Tag Archives: Engine

Knock..Knock…Who’s There? It’s the bottom end of your 351 Cleveland!!!

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After spending $$$ to get my 2v heads done right and after driving my 73 Stang for about 50 miles, the Cleveland has developed  a knock in the bottom half of the engine.

It’s not uncommon when restoring cars that an undiscovered issue pops up and changes the entire project plan.  But the dilemma I have now has multiple facets.

First there’s what to do about the engine.  Rebuild it if possible? Replace with a short block, reusing the 2v heads?  Buy a crate engine? Or set it on fire in the driveway?  Each one of these options have it’s own inherent hurdles and impacts the timeline differently.

Second there’s issue with the old conundrum “Well as long as….I might as well do the ….”  In this case it read like this… “As long as the engine out, I should, really, redo the engine bay.”  That’s has is own timeline with the cleaning and sanding and priming and painting and replacing clips/fastener….etc.

So let’s discuss the engine.

There are a few “known knowns” (thank you Donald Rumsfeld!!!):

  1. The current 351C engine isn’t original to the car – in fact the car was born with 302. Why is that important?   I don’t have to worry about the matching numbers thing,  that ship sailed sometime ago.  Basically anything goes.
  2. Not rebuilding/replacing is not an option.
  3. Budget.  Although there is no set dollar amount, there is restraint how much can be spend in a given time.

Then there are the “known unknowns”

  1. Is it the cam?
  2. Is it just the bearings?
  3. Are the cylinder walls serviceable?
  4. What do I want this engine to be?

Options:  (just a few)

Option 1:   A friend of mine suggested a crate engine – just order one from Summitt Racing or Jegs.  Make all the power I want.

Ford Racing 363 C.I.D. 500 HP Boss Crate Engines

Ford Racing 363 C.I.D. 500 HP Boss Crate Engines – $8439.97

– Discussion:  $$$ (Could stop right there with this one.)  Getting a 400+ HP turn-key crate would be just awesome.  In my option that is what these Mustangs were meant to be. (ching-ching)   Getting tons of power to the rear wheels with the current  automatic C6 transmission will required a possible rebuild and an upgraded torque converter.  (ching-ching again).  But having a Cleveland in the engine bay is way cool!!  I grew up in GM family… there weren’t a lot of discussion about Ford product and anytime I heard “Ford talk” a 351 Cleveland engine was mentioned.   I do like the look of it under the hood the are wider than the Windsor family of motors.  Keeping it a 351C V2 will be less expensive and you can make good power from it if you do it right.

– Conclusion for Option 1:   Not gonna happen!!

Option 2:  Find a good used 351C and install that

– Discussion:   This is a good possibility.  That’s already happened to #ProjectSportsRoof.  The 302 was replaced with a 351 (whether it was a Windsor or Cleveland is not known) as this was the engine the previous owner hauled it out of a field with.  As it turned out that engine was seized and the current engine was found and installed (along with the used C6 trans).   It may be tough to find one.  If and when you do the mileage shouldn’t be a known unknown and you need to determine the condition as best you can by listening to it run.  If it is just sitting on the shelf,  would you perform a “trust-fall” with the seller?  Bottom line is a used engine “is like a box of chocolates”…you might end right back up where you are now.  Frankly this would be my last option.

-Conclusion for Option 2:  A weak maybe.

Coming up next – the Rebuild option.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Tim

 

Tappit-3

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – This Just In – Cooler and Gauges

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Just received a few more parts in for the 1973 Mustang project.

Check out the video.

 

Thanks for reading.  Keep checking on #ProjectSportsRoof.

Tim

1973 mustang mach 1

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Money!!

#ProjectSportsRoof will be the way I want it, which I haven’t nailed down yet, so suggest way by dropping me a comment (got your crate motor idea swimming around in my head, Bill) and that will happen fast or slow and cost …

BangShift.com Chrysler 413

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The Chrysler 413 is an interesting engine because it lived a long life in multiple roles and a very wide range of equipment. Hot rodders like to think about the hot rodded Max Wedge 413 (that gave way to the Max Wedge 426) and luxury car people like to think of the powerful and smooth Imperials and other cars that were shoved along by it, and finally truck guys will tell you that the 413 was a stalwart gas power plant offered in big trucks until 1979. That is a heck of a run for a mill that showed up on the scene in 1959 and was used in cars until 1965.

The videos below aren’t about floating Imperials or sneaky big Polaras. Nope, the videos below celebrate the most BangShifty application of the engine in the form of the 420hp Max Wedge 413 as offered in a small number of Plymouth and Dodge models in 1962. Combating the Pontiacs and Chevrolets, the “Super Stock Dodges” were quickly recognized in songs and popular culture. The Beach Boys talked about the cars in their song “Shut Down” while Jan and Dean were singing about the “Little Old Lady From Pasadena” who happened to also be driving a Max Wedge powered Chrysler. Rated at 420hp at 5,000 RPM this engine was a harbinger of things to come from Chrysler who really took the gloves off the next year when they expanded the engine to 426ci and later when the Hemi was introduced.

via BangShift.com Chrysler 413.

 

Watch the guy shift the car!!

 

 

 Yeah..that’s right…using the automatic push buttons.

 

Chase the BangShift link above to see the other video and the rest of the article.

 

Thank for reading.

Tim

413 max wedge

Car News Now (CNN) – 07/06/14 – Mercedes

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CAR NEWS NOW

Mercedes – AMG gets a boost of power.  Engineers have upped the power for the 4.0 Liter engine via a twin turbo, 4 valve per cylinder and direct injection.  Drivers can expect 503 HPs and 479 lb-ft of torque.  Gone is the 6.2 liter.

The New AMG-GT will have the new direct inject engine.

The New AMG-GT will have the new direct inject engine.

End of production for this beautiful car as well.

End of production for this beautiful AMG SLS car as well.

2015 C63

2015 C63 – Gonna have to be fast – surely isn’t special looking.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Challenger Hellcat with ‘600-plus horsepower’ – Autoblog

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I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again and mostly likely not for the last time.  MOPAR got it RIGHT with the Challenger!!!!!  Fiat ownership or not….it will continue to be an iconic car.

Now take that car that you did so right and boost it’s horse power….maybe up to 600 or more…and…well let’s not mince words…it’s a MONSTER!!!  Chase the link below and check out the video, you’ll see what I mean!!!! Can you say…first every factory super-charger!!!

001-2015-dodge-challenger-srt-hellcat_628opt
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with ‘600-plus horsepower’ officially unveiled – Autoblog.

Dodge has officially unveiled the most powerful vehicle to ever wear the Challenger name – the SRT Hellcat– complete with over 600 horsepower courtesy of a supercharged, 6.2-liter Hemi V8. It will be offered alongside the 485-hp Challenger SRT

The new, force-induced V8 isn’t just the most powerful ever fitted to the Challenger, it’s the most powerful eight-cylinder Chrysler Group has ever built. Power figures aren’t finalized, so expect to see “over 600 hp” bandied about quite a lot. That fury will be channeled through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Yes, over 600 ponies through an eight-speed auto. So far, the only vehicle we know of that delivers more output through that many gears is the as-yet untested Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Sadly, we don’t have performance metrics just yet, although if this thing can’t crack four seconds to 60 miles per hour, we’ll be pretty surprised.

dodge hellcat engineThanks for reading
Tim

https://www.average-guys-car-restoration-mods-racing.com

Engine Tech: Borowski Builds Mild-mannered 427ci With LS Next Block – LSXTV

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This is a MONSTER engine. Read below and follow the link.

This is a MONSTER engine. Read below and follow the link.

 

LS-based engines have earned notoriety for power and performance while becoming one of the most popular choices for both drag racing and street-engine swaps. They have been strong, reliable engines in most applications, but then racers and engine builders soon began leaning on them with longer strokes, higher rpm demands, stronger boost levels in addition to other traditional paths to power.Unfortunately, these power quests sometimes revealed problems which ultimately prompted various upgrades and a few elegant solutions from the aftermarket. Such is the case with the Dart LS Next advanced cylinder block, a design refinement targeting some questionable design elements of the factory LS platform. The new block boasts hardcore racing features designed to upgrade oiling and crankcase breathing functions.

via Engine Tech: Borowski Builds Mild-mannered 427ci With LS Next Block – LSXTV.

 

Thanks for reading

Tim

Chevrolet LS7 427 7L V8 Z06 engine + LSX motor | Speed-Wars

2013 is likely the last year for the legendary LS7 427 7-liter V-8 engine in a Z06, 427 convertible, or any new production Corvette, but it will continue on in the 2014+ Camaro Z/28 muscle-car. 2013 is also the last year for the current C6 (sixth …

460 CUBIC INCHES 575 HP CRATE ENGINE REAR SUMP | Part Details for M-6007-Z460FRT | Ford Racing Performance Parts

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460 CUBIC INCHES 575 HP CRATE ENGINE REAR SUMP | Part Details for M-6007-Z460FRT | Ford Racing Performance Parts.

 

Ford Racing has taken its Boss Block to the max with the biggest small block Windsor crate engine ever – the Z460.  With 575 horsepower and 575 Lb. Ft. of torque, Z460 packs a pump gas fueled punch that works well on the street and on the track.

The foundation of Z460 is the legendary Ford Racing Boss block topped off with high port/high flow Z-Heads.  Premium components from the best aftermarket companies are used throughout the engine, like a SCAT® forged steel crankshaft, SCAT® forged H-beam connecting rods, forged Mahle® pistons and Clevite® bearings.  And every Ford Racing Z460 engine is hand assembled in the U.S. with performance clearances.

575 Horsepower @ 5,500 RPM

575 Lb.Ft. Torque @ 4,700 RPM

  • Engine type:  351 based small block Ford
  • Displacement (cu in): 460
  • Bore x stroke (in): 4.150″ bore x 4.250″ stroke
  • Block: Boss 351 9.5″ deck
  • Crankshaft: SCAT® Forged Steel
  • Connecting Rods: SCAT® forged steel H-beam 6.125-inch length connecting rods
  • Pistons: Forged Mahle® w/ floating wrist pin
  • Camshaft type: Hydraulic Roller
  • Camshaft lift (in): .594″/.618″
  • Camshaft Duration (@.050 in): 242°/248°
  • Cylinder Heads: Ford Racing M-6049-Z304DA Aluminum “Z” Cylinder Heads
  • Valve size (in): 2.02 intake 1.60 exhaust
  • Compression ratio: 10.0:1 (nominal)
  • Rocker arms : Ford Racing M-6564-F351 Roller Rocker arms
  • Rocker arm ratio: 1.65:1
  • Vibration Damper – Ford Racing M-6316-D302 SFI Approved
  • Valve Covers: Ford Racing cast aluminum – silver painted finish
  • Oil Pan: Steel with deep front (9 quart) or rear sump (7quart) pan with louvered windage tray and crankshaft scraper (M-6675-FT351 front sump or M-6675-DRS351 rear sump))
  • Water pump: Ford Racing M-8501-G351 included – long type – standard rotation
  • Includes Ford Racing M-9439-A50 intake manifold gaskets
  • Distributor: not included. Steel distributor gear required.
  • Required fuel: Premium Unleaded
  • Ignition timing: 32° at 4,000 RPM
  • Maximum recommended rpm: 5,600 RPM
  • Balanced: Internal – use neutral balance flywheel
  • Recommended intake: Edelbrock PN 2924 Super Victor (not included)
  • New block, oil and water pump, performance oil pan and high-performance harmonic balancer
  • Engine power ratings achieved with Edelbrock® Super Victor intake, Holley® 850 CFM carburetor, long tube headers.
  • Depending on your application, a different timing cover, water pump, performance oil pan and pickup may be required.  Call the Ford Racing Techline at (800) FORD788 for more information.
  • M-6007-Z460FRT

    M-6007-Z460FRT

    Thanks for reading.

  • Tim

Ford Falcon – 2005?

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I really perked up when I ran across a web site that offered repair details on the Ford Falcon.  So I called up the URL and saw Ford Falcon 2002-2005 repair manual and that’s got to be a mix up at the programmers desks.  There aren’t any 2002, 03, 04 or 05 Falcons…come on!!!    Well  it just goes to show that we Americans (or maybe it’s just me) are a bit U.S. centric when it comes to cars.  Then I Googled and realized that the folks ‘down-under’ do some cool stuff and Ford is a big part of that.  Yeah..they are still using the Ford Falcon moniker.

But don’t expect to see that boxy little car that we stuff V8’s in and cram headers between the around the suspension, nope that’s gone.  But you will find a couple of surprises.

Ford-BA_Falcon_XR6_Turbo_2002_1600x1200_wallpaper_02

Looks pretty pedestrian, doesn’t it?  What if I told you it had….

Barra straight-six 4.0-litre DOHC VCT (turbo)

OR….

Barra 220 producing  300 hp and  348 lb·ft or  Boss 260  producing 350 hp  and 370 lb·ft or Boss 290 producing producing 390 hp and 380 lb·ft.

NOT BAD!!!!

Or maybe you’d like a UTE – a WHAT?   Well a Ranchero of sorts:

Ford-BF_Falcon_XR8_Ute

Including the first US models the Ford Falcon is now in it’s 7th Generation.  Which includes and not so great looking new model (not even gonna show ya a pic)  but this will impress you – The 5.0-litre ‘modular V8’ engine is currently the Ford Performance Vehicles’ V8 engine of two varieties, one rated at 422 hp and 402 lb·ft of torque (“Boss 315”) and the other at 449 hp and 420 lb·ft of torque (“Boss 335″).

Ok Ford – Down – Under….let’s see something retro!!!!  Come on you can beat Chevy to the punch by creating something Felcon- Ranchero-ish before they bring out the El Camino!!! (I’m going to blog about Chevy later and use the line in reverse)”

Thanks for reading

Tim

 

ford falcon

Alan Mulally talks about why Ford’s Falcon had to die – Autoblog

Ford CEO Alan Mulally gives a pretty succinct explanation of what lead Ford to end Australian production, while trying to minimize the collateral damage to those invested in the manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If You Dream It…We Can Build It. Parker Brothers Concepts

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If You Dream It…We Can Build It.

When you build things that are powered by Corvette or Harley EVO engines…well…it’s worth sharing.

Thanks for reading

Tim

parker brothers conceptsparker brothers conceptsparker brothers concepts

Plush 1973 Caddy – PartingOut.com

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Sometimes just wandering the junk yards either in person or virtually can spawn some ideas for a quick  blog entry.

One of my favorite places to conduct my virtual tooling round is WWW.PartingOut.com They put a lot of hard work at delivering a very useful online tool for locating parts.

So while wandering around their site I found this 1973 Caddy.  Now I grew up in the 60’s and ’70 (why does that seem like a long time ago?) and having spent some of those years  either hanging out in or working in one my Dad’s body shops (he started and closed several in that time span) I was close to the car scene (not that I liked it much at the time).  I remember the auto industry’s move into the long, thick cushioned Ford LTDs and Thunderbirds as well as the GM Buicks and Caddies.

With shows like Starky and Hutch and Mod Squad showing off some of the (criminal element or shady characters often drove them) plush mobiles,  the excess they represented was easily noticed – I think Huggy Bear has a plush T-bird – he was often portrayed as a “business man” that organized a all women work force (any one get that?).

The 1973 Cadillac came with two engine.  The most powerful was the standard V8 which displaced 500 cubic inches and had a bore and stroke of 4.30X4.06 inches.  They had 5 main bearings, hydraulic lifters and 10.0:1 compression ratio.  Top it off with the Rochester Quadrajet four barrel and you’d get about 375 hp.

Now the Eldorado came with the Eldorado V8 which had a smaller stroke 4.306 inches, reducing the compression ratio to 9.0:1 and produced only 365 hp.

You’d need every bit of that power, because these cars topped out at over 5,000 lbs

1973 was the year GM produced their five millionth Caddy (it was a DeVille, however, not an Eldorado).

Now days these cars are being restored and finding used parts keeps the cost down, most cars of the 70’s aren’t going to bring you big bucks when they are done.  This 1973 Caddy has a lot of parts and looks to be a project car that’s either taken to long to finish or replaced  by a ‘cooler’ project.

Still has the Engine

Still has the Engine

Grill and Headlight assemblies are all there!

Grill and Headlight assemblies are all there!

Looking at the pics all the lenses seem to be there as well!!!

Looking at the pics all the lenses seem to be there as well!!!

Check out the other parts cars at WWW.PartingOut.com

 

PartingOut.com

PartingOut.com

 

Thanks for reading

Tim