The Engine Chevy Should Have Built
Hot Rod Magazine published a story in 1997,"The Engine Chevy Housld Have Built," about a Chevy engine that used a bored 400 block, 307/327 crank, longer rods from(gasp!) a Ford six cylinder, AFR 56cc heads, JE pistons with the pin located higher up the skirt, Crane cam, roller rockers, etc.
The engine was not a stroker and measured 352ci but because it dwelled longer on the compression stroke, the engine was more efficient thus burning more of the gasses and could stand a much higher compression ratio.
I hope I am not going down a thread beaten into the ground but I have some questions from those of you who appear much smarter than I am (actually all of you seem smarter than me) about the engine. Has anyone here built one of these? Can 305 heads be used?(I think they have 58cc chambers)Is the engine reliable?
The article claimed some prodigious horsepower/torque figures yet used two bolt mains.
I would appreciate any answers and advice. I would like to build this engine in a leisurely fashion since I am restoring a '53 Chevy pickup and currently rebuilding a 350 to put in it.
Starlight Coupe(I am a big '53 Studebaker fan)
The Engine Chevy Should have built
Thanks techinspector1 for your in-depth reply. I am still hazy about quench trench but building the engine in reality is far short of my aspirations. Frankly, I don't know what I would do with it other than replace the one I am rebuilding for my truck. My present engine has Vortec heads, all new parts excepting the crank and should run well past my lifetime in a truck that will spend much of its life in the garage.
I have heard a lot of negative things about the 305 heads as well but a fellow here in Colorado swears by them despite the predetonation problems. I agree that the AFR heads would be the way to go but I was looking for the easy way out.
Reading the Isky article casts doubt upon the project but I think it would be worth pursuing if the gains are worth it. I have a machinist friend who builds dragster engines and who knows? he may build it himself.
Starlight Coupe
PS Thanks Pat for the link. I like your Stude!
The Engine Chevrolet Should have Built
I found the article on the purplesage website, did some Photoshop magic and it is readable.
I need more info before I begin building the engine.
Bib_overalls: Garry Owen!
Vietnam 1967-68, 70-71 MACV Adv Tm 100, 101st Abn.
Richard
Re: The Engine Chevrolet Should have Built
Quote:
Originally posted by Starlightcoupe
Bib_overalls: Garry Owen!
Vietnam 1967-68, 70-71 MACV Adv Tm 100, 101st Abn.
Richard
I went over in 65 with D Co, 1st Bn, 7th Cav., 1st Cav Div. Came back in 66 and went back in 69. 2nd tour was with the Americal Div.
Good luck with your engine project. If you need the crank I will let it go for $50 plus shipping. You do not want the 305 heads.
Steve Hansen
AKA Bib Overalls