Help me build the engine for my 289FIA Kirkham

[blykins]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Who cares what they think DO WHAT I SAY!

(Only kidding)

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I have a theory though -
Cars can either be classy or racy... They seemingly can't be both at the same time.

An FIA, in my mind, should be "racy"
Leave the "classy" for the slabsides.

So with that, like most, I'm partial to a 331
Shorter stroke faster revs.

BUT, Since you are going FIA, then I'm thinking perhaps more cubes are fitting.
I'd also go for anAlu Block

I'd be happy to hear what the pros think the advantages of going max cubes (363) and caming it mildly so that you have power and performance in the range you want, without the drawbacks of spitting and bucking VS the shorter faster reving stroke.

Either way, should be a smashing car once done and the cost of a 331 or 363 would be about the same, as would the resale with either engine in there, as IMHO they would appeal to the same group of buyers!

Them's my humble thoughts


PS:
Enjoy the decisions ahead... I'm looking forward to the Brushed, Polished or Painted debate.

If you go with an aftermarket block, there's no real reason to go with a 331. Pistons are the same price for the 4.030" bore or the 4.125" bore and the rotating assembly doesn't change. The extra 30 cubes will help with torque and the overall power/torque curves, which are of more importance in a street car. But you're right, you don't have to cam a 363 as much to get equal amounts of horsepower to the 331, and the peak hp rpm will be lower.