Big Blocks rule!

[6 packin]

I test drove my Duster today. The power increase over the 360 was amazing. The 360 built .030 with Keith black pistons at 10:1 and 2.02 J heads mild bowl work, and a agresive xtreme comp cam worked really good, even though a chevy lobe design. The pull on topend of the big block would set me in the seat. Wow....The holley cab 750 vacum doesnt even have the vacum housing on it, do to a old dried diapharm. The timing which there is planty of room for improvement, is set at 12 deg intial and 30 deg total. I figure maybe 6-8 deg more will help a bit. The 440 only has 9.5:1 compression. The cam is a small solid purple shat with .528 lift and 241 dur@.050 lift. The cam idles like stock with a little noticable idle. NOT rough by no means. The rockers are Isky ductile rockers. With room for improvement if find it spinning both tires (235/65) at 25+ MPH from the 3.55 gears. Just easing in the throttle at a stop results in a fishy ride, however changes which soon will be 295/50's and a 3.91 gear. The tires will still spin even then i figure. The block is a 66 model all factory, pistons, a reground steel crank(.010/.010). The block had some tapper i n the top maybe .003 at the bottom of all measurments and .005 the most which was at the back 2 holes #7 & 8. I figure these run the hottest due to the water flow. (picks up heat as it pass along, and cant cool as much) at least thats what I thought. Oh yea I used the shuamacher kit and headers, torque strap. The intake is a TorkerII, the Fairbanks converter flashes at 3500 instead of 3100 as with the small block. The car shifts real well. My driveline vibration is gone too. If you remeber I had a problem with the small block vibrating. I pulled the motor for my 84 pickup. which did NOT vibrate in the truck also. Over all I am very happy with the performance of a old worn out block with who knows how many miles and cars its been in. I would reccomend a big block for anyone here. And if you think that the old small blocks are up to par.. Better think agian. But thats a whole other

[charger_dan]

Congratulations on a successful big block swap!

Sounds like you've got a nice streetable combination, and yes,
swapping to 295/50s will be a waste of time, in terms of traction
for your car. I'm running the same rubber under my Charger
(heavier rear end, less cranking compression than you), and
they still totally go up in smoke from a standing start!

That Torker II, though single plane, is an excellent intake.

If/when you get a chance, perform a cranking compression test
and post the numbers. I'd like to see your cylinder pressure.

Dan

[6 packin]

Checked that for you, The gage I have was a hand me down, looks like it came over the mayflower. Readings was all within 10 psi of each other. Around 100 psi. Which I know is not correct, I pulled a a plug from my 360 in the pickup truck it only read 125 psi! It has KB #107 the heads and block have been milled .020 each. That thing should read 150 psi or so. Seems its off around 20-25 psi. The 360 engine has less than 12,000 miles on a new machined and parts engine. I need to invest in a new gage. Hey maybe one of those leak down gages, would be nice.

[megajoltman]

Nice to hear cause thats what I'm building sure sounds like a fun ride!

[dave571]

there are many sayings, but I like this one best...

The only thing that beats cubic inches, is rectangle dollars.

Big blocks rule