk yesterday. I did add an aluminum intake, and different valve covers. We will see how it goes!

How did you fare?

Hmm... The jury is still out. It runs strong..but. It blows a little oily smoke after accelerating. You can see the puff of smoke (sometime pretty much a quick smoke screen) out of the right exhaust. Seems to be getting worse not better. I always have a oily smell in car from exhaust. The motor has no external leaks. As of Friday, a lifter started a serious chatter that comes an goes. We check the rockers and they were not making the noise. I have roughly 800-1000 miles on the motor and I broke it in exactly like they said to and used their recommended oil. The motor has a lot more power than it used to but I am not happy about the issues. I am going to pull the motor and take it to them since they are local. They said they would correct the problem under warranty. We will see.

Sorry to hear this...keep us posted on their Customer Service please.
FYI...the S10/383 project I mentioned in a post above never developed. My buddy wrecked that nice little truck. :(

I will say that they have been more than willing to take the motor back and fix it. They to date, have been good to deal with. I pulled the transmission and stripped the motor this evening. I'll pull the motor tomorrow. They said they will have it for a couple of weeks. So, I guess I'll fill you guys in when it's back in the car.

Being in the Automotive parts manufacturing for 30 years and we all know there will be problems and what makes the difference is how they handle it. Sounds like you are off to a good start.

It is frustrating. It was a lot of effort to install only to remove the motor. I do keep reminding myself that it is a machine full of moving parts and stuff like this happens. I'd rather pull it and get it right than have it like this for the next 20 years.
Your right, it does boil down to how ATK handles the problem. So far so good.

Been there done that in 2007, I had a place build my Big Block and had it dyno'ed and then at 200 miles the pickup tube on the oil pump fell off and I had to pull the motor again to have them find and correct the problem...it was a royal pain as I dropped the hood on to the fender when reinstalling the second time and it is now my problem.

At least you found there was a problem during the warranty period but I know its still aggrivating .

Wish you luck on it. Your right still alot of time to take the motor in and out. I had a motor built for my Ford PU and in about 5000 miles a rod bearing went out. Know your pain.

Motor problems are always so frustrating. Sorry to hear about it.

Motor is out and on a crate in the bed of the tundra. Headed to ATK's facility in the morning.

Here is what I have been working on:

THE OLD MOTOR
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/a.../chevelle8.jpg
ENGINE BAY BEFORE
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbc3e5542.png
ENGINE BAY AFTER
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps8b1832b2.jpg
NEW MOTOR
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbb899f33.jpg
THE REASON FOR THE EFFORT
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps9a9ddd0d.png

AND NOW WE ARE BACK TO NO MOTOR!

Bump for a good ending?

Excellent !! How's it running ?