428 Engine build ?'s
 

I am calling on all the people who have built their own engines (428) to tell me what problems they encountered so if I decide to build my engine I will not make the same mistakes.

Thanks in advance.

I have the Steve Christ book and have read it a bunch of times.

Ideally I'm looking for pit falls or tips on things that you have found.

Do you have an engine or any parts yet? Let us know where you are starting and what kind of budget you have. I see your in Milford. I'm in Fairfield send me a pm if you want to chat. I'll send you my ph#. G.

First I would recommend having a good machine shop do as much of the work as possible.

1. At least Sonic check your block
2. Line bore and deck
3. Have all your internal parts balanced
4. Don't use an engine that has been bored over .030
5. Your clearances are extremely critical for good oil pressure
6. Oil restrictors should also be used.
7. Don't over cam your engine (under 600 lift and 240 dur)
8. Use as many new parts as you can afford
9. Use quality valve springs and lifters

Good luck with your build.

Clois

Your advice will be taken. Thanks.

So far I have done everything you have mentioned.

I will be using a PI intake which will be probably the only thing other then the TCC that will be used.

428 Street,

Hey, I am in Milford too!
Seems like you are going down the same road I am planning to take (I'm still looking for a 428).

Good luck with the build.

428 street,

First I would say really understand what you want to do with the engine. If you want a very driveable street car but one that has a bunch of power, I would do the following:

Edelbrock RPM Performer intake (Intake is probably half the price of the PI manifold and would seem to work just as well from what I have read from many who have tried both).

Edelbrock RPM Performer heads -these are great, relatively low priced aluminum heads with plenty of intake and exhaust size to allow you to make 450-475 hp.

Cam - stay in the 240's or lower duration @.50, lift under .600. This selection will not only dramatically affect hp, but driveability of the car, and selection of pistons and everything else. The higher you go here, the more tempermental your car will be, and the more expensive other parts you will need to put in it.

If you want a race car, meaning one that will be driven 80-90% on the strip, all of this is wrong of course but if you are like most people here, you want a car that will look great, sound mean, and still be able to start with relative ease.

Have fun!

J


I would back the comment about not overdoing the cam on your engine. I love a great sounding engine with a stout cam but limit yourself to the 240's in duration @.50 and lift under .600. Definitely stay hydraulic unless you are trying to build a race car.

Clois,
You're referring to oil restrictors to the top end correct? I've built several dozen of these and am not familiar with any in the main system,unlike the Clevelands.

428 street,

As anticipated, and learned first hand this weekend, I joined the crowd of people who learned first hand what the weak link is when applying too much FE HP/torque to a Jag IRS.

If you are buying an ERA with 428 and Jag/IRS, you may not want to go too wild on cam/power, etc. No need to go crazy. There are no tires but slicks for traction, and it just makes for more broken parts. Under 500hp (450hp) would be my preference on this car with this setup; unless you want to put a 9" straight axle in your car. :) Good Luck.