>Have you finalized the cam specs for your 408?
No, I'm waiting until I have the heads flow tested. I've got 10 or
12 sets of heads to flow test at the same time and was planning on
doing them all at once. However, dad's valve grinding equipment is
400 miles away so progress has been slow. I'll probably just bench
test 3 or 4 sets for now so I can get moving on the project.
>Did you sonic check your XE block yet?
No, it's down at a buddy's shop and he's waiting until I finish the
heads and pick the cam.
>Today I found a guy who has a set of C-302 heads and a matching Roush
>intake for (gulp) $2900. They've been messaged by Indy Head Services,
>but I don't think I'm ready to drop that kind of coin yet on my motor.
Prices vary but that's the sort of range for a very good set of ported
ready-to-bolt on heads and matching intake. I've lucked into some
excellent deals though and have got them for as little as $750 a pair
for high port heads and $175 for a matching intake.
>Can you tell me approx. how much taller a 4V torker manifold is than
>an Edelbrock F351 2V? I'm guessing 1-1/2". I think the additional air
>cleaner height would be the only clearance issue I would have if I
>decide to buy this motor and drop it in my cobra.
It is indeed about 1 1/2" taller. The Torker also works best with
a spacer but it's not really my favorite intake. I prefer the Holley
Strip Dominator to the Torker. It makes better top end and works more
smoothly down low. The Holley is currently out of production but is
supposedly going to be reintroduced.
>Currently I'm running a mild 2V headed cleveland, 9.5:1 compression,
>E351 intake, etc. Maybe 340 hp. I'd like to add some more hp, but not
>just at the top end, so I too was thinking about going with a stroker
>kit. But after speaking with some people about it, I became confused
>as to whether I should run 2 or 4 barrel heads.
For milder applications and stock displacements, I like 2 barrel heads,
particularly the closed chamber Aussie 2V's. With a bowl cleanup, port
matching, and a larger 2.1" intake valve, they'll support 400-425 HP
and still be streetable (Weiand Xcelerator 2V intake, Comp 282S cam,
flat top piston, 1 3/4" headers, etc). For strokers, the 4V's are the
way to go unless you are willing to put some time and/or money into
porting the 2V heads. Stock 4V heads flow nearly 300 CFM (292 CFM on
Jim Kuntz's Superflow) on the intake side and will pick up another 30
CFM with the usual triple angle valve job and back cut valves. Stock
2V's flow around 210 CFM and take quite a bit of work to get over
250 CFM. With the extra cubes, the 4V port velocity isn't really an
issue, particularly in something as light as a Cobra.
>What kind of rpm do you play to turn your 408/XE Dan?
I'm camming it to peak at 6000 RPM as that's all I should need to make
the 500 HP goal with the A3 heads. It should be safe above that but
given the 4" stroke, I plan to keep it below 6500 RPM. A guy I know
used to drag race a 13.5:1 compresion 400 with 4V heads and used to
turn 7500 RPM through the traps.
>Thanks again for all the info.
In case you haven't seen them, I put together some basic 351C building
tips at:
http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/351Ctips.html
I really should update them but they'll have to suffice for now.
Dan Jones