418W build up - RPM or Vic Jr.

The two articles mentioned in the last two posts gave me a very good point of reference for my build. I have upgraded to the 210cc 2.05/1.60 Pro Comp heads and I've opted for an AOD transmission (built to handle up to 600HP) so that my 67 Mustang will drive comfortably down the highway with my 3.55 gear. Since it is a factory a/c car, I am going to reinstall the a/c using a lightweight compressor. Because this is truly a street cruiser, I'm sticking with the Comp Cams 35-426-8 for this engine. It should easily top the 500HP mark in my 424W and still be very streetable. This way I will have all of the resto-mod essentials: suspension upgrades, power 4-wheel disc brakes, 500HP, AOD transmission, and factory a/c.
The bottom end is complete; now all we have to do is finish the top end and get her to the dyno! I will post the results.

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Originally Posted by kgordonl

Hey guys, there's another good article in this month's Popular Hot Rodding. It's the follow up to the Twister article from last month: 1970 Ford Fairlane 500 - 408 Windsor - Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
In the current issue, they dynoed the 408W with a Comp Cams 35-426-8 and AFR 205 heads. It made right at 550HP at 5900rpm and plenty of low end torque. This cam requires only a 2800 stall with an automatic making it very street friendly.

I backed up the engine dyno numbers by taking the Fairlane to the chassis dyno.

448 rwhp and 404 rwtq



I think it's more fun to drive on the street than my Camaro. woot!

Steven, It sounds like you're happy with your camshaft selection on the street! Because of your article and Comp Cam's recommendation I went with the same cam in my 424W and I can't wait to get it on the street! I certainly have no dillusions that my Pro Comp 210's will perform like your AFR 205's, but I'm hoping to clear the 500hp mark with plenty of throttle response and low end torque. How is the idle with that cam? Does it need a vacuum canister for power brakes? My engine is completely assembled and just waiting for my turn on the dyno!

Originally Posted by kgordonl

Steven, It sounds like you're happy with your camshaft selection on the street! Because of your article and Comp Cam's recommendation I went with the same cam in my 424W and I can't wait to get it on the street! I certainly have no dillusions that my Pro Comp 210's will perform like your AFR 205's, but I'm hoping to clear the 500hp mark with plenty of throttle response and low end torque. How is the idle with that cam? Does it need a vacuum canister for power brakes? My engine is completely assembled and just waiting for my turn on the dyno!

Car idles fine.. the only sucking part of my car is the non-overdrive transmission I was told to put in it. The C4 is a GREAT race trans but it's zero fun on the highway.

I have manual brakes, so I don't know about how power brakes would work. You could also do a hydroboost option. I will try to find out how much vacuum I was pulling. It's in my notes somewhere.

Thanks Steven! I already had my C4 built but then decided to go with an AOD transmission at the last minute. Your post makes me glad I did! I got a "Demon" AOD thats rated up to 600hp from Transmission Depot (727) 868-9462 out of Hudson, FL with a non-lock up 2800 stall converter for about $1500 shipped right to the shop and no core charge.
What kind of gear are you running with that C4?
I'm curious to find out what kind of vacuum you are pulling with that cam. Does your cam have much of a "lope"?
I have not been able to find an engine dyno within 4 hrs of Savannah, GA that I can run my engine with a flexplate. Now we are going to go ahead and put the engine in the car and run it on a chassis dyno at Carter Racing Enterprises here in town.

what makes a AOD so much better on the highway then a C4? I mean the over drive lowers your RPMs? Better gas milage? or what?

Originally Posted by Dane67coupe

what makes a AOD so much better on the highway then a C4? I mean the over drive lowers your RPMs? Better gas milage? or what?

4 speed vs. 3 speed. It makes a big difference having another gear when you are running down the highway at 75mph especially with a low rearend gear. An AOD has about the same gear ratios in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as the C4, and then has an overdrive for the highway.

Originally Posted by Dane67coupe

what makes a AOD so much better on the highway then a C4? I mean the over drive lowers your RPMs? Better gas milage? or what?

Yea, look at it this way.. you're engine is good for X number of revolutions. Instead of going down the highway at 60mph and 3500 rpm you can go 60mph at 2500 rpm. Over time this can really save wear and tear on your engine.

As for MPG it's generally a big saver as well. Less RPM means each cylinder if fireing less frequently and thus consuming less fuel. This is why a new 450hp Corvette gets 27 mpg on the highway. Because it has a .50 6th gear.

In regards to performance the overdrive also lets you run a taller rear gear if you want. Right now I'm stuck with 3.70 gears since more gear would make the car REALLY suck on the highway.

The C4 is a great drag transmission, but if you do any highway driving then an AOD is the way to go.

That's just my .02

She is FINALLY up and running!!! It fired off on the first turn of the key and sounds very healthy! We've had to sort out a few issues which has kept it off the street for the moment. First, the AOD transmission would not shift out of first gear, but a removal and cleaning of the governor valve inside the tailshaft housing took care of that. Then, even though we cut a hole in the hood for clearance (cobra jet scoop to be installed later) the hood hit the top of my aluminum radiator. When the radiator shop opens back up on Wednesday, they are going to move the bottom outlet so that I can adjust the radiator down a couple of inches.
However, before the radiator came back out, I did run it down the street a couple of times. The relatively small cam still has plenty of lope, and is extremely responsive with tons of power at any rpm even though the engine isn't close to being dialed in yet! I think some wider rear wheels and tires may be in my future! As soon as the radiator comes back, I can finally get it on the dyno to get everything dialed in and see what kind of power she really makes.