By Steve Temple

Photos by Steve Temple and Courtesy Jasper

One obvious truth about all kit projects is the need for a drivetrain. After all, most kits come without an engine and transmission. But not just any old lump will do. You spend a lot of time and money getting your car on the road, and you don’t want to get stuck by the side of the road due to malfunctioning mill or troublesome trannie.     

That’s where Jasper comes in with a wide range of options. Since 1942, this company has been offering remanufactured engines and transmissions that meet or exceed factory specs. And now more recently has introduced performance packages and an Authentic Custom Drivetrain Division. While the latter should be of particular interest to replica kit builders looking for a period-correct engine or transmission, we’ll first focus on the company’s remanufactured (reman) products, and then cover Jasper’s special program for more performance and authenticity.

Rebuilt Versus Reman

First off, what’s the difference between remanufactured engines (or transmissions) and rebuilt or used engines (or transmissions)? There’s often some confusion about rebuilt versus remans. In the early days of the kit industry, used or rebuilt engines and transmission were fairly common, whether for a new project vehicle or re-powering an existing one. That’s not so much the case these days, as evidenced by the popularity of new crate engines. But you don’t have to go to that extra expense for virtually all-new components, and still can get a drivetrain with a full warranty.

For the sake of clarity, as Jasper notes, used engines are typically pulled directly from a vehicle, usually in a junkyard, without any cleaning or inspection. The mileage might be high and the level of maintenance low, possibly “a pig in a poke”, as the old saying goes (referring to a low-quality item concealed in a bag).

A rebuilt drivetrain is a step above a used engine, as it involves cleaning, inspecting and replacing worn-out parts. But some serviceable parts might be re-used if they’re still within the manufacturer’s wear limits, and the drivetrain’s overall quality can vary with the skill of the rebuilder.

A reman, however, is a different deal, in that it makes the drivetrain as close to new as possible, with most wearable parts automatically replaced by Jasper’s experienced technicians (note accompanying photos on how they handle a Ford 302). They carefully inspect all core material, verifying that it meets  original equipment specs and tolerances. New replacement parts are made with the same production processes as original equipment. And best of all, Jasper’s reman drivetrains are covered by a nationwide warranty.

To get an idea the scope of this company’s experience, it handles remans for enormous volumes of drivetrain components (about 57,000 gasoline engines per year, along with 68,000 transmissions and 9,500 differentials). So you’re dealing with technicians who are very familiar with just about every type of drivetrain a kit builder might need.

Upgrading to a Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrain

Upstairs from this massive operation is a newer, limited-volume (350 to 400 units per unit) area devoted to rescuing treasured, collectible powerplants (plus transmissions and differentials) from the brink of oblivion. Called the Authentic Custom Engine Division, it’s staffed by veteran technicians who have an appreciation for the pride and satisfaction that accompanies classic and collectible car ownership, and painstakingly bring back drivetrains from a near-death state.

The process consists of a numbers-matching build, original paint, testing and, (for an up-charge), valuable documentation of the remanufacturing process. That way, should a premium-grade Cobra replica or other collectible car ever be sold, the owner can prove the lineage and meticulous care that has gone into the project, preserving its value.

This optional documentation package lists in exhaustive detail the bill of materials, specifications, dynamometer reports and detailed in-process information, including photos. In other words, just about anything you would like to know about your engine as it goes through the company’s extensive and precise steps. This information is available 24/7 via a web page, or can also be e-mailed during the hand-building procedures.

We should note, however, that for high-performance engines, the warranty differs somewhat in miles and years of coverage, but the point is, whether it’s a basic Ford 302 or a 427 side-oiler, Jasper has you covered. Which is a good thing to know, considering all the time, money and effort that goes into a buildup.