Has anyone installed a 445 CI big block in their CR?

MaSnaka · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2017, 07:33 PM

I'm in the process of replacing the short block 390FE in my car. Considering this an opportunity to make a power upgrade and installing a 390 stroker with a hydraulic roller. I will hook it up to a TKO600 with .64 overdrive, 370 rear end. This will be sourced from Barry at Survival. Any thoughts or experience you can share? I already have edelbrock RPM heads and intake AED 750 mech carb, currie 9".

Thanks,
John

cycleguy55 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-2017, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaSnaka

I'm in the process of replacing the short block 390FE in my car. Considering this an opportunity to make a power upgrade and installing a 390 stroker with a hydraulic roller. I will hook it up to a TKO600 with .64 overdrive, 370 rear end. This will be sourced from Barry at Survival. Any thoughts or experience you can share? I already have edelbrock RPM heads and intake AED 750 mech carb, currie 9".

Thanks,
John

0.64;1 OD with a 3.70:1 rear end gives you an effective ratio of 2.37:1. I've seen others comment on regrets of going that low, perhaps wishing they'd gone with a 0.82:1 (eff FDR of 3.03:1). To be fair, there are fans of both and, of course, it depends upon typical speed limits, camshaft selection, tire size, etc.

A selection of related threads that may be worth browsing, if you haven't done so already:

MaSnaka · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2017, 06:27 PM

Thanks for the link to those other threads Cycleguy,
I wasn't very clear with my question. I have the TKO with the .64 already. I use 5th gear as an overdrive for fwy cruising. It suits me quite well. If I was tracking and needed to use it as a driving gear for high speed I think the .82 would be a better choice. As it is the jump from 4th to 5th is pretty long but I can comfortably cruise along at 70-80 between 1800-2100 RPM.

I was looking for opinions on the 445 in a cobra. I was happy with the 390 and hope the 445 is a nice economical boost in power. I already have the heads, intake and carb. I have been driving this car for 13 years now and thought a little added spirit would be more funer.

Thanks again,
John

Grover3 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2017, 10:23 AM

I have a set of BB chevy 4 into 4 headers PM Me if your needing some, Im looking for some BB ford's

FWB · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2017, 05:11 PM

Hmmmm, a set of BB chebby headers for a 445 FE, me don't think it will work too well.
but a little cutting and welding, who knows....

Phx Mike · #6 (**permalink**) 11-25-2017, 05:33 PM

A 445 is a great fit to a Cobra. I know Brent Lykins has built quite a few and I am sure some have gone into Cobras and he would be a great source of advice. With your transmission and final drive ratio you will need to be careful with cam selection. My 482 has 242/248 durations at .050" with a 112 degree lobe separation angle and it does not like steady state below 2200 rpm. It would be less tolerant in the smaller 445.

olddog · #7 (**permalink**) 11-26-2017, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phx Mike

A 445 is a great fit to a Cobra. I know Brent Lykins has built quite a few and I am sure some have gone into Cobras and he would be a great source of advice. With your transmission and final drive ratio you will need to be careful with cam selection. My 482 has 242/248 durations at .050" with a 112 degree lobe separation angle and it does not like steady state below 2200 rpm. It would be less tolerant in the smaller 445.

What he said. Careful on the cam with those gears. Barry will know what to do, if you tell him what you have.

The stroker is a good option.

If you changed nothing other than the stroke - same cam - the bigger motor should be just as happy at 1600 rpm as the old one was at 1800 rpm, therefore, you should be able to add some cam to the new engine.