Progress. Updates. And questions.

[bm73charger]

So far so good. If you've been following along you know I'm building a 408 stroker.

So far I've had the block bored 30 over. Gotten a stroker kit. Gotten a bunch of parts ordered. This weekend I focused alot on building the engine. So far I have a fully build short block. It's been alot of fun and I've learned alot. I want to take a second to say thanks to all of you who interact with tips and ideas. I'll post pictures below of everything so far.

A question I do have is if I don't want to use a mechanical fuel pump. Do I still need the fuel pump eccentric? And if not what bolt and thread and length size do I need to replace it? Anything helps. And thanks in advance.

Pictures are below so far of where I'm at. Waiting for an answer on the eccentric or lack there of. Need timing cover bolts. I'm thinking I'll be putting heads on and measuring for pushrods next. Any tips there would be appreciated. Still need to get an oil pan and and a pickup. Just taking my time and ordering as I get funds. This has been a process. But it's been alot of fun.

Thanks for the support. I'll answer any questions and hear all advice.

Also went to Carlisle chrysler nationals. Was alot of fun. Hope I met a few of you there. Saw for b bodies only club there and talked to alot of people.

 

[bm73charger]

More

 

[bm73charger]

More

 

[WileE]

You don't need the eccentric, and you install a block-off plate. What will be your fuel delivery system ?

 

[bm73charger]

You don't need the eccentric, and you install a block-off plate. What will be your fuel delivery system ?

Right. I figured that was possible. I have the block off plate for the timing cover. I plan on using an electric fuel pump. The car already has one on it. I'm just going to add a beefier one to it.

The bolt where the eccentric goes. Needs to be bolted in to hold the timing chain on correct? Any clue what size bolt. What length. And what thread pitch I'll need? I assume I'll put a bolt and washer on in place of the eccentric correct?

 

[Geoff 2]

Why not leave the eccentric in place? It causes no harm & provides the correct dimension for the retaining bolt. If the car is sold, the new owner can use a mech pump if desired.

 

[PlymCrazy]

Looks like a good time

 

[68-500]

Nice. I might have missed it what cylinder heads are those? I would use the eccentric you might change your mind about the electric pump later. Then you have to disassemble front of engine for installation.

 

[bm73charger]

Nice. I might have missed it what cylinder heads are those? I would use the eccentric you might change your mind about the electric pump later. Then you have to disassemble front of engine for installation.

That's probably not a bad idea actually.

They're speedmaster heads

 

[bm73charger]

Started trying to measure for pushrod length. Put the head on before realizing that I needed lifters in first. Some mistakes that I go through as a first time builder.

Put the lifter in the opposite bore just to check. It was tight but went in. But if you look at the pictures provided. You see the roller hangs way to one side of the cam lobe. That's definitely not normal righ?

Any ideas?

 

[68-500]

Looking at the other lifter bores they look similar. IDK roller cams that well but I think centered or fully on the lobe would be minimal requirements.

 

[bm73charger]

Looking at the other lifter bores they look similar. IDK roller cams that well but I think centered or fully on the lobe would be minimal requirements.

That was my concern too. I have a call in to jegs where I got it from. They are looking into it.

 

[RemCharger]

The cam thrust plate is on?

 

[bm73charger]

The cam thrust plate is on?

I'm not 100% sure what that is? Any picture references? I pulled the cam out of the box. Lubed it up and slid it as far back as it will go.

 

[RemCharger]

I'm not 100% sure what that is? Any picture references? I pulled the cam out of the box. Lubed it up and slid it as far back as it will go.

It's a 4 bolt plate that goes on behind the cam sprocket

 

[bm73charger]

The cam thrust plate is on?

If this is what your referring to then yes it is in.

 

[bm73charger]

It's a 4 bolt plate that goes on behind the cam sprocket

Yeah. I have that added. Seems like it's only really for cam retention. Is there something that goes on the opposite side of the cam as well? It looks like the cam is positioned too far back maybe. Causing the lifter to be off center of the lobe. This is where the cam bushings are located. The big round ones not the lobes. To me (not an expert) they seem like they sit to far towards the back of the engine

 

[CoronetDarter]

Whe measuring pushrod length, add your expected preload to the measured length. Smith Bros has a large selection of off the shelf pushrods.

 

[68-500]

What timing chain set do you have?maybe it requires a Torrington bearing between spricket and thrust plate?

 

[bm73charger]

Whe measuring pushrod length, add your expected preload to the measured length. Smith Bros has a large selection of off the shelf pushrods.

i haven't been able to find a detailed explanation yet on how to measure. Is there a specific set of steps involved? my idea was to set the measuring tool in there. expand it until there was 0 lash. and then rotate the engine to make sure it went through the full range of motion without looking like it was too strained or about to fall off. that just seems much too easy though. any help would be appreciated.