Seems as though my engine is done....

[projectPONY]

did you fuck up and get a Ford tattoo when you were younger?

LOL, no, but I know someone who did!

[Cooter]

just saying I don't see how that's "selling out" unless your last name is Ford or you're a Ford executive or something

[projectPONY]

just saying I don't see how that's "selling out" unless your last name is Ford or you're a Ford executive or something

ok this thread is getting derailed very quickly.

[projectPONY]

difference is, with a local shop, you can walk in and talk face-to-face with them.

FWIW, Houston Engine & Balance dyno runs every engine they build to ensure no problems/leaks/etc.

I'm assuming Houston Engine IS in Houston??

nevermind, I found it. their site sucks so I dropped them an email.

[Cooter]

I'm assuming Houston Engine IS in Houston??

yes... not local to you... just saying, I would rather buy from somebody local who actually stands behind their shit vs. some internet outfit that's 4 states away

[dblack1]

I don't disagree with cooter, but my next engine will be purchased from fordstrokers.com.
I know someone with a dart motor from them who had a mutual friend who is a machinist/builder by trade come check it over before install. Everything was perfect with the entire motor and he never had a problem after a ton of high 9 second passes.

Reason for not going with local builder. They like dirt track motors, and those guys pay stupid money and even more to have it in a hurry, so the wait time is crazy. He saved right over $2k also. He had it in less than 30 days, which on a non stock rebuild is unheard of around here. I called keith craft (two hour drive for me) about rebuilding a 400 SVO blocked motor and he said 8 week wait during dirt track season, and that was to just look at it, not pick up time.

[Cooter]

that's good to hear. If they have good feedback and actually take the time to build them right, then it's a good option

[projectPONY]

FordStrokers.com has very good feed back and what I like about them is that they DO NOT mass produce. they are a 3 man company and only put out about 40 engines a month. talked to them a few weeks ago and their current wait time is 4-5 months.

[KBScobravert]

I have a Dart 4.125" bore 347ci from Brian at AD Performance and if I had to do it again. Woody at Fordstrokers.com would get my business. His feedback on the corral and his tech input is unbeatable so far. I wished I used him instead of AD Performance back in 2008.

On to my suggestion. If you can swing the aftermarket block go 4.125" bore for either a 347 or 363 cubic inch motor. Run your AFR185s and the systemax intake with the appropriate bolt ons to support. Personally I would send those heads to Woody to have him install them to the shortblock and might even send him the lower intake also to make sure it has the right seat to it.

A N/A 363 will make 400 to the wheels pretty effortlessly.

I WOULD NOT every, never ever, ever go with a CHP or DSS motor. Take your experience with your current DSS block as a lesson learned.

[projectPONY]

I have a Dart 4.125" bore 347ci from Brian at AD Performance and if I had to do it again. Woody at Fordstrokers.com would get my business. His feedback on the corral and his tech input is unbeatable so far. I wished I used him instead of AD Performance back in 2008.

On to my suggestion. If you can swing the aftermarket block go 4.125" bore for either a 347 or 363 cubic inch motor. Run your AFR185s and the systemax intake with the appropriate bolt ons to support. Personally I would send those heads to Woody to have him install them to the shortblock and might even send him the lower intake also to make sure it has the right seat to it.

A N/A 363 will make 400 to the wheels pretty effortlessly.

I WOULD NOT every, never ever, ever go with a CHP or DSS motor. Take your experience with your current DSS block as a lesson learned.

Just so we're on the same page, the 4.125" bore blocks are the ones referred to as "big bore blocks," correct??

will take sending him the heads and lower into consideration. will probably be the best idea.

[Cooter]

I'd just do a windsor if you're looking for that kind of CID

[projectPONY]

I'd just do a windsor if you're looking for that kind of CID

yeah, it's almost a 2k dollar jump with a Dart block.

[KBScobravert]

yeah, it's almost a 2k dollar jump with a Dart block.

"Pay me now or pay me later" comes to mind.

Going 351w is a good idea, but things to consider are: Cost of block, cost of new intake lower (or intake all together since the systemax will not work with 351), cost of 351 swap brackets if you want to run a/c or p/s, cost of new pan, cost of new distributor, cost of new headers (may be able to make old ones fit), modify fuel rails to work with wider deck. Depending on what parts you buy that can suck up close to $2k right there.

Going Dart 302w based block you can reuse all those parts and get the benifits of a 351w at standard bore and stroke.

Food for thought.

Yes 4.125" = Big Bore. It allows you to run 347ci with 331 rod angles and crank stroke or allows you to jump from 347ci in a 4.00 bore to 363ci with the extra .125" in bore diameter

[dblack1]

I'd stay 302 because you will need heads also. Those heads will work, but not that well with over 400 cubes.

If staying NA I would definitely go big bore. That would be a sweet set up and depending on cam make really great power with the 185's.

[dblack1]

FordStrokers.com has very good feed back and what I like about them is that they DO NOT mass produce. they are a 3 man company and only put out about 40 engines a month. talked to them a few weeks ago and their current wait time is 4-5 months.

That wait time is crazy with this economy.