ATK Engine Reviews: What People Like and Dislike About It? - Chevy Geek (2024)

The ATK engine is one of the most popular High-Performance engines in the United States. The engines are made in Grand Prarie and come with reverse-engineered components that promise no factory defaults.

ATK brand of engines is generally good, but a couple of complaints from their customers show that their warranty is not the best. Moreover, they are known to have less than stellar customer service. Their robust engines are a perfect choice for you if you cannot get the parts from other reliable manufacturers.

Read more about the unique history of ATK engines and how the company has grown to create over 1,500 products. You will also get to know what customers think about these engines and whether they are a good fit for your car, truck, or boat.

ATK Engine Review

ATK Engine Overview

ATK began over 70 years ago after the end of World War II. The vision started with ATK’s sister company, the VEGE Motoren. VEGE started in 1936 in Holland by remanufacturing ex-military vehicles to make various components.

After the war, ATK’s sister company played a huge role in uplifting the European economy as a world-leading remanufacturing company. The sale of the remanufactured after-military parts helped counter a few losses made in the war.

Its products were used in cars and trucks. Today, the ATK serves over 40,000 customers in the United States each year and has a list of over 1,500 products, including engines and engine spare parts.

Who Makes ATK Engines?

ATK engines are made by the TAK team, led by its Division manager, Mark Johnson. Mark has over 30 years of experience in the race engine industry. He began his career in a performance machine shop when he was a teenager and proceeded to join Reher & Morrison in 1984 as a race engine builder.

Mark Johnson has been able to work with bigger companies like NASCAR, GM, and Pro-Stock. His experience in these companies mainly focused on race engine builds and development. He participated in the Pro-Stock team, where he helped win various championships like IHRA and NHRA.

His job at ATK is to build the ATK High-Performance Engines with sharp detail on the machine, part selections, and the general assembly of the build.

Where are ATK Engines Made?

The ATK High-Performance Engine Division is situated in Grand Prarie in Texas. This is where the company does all of its testing, analysis, construction, and product deployment. Though it is located in Texas, it offers free shipping to the 48 states. In case you want to reach the company through other means, then feel free to contact the team using the contact information below:

• Telephone Number:866-721-2315
• Email address:salesdesk@high-performance-engines.com
• ATK Website (corporate):www.atkverge.com

ATK Engine Price

The Engine price for the high performances ATK engines will depend on which type you get for your car, truck, or boat. ATK also offers parts and components for their engines. Some of their offerings include:

1. ATK HP101CNB Chevy 377CI Stroker Complete Engine 460HP–$6,999
2. ATK HP94CNB Chevy 377CI Stroker Complete Engine 405HP–$6,279
3. ATK LM7-LB-4 Chevy LM7/LS1 383CI Base Engine 540HP+–$7,540
4. ATK Dart LS Next 388CI 1500HP Rated Short Block–$7,699
5. ATK SP77 LM7 383CI Short Block -8cc Dished Pistons 24 Tooth– $3,792
6. ATK SP75 LM7 5.3/5.7 Short Block -3.2cc Flat Top Pistons 24 Tooth–$2,985

Read more: LS1 Vs. LS2 Vs. LS3 (With Comparison Chart)

ATK Service

ATK is proud of its award-winning customer service. In fact, the company was named the winner of the Frost & Sullivan award. The specific award name is the North American Remanufactured Engine & transmissions Aftermarket Customer Service Leadership of the Year award.

The company’s purchases and repairs are carefree and super easy, with a few exceptions noted by customer complaints. We will take you through these service complaints in our customer review section of this article.

Apart from producing and selling engines, ATK provides various engine parts. Such parts include engine blocks, fuel injection systems, bearings, carburetors, cylinder heads, fuel delivery systems, gaskets, seals, ignition systems, hoses, and fittings.

ATK Engine Warranty

ATK provides a reasonable warranty package for their high performances engines and long block and short block components. The components include valve trains, cylinder heads, basic blocks, crankshafts, and connecting rods.

Warranty for the engines built for forced induction or racing applications comes with a six-month limited warranty.

The marine engines feature 18 months unlimited hour warranty. However, engines used in marine surroundings but not listed in the marine engine list do not come with warranties.

Pros and Cons

What Do Customers Talk About ATK Engine?

ATK engines have not received the best of reviews from the customers. We want to walk you through a few of the comments and reviews from verified purchases to give you a clear picture of what ATK engines have in store.

Keep in mind that some of the reviews are isolated cases that may not necessarily involve your particular ATK engine. Despite that, you should figure out what you will like or dislike about the specific engine you choose to purchase.

What Do People Like About ATK Engines?

• “I am always a little skeptical with advertised horsepower ratings because there can be so many variables. I was using this (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine) in my custom 56 Chevy truck and used the stock LS1 truck intake, EV6 injectors, and drive-by-wire stock throttle body. I swapped out the factory ECM and harness with the Holley Terminator package and finished with MSD coils and wires. I just got this on the dyno yesterday, and it is right at 400HP at the rear wheels, so the tech says it’s likely over 500 HP at the crank. Not bad for mild cam and basics! I was impressed with the clean engine package from ATK and the high-quality assembly, including clear-coated aluminum heads. Very happy!” – Corlen, Summit Racing Equipment

• “Just finished the programming (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine). With the stock intake, I couldn’t get more than 280hp (at the tires). I upgraded to a 2006 Trailblazer SS style. I think it was just a truck manifold. Everybody lists them with the same part number (12580420). Also used a 92mm Summit throttle body, a bigger Mass Airflow Sensor, and 4″ tubing. Next time I need an engine for anything, I’ll look to ATK first.” – Troy, Summit Racing Equipment

• “I am very pleased with this engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine. I installed the engine in my 2002 firebird with an LS1 installed from the factory. The engine came complete with gaskets, oil pumps, and pickup tubes. I followed the instructions provided and installed and ran with no issues. I had the car dyno-tuned; it put down 405 rear-wheel horsepower at 5600 rpm and 425 foot-pounds of torque at 4000 pm on a 91 octane tune. This equals the numbers that ATK states for engine flywheel horsepower and torque. The engine has a big flat torque curve and is a blast to drive.” – Steven, Summit Racing Equipment

• “(ATK High-Performance Engines HP36C engine) Easy to install, engine sounds very fine, happy with the purchase.” – Carlo, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “I used this engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine) to swap out my 05 Avalanche’s very high-mileage 5.3(Z). I did quite a bit of research before purchasing, exchanged several emails with ATK, and felt like this was a good purchase. Not only for the increased HP, but I was suspicious of cheaper engines having inferior internals and artistry.

I’ve had the engine in for about a week, and so far, I love it. I am using HP Tuners for my tune, and that alone has taken quite a bit of research. A ton of research. I have a mechanical and IT background, but I’m still learning about settings that were never available to me using GM’s scanning tools.

Nevertheless, it has sparked new joy to driving my old ride!” – William, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “Installed engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine) in 2002 Firebird which had an LS1 in it. Installed new engine and had it dyno-tuned. The engine put out 405 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 425 lb. ft. at 4000 pm. The engine was easy to tune and exceeded all my expectations. Even the staff at the dyno facility were impressed with this engine.” – Steven, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “Installed this engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine) in my 1988 IROC Z with the factory tune port, and I couldn’t be happier. The car runs great.” – Robert, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “I used this engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine) to replace the LQ4 in a 2003 Denali. I had LSX Unlimited in Alvarado Tx do the swap and tuning. I also added the SS intake, headers, injectors, and a stall converter. I think the mileage is a little better than the previous engine with way more hp.” – John, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “Engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP93 engine) ran well and felt very strong. However, after about 2000 miles, it dropped a valve and destroyed the motor. ATK customer service was very prompt and easy to work with and sent out a replacement immediately. Hopefully, the second motor doesn’t fail.” – Patrick, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “Did research on the engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP46C-MAG engine) and the building company and was pleased. Received engine earlier than promised and when opened was as described. So far, very happy. Installation in the next few months, but Mechanic was amazed when he saw the engine and the external quality and care. Very happy so far.” – Joseph, Summit Racing Equipment

• “Engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP09M) was much better than I expected. Clean, well packed, paint and accessories were excellent. Only one complaint and that is lack of delivery notification from ATK.”– Kenneth, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “I have had this engine (ATK High-Performance Engines HP89M) for a year now so far; everything is perfect great power and dependability. The only criticism is that I would like to know the internal parts manufacturer names, i.e., the Piston manufacturer the camshaft manufacturer. This would be great info to have. I called ATK but could not supply the information.” – Larry, Summit Racing Equipment.

What Do Customers Dislike About ATK Engines?

• “Installed their engine in my 2003 Pontiac Montana, and it blew a head gasket after 19,000 miles. Three months later, and doing diagnostics for them, my repair bill from a great shop that charges going labor rate of $100hr my bill was $2.879.43, they reimbursed $1,285, less than half and only allowed $50hr. They made things complicated by sending another engine instead of fixing the head gasket issue; this jacked up the cost for no reason.

Moreover, I saw the blown gasket, and it was the result of bad remanufacturing; I should just have had my Mechanic overhaul my original engine; he stands by his work and fixes at no charge anything he did that isn’t right. Communicating with this company is also a hassle; the tech doesn’t return calls or answer the phone most of the time, and you have to pry an email out of them. Overall, I give this company a -1 on a ten scale. I can assure you I will never do business with them again! I gave one star because 0 was not an option!” – Patrick S, Trust Link.

• “I paid $8000 to have an ATK engine; after 500 miles, the engine quit running. I pulled it apart, and rods were in the shape of the crescent moon. When my installer contacted ATK, they told him that HP engines do not have a warranty. The engine was ordered through NAPA. I will be filing suit against those involved.” – Randy S, Trust Link.

• “Engine installed May 15th would not run – timing issues – the installation company trying to do all it can to get ATK to send replacement engine. I spoke with the ATK warranty person several times. On May 22nd, he agrees to send another engine but does not. Today, May 29th, still no replacement engine received. I called again, warranty representative says he sent a request to his supervisor, but it was not yet approved. ATK is blaming the problem on the installer. The installer has replaced 6000 engines and reconfirms this is a timing issue and a definite manufacturing defect. At this point, I am cutting my losses. I have instructed the installer to get that ATK engine out of my truck. We are going to order another engine from a reputable manufacturer.” – John M, Trust Link.

• “I purchased an ATK engine for my 1994 22RE Toyota and have never been more dissatisfied with a company than I am with this one. I had the engine installed, and it didn’t last seven months before the valve seals failed, blue smoke billowing from the exhaust and stranded. I had to have the engine replaced, and they require you to pay half of shop labor. Another eight months later, the top end had to be replaced due to crinkled valve stems. The Mechanic said they were cheap Chinese stems, and again I paid half of shop labor. A total of 3 years has gone by, and there is a wicked bottom-end knock starting. I’m going to have to start from scratch and won’t do business with this company or any associated with them.” – Patrick H, Trust Link.

• “I purchased an HP93 ATK engine direct from ATK’s website. The engine was advertised as “usually in stock.” I used PayPal to pay for the purchase, and ATK immediately took the funds from PayPal. I called customer service to get an eta on the engine’s delivery. I was told they were waiting for parts to build the engine, which would be a week’s delay. Three weeks later and multiple calls to customer service, they were no closer to shipping the engine. Meanwhile, they were paid in full. They canceled my order. I have been calling for the past week trying to get my money refunded. I got transferred to multiple people in a large organization that tells me everything from there is no record of my order to they have no record of the PayPal payment. I have confirmation from PayPal that the payment was made to ATK North America. It seems that there was an internal scandal at ATK to keep $4274.30 of my money after they canceled my order. They should not have got paid by PayPal until they shipped the engine, and I would not be experiencing this anxiety. Immediate refund is the only resolution to this.” – Complaint on Better Business Bureau (BBB)

• “I bought this block (ATK High-Performance engines SP15 – ATK Chevy 383 Stroker Short Block) and put it in the car after the car was done, but it took over a year to get to that point. Block was bad cam bearing was drilled after install, and they tried to drill thought cam bearing thought block and did not go thought the bearing But just the point of the drill did leave a burr. There was no oil to cam (bad) due to poor or no quality control. ATK will not warranty the shoddy work on their block (bad). My point is the block was bad weather I put right in or a year later it was still bad on their part.” – Joseph, Summit Racing Equipment.

• “Installed (ATK High-Performance Engines HP09M) in 1969 Bronco ran good but smoked bad, called ATK and started a claim after driving and tuning with no change. ATK technicians said it just needed to be driven. Five hundred miles same blue smoke, same answer keep driving 1000 miles same 1500 ATK kept telling me to drive it to seat everything and even though I filed a claim they never did a thing. Warranty is worthless.” – Justin, Summit Racing Equipment

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Should I Buy ATK Engines?

It is our expert advice that you should not buy the ATK engines. You may want to go for this engine if you cannot get the needed components from other reliable manufacturers. The parts may include the engine block and cylinders.

It would be best if you did not buy ATK engines due to the numerous complaints they have received from their customers. Despite their robust build and military level quality, the customer satisfaction and the warranty from the company are wanting. However, you should buy the engines if you cannot get the parts elsewhere and need their particular specs for your car, truck, or boat.

Read more: Top 5 Best Chevy Truck Engines Ever