decisions.. decisions..

[Johnny]

I've been planning on trying to build a engine this winter for the Brick (94 Lightning)... but I can't decide if I want to stay with a Windsor based engine, or step up to a 385 series engine... I am also undecided as to how to feed said engine... This is a street truck that only comes out when it's sunny, and it will see more track action once it's fast..


Pros/cons to stay Windsor..
1.. everything stays the same.. mounts, exhaust, trans, radiator, ect..
2.. A 427 Windsor sounds nice.. :D
3.. Not really what I want..


pro's/cons of a 385 series
1.. A 521, 557, or 598 would make some Big power... :WEE
2.. Have to change everything... but I have a few of them already..
3.. The big bolt pattern E40d's are out there, just harder to find..
4.. cost.. while it wouldn't cost that much more than the Windsor, it would still cost more..


To keep fuel injected or go Carb..
1.. Carb is cheaper..
2.. Fuel injection is nicer ..
3.. Keep fuel injection I have to find a tuner..
4.. Carb I can do myself..
5.. easier to go forced induction with fuel injection
..
Now the Fuel injection decision opens up a whole new can of worms.. do I keep the Speed Density, get a Tweecer and try an find someone to tune it.. Do I switch to Mass Air and try an find someone to tune it.. Do I go with an aftermarket unit and try an find someone to tune it.. Or do I go carb and tune it myself..

I actually thought about switching over to a LSX computer, and wiring harness, as I've got a friend that is rather well known as a tuner in the LSX world.. but after discussing the reluctor wheel/crank trigger and what we would have to do to set it up, I think we both decided it wasn't as practical as I would have hoped...


transmission

If I stay windsor, and Fuel Injected.. then I keep the E40D, no problems..

If I stay Windsor, and go carb, I can keep the E40D and get a OptiShift to control it, or go with an AOD.. which I have, just have to build it..

If I go with the 385 series engine.. then I can try an find a big bolt pattern E40D and go the OptiShift route.. or go with a C6.. that I also already have..



Where it stands right now... I'm leaning more towards the 557 or 598, with a carb, and C6... I just hate to lose the overdrive... plus I want to add boost later, and really don't wanna fool with a blow through carb... But... I rarely drive the truck out of the immediate area.. and I could always just throw a big shot of the giggle gas on it to make up for the N/A setup...

I don't know what to do right now... been thinking about this for awhile.. Maybe I just need to sell it and buy a 4cylinder something.. :rolleyes:

[Squid]

There's no replacement for displacement. Big blocks are sweet, especially when you force them to breathe.
Even though EFI is more work, it would probably be more drivable than a carb making similar power numbers- especially with forced induction.
E4OD or C6? Do you need the overdrive? A built C6 will run you a couple grand, and there's no controllers needed.

[Blue79]

There's no replacement for displacement.
I used to live by that, and it was true whenpeople were just taking engines from other stuff and cramming them in smaller cars.
Now its theres no replacement for power to weight ratio and co eff drag.


But Johnny the ultimate combo for you would be the fe blocked c6 and if you want over drive that bad buy a gear vendors od kit. dress that fe in 427 side oiler clothes and watch people when you pop the hood.

[Johnny]

A built C6 will run you a couple grand.

Nope.. I've got a fully built, manual valve body, TCI C6 out in the garage... It would just need freshing up, a new convertor, and to slap it in....




Johnny the ultimate combo for you would be the fe blocked c6 and if you want over drive that bad buy a gear vendors od kit. dress that fe in 427 side oiler clothes and watch people when you pop the hood.

Believe it or not, I've thought about that.. except a top loader 4 speed backing the 428... but I just can't bring myself to waste a 428, and top loader on that truck.... It'd be cooler than hell and all.. but I just can't do it..

[Blue79]

Waste? waste would be leaving it in the garage sitting. Lifes short son, you can always pull it out and stuff it in something else when the time comes.

[Johnny]

Ah.. I'm saving those for the right car... No, the brick is more than likely gonna get a carbed 557, and a C6...

[JfB_93]

Holy chit....

[Johnny]

Holy chit....

What ??

[Arkansawer]

I think hes thinking the same i am ....... Holy chit!!!!


557!! Johnny Bananas is going BIG!

[buffs 78 ford]

http://www.jonkaaseracingengines.com/products/engines/820-ford-hemi/66-820-ford-hemi.html

[Johnny]

Unfortunately, my pockets aren't as deep as I would like.... so that big bastard is out...

[buffs 78 ford]

Just imagine showing up with that under the hood

[Johnny]

Probably rip the Brick in half...

[littlezell]

I have seen a 347 stroker, roast all four tires.....why soooo damn big??? make a sleeper!!

[Johnny]

If you have to ask why, then you wouldn't understand.... But after doing some reading, I'm thinking of keeping the cubic inches under 557.. like either a 521, or 545... but if I can pick up a little 671 huffer somewhere it should make up for the smaller cubes..

[littlezell]

so when you get it together, you going to let me drive it right???

[buffs 78 ford]

Go find a School bus 534 tall deck and see what can be done with it. Steel crank all ready there plus an extra 300lbs of crap. I have always wanted to try and build one of those big arse engines

[Johnny]

Back when I was on the fire department we had a fire engine with a 534... man that thing would run... I had forgot about those...

[buffs 78 ford]

There is one setting down the road from me I am just waiting to see when they part it out. Perfect donor engine for a 1 ton project truck.