Is this Indy crate engine a good choice?

[CudaHead]

I'm working on my 1970 Gran Coupe Convertible build. It has a 318 Auto in it now. I'm looking to make into a great street package that runs fine on Pump Gas.
I thought about building the 318 with a stroker kit because it matches the car, but my research on how to build it has just made my head swim. I feel that I did not find a combination of parts that I could feel safe with.
I bought a 1970 stamped 340 at the Garlits show. It appears to have 71 360 heads on it with a WWAJ stamp. The cam and rockers are missing. I could build this one.
OR, I could just buy this Indy crate: http://www.indyheads.com/newla.html    (top of the page)   Is this a good engine?
I would love to hear from someone that knows something on this subject.

I also with be changing the rear end to a 354 Dana:  http://www.elitevintageauto.com/online-store.html  and
a 4 speed auto: http://americanpowertrain.com/i-22339177-mopar-automatic-overdrive-kit-b-and-e-body.html

CudaHad

[Oldschool]

That looks like a great choice. I can't understand why Indy still used iron heads on their crate engines though. Even the high HP ones. To me, unless whatever you are doing with the car REQUIRES iron heads be used, aluminum would be the way to go. They are cost effective, weight saving, allow more compression, etc........

[CudaHead]

Hello Ken,
     I believe they offer this with an upgraded Edelbrock Aluminum for $1060. http://www.indyheads.com/images/price.2015.06.pdf

I noticed you are in Georgia. I live in Gainesville, GA.
Do you know of a really good engine builder in our area?

CudaHad

[dfrazz]

Just be careful when dealing with Indy.  Not the greatest customer service.  I tried to buy a crate engine from them a couple years ago and was treated very poorly, and when I raised my concern to their management I did not receive any response so I went elsewhere.

IMHO, if you are just looking for a fun street engine stroke the 318 you already have.

[Chryco Psycho]

I would not consider the eddy alum an upgrade just an expensive sideways move . they can have horrible core shift issues

[TelisSE440]

That looks like a great choice. I can't understand why Indy still used iron heads on their crate engines though. Even the high HP ones. To me, unless whatever you are doing with the car REQUIRES iron heads be used, aluminum would be the way to go. They are cost effective, weight saving, allow more compression, etc........

Are aluminum heads good for the street ? Or just high performance applications ?

[Chryco Psycho]

Most production engines now have alum heads so yes they are great for the street , but you do need cometic gaskets . All alum heads are not an improvement  you need to look at quench  flow & compression ratio t be sure you will get mre power from them  . A friend installed Eddy heads & removed ported Iron heads  net gain 3HP dyno proven  for around $2000 Spent

[HP2]

A Dana rear is a bit of overkill for even a stout small block. The 8.75 rear in it is plenty tough enough for a street machine. Save the money here and put it into your engine build unless you have plans for a big block conversion in the future.

[Rolling_Thunder]

OR you can go to CMEngines.com and get a 390hp Magnum long block for $2900 and add your intake / carb / oil pan choice.

[CudaHead]

I will be heading for the Indy show this week. I sold my 340 block and I'm hoping to have this settled by the end of the week.
I've been thinking that keeping the original block would be a good thing but I'm just not sure it's going to get the job done. Either way, I'll decide this week.

CudaHad

[CudaHead]

Well I went to the Indy show and it was a nice one. I picked up a few things. The one thing I did not bring back was an engine. I talked to Indy Heads and just like on the phone calls, I did not feel comfortable talking to them. I lost confidence that they would be the ones to do business with.
I did talk to Hughes Engines. I felt good about those guys. I had them send me a list of parts to use to stroke my numbers matching 318. They have a 390 kit they recommended alone with Heads, Cams, and  Springs that would give me 400 HP and more importantly 460 FT LB. I like the sound of that. It's looking like I will go that path unless you chime in and give me a reason not to.

CudaHad

[Chryco Psycho]

Hughes has some good stuff but can be very difficult to deal with also .
 I have not bought from them in years now

[70chall440]

A Dana rear is a bit of overkill for even a stout small block. The 8.75 rear in it is plenty tough enough for a street machine. Save the money here and put it into your engine build unless you have plans for a big block conversion in the future.

 

[70chall440]

Well I went to the Indy show and it was a nice one. I picked up a few things. The one thing I did not bring back was an engine. I talked to Indy Heads and just like on the phone calls, I did not feel comfortable talking to them. I lost confidence that they would be the ones to do business with.
I did talk to Hughes Engines. I felt good about those guys. I had them send me a list of parts to use to stroke my numbers matching 318. They have a 390 kit they recommended alone with Heads, Cams, and  Springs that would give me 400 HP and more importantly 460 FT LB. I like the sound of that. It's looking like I will go that path unless you chime in and give me a reason not to.

CudaHad

Hughes is a good company. I would recommend you give this some thought, I would not spend the money to stroke a 318, I would go to any local junk yard and pick up a newer 5.9 (360) with a roller top end and start there. About the same money (sans the engine purchase) and you will get a much better end result. On all of my current and future builds I am using roller cams and efi induction; this is for drivability and durability. That said, if you don't want to get another engine, your stated path will work and I am sure you will be happy. Just remember "there is no replacement for displacement"...

[CudaHead]

On the Dana point, it cost me no more to do the Dana so I went with it. I know it weighs more but from my old days of 440 6-Packs, I always loved the Dana. Your point is taken that it does not make sense, but that is just me.

I would have loved to buy the Indy crate but I did not want to deal with the Indy guys I talked to. If you know of a great crate, I would love to hear about it (As long as it's not way over priced).

CudaHad