The old "X" blocks are the first"race block" from MoPar. It has a higher nickel content than a stock block. A stock block has nearly the same to slightly more nickel than a Chevy race block.
After the X block, comes the "R" block. There are many verities (SP!) out there to be looked at, but they are pricey for regular guys. If your racing, then the money spent is "Well spent" It is possible to find a used one every now and again.
The stock block can handle 600+ HP. However, at these levels, longevity is a issue. At 500 HP, the issue is diminished alot, but not gone. You can live with a 500 HP engine on the street for a long time provided your not beating the snot out of it in the streets. I guess just like any other engine. LOL!
The X & R blocks come with 4 bolt mains. All stock blocks are 2 bolt mains. Except, IIRC, the 70 340 6 pak engine. This I am not sure on, I honestly forget. It would be a rare find to find one. Very rare. (As well as the heads for that engine)
The con rods (stock) can hold 500 hp. But like said above, to have them done up nicely for power, the cost is a bit high vs. getting a new rod. While not as cheap as a chevy rod, they'll certainly hold alot of power over the stockers.
Some places offer girddles for high HP engines. IMO, from what I have seen. You'll not need a gridle unless your going nutz in a big way. (Surpassing a stock blocks abilty to hold power)
Oiling should be addressed if big power is in your future as well as high RPM's. MoPar themselfs put out a book called the "Engines" book. Recently, last few years, they diveided the book up into engine families. They go as followed;
Small block ("LA") 273, 318, 340, 360 and stroker combo's.
Magnum (Also a small block) 318 & 360 and stroker combo's
Stroker small blocks can get to (IIRC,) A 472 cid with race blocks and no fancy tricks. Just big bore and big stroke.
When you get to serious heads, the heads add a row of attaching points down low for added clamping force. They can be seen in MoPars "W" series racing heads as well as Indy's. Maybe heads from Brodix also have
that. I'm not sure....hummmm. (I should know this.)
For 500 HP,a maxed out ported stock head can do it, though, the combo may not be so great for the street.
Steping up to aluminum Edelbrock heads or MoPars iron W2 heads will also do it. They have the abilty to flow more air and by a good amount of ported OE heads. In a way, cam timeing can be reduced with a better head.
Steping up again would be other MoPar W series heads or a set of indy heads. Still, 500 HP is nothing to sneezzee at. Set up right in a light car, one that means bizniz, it wil likely eat mostcars for lunch without breaking a sweat.
:wack:
