Do I really need a stroker?

Stroke or rebuild at stock stroke

  • Stroke it!!

    Votes: 24 61.5%

  • Save the money!!

    Votes: 15 38.5%
  • Total voters
    39
  • Poll closed .
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doogievlg

doogievlg

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I know this thread has been posted a million times but I just really want to here some opinions.

Current engine is .30 over 360
Edelbrock heads
Performer rpm intake
Flat top pistons
Mp .484 cam

I am at a point in my life where I can afford to build a fordged 408. The problem is that I am extreamly hesitant to spend any of my money and this swap would mean spending well over 5 grand by the time I buy a new rear end, new torque converter, and the engine itself.

The car is mostly a street car that I have been taking to the track about 5 times a year. I like the idea of having 500 hp but I also like the idea of spending 2k instead of 5k. If I rebuild it at stock stroke then I am changing the cam and porting the heads and adding roller rockers.

I just can not make up my mind and it is driving me nuts.
 
I'm good with words, and I'm also good at reading between the lines.

You just said you can't afford to build a stroked engine....so my advice is, don't.
 
first I would suggest you do some actual pricing because even if you can machine and balance it yourself your going to be over 5k in just the motor more like 10k all in if you build the trans and rear end yourself as well .The kit is over 2k before balancing and doesn't include everything .
 
Sounds like you need a stroker about as much as I do.

Therefore GO FOR IT!!

"you can't take it with you"

Hope this helps!

20171203_092611.jpg
 
cannucky said:
first I would suggest you do some actual pricing because even if you can machine and balance it yourself your going to be over 5k in just the motor more like 10k all in if you build the trans and rear end yourself as well .The kit is over 2k before balancing and doesn't include everything .
Click to expand...

Maybe others can chime in on the cost but I do not believe that build would be 5k with zero machine work.
 
Mr Gorsky said:
I'm good with words, and I'm also good at reading between the lines.

You just said you can't afford to build a stroked engine....so my advice is, don't.
Click to expand...

I have enough where I could build the stroker and the rest of the work needed. We are also talking about money I haven’t touch in years that I was saving for this car so I am hesitant to spend more.
 
Determine what you want to do with it (street, strip, street and strip) and go from there. Strokers are GREAT but unneeded when it comes down to it. My Sons Duster (3200 pounds) just went 6.54 which should be 10.40's or possibly quicker with a stock crank, Edelbrock headed, .030 over 360. Its running a small 600 lift roller cam I bought used for 120.00


37965301612_e79d607c14_b.jpg
Untitled by John Cadamore, on Flickr
 
If your happy with how it runs now freshen it up and be done with it, enjoy. But it's human nature to want more. More power, more speed and faster ETs. I built my engine back in 95 with the hope of not having to touch it every weekend when I wanted to take it out. It has just under 13,000 miles on it and I, like you go to the track a few times a year, drive it on good days but other than that I'm happy with it. 12.46 in the 1/4 is the best so far and that's all I was looking for, a 12 second driver to enjoy.
 
I'm personally not that into strokers because A) I like engines with an "interesting" power band, not just mad torque everywhere and B) I'd rather put money towards my 5.7L Hemi swap which at the end of the day has more potential than the LA/Magnum could ever dream of.

IF I built a stroker SBM it would have big-port race heads like the Eddy Victors or some kind of W2/5/7/9 variant.

Maybe you should find another FABO member who has a 408 stroker-powered A-body and go for a ride? IMO only way to know for sure if you really want it...
 
If you want a drag car...nah!
If you want to eat up tires and scare stock Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes on the street without spinning 7000rpms....I say go for it!
 
Pay attention to post 9.

There are plenty of 450 HP strokers out there. HP is more about induction than it is displacement.
 
Hell yes, 408 is a torque some *****! A Great street engine!!

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doogievlg said:
I have enough where I could build the stroker and the rest of the work needed. We are also talking about money I haven’t touch in years that I was saving for this car so I am hesitant to spend more.
Click to expand...
If you got the money go for it...if you are sure you have enough. I guarantee unexpected **** will come up, that you didn't expect and gotta spend more, it's the nature of the beast. If you have family...Like my father always tells me, "Car will always be there for you, family will not, if you're not there for them." Got an uncle that can afford expensive **** for his car and (or) hobby, but can't afford to take his family for dinner, vacation, or even help kids with college. CLOWN if you ask me.
 
gilberttitan08 said:
If you got the money go for it...if you are sure you have enough. I guarantee unexpected **** will come up, that you didn't expect and gotta spend more, it's the nature of the beast. If you have family...Like my father always tells me, "Car will always be there for you, family will not, if you're not there for them." Got an uncle that can afford expensive **** for his car and (or) hobby, but can't afford to take his family for dinner, vacation, or even help kids with college. CLOWN if you ask me.
Click to expand...

No family. 27 and single
 
MOPEkidD-3 said:
I'm personally not that into strokers because A) I like engines with an "interesting" power band, not just mad torque everywhere and B) I'd rather put money towards my 5.7L Hemi swap which at the end of the day has more potential than the LA/Magnum could ever dream of.

IF I built a stroker SBM it would have big-port race heads like the Eddy Victors or some kind of W2/5/7/9 variant.

Maybe you should find another FABO member who has a 408 stroker-powered A-body and go for a ride? IMO only way to know for sure if you really want it...
Click to expand...

If I went for a ride in one I would want it lol
 
If you have a good running engine now, find another one to build.
That way if something goes way bad, your car is still running.
 
doogievlg said:
I have enough where I could build the stroker and the rest of the work needed. We are also talking about money I haven’t touch in years that I was saving for this car so I am hesitant to spend more.
Click to expand...

You started a thread looking for validation from a bunch of strangers as to whether you should spend more than you feel comfortable spending on a purchase you know is extravagant and unnecessary.

You're not comfortable, so don't go down this path. Listen to the little voice in your head.
 
The man said he could afford it, just hesitant about doing it. (Me too.) If you build it, you will enjoy it. You also can also add quite a bit of power to the stock stroke, for less money, and still enjoy it. Your decision.
 
Mr Gorsky said:
You started a thread looking for validation from a bunch of strangers as to whether you should spend more than you feel comfortable spending on a purchase you know is extravagant and unnecessary.

You're not comfortable, so don't go down this path. Listen to the little voice in your head.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input.
 
'73red-duster said:
The man said he could afford it, just hesitant about doing it. (Me too.) If you build it, you will enjoy it. You also can also add quite a bit of power to the stock stroke, for less money, and still enjoy it. Your decision.[/QUOTEt
Click to expand...
sireland67 said:
If you have a good running engine now, find another one to build.
That way if something goes way bad, your car is still running.
Click to expand...

The engine was making 5 pounds of oil pressure with parts of a bearing in the oil filter so the engine is coming apart.
 
'73red-duster said:
The man said he could afford it, just hesitant about doing it. (Me too.) If you build it, you will enjoy it. You also can also add quite a bit of power to the stock stroke, for less money, and still enjoy it. Your decision.
Click to expand...

Some people have no problem spending money.
 
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