Re: LA block recommendations

From: david.clement@verizon.net
Date: Wed Jun 23 2004 - 16:24:48 EDT


In article <cbc4ie$j7$1@bent.twistedbits.net>, jbattles@bankfinancial.com
("Josh Battles") writes:
>
>
> <david.clement@verizon.net> wrote in message
> >
> > I don't think I agree. You can easily build a 300+ hp 360 for apprx. 1/2
> the
> > cost of a crate motor assuming you are starting with a worn but sound
> motor.
> >
> > Gasket and bearing set $180
> > Performance cast flat top pistons $200
> > Cam/Lifters/Springs $225
> > Roller Timing set $ 40
> > Performance dual plan manifold $225
> >
> > Machining $1000
> > Total $1870
> >
> > I didn't include a carb or headers because those need to be purchased in
> either
> > case. Also, you could knock couple of hundred off your parts cost if you
> didn't
> > need a manifold or picked up one at the swap meet. IMHO, if you don't want
> to
> > deal with a machine shop the way to go is purcahse an MP short block in
> your
> > choice of compresion ratios for $1200 and get a set of reconditioned heads
> from
> > Aero Head for $400.
>
> That looks like a pretty decent breakdown, but you're forgetting all the
> goodies. This would work if you just wanted to build a stock type 360. If
> I'm gonna build one, I'm going to be going for more than stock-ish.
>
> I'm going to need new pushrods and some nice roller rockers as well, and
> I'll be choosing the M1 intake, which is more than $225.
>
> Either way, you're going to be able to get one put together for under $3k
> though.

FWIW, What I described gets you pretty much what you get with the crate motor.
The only significant difference would be the magnum crates have a roller cam.
An LA engine has the shaft rocker set-up and roller rockers are not going top
buy you much unless you are going to be spinning some serious rpms. The
manifold price was for an Edlebrock RPM Air-Gap which is far superior across
normal street operating ranges to the M1 dual plane and is superior to the M1
single plane up to about 6000 rpm where the M1 would start to pull ahead. The
pistons listed are also for Keith Black Hypereutectics and will give you about
9.5:1 compression with an .039 head gasket and typical LA head chamber volumes.
Better quality push rods and high strength rod bolts would be good additions
and would only add $150 or so to the cost.

What I described above is the 360 I have sitting on the engine stand in my
garage and will be going into my 68 Barrcuda.

Dave Clement
99 SLT+ CC 4x4



This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Jul 01 2004 - 00:15:17 EDT