Thanks for the replies. For the record, I am not looking to run a “mixed bag of ****”, that is why I am asking for help in this new territory for me. It was my understanding that those engineers recommended combos for different times were more race biased and not really streetable at all. Maybe that is not the case. I am not chasing a specific time, more of a nice balanced set up as AJ is suggesting. I will not put a roll bar in this car but I don’t think I need to worry about going that fast.
As far as the convertor goes, it will be what it needs to be, dependent on the gear I chose. But since I will be losing the 3.23s anyway, if my gear selection will allow me to keep my convertor, that’s money I can spend elsewhere. The 3.23s are definitely out cause with a 28” tire they will cause too low of RPMs at 60mph for me. The 3.23s are about good for the 26.5” tires I have now. 4.30s are really interesting to me, I am just nervous to take that huge jump. However since they will be in an 8 ¾”, a gear swap is an easy deal.
Aluminum heads are definitely where I will go after the recommendations above. If the Trick Flow heads do become available this fall or winter, I will give them a hard look before buying a set of Eddys. Once I decide that, and get my piston depths measured, I can fine tune my CR with head gasket thickness right? Maybe I don’t have enough info to say that yet. I still need to get the piston height measurements.
Other than the requirement to adjust the preload periodically, is there any other down side to solid roller lifters? I understand they don’t float at high RPMs, any other differences?
91 octane is readily available in my area and I don’t have a problem if that is a requirement. Our 91 Premium fuel doesn’t have ethanol added either which I think is another benefit. I know the ethanol wreaks havoc with my 2 stroke snowmobiles.
I have sub-frame connectors in the car already so it should not twist up the body.
I have cheap Patriot 1 5/8” headers and 2.5” mandrel bent exhaust (Summit kit).
I’ll try and get the weight this weekend. I have been wanting to for a while, but never have. It is a full interior car with AC.
I will be going to pick the engine up tomorrow afternoon and I’m off work Friday so I’ll try and get the piston height measurements on Friday. I have a dial indicator but no deck bridge so they will be close but maybe not machinist exact.
I hope I answered all the questions that were asked above. Unfortunately I don’t have all the answers yet, and maybe I should have waited to post this but it kinda feels like Christmas to me going to get this engine. Doesn’t being 43 years old still allow me to be a kid sometimes?
Cley
