Parts required to swap from small block to 385 in a Superformance

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Ace23

...
*Current TKO-600 will not be up to the job so I figure you need an appropriately built TKO-600 for the power level ...

Just how much torque do you expect your stroked 385 to make?
The TKO-600 is torque rated at 600ft/lbs.

[Mark IV]

The post 1600 series SPFs have the cowl raised to accommodate the 385 series engines (dependent of course on your choice of intake)

You will need new engine mount pedestals for the 385. The trans mount will be the same as you now have so no change there. The hoses, etc. needed can be locally sourced so no need to order special.

Your TKO should be sufficient although you can have it upgraded to be safe.

Perhaps some throttle linkage pieces but the rods, etc. can be locally procured as well.

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

The post 1600 series SPFs have the cowl raised to accommodate the 385 series engines (dependent of course on your choice of intake)

You will need new engine mount pedestals for the 385. The trans mount will be the same as you now have so no change there. The hoses, etc. needed can be locally sourced so no need to order special.

Your TKO should be sufficient although you can have it upgraded to be safe.

Perhaps some throttle linkage pieces but the rods, etc. can be locally procured as well.

Thank you for your input. It sounds like I was not to far off on my initial list. I thought the hoses were specific but maybe that is something that I can get at the local NAPA. Do you have any input on the existing radiator? My car is #1867 so that helps my hood situation. I see where most use the Torker II but I have been told it is not ideal given my goals

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Ace23

Thank you for your input. It sounds like I was not to far off on my initial list. I thought the hoses were specific but maybe that is something that I can get at the local NAPA. Do you have any input on the existing radiator? My car is #1867 so that helps my hood situation. I see where most use the Torker II but I have been told it is not ideal given my goals

The radiator is the same for all SPFs and will handle 600HP plus with no issues.

We can supply NAPA numbers for the rad hoses although some need to be cut and you use some hard tubes as well.

[blykins]

In your application, the trans would hold up just fine. If you were drag racing and were doing drop clutch launches with slicks.......nope.

Those transmissions are rated safely for 600 lb-ft of *continuous* torque. They will hold more and you can always choose the clutch to be the circuit breaker.

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by blykins

In your application, the trans would hold up just fine. If you were drag racing and were doing drop clutch launches with slicks.......nope.

Those transmissions are rated safely for 600 lb-ft of *continuous* torque. They will hold more and you can always choose the clutch to be the circuit breaker.

Thanks Brent I needed some good news today! I know I had tossed around the gear swap idea while the current motor is in the car. I think I should hold on to those 3:31's as a spare set. What gears do you see guys running on the street in these cars considering a stroked 385?

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by Joe's Garage

Just how much torque do you expect your stroked 385 to make?
The TKO-600 is torque rated at 600ft/lbs.

I haven't spoken in depth with a builder but I would assume you would be looking at 700ftlb plus or minus from a stroked 385. I would rather invest the extra $1,500 in having the right components to hold the power then tearing something up. My driving style does not include burn outs or launching the car so I'm not sure if that would allow my current TKO600 to live. I think I came across an old post where Brent Lykins offered an upgrade on the TKO600for larger power setups like FE's and other big blocks