first serious engine build

[merc64]

hi every body I'm new here and thought I might get good advice. I've built several mild sbf motors in the past but this is my fist race motor build. tell me what you think of a 408 with afr 225 heads, solid roller with around .650 lift, 12.5 compression, super victor intake, 950 Holley, stainless steel rockers, and forged rotating kit. this motor will be going in a 64 comet that's mainly a track car but could see some very limited street time.

[signsbyesa]

welome,nice combination and in a comet, nice. thats alot of lift for a small
blk, it's going to sound like the motor wants to crawl out of the
car, i guess with that compression you'll be buying plenty of
racing fuel to run the monster, i'll bring the beer and come over
and give you a hand, good luck bud :wink:

[kwkracing]

If you are talking about a sbc, then it sounds good!

[traysvega]

I've got a '72 Block 351w thats gonna be a 408 for my coupe.Similar to your combo with exception of a Hydraulic roller for nitrous,about 10.75 to 1 compression and some afr's.My last little 308 with a 150 shot went 10.40 on pump gas through the muffs,so the 408 with a 250 shot should put me in the high 9 range.

Your combo sounds about right for a mostly race motor.Should scream!.Just remember 3 inch mains dont like rpm in the phord motors... :wink:
My old stang..@3150
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j40/traysvega/13645909-041109__025.jpg

[merc64]

kwkracing I don't know about a small block ch ch ch chev chevy. dang that was hard say. I've got a few more questions though. would it be better to have a single pattern cam, would 1 3/4 headers be the right choice or 1 7/8, would I need a torque converter with a anti ballooning plate to use with a trans brake. also does a main support girdle really help that much. when I can I'll get some pics of the ol merc on here. thanks for the help guys.

[zipper06]

Definately the anti ballooning plated converter with a transbrake, i'd go with the larger headers. I don't know anything about the Ford cams, but i do know that Speedway motors sells lot's of the main gurdles for the ford sm/blk.

JMO

Zip.

[coolracing]

I built a few 408 windsors a while ago and do remember camshaft choice was critical to get right.

[cepx111]

Main guidles are a must with any high hp sbf, the 351w blocks are not as bad as it's little brother 302 but anything over the 450 mark is in need of a main girdle, it's definetly worth the added cost, that is unless you like breaking parts. :wink:

Cp

[Scooterz]

I like it... but I am no expert on sbf's... I can tell you that it would be even better if it had a straight axle front (64 Comet's make GREAT gassers!!) w/ a 4spd, & a tunnel ram maybe... oh and fender-well headers too. Welcome to forum & good luck on that awesome project!! Scooter

[merc64]

thanks for the advice. I will be putting in the main girdle. I don't know what kind of power it's gonna make but I hope over 550. the cam is gonna make or brake it so I need to choose carefully. I just ordered a rod & custom ifs it will be here friday, anybody got any tips or tricks to help with the install. next thing to buy is wheels but can't decide between torq thrust d or custom steel wheels. right now I'm leaning towards the steelies. anybody got any more suggestions I'll always appreciate it.

[cepx111]

Well with the combo you desribed, I'd say your quest for the 550 mark is very realistic.

You mentioned stainless rocker arms, I assume your refering to comp cams hi tech pro magnums rocker arms, a good rocker arm no doubt, however, I recommend their latest twist on the pro magnum, which is the ultra pro magnum rocker arms, I also recommend a good rocker arm stud girdle.

On your cam selection, keep in mind that gearing, trans type, converter stall (if auto), intake, carb, tire height, exhaust all play a role in getting the most out of your cam, I'd give comp cams a call.

CC's cam helpline :1-800-999-0853

What are you refering to here?

"I just ordered a rod & custom ifs"

BTW< > I like the torque thrusts, for that old school look.


Cp

[cam67152]

cepx111, I'm thinking Independent Front Suspension.

cam67152

[merc64]

ya the ifs is a front suspension from rod&custom motorsport, it does away with the shock towers for more engine clerance. I probally should have posted that question some were else. the stainless rockers I was talking about are the comp cams hi tech pro magnum, I don't know if the ultra pro magnums are in the budget right now. cepx111 your right about comp cams wanting all the car information including the torque converter but the converter companies want to know what cam I'm running. right now I have neither so what do I do? I know this is long and drawn out but I'll start the building the motor after the first of the year and it'll be here before you know it. I just wanna get it right the first time. thanks again.