New options coming for crate engine seals

  • December 19, 2007
  • by Chuck Stowe, Karl Chevrolet

ANKENY, Iowa - Rest assured, GM Performance Parts is developing a new crate engine sealing system. Yes, GM Performance Parts announced that effective March 1, 2008, the “RM” sealing bolts currently being used will no longer be available. What they also announced was that they are indeed working on a new program regarding the sealing of crate engines coming from the factory. Indications are that a new program could be announced this February at the RPM Workshops in Florida, if not sooner.

Here at Karl Chevrolet, we feel strongly about GM Performance Parts and their future in racing. GM Performance Parts is committed to the Crate Engines currently in production: the 602, 603 and 604 Circle Track engines as well as the recently announced CT525 all-aluminum race engine.

We, too, have heard the rumors out there about sealing bolts getting into the wrong hands and that companies are duplicating these bolts. That simply has not been the case. To date, no one has been able to duplicate these sealing bolts. Is it possible for authentic GM sealing bolts to get into the wrong hands? Yes. But it can only happen as a result of the sanctioning bodies not policing the repair centers that they’ve chosen as authorized and bonded centers.

In the end, competitors and repair centers found to be cheating up the Crate Engines must be penalized to the fullest.