Cheap becomes expensive

I pieced togethter a 393w to try so save some money i bought an eagle crank, eagle 5140 rods, and trw forged 302 pistons,
Its been notning but headache starting with valve clearances, I have vic jrs and i had to cut the pistons on the intake side before i ran it and the exaust after i ran it , along with replacing 8 exhaust valves, i have less than a season on the motor and now a rod came loose.

to help me with my decision to eather do what i have to do to fix wats broke or scrap the whole rotating asembly and do a 408 with good components does anyone have an idea how much performance i will gain with the 15 more cubes, more compression and probably lighter rods and pistions?

You'l get noticeable improovement with 15 cubes adn a lighter rotating assy... I can't quote #'s but it will be noticeable.

FE
[addsig]

This is very common, alot of guys I deal with had this same mindset, someone told them or they read it on the internet and away they go. There is a reason why the whole rotating assembly kits are so popular. The 408 is a great combination.
[addsig]

Originally Posted by skyy

I pieced togethter a 393w to try so save some money i bought an eagle crank, eagle 5140 rods, and trw forged 302 pistons,
Its been notning but headache starting with valve clearances, I have vic jrs and i had to cut the pistons on the intake side before i ran it and the exaust after i ran it , along with replacing 8 exhaust valves, i have less than a season on the motor and now a rod came loose.

to help me with my decision to eather do what i have to do to fix wats broke or scrap the whole rotating asembly and do a 408 with good components does anyone have an idea how much performance i will gain with the 15 more cubes, more compression and probably lighter rods and pistions?

Did you ever consider a BB? I dont know your app but I gave up on small blocks long ago. they make alot for them but the easy gains from starting out with 460 cubes to begin with makes sense. It makes more power out of the gate and as a stroker doesn;t need as much compression and is cheaper to fuel. I mean with 514 - 521 cubes and 9.5:1 and the right head and cam combo you can make some decent numbers. They tend to live longer and high gear is phenominal. My 427 high riser would put a high gear on anything back in the day with 514's and a 14 x 32W. If someone didnt get in front of me when that ol C-6 went in high, they werent comin around me.

There are 3 recurring issues with big blocks:

1. Weight
2. Physical size
3. Cost $$$$

There's a reason why old GT350's out performed the GT500's. And when I say "out performed" I mean more than just running in a straight line.

However, if you want to make the most ungodliest amount of power going in a straight line, there's nothing more fun than a big block!!!

Big Block s do NOT make more power than small blocks. I sell a good smallblock to replace a bigblock all the time. If you get an engine from someone who knows what they are doing, you would not be thinking that way.The 460 type engiine is one of the most heavy engines there is out there. front end weight is very important to how well your car handles.

JOE SHERMAN RACING ENGINES

Correction... There are 4 recurring issues with big blocks:

1. Weight
2. Weight
3. Physical Size
4. Cost $$$$

having built a 387 and a 393 now ..
I would go 408 my next build.
Most kits will come with better rods and a lighter better crank.

Originally Posted by forthman

having built a 387 and a 393 now ..
I would go 408 my next build.
Most kits will come with better rods and a lighter better crank.

I like 351W's. I waved that flag years ago when nobody wanted them(early 80's). We were putting 400 cranks in them when nobody heard of that.

Let's address price first:

I paid $1800 for my FMS B514's fully assembled
I paid $1350 for my 4.300, H Beam Rod Crank Kit(Pistons rings bearings)

Latest Small block costs i have seen:
Comparable Heads $1200
Comparable Crank Kits - $1500

Weight:

All Iron 460 - 720 lbs.
With aluminum heads and intake - 600

I put my battery in the trunk!

Iron head 351W - 575 lbs.

Dimensions - 460 vs. 351W in 67-70 Mustang

460 - 27 wide, 34 length, 29 high
351W - 25 wide, 29 length, 29 high

2 inches wider, 2 inches longer front and back, same heght

Will fit in between your small block shock towers, headers custom made definately only drawback. Crites makes the Boss 429 style block plates. Sits the engine down in the car about an inch further back and inch lower.

I was Mr. Smallbock until a friend showed me the light on savings. My 521 will have cost me about $4200 for the long block, intake to oil pan. With 9:5-9.8:1 compression(pump gas), it will make about 600 real horsepower. How much for the same gains with a small block on 93 octane? Think about it.


It really depends on what you want. If I want it to handle like a Shelby, I don't know where you would drive it like that to show the significant differences in handling without drawing the attention of the law. if you want to dominate all in a straight line, is there any question.

Remember the reason people build stroker Small Blocks is to pick up the advantages of torque and cubes. Sounds like BB want a bees to me!

If Small Blocks where So Great Pro-Stock, Top-Fuel and Funny cars would be running them.......Cubic INCHES is where its at.

Joe your breaking your own rule, More Inches is better !!! When ever you get an N/A 347 to make 1200hp+ then I will Agree with you..........

You Can build a 700+ hp 460 based motor for less than a comaprable high HP small block, if that is the route you chose to go. Plus you can do it with a Junk yard Block, Crank and Factory Iron Heads...... Try that with your Small Block.......

All all the Weight BS is just that BS.....

Alot of Racers are going to Big Block Based Packages for Strength and durability you cannot get in a similar Small Block Package.