New Engine/ Tranny

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 31, 2005 | 09:58 PM

David Ey

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,167

Likes: 2

From: Ft.Worth Texas

New Engine/ Tranny

I'm planning a new engine/tranny for a '78. Thinking about a small block crate motor from GM or Edelbrock with about 350-400hp and a 200r4 trans. and a 3:55--3:70 rear.
Yall have any recomendations?
The stuff in there now is the stock worn out ______ pieces and I would like a bit more performance even though I be old. The rear tires are 275/60/15 on the stock but chromed aluminum wheels. Somewhere I saw a calculator that would tell you rpm's at a speed with X size tires but I haven't been able to find it again. Also, being in the senior groop I want to keep the AC. I have true duels but need to add headers that fit with AC and I like the idea of the jet coating.
Does MSD have a system to eleminate points but retain the mech. tach?

All help appreciated.

Last edited by David Ey; Aug 31, 2005 at 10:39 PM.

Sep 1, 2005 | 01:03 AM

CorvetteDave01

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 1,139

Likes: 0

From: Salina Kansas

I would definitely look at a stroker 383 if you can afford an extra $300 or so in your rebuild. A 383 is a way better street motor than a 350 and you can't tell that it isn't the stock motor.

Sep 1, 2005 | 09:04 AM

David Ey

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,167

Likes: 2

From: Ft.Worth Texas

Thanks Dave. I agree, and what's another 300 bucks anyway?

Sep 1, 2005 | 09:14 AM

big_G

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 5,752

Likes: 5

From: Austin Texas

Everyone who has an extra $300 lying around, send it to me. I need to buy a tank of gasoline!

Sep 1, 2005 | 09:42 AM

mvftw

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 2,331

Likes: 6

From: Long Island NY

Did a lot a research last week on GM crate motors. The 350/260 & 290 hp are great for weekend driving. If you go with one of these, buy the 260 version and get a Lunati Voodoo 60101 cam kit for $190. The only difference between the 260 & 290 is the cam (290 uses the L-82 cam). You'll get more power for le$$ money...

Sep 1, 2005 | 10:39 AM

Fevre

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 11,322

Likes: 1

From: Living in the Hartland

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvftw

I bought the 260 version but only bought a $60 summit cam to stick in it since the eng had not run you can re-use the stock lifters, had less than $1500 total into the eng and it ran great, not a speed demon but up to 4500 it was fun. I then stuck alum heads, roller cam and headers in/on it, fun factor went WAY up, all the way to 6000 rpm's.

Last edited by Fevre; Sep 1, 2005 at 10:49 AM.

Sep 1, 2005 | 10:56 AM

not a '76

Racer

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 308

Likes: 0

From: Salem MA

you can replace the points with a little drop in chip from ecklers or the like.

Sep 1, 2005 | 11:02 AM

ShaneLU97

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 1,677

Likes: 1

From: Potomac Falls VA

In the Spring, I am going to start with engine part of that equation. As of right now, my plans (which could still change) is to with the class II 383 stroker from jasper engines. For about 7200 you can get a complete, turn-key, dyno tuned and broken in engine. In talking to several people who have worked with Jasper I have heard nothign but praise. I have looked at the ebayers, having the existing engine built out, etc and for the extra money I think this is the way to go.

When I do this I am also going to replace the exhaust system and headers as well as mufflers: Plan is for mid america ss dual exhaust, ceramic headers and flowmaster 40's.

I am starting to save my pennies now.

Shane