Custom-Built Horsepower That Fits You, Not the Masses.
Why a Custom Engine is the Smarter Choice than a Crate Engine?
Crate engines are designed for mass appeal—not performance or driveability.
They’re built to cover a wide range of vehicles and use cases, which means compromises in cam profile, compression, timing, and airflow. That “drop-in and go” convenience can come at the cost of power, drivability, and long-term reliability—especially if your build isn’t bone-stock.
At Box Performance Inc., every custom engine is built to match your setup and expectations.
Here’s where crate engines fall short—and where we take over:
Generic Tuning:
Custom engines are tuned to your combo—fuel type, gearing, altitude, and intended use.
Crate engines ship with conservative tunes and safe compression ratios to avoid issues in unknown vehicles. That means leaving horsepower on the table.
Parts Compatibility:
We factor in your full drivetrain, so everything works together seamlessly.
Crate engines can create mismatches with your transmission, torque converter, or rear-end gear ratio, leading to poor street manners or performance dips.
Assembly Shortcuts:
We use name-brand components and apply blueprint-level clearances to ensure and make any necessary adjustments for your car.
Some crate engines are built to hit a price point, not a performance standard—so you may get unbranded components, factory-style clearances, or other cost cuts.
No Testing:
We live-run every custom engine on a test stand to check oil pressure, timing, temps, and leaks.
Most crate engines aren’t run before shipping. If there’s a problem, you find out the hard way.
No Real Support:
With Box Performance Inc., you’re talking directly to the builders. No script. No guesswork.
With a crate engine, your only help is a generic manual or a support line that doesn’t know your car.
A crate engine is built to fit the average build. We don’t do average. We build for your car—and your goals.
Common Questions About Crate Engines vs. Custom Builds
Q: Aren’t crate engines cheaper?
A: On paper, maybe—but that price often doesn’t include needed upgrades, tuning, or long-term durability. With a custom build, you’re getting it done right the first time.
Q: Can a custom engine still fit my budget?
A: Absolutely. We work with customers at a range of price points. Whether you want a reliable street build or a full race combo, we’ll help you get the most power for your dollar.
Q: What if I already have a transmission or other parts?
A: Great! We’ll match the engine to your existing setup to ensure everything works in harmony.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Build times vary depending on parts availability and complexity, but we’ll always keep you updated and give you realistic expectations up front.
Before you buy a crate engine, find out if a custom build might actually save you time, money, and frustration.
Ready to Talk About Your Options?
Feel free to give us a call and ask questions about your needs and if a crate engine will fulfill your needs.
📧 m.box@boxperformance.com
📞 440-892-0282
Let’s build something that fits your ride—not everyone else’s.
Let’s Build Your Engine—Your Way
You’ve seen why crate engines fall short. Now let’s talk about what we offer.
At Box Performance Inc., every engine is built with purpose—no guesswork, no gimmicks. Whether you're building for the strip, the street, or a weekend cruise, we tailor each build to your driving goals and performance demands.
Explore Our Engine Options
Naturally Aspirated Builds
Old-school power, modern reliability. These non-boosted builds are perfect for cruisers, street machines, and classic muscle cars. Clean, dependable performance with no extra drama.
Stroker Engines
Build the perfect balance of torque and horsepower with a custom stroker designed to fit your goals, budget, and setup.
Chevy Engines
From small block street builds to full-blown big block powerhouses, we specialize in Chevy engine builds and rebuilds that deliver serious performance and reliability.
Blower Engine Builds
Instant boost, massive torque, and head-turning power. We build Roots-style supercharged engines that deliver attitude and performance in one package.
Blower Surge
At Box Performance Inc., we don’t just build blower engines—we’re known for them. Experience the sound, the power, and the personality that make us the House of Surge.
Procharged & Turbo Builds
Looking for something fast and responsive? Our procharged and turbocharged engine builds are custom-tuned for speed, drivability, and durability.
Engine Rebuilds
Need to refresh or rebuild your existing engine? Our rebuild services bring your motor back to life—stronger, cleaner, and better than before.
Warranty Policy
Learn about our warranty coverage and what sets Box Performance Inc. apart when it comes to quality and customer care.