408 stroker build
 

Hello all,

I am going to build a 408 stoker. I got a '79 360 block. This is my first engine build and I am 19 years old.

The car its going in is a 1967 Plymouth Belvedere. She has a 318 now. She has been in Mopar Muscle Magazine twice in the Young Guns section.

I am hoping to get 400-450 hp out of the new motor. She will be a street/strip car.

I already have a new cam, springs, lifters.

So I need to know any tips for this build.

Some questions I have are…

1. I have stock heads and I know they are not as good. Valves are smaller.
In your guys opinion, do I machine the heads and get oversized valves or buy new heads?

2. With the new cam do I need adjustable rockers or can I keep them stock? Cam is a comp cams part # 20-224-4. Link is http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=628&sb=0

3. With the stoker kit taking up the bottom end, is there any type of special balancing required?

Again, this is my first build and I have lots of questionsJ

Thanks for your help

Mopar or No Car!!
Paul

http://www.moparsonsale.com/mopars-f...ages/417_2.jpg

I will answer a few for you. You could step up to some Eddy heads or take some cast 308 heads and punch them out for some bigger valves and have some hand porting done. You should look at a stroker kit from Muscle Motors. They are 100% Mopar. Your cam is a flat tappet so you can use the factory rocker system. I would just buy new stamped rockers cause you don't know the life of the old ones. Your going to need a good flowing intake and maybe 750 cfm carb. No special balancing required. Maybe a steel girdle for the lower end.

Don't forget a new trans converter to go with the cam ! Go with the Edelbrock heads. They are aluminum and can take more compression. And a 3.91 rear end

To get it the upper end of your goal you will need 225-250 cfm airflow thru the head.
Stock MAg heads cleaned up a little, RHS, EDDY or EQ.

Here is a very low cost option if you haven't put any machining on the block.

Get a high mileage boneyard magnum long block. The mag block gets you hyd roller valve train and the rocker gear. And the better Mag heads. Thats a 30plus HP bump by using a roller assembly over your current 76 block. Sell that cam.

Use the SCAT I beam internally balanced assembly. Rods fit, no clearancing. ( Always double check). This is a spial lock piston and basic file fit ring. Again, a savings to you as you can assemble. Already balanced.

Get block machined leave deck alone. Mock up motor. Find where top of piston lays in the whole and have machine shop knock it down to zero deck.

If you use serp set up use the 318 front damper and knock of the torque converter weights because you are now internally balanced.

This set up give you a 8mm lighter valve, roller cam shaft setup, 1.6 rockers, better oiling and nothing exotic or super expensive.

Another question I have. I got numbers matching tranny with the 318 I currently have in the car. Shoud I keep that tranny (1973 small block 727) and upgrade it, or buy a new tranny?

I dont know much about trannys

If I were to get the tranny upgraded, what should be done? Also I live in Northern IL any trusted places to get it done?

Thanks for your help