Hellcat killer build

[Rusty knuckles]

I'm working on building an autocross/road race 68 charger. I have decided against a hellcat swap due to cost and weight but I love how my hellcat makes power. So my goal for this engine is lightweight and makes gobs of power from 2500-6000 rpm but very street-able. I realize 700hp is likely out of reach of street-able without boost (too heavy?) but I think high 500's to 600hp is in the ballpark od do-able.

I have a few 383 blocks available as well as a late 440 and a 69 440. I'm thinking stroker is probably the way to go. But not sure RB or B to use. I'm leaning a bit to the 383 stroked out though because of reputation to rev quick and save me about 50lbs in the nose.

Needs to be a budget conscious build so I'm willing to do some weird stuff like maybe buy a crank and use stock rods with upgraded bolts. ButI know speed costs money. Let's say $10k budget. If you were planning this what way would you go?

 

[ckessel]

I went big budget. Indy aluminum low deck. Low deck saves a few pounds. If you can get a lighter reciprocating assembly, for sure rev faster plus more weight shaved. The Indy long block is 450 lbs with oil in the pan.

 

[493 Mike]

I went big budget. Indy aluminum low deck. Low deck saves a few pounds. If you can get a lighter reciprocating assembly, for sure rev faster plus more weight shaved. The Indy long block is 450 lbs with oil in the pan.

View attachment 1693899

My 540 weighed 420# with the FAST 2.0 installed and oil. Also a low deck block.
Mike

 

[Donakey]

I’m interested to see where this thread goes, mancinni offers a stoker kit for 383 at 472 cubic inch. I don’t know what your thinking for heads but that combo in auto cross car would be ideal with high rpm. I want to try a 383 down the road.

 

[Rusty knuckles]

While I'd love an aluminum block there's no way I can budget that.

That 472 kit is exactly what I'm looking at. Thinking some kind of trick flow top end possibly.

 

[ckessel]

I wonder what the weight difference is between the existing 383 reciprocating and the stroker stuff. I'm thinking stroker is going to be lighter. Maybe the crank counter weights can get a pendulum profile done.

 

[Rusty knuckles]

I wonder what the weight difference is between the existing 383 reciprocating and the stroker stuff. I'm thinking stroker is going to be lighter. Maybe the crank counter weights can get a pendulum profile done.

According to This article the stroker crank weighs 3lbs less. Found that very interesting.

 

[ckessel]

Nice. I looked on their site last night and they do have a pendulum profiled unit thats 4lbs less. Extra cost option of course. But still, 3 lbs less swinging around is a big deal. Looks like you and I are both going autocross/roadrace type of builds on our cars. For me, twisty stuff is a lot more fun. My car is a 65 Coronet. When I had it weighed at Goodguys 15? years ago, RideTech was doing it for free if you were a GG member, I was surprised at the weight. 3941 without me in it, 1/2 tank fuel, iron headed 440, a/c, p/s, 727. I think the Chargers like yours are lighter. After I get done I want to get it scaled again as I have lopped off weight with the aluminum engine but added structure to it. Cubic inches and low reciprocating weight helps tremendously with acceleration.

 

[Rusty knuckles]

Totally agree on the twisty stuff. My 69 charger weighs 4100 with a full tank and me in it. There's almost nothing I've done to reduce weight. It's a 383 car with the original AC, full interior, spare in the trunk, and even a handful of tools in the glove box. I don't remember if I had the stock intake when I weighed it but have an aluminum one now.

This build will pursue a bit more weight reduction. Aluminum heads, intake, and waterpump, composite leaf springs, interior will be there for comfort but I'll knock weight off where I can there. I'll likely put AC in it for comfort but I'll go with a newer system to save weight. From there I'll need to get more creative but shooting for 3700lbs or less.

 

[ckessel]

I'll keep an eye on your journey.

 

[RemCharger]

400 block hands down.

 

[Rusty knuckles]

400 block hands down.

I don't have one.

 

[RemCharger]

BHM
Could try Craigslist, clubs, wtb post etc
You're just handcuffing yourself down the road with the small bore. Don't get me wrong, I like 383s... but I would find a 400 block if I'm spending all that dough to build a worthy stroker

 

[Rusty knuckles]

Eh just not an avenue I want to pursue with what I have available. 383 bore is bigger than the 440 and never heard anyone say they were handicapped on a stroker build with one of those.

 

[RemCharger]

Eh just not an avenue I want to pursue with what I have available. 383 bore is bigger than the 440 and never heard anyone say they were handicapped on a stroker build with one of those.

4.32>4.25

You should get some how to build a a stroker BBD books.

 

[Rennkafer]

Totally agree on the twisty stuff. My 69 charger weighs 4100 with a full tank and me in it. There's almost nothing I've done to reduce weight. It's a 383 car with the original AC, full interior, spare in the trunk, and even a handful of tools in the glove box. I don't remember if I had the stock intake when I weighed it but have an aluminum one now.

This build will pursue a bit more weight reduction. Aluminum heads, intake, and waterpump, composite leaf springs, interior will be there for comfort but I'll knock weight off where I can there. I'll likely put AC in it for comfort but I'll go with a newer system to save weight. From there I'll need to get more creative but shooting for 3700lbs or less.

I'm always amazed at how much heavier the pre-71 cars are vs the 71-later. I'm also going the AX/HPDE route with my '71 Coronet. Bone stock with a 1/2 tank of fuel it was 3478lbs, and 54f/46r weight distribution (it's nice having corner scales). Mine is a 318/904 currently so that makes up some of the difference, but it's also a 4 door.

 

[Rusty knuckles]

I should run my 71 charger across a scale and see where it's at.

 

[ckessel]

Sometime in the future I need to do that for the 67 wagon too so I can choose t-bars and springs.