UK crate engines.......

Malcolm · 02-25-04, 05:15 AM

Last night I did a search on the forum and got lots of prices that USA crate engines go for. Much cheaper than UK prices.

Last I knew was that Real Steel did crate engines at around £4500 for ok power output. What do people pay in the country for crate engines with/without efi?

Obviously an attractive £/$ rate is going to have an effect right now....

Malcolm

Rick Chattell · 02-25-04, 06:05 AM

Hi Malcom,

There is a guy in UK doing 302'S including ancils for around £3-3.5k. Apparently they are pushing out about 330 - 340 hp.

You can get things cheaper in the States, which is OK until something goes wrong. I would rather pay a few quid extra over here for the peace of mind. At least you can visit the bloke!

I dont believe that you would need to pay import tax on an engine if you imported it, but you would probably need an extra 17.5% for VAT.

Drop me a mail if you want me to find the contact details for that supplier.

Rick

Brett James-McCall · 02-25-04, 07:04 AM

Rick,
Just for info I contacted the 'nice' people at HMC&E last year. Engine duty was then 2.7%, Cam Duty 4% and ignition 3.2%. This is added to their 'special' exchange rate, then they add shipping and finally add VAT. engine Factory quoted about $600 to ship to the UK.

A quick flick through Which Kit is showing:

302 @ 370bhp - £3460
351W @ 460bhp, 465 tor - £4280
contact: mailto:v8engines@btopenworld.com

or

www.britishamericanengines.co.uk - but no prices

Brett

Rick Chattell · 02-25-04, 07:48 AM

Thanks Brett,

Probably worth staying in UK!

Dont we get shafted over here!

Rick

Brett James-McCall · 02-25-04, 08:45 AM

Rick,
I am personally ordering stuff from the US and shipping to the UK. I need to get a custom ground cam from Comp Cams for what I am doing.

Personally, for the parts that I have bought, I have generally found it to work out slightly cheaper. Like I say that is for me, but just as an example; AFR 185s (with upgrade) have gone down from £1000 to £750 (due to exhange rate recently), prior to shipping and tax etc, which I estimate as $150 shipping, so probably £200-250 tax. That would cost me £1500+ in the UK. However, like I say that is my calcs and my choice, horses for courses and all that.

How is life over your way?

Brett

Rick Chattell · 02-25-04, 09:41 AM

Brett,

Pretty good mate.

I have some interesting news about to be announced in the next week or so. Ever onwards and upwards!

There are always ways round things (usually best dealt with over a beer!

Rick

Malcolm · 02-25-04, 11:44 AM

This is pretty much in line with what I had been thinking. I have always imported my engines/parts before but an opportunity cropped up but with this and other research, it may be one to let slip by.

However thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

Malcolm