408W or 427W

blykins · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 05:57 PM

For the amount of horsepower that you're wanting, I really see no reason to spend the extra $2000-2500 for the Dart based engine. The block is more expensive right off the bat and the forged SVO crankshafts are more expensive than what you could use on a 408.

If you do decide to go with the Dart based engine, I wouldn't stop at a 4.000" stroke, I would go with a 4.100" or 4.250" stroke for 445 or 460 cubic inches.

I prefer the Scat crankshafts over the Eagles. You will have issues with any brand if you start to use large quantities of them. I've had to mill down some rods to get the side clearance that I've needed with Scat rods/Scat cranks, but I will tell you that no engine combination is just going to fall together without touching anything. The Scat cranks have a better finish on them without a doubt. I got a batch of Eagle cranks several years ago that had journal blems, so I stopped using them altogether. I don't know what people are calling excessive side clearance on rods, but I will say that more clearance isn't always an issue.

I use AFR heads on most of my small blocks. If the customer doesn't mind some custom header work, then I'll use some Trick Flow heads as well.

The head size and camshaft specs will all depend on what cubic inches you decide on, but I would use some other lobes besides the Xtreme Energy lobes that you were referring to.

I have some big Windsor packages on my website and you can go on there and see what parts I use as an example.

My advice is skip the 500hp and go for something closer to 600. I have a lot of guys that come to me and tell me that after a year or so, they've gotten used to the car and they would like more power. Making 600 streetable horsepower is pretty easy with a lot of cubic inches and since Cobras come with a gas pedal, you only use what you need.

Jeff Frigo · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 08:58 PM

More cubes = more torque = more fun.

Dimis · #3 (**permalink**) 09-26-2011, 03:58 AM

Dana E,

Sounds like you already have made up your mind and you inherently agree with Jeff:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

More cubes = more torque = more fun.

I'm not sure bigger is always better...

For mine a revy 408 is a bit of a sweet spot, and for driving pleasure.
I'd go for that, especially in anything other than a Csx or Kirkham.
That said 427 is a romantic number, so I can understand that choice.

If you don't see sense in that logic.

Then by all means, do a Blynkins & blow in out to 460ci,
By all means even consider an LS7.

Flame suit on!!!

bobcowan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

For the amount of horsepower that you're wanting, I really see no reason to spend the extra $2000-2500 for the Dart based engine.

I would disagree on this point. The Dart block is a lot stronger, and I kind of like the idea of additional strength. Have I needed it? IDK, maybe. But I like to overbuild things. I feel better when I beat on it, knowing it's a stronger part.

Also, I managed to do this about a year ago. Took less than a week and less than $150 to repair. If it had been a stock block, I would have been looking for another one.

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 09-26-2011, 02:57 AM

Is a Dart block stronger? Absolutely. However, they're not indestructible. If you had broken a rod and it had windowed the block, that would have been the end of it.

With a goal of 500hp, a production 351W block would work just fine. There's a lot of them running around and before the Dart, World, and FRPP blocks came out, that's really all that we had.

BTW, I'm certainly not trying to talk Dana E. out of a Dart block if that's what he wants, but if he would be content with less, it would be nice to have the extra cash in hand.

Jeff Frigo · #6 (**permalink**) 09-26-2011, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Also, I managed to do this about a year ago. Took less than a week and less than $150 to repair.

I guess you consider your time to be free.

Slick61 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-26-2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

My advice is skip the 500hp and go for something closer to 600. I have a lot of guys that come to me and tell me that after a year or so, they've gotten used to the car and they would like more power. Making 600 streetable horsepower is pretty easy with a lot of cubic inches and since Cobras come with a gas pedal, you only use what you need.

This... /\ I have a KCR Dart (aluminum) blocked 427W putting out 612 hp/615 tq (at the crank). After 4 years of ownership, it still scares the crap out of me, and demands that I give it the respect it deserves.