Lets build a CHEAP(!!!!!!!) bracket motor!
To kill a little time and have some fun i propose we come up with a recipe for a truly cheap bracket motor. The only rules for the build are it must be a mopar v8 , make 400 hp minimum and all things like the core engine , parts and machining labor plus tax be tallied!
My idea;
Magnum 5.9.
Could i make 400 hp with less than $1,000?
Assuming and hoping the mystery engine needs no machine work in the cylinders... and it is good to go....
Air cleaner $25 - ish
Summit Racing® Air Cleaners SUM-G30010B
Intake @ $220
Professional Products CrossWind Intake Manifolds 55026
Carb - 800 cfm remanufactured $464
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-18139
Headers @ 180
1970 DODGE DART Summit Racing® Headers SUM-G9040
Exhaust pipe @ 15 X 2 = $30
Summit Racing® Exhaust Tubing SUM-640025-1
Muffler @ 33 x 2 = $66
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-631125
Exhaust clamps @ $4 each X 6 = $24
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g4625-1
Muffler hangers 2 x 7 = $14
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-35210
Complete engine gasket kit/Magnum
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp-260-1723/make/dodge
Someone stated Oregon cam regrind @ $180
Unless you want a new cam... your looking at about double the cost, not included the the total tally below.
$1,203, oil, filter, gasket sealent and other sealent/chemicals not included.
Keeping the stock cam would bring you back to $1123. Now we’re down to $923.
Still not a bad quick shopping spree at Summit!
A classified hunt should result in good cost savings.
You could save a bunch with a FABO used AFB 600 carb instead of the Edelbrock reman @ there price. Even if you needed a gasket it and jetting kit you would be well ahead of the curve. You could save an easy $200.
I did drop the ball on a distributor. These can be found inexpensively. If you don’t mind taking them apart or learning them, a spring kit is a few dollars and this distributor is $41.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/make/dodge/engine-size/5-9l-360/engine-family/mopar-small-block-la/department/ignitions-electrical/part-type/distributors/price-range/20-50?N=price-range:20-50&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending
Spark plug wires @ $32
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-867807/year/1970/make/dodge/model/dart
Going up $73 smackers... back to $996.
Then go back and search out
@318willrun thread on his hyper tuned scorcher. Every thing is always in the tune, carb and distributor!
Keep hunting the classifieds for those great deals! Drop the price further!
Trade with a buddy. I did a CF clutch DF set up for a converter I needed to get something running now instead of later. Hell! Works for me!
(Makes me wonder about the final cost in adding a converter and gears.... and probably new sneakers after the upgrades, I’ll for surely need some sticky ones!)
