Birthday Blues/Advice Needed

[Matt70]

Sorry to hear that dude......if you decide to rebuild I would stroke it.

[1 Wild R/T]

Sorry to hear that dude......if you decide to rebuild I would stroke it.

I'd rather be blown...   

[73cudabr]

I'd rather be blown...   

How about both?? 

[Matt70]

 

[73cudabr]

I think we've made the decision to pull the engine and rebuild it. Possibly 512 stroker kit from 440 source. Going to measure the bore this weekend and see whats left of the block. Then pull it, machine it and rebuild it. I've been trolling the proven engine combo's. I'll likely spin up a post there once the engine is out and broken down. I'm open to any and all options. Initial budget is likely 7K. I don't want to spend that much, but willing to go higher if I have to. I mainly want to build it once, do it right, have a mean machine that will keep me happy for a long time.

Also currently have a 3 speed with 3:23 gears. It tops out pretty quick on the highway and pulls 3100 at 75MPH. Would be nice to dial that back. What do I need to look for to get a 4 speed in there?

Any other suggestions or directions is appreciated.

Uses:
Mostly street use
Lots of burnouts
WOT on any and all on-ramps
Occasional BMW or Newer mopar will want to race on the highway and always wins. I never really go past 100 MPH as I don't like the way it handles, but if I could drop down and pull to a 100 quicker that would be sweet.

Current build before it broke down was 251 HP to rear wheels, and 308 TQ. So i'm guessing anything in the 400's to the wheels will be a drastic improvement. Ive driven a BenzCLS 63 AMG with 550hp per the specs and that was a rocket ship.

[Matt70]

This place sells 4 speed conversion kits, been looking at them myself.
http://www.brewersperformance.com/

[moparelwood]

I bought a complete kit from them many years ago. It was put together and all there. good people to work with 

[1 Wild R/T]

Also currently have a 3 speed with 3:23 gears. It tops out pretty quick on the highway and pulls 3100 at 75MPH.

Either you have short tires or your tach isn't accurate...  3100 should be over 80 mph with 3.23's & a 28" tall tire...

Something to consider... Build a stroker, build it for low end grunt, it'll still make 500+ HP but it'll be done by 5500 rpm's... Advantage it'll never hurt itself... Now use a 2.76 gear.... 75 MPH will be 2500 rpm's, It'll still run a 1/4 quicker than most new muscle cars.. Obviously not gonna beat a Hellcat but still respectable, but docile & pleasant to drive while still capable of handing most cars a good spanking...

[73cudabr]

Either you have short tires or your tach isn't accurate...  3100 should be over 80 mph with 3.23's & a 28" tall tire...

Something to consider... Build a stroker, build it for low end grunt, it'll still make 500+ HP but it'll be done by 5500 rpm's... Advantage it'll never hurt itself... Now use a 2.76 gear.... 75 MPH will be 2500 rpm's, It'll still run a 1/4 quicker than most new muscle cars.. Obviously not gonna beat a Hellcat but still respectable, but docile & pleasant to drive while still capable of handing most cars a good spanking...

I like your plan, and especially playing it safe with a stroker. I have an MSD box and had my current engine limited at 5500 RPMs. It was nice knowing that I wasn't going to grenade it if I left it in gear too long for whatever reason. I've read a few builds where on the proven forum where the engine was all in by 5500. I found a local engine for sale on craigslist for $4500. Seems to be put together with the edelbrock power package. However I don't know if I trust it. I think for the money, and some people smarter than me helping me with the build, I can get a better engine, and know it's done right.

Here is the link to the engine. Going to post in another thread to get feedback.

http://columbia.craigslist.org/pts/5778033244.html

[1 Wild R/T]

Yeah I think I'd let that one go... 3 miles on it? Why does it look like it came from a junk yard?  Photo 5 the area above the bell housing is pretty crusty... Add to that the fact it's a cast crank engine...  Not that a cast crank won't do the job buttttttt... If it was my $$ I'd keep looking..

[73cudabr]

Measured bore today. 4.33. Appears that it has not been machined yet? It's a 72 block. If I research right 4.32 is from factory?

Going to start breaking it down and set a goal to have the engine out next week. Then the process of rebuilding will start. Looking forward to getting suggestions on builds! Should i spin up a new thread in a different section?

[HP_Cuda]

Yeah I'd pass on that motor, these things are always suspect.

Looks like you can do a rebuild at 30 over and be on your merry way.

Check out 440source.com for good stroker kits.

[rUNCHARGER]

Now you can make an overall plan. To keep it simple I would also capitalize on the stroker lowend grunt and make it work with a stock torqueflite. 3.23 gears should be perfect for what you want, I would use them of a set of 2.94's and the stock torqueflite. Then a stroker crank engine built to run out of breath at 5500 or 6000.

Sheldon

[YellowThumper]

Agreed on the above reply.
Based on stated budget. Doing any trans swap will eat most of the $$$.

3spd to 4 is a piece of cake job for the future.

[73cudabr]

Thanks guys - Great advice, and already on it. I'm looking at the 512 stroker kit from 440 source. I already have a edelbrock performer intake, Holley 750 Double Pumper, and MSD electronic Ignition. I wrenched on it most of the day today.

Radiator leaks, so now is a great time to see if I can have it repaired. It's an aluminum Mr. Cool (I think can't remember exactly) but it works excellent even with it half full from the leak. Distributer/Alternator is off as well.  Since I already have one side apart, I'm trying to get it down to the short block before we pull it so the weight is even. I hit a snag with the headers. Can't get them to budge on the driver side. Not sure how I'm going to get to the lower head bolts now. They're Hedman Headers, any suggestions? I tossed up the white flag and have my buddy coming over with the engine hoist tomorrow. Since he does this for a living i'm sure he will have a solution. But I'd like to have it off before he gets here. So i'm open to thoughts! Current pic of progress below. Maybe tomorrow the engine will be out. We will see. And yes there will be a day dedicated to cleaning up the wiring.