Need honest opinions on a build

[496 polara]

A 400 with some better flowing heads and a small cam for your tall gears will have you grinning.
A 451 if you need or want a new crank makes everything easier.
head flow will make everything easier.

 

[1KoolBee]

Okay, you guys made me rethink my plans. As tempting as the 170 slant was, I just made a deal on a complete 400 from a friend. Apparently it was a 29,000 mile motor that developed a knock. We will see once I get it home and tear it apart. Something for me to do this winter! The bonus is the car will not be out of commission while I build the new motor.

Build 400 with a 440 crank and stroker pistons, mild cam and put some 3:23’s in it. Supercruiser!

 

[qkcuda]

A 400 with some better flowing heads and a small cam for your tall gears will have you grinning.
A 451 if you need or want a new crank makes everything easier.
head flow will make everything easier.

I have read several dyno tests, and I agree with you. The current plan is to pocket port the 452 heads for about 250 CFM, stock stroke crank, KB 240 pistons , Summit 6400 cam. Should be north of 400 lb/ft of torque and at least 350 hp.

 

[qkcuda]

Build 400 with a 440 crank and stroker pistons, mild cam and put some 3:23’s in it. Supercruiser!

I have built a 4.15 stroke engine before. I will probably try and stick with stock stroke for this one. I built a stock stroke 400 before which dynoed at 450 lb/ft of torque and 415 hp, but that was using a cam with 10 degrees more duration in a lighter car with more gear and converter.

 

[qkcuda]

Well, I made the first step and ordered the Summit cam kit while the Summit bucks promotion was on. I still don't have the engine home yet

 

[blue69runner]

Build it like you want it. You will never be happy till you do!!!!!!!!!

 

[qkcuda]

I'm feeling good about the direction this is going. Looking forward to getting the block here and getting started.

 

[eldubb440]

Well, I made the first step and ordered the Summit cam kit while the Summit bucks promotion was on. I still don't have the engine home yet

we call it getting your ducks in a row

 

[Wyatt]

I'm in the final stages of a build. Drive the damn car. Get in it, start it and hammer the gas pedal. More people here seem to be more 'constipated' over the build than actually driving the car. What a shame.

 

[qkcuda]

The car is running and I am driving it. Hammering the gas pedal currently doesn't provide many thrills. This engine will be completed and dynoed before the old engine comes out.

 

[qkcuda]

The plan is coming together. I picked up a 1974 727 core today with part throttle kickdown and the standard input shaft which opens up torque converter options. (the 1966 trans has a smaller input shaft with a different spline count). That means the original engine trans combo will go under the bench. Just waiting to get the engine here and pulled apart to assess the damage.

 

[qkcuda]

Well the engine is finally home. I was surprised at how clean it was on the outside. It is supposed to have 29,000 miles on it and it looks like it. Tomorrow I will start pulling it apart and see if the inside is as clean.

 

[qkcuda]

I got the engine mostly torn down today. The top end looks good, but I found out why it lost oil pressure. They said they shut it down when they heard it rattling, and the engine spins over easily so I am hoping no crank damage, but I haven't started pulling bearings yet. I ran out of energy.

 

[qkcuda]

I did determine that it was a 73 engine with 346 heads. It also is marked for o/s exhaust valve stems, and the crank has a marking that looks like it is .010 under. There is also a 7 on the deck and on the crank, so not sure if a rod bearing is undersized. I'll find out soon. Once disassembly is done I will probably start a new build thread.

 

[RemCharger]

Could probably chuck a pump, drive, and chain on it and keep going

 

[qkcuda]

I'd settle for the crank still being usable

 

[Dave6T4]

I got the engine mostly torn down today. The top end looks good, but I found out why it lost oil pressure. They said they shut it down when they heard it rattling, and the engine spins over easily so I am hoping no crank damage, but I haven't started pulling bearings yet. I ran out of energy.

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Ya, that'll do it. Nothing like that in mine.

 

[qkcuda]

Did you see your oil pump issue?

 

[Dave6T4]

Did you see your oil pump issue?

Pickup tube problem. Tube was bent at the screen end, restricting flow. Like drinking a milkshake through a soda straw. I got a couple of different length pickups from a Mopar friend. I plan on putting a blob of PlayDoh in the sump, push the pan up into place, and see what kind of clearance I have. I am all ready to go at it tomorrow.

 

[qkcuda]

I didn't take a picture of the oil pan, but it was smashed on the bottom and the pickup was jammed up against it. Not sure if it happened before or after they pulled it, but I will need a new pan and pickup.