Stroker engine build ideas

[Thunderdan]

I like this build. I have a '78 Monaco police car (A38/E86) with the factory 2.71 9-1/4 rear that I am considering a similar build for on the factory 440 and the stroker is the easiest way to reliably do this with low stress on the configuration. Aside from the relatively mild cam you spec'd out (which helps torque and drivability), the factory stamped rockers - especially if higher mileage -are rarely the 1.5 ratio they are advertised as and are often down to 1.4 or even 1.35 or so making the cam even milder that spec'd. I'd suggest calling Howards or Hughes to get a recommendation on the cam to maximize power while keeping drivability up there.

Why someone suggested a 500 stroker based on a 400 block when a 440 will easily handle the power at the moderate RPM you are planning AND you already have the 440 at the machine shop and the parts on the way makes very little sense. Excited for this build and definitely keep us posted on how it unfolds.

 

[33 IMP]

2.76s and a stick will be a REAL challenge on a dragstrip, and not real easy to deal with on the street.
I'd be willing to bet that that Monte had an auto trans with a steep first gear.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Good information, thank you. Do you mind giving me a run down of your setup?

I’d have to find my cam card (sorry). It’s a Comp Cams advertised duration in the 275-285 range and .480-.490 lift with more duration and lift on the exhaust side. 445 cubic inch. 10.5:1, iron heads, 2.76 8-3/4”, Centerforce dual friction diaphragm, 833 4-speed

 

[Llamaback]

2.76s and a stick will be a REAL challenge on a dragstrip, and not real easy to deal with on the street.
I'd be willing to bet that that Monte had an auto trans with a steep first gear.

Here is the link to this monte carlo Running 11-Second 1/4 mile with 2.56 gears, stock stall, and 225/70-15 Coopers

He is claiming a TH350 with a stock converter (not sure if I believe this). 1st in a TH350 is 2.52:1 vs 2.66:1 in the A833. I'm hoping for a tame enough cam to help with starting out with street driving?

 

[Llamaback]

I’d have to find my cam card (sorry). It’s a Comp Cams advertised duration in the 275-285 range and .480-.490 lift with more duration and lift on the exhaust side. 445 cubic inch. 10.5:1, iron heads, 2.76 8-3/4”, Centerforce dual friction diaphragm, 833 4-speed

Sounds awesome! Do you regret the 2.76 rear gear sometimes? I would think the torque curve being lower on the 512 vs your 445 would make it a little easier for me starting out. I agree though, If I want to go faster at the strip I'll just swap in a 3.23 center section.

 

[Llamaback]

Use the RPM intake. The Performer will limit power with 500+ cubes. The RPM has the dual bolt pattern for carbs so that the TQ [ the best ] will bolt on. You may find, good chance, that the t/bore openings can be opened up to run the TQ. It should seal ok, if not run a spacer/adapter. With more cubes, engine becomes undervalved, needs a cam with tighter LSA.
[ See the 128 rule ] Unfortunately, not many shelf grinds.......
The tall gearing requires careful choice with the cam. I would use the Isky 280 Mega cam, which is a hyd flat tappet.

Thank you, I will research the 128 rule. I did some quick research and it sounds like the performer rpm manifold with an adapter for the TQ would fit under the hood but need a drop base air cleaner (could be a real tight fit). I have a N-96 hood and hopefully could get a ramcharger air box back on it someday, that is why I am leaning towards the performer.

 

[BSB67]

As this car sits in these pictures, it runs 11.70s at 4150 lbs with 3.23 and a stock converter (1700 rpm). I’m sure it would still be in the 11s with a 2.76.

And, it runs 11.20’s with a stock-ish (2800 rpm) converter. It would probably be faster if it had headers.

 

[RemCharger]

My brother ran a 4spd charger with 2.94s.. took 1 season at the track to take the clutch out

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Sounds awesome! Do you regret the 2.76 rear gear sometimes? I would think the torque curve being lower on the 512 vs your 445 would make it a little easier for me starting out. I agree though, If I want to go faster at the strip I'll just swap in a 3.23 center section.

Regrets? Not really. I kept my 3.91’s for when I can afford an overdrive transmission. Right now, I can’t afford one, so I went tall tire and 2.76’s. I was driving in the slow lane with the engine screaming at about 3500+ rpm before.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Sounds awesome! Do you regret the 2.76 rear gear sometimes? I would think the torque curve being lower on the 512 vs your 445 would make it a little easier for me starting out. I agree though, If I want to go faster at the strip I'll just swap in a 3.23 center section.

I found my cam card - it’s a Comp Cams XE274H-10 part #21-224-4 advertised 274/286 .488/.491. It’s a pretty tame cam with a moderate “thump” at idle and seems to work well with the 2.76 gears/4-speed.
Also….I saw you’ve got a ram charger hood. I’ve got an air grabber and I’ve been down this road. You must run a stock intake manifold or 1-2 other low profile intakes CH4B (or something?) + one other I can’t recall. I’ve only run stock intakes (4 bbl or 6-pac). You’ve got about 1/2” height to play (spacer/adapter) with on a 440 and the lid of the air cleaner hits the N96 air box. It is TIGHT. I’ve got 1” spacers and my air cleaner lid decal is worn off. Your Thermoquad idea is just fine with a stock spread bore intake. I’m not “positive” about carburetor throat diameter (???) vs the N96 air cleaner base hole. Some Carter carbs might be too big. Holleys are OK. Sometimes you need to dent/ding a little here or there for air cleaner/carb clearance. One idea might be to run a ‘70 GTX 440 air grabber air cleaner (?). You might be able to find a K&N air filter + a K&N filter top and get more N96 hood clearance and improved air flow

I’m turning about 2200-2300rpm at 70 mph with a tall tire. You could run 2.94’s if you wanted also without overdrive and be OK

 

[Llamaback]

I found my cam card - it’s a Comp Cams XE274H-10 part #21-224-4 advertised 274/286 .488/.491. It’s a pretty tame cam with a moderate “thump” at idle and seems to work well with the 2.76 gears/4-speed.
Also….I saw you’ve got a ram charger hood. I’ve got an air grabber and I’ve been down this road. You must run a stock intake manifold or 1-2 other low profile intakes CH4B (or something?) + one other I can’t recall. I’ve only run stock intakes (4 bbl or 6-pac). You’ve got about 1/2” height to play (spacer/adapter) with on a 440 and the lid of the air cleaner hits the N96 air box. It is TIGHT. I’ve got 1” spacers and my air cleaner lid decal is worn off. Your Thermoquad idea is just fine with a stock spread bore intake. I’m not “positive” about carburetor throat diameter (???) vs the N96 air cleaner base hole. Some Carter carbs might be too big. Holleys are OK. Sometimes you need to dent/ding a little here or there for air cleaner/carb clearance. One idea might be to run a ‘70 GTX 440 air grabber air cleaner (?). You might be able to find a K&N air filter + a K&N filter top and get more N96 hood clearance and improved air flow

I’m turning about 2200-2300rpm at 70 mph with a tall tire. You could run 2.94’s if you wanted also without overdrive and be OK

Thanks purple beeper, yes that cam seems very comparable to what I am thinking. Maybe even a little better with the tighter LSA. From what I have researched the standard performer manifold should work with the ramcharger box. Good point about the carb throat diameter though. I may wait awhile to get a ramcharger box cause they are so expensive. I have been restoring my car from a crappy rusty body shell and piecing the whole thing together has gotten expsensive fast!

 

[Llamaback]

I like this build. I have a '78 Monaco police car (A38/E86) with the factory 2.71 9-1/4 rear that I am considering a similar build for on the factory 440 and the stroker is the easiest way to reliably do this with low stress on the configuration. Aside from the relatively mild cam you spec'd out (which helps torque and drivability), the factory stamped rockers - especially if higher mileage -are rarely the 1.5 ratio they are advertised as and are often down to 1.4 or even 1.35 or so making the cam even milder that spec'd. I'd suggest calling Howards or Hughes to get a recommendation on the cam to maximize power while keeping drivability up there.

Why someone suggested a 500 stroker based on a 400 block when a 440 will easily handle the power at the moderate RPM you are planning AND you already have the 440 at the machine shop and the parts on the way makes very little sense. Excited for this build and definitely keep us posted on how it unfolds.

Thanks! I have been thinking/dreaming about the build for years. Sounds like your car is a perfect candidate for a similar setup with the 9 1/4 rear. This post is definitely helping me gather my thoughts so I know more of what I want when I call Howards.

 

[Gunner1]

I’m running an Isky 292 Mega cam in my mild 440. 10.5 to 1 compression though. Rumbles at idle. 750 in gear. Strong torque. It a good mild street cam.

 

[Geoff 2]

The Performer will be very limiting with a stroker engine. Edel states the rpm range as idle to 5500. With a stroker, it will be less than 5500; the more cubes, the lower the peak rpm.