good engine buildup for a truck?

[D150adam]

For $$$ reasons, i'd be using the stock 86 short block with ~8.4:1 compression. I will add:

Edelbrock aluminum heads, right out of the box.

MP 268/276 .429/.444 cam OR MP 268/272 .450/.455 cam

dual plane intake, probably Edelbrock performer

Orange box, headers, rebuild the quadrajet or get a thermo-quad

Approx. how much power would this engine produce? What would be the compression ratio with the 65cc combustion chambers? Would this be a good setup for a 4000 pound, two wheel drive truck with a 727 and either 3.55 or 3.91 gears? I won't be doing any heavy towing or hauling. Any info is appreciated.

[dave571]

I had that second cam, in a low comp engine like yours, and noticed that it made it slower. Yes slower.

That cam needs more compression than that. It will sound mean, but you will loose drivability. Saw a buildup on moparmusclemagazine.com that showed them boosting the comp on a 360 by shaving .070 or so off the heads to get the volume down into the 55 cc range I think. Search for something like "budget" and it should give you the car craft article where they did it to a demon/duster?.

On the other hand, I would think for the cost of all those accessories you could find a stock BB for the truck(obviously from an older vintage) and have way more drivability. Just a thought.

[freak007]

for your truck I would build this 360,
the cam would be a single duration 218,with as much lift and as litte lobe seperation as I could find(comp cams 268H is a EXCELENT choice,218/218 .454 110 LS)I would keep a stock rebuild,and use 915 heads,or if that is not an option rework the old ones,regaurdless,it would have 2.02 valves,a 3 angle valve job,and some mild port work,it would also be shaved to get 9:1 compression,the intake could be a stock 360/340 4bbl,or MP M1,or edelbrock performer RPM,carb would be a 625 carter AFB,headers would be a plus,dual exaust a must,with you 3.91 gears you will be pleased,and most of this could be done for less than the edelbrock headrs alone...

[jelsr]

D150adam,
As dave571 mentioned, in the bang for a buck race, a BB/727 would be very competetive in bone stock form. I would think it would be a virtual bolt in.