Thread: Engine rebuild tips and help

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Originally Posted by 34_40

I'll toss in some thoughts / opinions as well. Like a lot of guys, my thoughts ramble and I type what I am thinking in the moment, but I'll try and keep it all "straight". I would think you'd be better served ( after reading the above) to remove and disassemble the motor first. Inspect the interior components and evaluate the needs before the wants. It may simply need a freshening!

The one thing I would do is replace the rear differential gears. 2.7 is a good highway ratio, but if you want to do street and strip you need to have something that starts with a 3.0 to 4.0 ratio, I would also advise you to watch for the "combination" because the cam has to work with the Cylinder Heads and the Torque Converter as well, and even the tire size / O.D. and rear axle ratio come into play. If you want serious power, and want to do racing - then consider aluminum heads, if you want to use a ceiling of 4 to 5 thousand rpm, then the advantage of high flowing heads will be wasted. Same goes for the camshaft you choose. It sounds to me that you'd be better served with a "torque" cam, like they grind for RV's and trucks. You are wanting the most power at a lower rpm.

Like I said, just some thoughts, hope it helps and gives you some things to think about. It is good to see you here, welcome aboard!

It’s not that I feel it’s gotten slower or just old. It’s always been slow ever since I had it rebuilt 8 years ago. I’m here for more than a refreshening and I’d like to do it right.

I’ve thought about changing the rear end as well. I’d like to still be able to drive on the highway though and ultimately I’m chasing more power, this is what I would like to do. However I am considering a rear end swap to something around a 3.2:1 in the future.

I understand how the torque converter, cam, and heads should match which is precisely why I’m here. I’ve had a higher stall torque converter swapped into my transmission so I’m able to handle a bigger cam. These stock heads just stifle and struggle to breathe right and I’m after more air flow. I would love a set of aluminum heads. This won’t be the last time I touch this engine and I want to continue to add power, but this seemed like the right step first. I know aluminum heads are friendly to high power and they cool better. I figured if I’m getting new heads, may as well swap out the stock cam and try and match the heads and torque converter.

If you think this would be a waste to keep it at/below 4 - 5k rpm then let’s go higher. I only say that because I know these aren’t rev happy engines and I’d like to keep mine somewhat reliable. I’m here for whatever advice. I’m definitely still learning. Appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

-Vinny