Hey guys, well this will be my first engine build, although I have done some minor stuff like a cam, intake, and soon a change of heads on my current ('77 L48) engine. I've been asking friends, reading Smokey's book, and reading what I can find online. I know there's alot of experienced people here, so I hope you can help me out!

Here's some of my general ideas for the project: It all started when I got a 2-bolt virgin (unbored, unmessed with) '78 block for $20. Rotating assembly was included too, but it is all factory cast so I have no need for it. I want to make some serious power and use an ATI Procharger centrifugal supercharger to get there (P-1SC or D-1SC). I would like some high RPMs, but nothing extreme, maybe 7500? That alone would be enough for me to figure out, but here's the kicker, I want it on the street. I drive cross country and in traffic, it is a daily driver (and will stay that way). This also needs to be as budget as possible (don't laugh )

So far I am thinking about: Scat 4340 forged crank (normal weight), Scat H-beam rods, JE forged (Nitrous?) pistons. I don't have alot of money to dump into the trick lightweight parts, but I will not skimp on the important things. All bolts will be the best. I think I will need to 4-bolt splay this block also.

1. What do you think of my choices? Scat seems to be a good, reasonably priced company. What pistons do I need exactly?

2. What little modifications can I do to these parts? I also intend to balance/blueprint everything. Is there casting flash to remove or minor modifications to the block I can do? What little things like valley screens are worthwhile?

3. Know of any C3s with centrifugal S/Cs? Links would be very helpful. I read that the D-1sc doesn't fit without a hood bubble.

Thanks alot, I will keep you all updated as I research more, and as I get into it this summer. I will ask again soon about the top end when I look more into that. Thanks everybody.
-Chris


[Modified by RUXperienced, 12:06 AM 4/1/2004]

 

Editted and rewritten, and a bump.

Anybody?

-Chris

 

I am looking into a very similar project. I have talked with the guys at Lingenfelter and they recommended the JE forged pistons if you are trying to get over 500HP. I have also talked with the guys at Procharger. They sent me there installation instructions and bracket patterns. Atleast for the 1968-72 body styles, their standard brackets will push the accessories too far out to the side of the engine bay. It will need a custom bracket. I am going to install an EFI system and the Procharger on my '69. Let me know if you find out any more info. I am still in the research phase.

 

I have no specific experience, but the short block plans are sound. Do some careful planning around your your head and piston selection. You want a tightly controlled quench area without an excessive compression ratio. That is not particularly difficult, but it does require some planning.

RACE ON!!!

 

Whoops, I'd given up on this thread!

69driver, thanks for the info! I definitely need to start emailing a few companies and get the manufacturers opinions. That's unfortunate about the bracket, I doubt I'll have much more luck with the '77, but what is it hitting exactly? I may go EFI later on, but I'm trying to keep the costs down now so I will probably go with a BG carb.

CFI-EFI, thanks for the suggestion, I have a general idea of how to get the quench right, but hope to learn more as I keep planning.

Thanks, anybody else? I'll put up more of my ideas for the heads, etc. before long.
Chris

 

The August 2002 issue of HOT ROD has an article on installing a Vortec supercharger with a carb enclosure. 627 # TQ @ 5,000 RPM & 677 HP from a 383! :cool:

My dream engine is a mild 383 w/ high flowing TPI and a Paxton supercharger. Tons of mid-range torque under the stock hood.

 

Definitely splay the block and go with billet caps. It will at a minimum help prevent a spun bearing and recovering from that is a cost you do not want.