tebok

Good input.

I was actually considering doing a 377 cu-in mock Grand Sport motor. It would have had cross-ram fuel injection that would fit just under the stock hood. The price ran up really quick on the cross-ram so I let that thought go. Webers would be cool, but the tuning could be a nightmare and I believe they wouldn't fit under the hood. All that being said, it doesn't meat a 377 should be left out of consideration.

MikeM

If you live in the mountains, I wouldn't worry too much about a "screamer". I've been to Denver once and if you live East of there, maybe you want a flat land engine. If you live in Denver or west of there, don't think so.

Go for the cubes, forget the hi-flo heads and the screamer camshafts. You did say you wanted a driver type experience, didn't you?

Crunch527

HMMMM...that is a ton of motor for the price...about the best I have seen. I could bolt that it in one day and be back on the road.

I was looking at Shafiroff Racing and they are spendy...they build some nice stuff too...with engines, you get what you pay for.

Anyway, I like the Skip White 406 you are considering...seems to have good parts...that thing will yank your 64 around no problem...those other motors have to spin 8K to make power...the Skip White 406 will suck your kidneys through the back of the seat at 3500RPMs...

I have a 450hp 383 that is fun...but I'm always looking to do something different and that 406 would easily fit the bill.

Oh, that 406 has a Air Gap intake...not sure it will fit under a stock hood? I run a stinger on my 67.

I run a Dewitts w/ fan and never have a problem...I bet you have a blockage in your block...that 406 won't overheat with that Dewitts setup.

I say the 406 is a good choice. Let is know what you decide.

Cheers,

Frank

MikeM

exactly!

SI67

Will a Ramjet 350 fit under a small-block hood?

Steve

SI67

Will the height of the included intake manifolds on either of these engines be an issue with a small-block hood?

Steve

Sky65

http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/...Item=406_STG_3

That does look like a really nice engine. Specs are great as well. Better have some really sticky, meaty tires though. My little 355 will smoke the 275 Nittos on 9" rims, on a clutch out roll, to the 6200 rev limiter with no problem. Once the tires are loose 565 HP or 425 HP what difference does it make? Big HP is great for bragging rights but what do with it on a car with stock or near stock tires? If you are going to part time drag race it with slicks or drag radials that is a different story but that is not what I took from your first post.


Tom

skids

www.smedingperformance.com

You'll be happy with whatever you pick

Westlotorn

High winding engines are fun but keep in mind the stress on the rods, pistons and crank goes way up between 6,000 and 8,000 RPM. If you want to go that way be prepared to build a bullet proof short block and it will be expensive. A true Forged Crankshaft, A good set of Rods and lightweight pistons are all available but the cost goes way up.
A good crankshaft can be $.3,500 from Callies. A good set of rods would be $600.
I know you can get the Cheap knock offs for far less but if you consider 8,000 your goal build for it. The Valves and Valve springs would also need an upgrade to run that high. I think you could go to 6,500 RPM for less than half the cost of a reliable 8,000 RPM monster.
High RPM engines do make a cool sound and give you a lot of range in each gear.
Let us know what direction you end up choosing.

LouieM

A big-inch SB with lots of low end torque is definitely the way to go for most uses. 377 or 406 will be enough to overwhelm any street tires in midyear widths.

Revfan

I think I'd go with a combo of crate motor and TKO600...

haccpguy

Using the dual plane manifold should give the needed clearance.

MarkC

Here's my two cents. First off, the car was not designed for that much power and you will have to address the clutch, shafts, rear gear, tires and wheels, cooling and brakes. You need to increase your budget to $20,000 with this engine. I personally like the engine but I would tone it down to 450 hp at the crank. The stock parts I have listed above will like this power level. If you are going to stay with a 4 speed trans, a big 406 with a 3.08 rear gear, M20 will make a nice set up. If your rear gear is 3.55 or higher you need a 5 or 6 speed.

Have you driven a car with this kind of power on skinny tires? There will be very poor traction and it gets worst with colder temps. I have a C6 Z06 with 502 rwhp. The tires on the rear are 12 inches wide. Traction is a serious problem at this power level.

Do your research on this and good luck. Keep us posted on your selection.

Crunch527

I disagree that he needs $20K...I didn't hear him say he was road racing or wanting to do 4000+RPM launches with slicks...if anything, put in a 11.5 inch clutch/flywheel and scatter shield, go to solid spicer u-joints and that is about it. The rear housing/carrier will be fine...the car won't hook up anyway...if the rear housing breaks, oh well...they are cheap...go get another one...bolt in and go...I have had 550+ hp small blocks and my car did fine.

He is already running a Dewitts rad w/ elec fan...same setup I have...it will cool that 406 no problem.

I do like the idea your idea of adding a TKO600. I run a TKO600...but the Muncie will live behind the 406 no problem.

If the brakes are in good working order, they are fine too. Discs would be better but not a requirement.

So with just the motor, maybe add another $1K for bigger clutch/flywheel/scatter shield/spicer ujoints. He can do this for $8K.

Worst case, assuming he buys 5speed/clutch/ujoints/scattershield, he's out approx $11,500 - $12,000. Assuming he does his own work (I do).

Whats the other $8K for?

Frank

MarkC

Frank, I was looking at it from a full Resto mod point of view using a stock frame. IMO, I just can't see increasing the hp to nearly double of what he has now and leaving the stock trans, shafts and rear gear that is 50 years old. Once you add a new exhaust ( 3 inch), respectable tires and wheels, disc brakes, control arms, heavier rear gear and shafts I doubt you will have much left out of 20k. Sure you can drop that kind of power in the car and leave every thing else stock but I would never do that. We have an honest difference of opinion.

It appears from your avatar that you are a duck hunter. Where do you hunt? I have hunted ducks in the Northern neck, Eastern Shore, Back Bay and Northeast NC. I have about given it up now, but in my earlier years I truely loved it.

Also, if you do any car shows, you should consider the Williamsburg Corvette Show. It is the best show that I have been to in the state. It is at the Williamsburg Winery around Memorial Day . I would like to meet you.

tebok

Well said Tom.

tebok

I was assured by Skip White Co exactly that.

tebok

Great reply Frank. I'm of the same mindset.

lakebumm

It sounds like you may want to stay old school, but don't discount the LS engines. They're pretty amazing.


Bill

chevahaulic

Interesting read. Just bought a 64 300hp coupe that had overheating problems. This is the reason it has been stored since 1978. Owner was tired of paying shops to cure the problem . I haven't played with it yet. I have several options to check, thanks to this post , before replacing expensive parts.