Engine specs for an RCR GT 40

[ceslaw]

Need some advice specing an engine.

Awaiting the arrival of my RCR GT 40 is a good time to sort out the engine details. With no experience in building an engine, some tips and guidance would be welcome. I don’t want to make any costly blunders. The GT will be set up for decent street and highway use, not racing, so something in the 350horsepower range is plenty with a modest cam and good reliability.

A. For the basic engine my current preference is for a crate engine from Ford. I know Ford is replacing their current line of crate engines with the new “Boss” engines in the current quarter, but I suspect they will be mechanically similar to the existing lineup. Current options are:

1. M-6007-XE3M. Rated at 345 HP and 305 ft/lbs. Uses a X303-GT4 head. Compression 9.0 : 1. Cost is around $3500. But would consider as an option;

2. M-6007-Z50E. Rated at 360 HP and 330 ft/lbs. Compression is 9.0:1. More significantly, uses a Z304A high flow head and some better components. The thought would be that if we wanted to upgrade to Weber carbs or a more aggressive cam, this might be a better platform. And a couple of grand more money.

B. Plan to use an Edelbrock Dual Plane “Performer RPM” intake manifold. Ford #M-9424-E302.

C. Oil pan, Canton T Style, 7 quart, 15-610. What type of windage tray should one use, louvered or screen type? Give our modest set up the 9 quart pan would seem to be over kill.

D. Short water pump: Ford #M-8501-E351S. Are there any additional components that need to be used in conjunction with this water pump, or is it just a straight swap?

E. MSD Ignition, 6AL

F. MSD Distributor, Street Pro Billet (includes vacuum advance)

G. Holley 670 CFM, electric choke, Street Avenger carburator

H. Plan to use an Audi transmission and Kennedy Engineered Products transmission adaptor plate, clutch kit and starter.

I. Electric fuel pumps, likely Holley “Red” or Mallory Comp-110, or similar.

Now some more questions:

1. Alternator. Plan to use a GM style “one wire” unit. Will it fit? What about a support bracket?

2. Pulleys. With the short water pump, are special pulleys required? What is a good source?

3. Are there any other issues which need to be addressed for the basic engine set up?

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Chuck