Which running gear?

tsaylor · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 02:29 PM

New to the game; very informative site... Live in S. Florida not far from BDR in Boynton and will probably have them build a car for me. Would like to hear from unbiased experience about BDR and product support/maintenance, etc.

Would also ask for insight for engine/trans choice for weekend use only, no track. Would prefer small block, efi/carb with least hassle/leak/break potential, with best value. Lots of opinions on Roush, FE, Keith Craft, Southern, etc, but I need help in narrowing the choices, please & thanks!

Tom

txgoat · #2 (**permalink**) 12-27-2006, 02:02 PM

Tom, I am also close to pulling the trigger on a BDR order from the guys at Boyton Beach and one of the things that has been holding me up is the finalization of the powerplant choice. I'm convinced that a 351 stroker is probably the best for the type of driving I will doing and yet still offer good resell value. So, I'm down to the Ford Racing crate 392/430 hp or a street version of the Roush 402/475 hp. Both are very streetable and either would satisfy me performance wise. The Roush costs about $3,000 more but I'm sure you'd see some of this back upon resell. It also has a better warranty(2 years) and terrific status with car guys. If you use the TKO 500 transmission with the .64 overdrive I think a 3.46:1 rear end would be ideal. The 3.10:1 might be best with the .84 overdrive. Just one guy's thoughts, good luck!

Chilibit · #3 (**permalink**) 12-27-2006, 02:37 PM

I don't have a BDR but I do have a 3.46 differential, the .82 TKO 600 and the Roush 402R.

I am in Kentucky. Most always back roads and seldom Interstates.

I would pair the .82 with the taller 3.46. All the gears are usable below 70MPH whereas I would find the motor lugging at 70 with the .64. The 402 would like to be at 1800 rpm or more. I have no experience with the shorter differential, but I would suggest you calculate first and second gear speed ranges with that combination. I suppose it would chug around the parking lot better though. http://www.secondstrike.com/Technical/GearCalc.asp
I you planned to do a lot of cross country (1000+ mile) drives, I might be persuaded to recant my position.

The TKO 600 is rated as being stronger. Mine has been perfect, but there have been lengthy discussions about durability with slicks and heavier cars.

Ciao,

Chilibit