421 Stroker Questions
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Thanks! I was hoping to hear from you, I've read the thread about your 421 install but still had some questions.
I was wondering if I'll need a new clutch, tranny upgrade, or driveshaft/diff/halfshafts?
Do you still have the FAST ECM? That one fella kept saying the stock ECM can handle the 421, others said not.
Like I said, I'm just trying to figure out how much this will cost, the engine is $7 k and seems to be a great deal.
I was wondering if I'll need a new clutch, tranny upgrade, or driveshaft/diff/halfshafts?
Do you still have the FAST ECM? That one fella kept saying the stock ECM can handle the 421, others said not.
Like I said, I'm just trying to figure out how much this will cost, the engine is $7 k and seems to be a great deal.
I cant put my finger on it, but something about that 421 add bugs me. Its almost as if they are trying too hard to sell that motor for some reason. I cant recall a detail write up like that to sell a motor.
Also the article stats 10.0:1 CR if I read it properly, and claims 600 hp. Maybe that is true, but seems kinda odd. But then again thats with a carb? You wont be using a carb.
Just be careful to what you buy. I personally would get tpi421vette to build you a custom 421 tailored to your exact needs.
For an example. They state the motor has Dart 230's, and I have AFR 195's. My heads are alot smaller, but flow about that same.
http://www.dartheads.com/products/ai...itfile_id/106/
Let us know what you do!
Last edited by 88BlackZ-51; May 27, 2011 at 07:01 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,149
Likes: 551
From: Glenbeulah Wi
Thanks. Like I said I'm trying to make sure I can finish the project before getting started. A disassembled Vette ain't that much fun.
What I'm most confused about is what engine management system I'll have to use. Anybody here running a 421 with the stock ECM ? Who can I get to reprogram mine?
What I'm most confused about is what engine management system I'll have to use. Anybody here running a 421 with the stock ECM ? Who can I get to reprogram mine?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I'm guessing Skip got a great deal on the parts for those engines. He had Bowtie blocks on E-Bay for only $995. GM must have had a sale due to the current LSx popularity.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Ok I believe the full cam specs are .562/.578 298 305, 248 254 @.050 110 lobe seperation angle and 106 centerline. It's a hydraulic roller.
So, how radical is it? Can anyone describe what the car would drive like ?
So, how radical is it? Can anyone describe what the car would drive like ?
Last edited by JohnnyFive; May 28, 2011 at 05:18 AM. Reason: Mistake
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 658
Likes: 7
From: Perth Amboy New Jersey
From the write up and specs provided and your questions, I think that the engine will be a good street engine. The cam is not big for a 421, and you can get your ECM programmed. The Miniram should be sent to them and have them install it on the motor, that way you have no reason open up the motor. Don't take your Vette apart until your ready to install the new motor. Your drive train will live as long as you learn how to control your foot and gear shifting.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
I think a good question would be, who has a "big" cam and were you able to tune it? There are some big cams on this forum
I have a 293/300 hyd-roller in my 406 and the valve overlap can cause tunning issues for a stock ecm, in terms of getting the richness smell out,,, my car is very manageable, but with that said, I would certainly buy a FAST or similar if you want to have maximum tunability.
I have a 293/300 hyd-roller in my 406 and the valve overlap can cause tunning issues for a stock ecm, in terms of getting the richness smell out,,, my car is very manageable, but with that said, I would certainly buy a FAST or similar if you want to have maximum tunability.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Didnt gold420tpi (think that was his name) have a pretty big solid roller in his? Think his 86 used a stock ECM
havent seen him around in a long time car sounded like a monster
havent seen him around in a long time car sounded like a monster
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Not necessary. Take a closer look at some of the parts used for that 421.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Kinda odd that it has low compression with alot of duration. I personally dont like that combo. Just being honest.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
I will be started a thread soon about my 421.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I know what you're getting at, but even that pile of parts would cost me right about what the engine costs. I don't think I'll find a better value unless I went with an LSX 454, but that's still $3k more and the install would be way more complicated.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Right on! Buy it and get er' done.
Take care!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
When your budget becomes larger in the future you can sell the LS carb setup & purchase the EFI system you wish to have.
Just an Idea to think about maybe.
Good racing level Carbs can support over 1400 HP with ease with proper fuel system components used.
BR
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Biggirl tries and does twist the frame rails at speeds over 140 MPH with your foot planted hard on the gas.
You have to counter steer it 1/4 turn of the steering wheel to keep going in a straight line.
It is hard thing to learn to do, totally opposite of your instincts of driving any other car.
no roll bar.
needs a 14 - point cage really.
It will kill the novice Vette owner & driver that does not know how to drive it & respect its power.
Still love a stroker SBC yet.
Wont kill you as easily.
Brian
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
See how the stroker SBC works out hope its enough for now...probably not.
Have had some stout big blocks before once youve had that kind of power no small block will take its place imo. Nothing like the sound and cheek pressing sensation of that kind of power.
Poverty sux
Have had some stout big blocks before once youve had that kind of power no small block will take its place imo. Nothing like the sound and cheek pressing sensation of that kind of power.
Poverty sux
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
See how the stroker SBC works out hope its enough for now...probably not.
Have had some stout big blocks before once youve had that kind of power no small block will take its place imo. Nothing like the sound and cheek pressing sensation of that kind of power.
Poverty sux
Have had some stout big blocks before once youve had that kind of power no small block will take its place imo. Nothing like the sound and cheek pressing sensation of that kind of power.
Poverty sux
He built the car from the ground up.
You are an excellent head porter.
I personally would place you in the top 10 in the world.
You Take No BS Either.
Proves to me that you have been around and know your stuff 100%.
Your Stroker SBC will run.
I heard the Video clip.
Sounds awesome with my eyes closed.
Still here it "5 cycling" at idle right now in my mind & thoughts.
Go ISKY and don't look back.
Old school still works & often best.
Ed Iskendarien pioneered the modern performance camshaft profiles.
Others followed suite afterwards.
Old Ed is still a Guinness.
BR
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
A 396" (3.785" Crank) useing your block would make plenty of power, but bigger motors make bigger HP with milder street manners. If you really want a 421" or 427", I would check with Carl Hinkson; "BLOCKMAN" on the Forum. He can probably set you up with a good Dart SHP block that's been checked over, maybe a complete "Short Block". I'd use Scat Crank and Stroker Rods, with SRP or Mahle Pistons & Ring combo. You want good parts if you're going to hit it with NOS. Champ oil pan, AFR 210 heads, Edlebrock Single Plane intake. As for Cam, I'd call Comp Cams or Mike Jones (704-489-2449).
A 248/254 110 LSA is a pretty radical Cam; 236 to 242 would be as big as I'd run on the street. Personally I like the Comp Cams 230/236 112 LSA. Those 230 CC Heads would be pretty big on the street too. You might do a search on SKI-Down-It or Corkvette for some big motor combos. Good luck however you go...
A 248/254 110 LSA is a pretty radical Cam; 236 to 242 would be as big as I'd run on the street. Personally I like the Comp Cams 230/236 112 LSA. Those 230 CC Heads would be pretty big on the street too. You might do a search on SKI-Down-It or Corkvette for some big motor combos. Good luck however you go...