Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a block, short block, long block & turn-key system?
A: Try our blocks page for the answer.
Q: Where are British American Engines supplied from?
A: Because we require quality pre-1993 blocks, we import only seasoned units directly from America as the basis for our turn-key engines. See Engine Building for more info.
Q: Do you keep many engines in stock?
A: Due to their popularity, we always keep a stock of 350ci Chevy's. Should you require smaller or larger capacity Chevy engines, these can be ordered from our supplier the same day.
Q: Why is the 350 Chevy so popular?
A: This is the most abundant and (some would argue) the best designed small block V8 engine ever built. With ease of interchangeability, a large choice of spare parts suppliers and multiple applications. Unless your application requires a Ford or Chrysler engine (or simply personal choice) then Chevy can be the best all round option.
Q: Are you biased against Ford & Chrysler?
A: Not at all, as we love all American V8 engines. Like Chevy, we keep a good stock of Ford blocks, but due to less demand and a more precise application, Chrysler blocks are ordered from our supplier in the States on request.
Q: What about some of the harder to obtain blocks like the Chevy 400 or Ford 289?
A: Should you require something different from a 350 Chevy or 351 Windsor, we can source these blocks from our supplier in the States.
Q: How long do they take to come over from the States?
A: About three weeks door-to-door if brought over by boat. Less than a week if brought over by plane.
Q: Which is cheaper, plane or boat?
A: Boat is considerably cheaper, however our Freight Broker can help find the best deal by plane if required.
Q: Do I have to deal with Customs & all the paper work if an engine is ordered from the States?
A: No! All taxes & paper work are done by us, with no additional charge for this service.
Q: Should I consider a second hand engine, over a new engine?
A: There can be some very good second hand deals out there. But unless you know an engine's history and have seen and heard it running, it can be false economy to buy second hand. Be wary of 'convenient' reasons why a particular engine is for sale and remember that if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is!
Q: Do the potential savings justify a second hand engine over a new one?
A: If you are on a tight budget and are prepared to strip and inspect the engine prior to installation, then you can make good savings when going the second hand route.
If you simply install the engine and hope for the best, you may end up paying more than the price of a new engine with the costs of inspection & removal if the unit goes wrong. It is rare for any guarantees to come with a second hand engine, so once you have bought it, there is no comeback. As the saying goes 'you get what you pay for'.
Q: Are your engines second hand or new?
A: All our engines are technically new and and come with a guarantee, but to comply with the SVA emission requirement, the block is pre-1993. In addition, our turn key engines are fully run up on a test bench before being released to the customer.
Q: Is a pre-1993 block OK?
A: Our supplier cleans, crack tests & Magnafluxes all of their blocks prior to release to us. A seasoned block is preferred by the engine building fraternity, as it has gone through the prolonged process of being heated & cooled when being started & stopped. You will find that the vast majority of engines in this country are running on pre-1993 blocks.
Q: If your engines are new, why do they have pre-1993 blocks?
A: This is a requirement of our kit car customers, due to the emissions requirements of the SVA test. Any engine which has a block date of post-1993 must have a catalytic converter. In addition, a lower rate of import tax will apply & this saving is passed on to the customer.
Q: What guarantee do you give on your engines?
A: A minimum of three months, which can be extended to 12 months - see our Guarantee page for details.
Q: Is their a price difference between small block & big block engines?
A: Yes. Big block engines and their ancillaries do cost more over their small block cousins. Although we supply big block engines, your application and budget may be better suited to a small block engine, as a big block doesn't necessarily mean more power on the street.
Q: Can I have a brand new block if I want one?
A: Of course, but be prepared to pay more for it |
