new engine

[tom cloud]

I sent the following to the Bronco list -- may not be efi related
(though it's my test bed for my efi experiments) -- but, I wanted
any advice I can get.  I don't claim to be an expert on engines.
I am replacing the 351W in my '82 Bronco.  It has an Edelbrock
Performer manifold and Holley ProJection 670 cfm efi.


===============  text of earlier message  =================

I've taken the plunge.  Since June, when my hoss's engine broke, I've
been saving my money and doing research -- checked into 460's, SVO's,
rebuilds, doing it myself, buying out of NHRA mag, or from PAW.

To get block machined, forged pistons, c-moly rod and crank bolts,
roller timing chain, new cam, lifters, etc was $1400 to $1600.
Couldn't get PAW to give me straight answers or to supply what I
wanted (even with ad that says "available in all standard comp
ratios").  Was an ad in last Sunday's paper with a guy listing
a complete 460, newly rebuilt, complete with intake & exhaust
manifold, heads, carb, water pump, oil pump, pan for Bronco for
$1500.  Thought seriously about that one.

Wanted the SVO 346 hp engine that cost ~$3200, but, even after
I save the moola, don't know if I could really face the SO.

Went Friday and bought "Lightning" short block from Ford SVO for
~ $1380 ($1492 with tax).  It's what I want.  Brand new, no used
parts.  Don't have to worry who or what did a rebuild, or what
parts were used.  Don't have to worry about all the miscellaneous
doo-dads to put the 460 in, not to mention the increased fuel
consumption.  Can build it up to almost what I had wanted to
buy for about $700 less.

At any rate, check out SVO.  Some of their prices are changing
as of Jan 1.  For example, the SB I just bought is going up to $1795,
but GT-40 heads are dropping in price to $450 each.  Also, they
are introducing a GT-40X head that is supposed to outperform
DART heads.

If you're interested, here's a recap of my study of SVO 351W engines:
("Lightning" is short block, others are long blocks)

      'Litnin'                351 GT-40 SVO            351 HO-SVO

hp:     310 @ ....              346 @ 5750              385 @ 5750
torque:                         364 @ 4520              377 @ 4500

cam:
 intake: 260 .........       290   220 @ .050        296   236 @ .050
 exhaust:274  . . . .        300   230 @ .050        306   246 @ .050
 lift:   .444                    .491/.509               .520

C.R.     8.8:1                    9.0:1                 9.0:1


head:   GT-40                    GT-40                 GT-40 Al 'turbo swirl'
comb. ch.
  volume  65.5 cc                65.5 cc                 64 cc
valves:
 .. int.  1.84                    1.84                    1.94
 .. exh.  1.54                    1.54                    1.54

int. vol: ...                     ...                     160 cc
exh. vol: ...                     ...                      53 cc

manifold:  65 mm TB              Performer RPM         Victor Jr.
carb:   'Motorsport Induction'  750 cfm Holley        750 cfm Holley
headers:   unknown                Dyno                    Dyno


Suggestions for headers, rockers, push rods, etc are in order, please.
Also, I need a damper.  Ford price ~ $100 -- good deal or not?  Also
need water and oil pump.  Why does everyone recommend hi-vol oil pump?
Need motor mounts, I guess .... would seem stoopid to put almost double
the hp onto mounts that are probably 250,000 miles old.

Is there anything else I'm missing (I'm anxious to get back inna da saddle).

..........................................
BTW, If you really wanna make POWER:

460 "Cobra Jet" SVO complete engine with intake, heads, forged rods
hypereutectic pistons, nodular crank, valve covers, damper, distributor,
oil & water pumps, ....  Makes 560 hp @ 6000, 535 ft lbs @ 4750 rpm.
 $ 5200

I guess I'm a believer ..... you can't build it yourself for less, or
even the same money as a 'kit' motor.

Now, anyone looking for a 'seasoned' 351W with one piston missing upper
ring land ???


Tom Cloud <cloud at peaches.ph.utexas.edu>