Short Block?

[ehodger]

Hi Gordon,
I am considering upgrading my engine with a with a new short block and I was looking at the Ford racing catalog and I see that they use the x306 heads on a 392 with 430 horsepower. The catalog shows a 178 cc intake runner that flows 240 at .550 lift and the exh flows 170 at .500. I currently have AFR 1472 heads which are only 165 cc intake runners but AFR's website says they flow 246 at .550 and 185 at .500. I would like to reuse my heads and intake that I am currently using. The intake is a RPM Air Gap. Just looking for a suggestion of what would work with my current parts and a suggestion on a camshaft that would work well, make good power yet remain street-able. I would like to get over 400 hp, I was considering the Boss block 363.

[ehodger]

I just looked at your site and see that you offer a forged 347 short block for $2449. I would be open for that also I am assuming for that price it is a seasoned production block but that would be fine as I am not looking for 500 + hp.

[Gordon Levy]

I don't offer short blocks. I offer short block kits. That all the parts you need, rotating assy, cam, timing chain, cover, and oil pan. A forged short block fully machined from me would be around $3600.
You current heads would have a real problem making 400hp. To work with some of my more aggressive 347 cam profiles you would need to completely go through the heads with a full valve job and new springs and retainers. By the time you spent that much you would be a long way into some of my purpose built RHS heads.

[samadhi]

Ehodger, sorry for the high jack.

Gordon, we talked last week and I've decided on the rhs 200. What is 'purpose built' by you? And how much would does that cost?

I appreciate the help you gave me the other day, called my engine builder up and he okay'd going with the rhs 200. He wants to get them bare, gave me a price of $800 plus shipping.

I know you have a ton of experience with roadster engines, show me the way!

To review I have a 406, air gap, no cam selected. Not looking for a high rev engine.

Thanks
Vic


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[Gordon Levy]

Give me a call and we can talk it over.

[ehodger]

I have been going back and forth for the last 4-5 months and think maybe a 351 based engine would make more sense. I could make tons of power and be a lot more driveable than a 302 based engine making the same power. If I went with a seasoned block I would probably go with a 408. If I went with a Dart block I would do a 4.125 bore 427. Is it worth it to spend the money on the Dart block? I know it is a stronger block with 4 bolt mains and smaller Cleveland mains and I could go to 427 without extending the stroke past that of a 408 but that is a lot of money for 19 c.u. even though I know there is more in the block, being able to go to 4.185. I am just having a hard time deciding if it is that big of an advantage. What do you think. Also will your t-5 hold up behind a big Windsor?

[RobbieD]

We have Gordon's 347 in our coupe. It does great around town, but is insane when you hit the loud pedal! Just sayin...

[Gordon Levy]

I personally think unless you are running it hardcore all the time like racing the extra $2200 really isn't worth it.
I have done several race blocked 427 windsors and they work really well. I also have many 408's build out of seasoned blocks that have been reliable for years with both track and street use. It really is up to you.
Yes my super alloy T5 will hold up just fine.
Please feel free to give me a call and we can talk at length about it.

[ehodger]

I think I have finally decided, going to go with a 347. Less weight and who am I kidding, more power than I need or know what to do with. Probably better mileage than a 408. I have been looking at your engine kit, it says good to 475 hp which is more than I need and the price is really good even with shipping. Just one question, is it balanced? I have seen on Summit that they come unbalanced as well as balanced.

[Gordon Levy]

No it is not balanced. I would never buy a "balanced kit" from anyone. I would have it redone anyway. If you are having a qualified local machinist do your work have him balance it, you will have a better package.