:cheers:
It's a toss-up...
What I want is a good running, mildly above stock 273 commando for my 65 barracuda project.
I have a 273 commando in the machine shop and I have questions. The block is .030 over with .030 domed pistons (previous owner) and is ready to go. ( all is or will be balanced) I will be running a 904 with a mild shift kit (runs like stock until you "call on it" and it is supposed to crispen up a bit)
I want the engine to look as stock as possible, may even just dump all ideas of pepping it up and go stock, but I still feel the need to improve a bit.
- Q1) stay solid or go hydraulic? roller? Stay solid flat tappet.
- Q2) domed or flat top? Why would you change this when you said you already had the domed pistons? Stay with them.
- Q3) what cam? The E4 is a decent grind. Been used for decades as the 273 "go to" camshaft. It's ok, IMO, but there are better grinds.
- Q4) intake? If your heads have the odd early intake bolt angle, intake manifolds will be very limited, unless you modify the intake bolt holes, which is easy to do.
- Q4) what other factors? Heads? If I had a 273 engine, I believe I would use either the 302 318 castings, or 5.2 Magnum heads.
If I had the car, and it was a real 273 Commando engine, I would build it stone stock, but blueprint it. In other words, make all of the specs, compression ratio and whatnot exactly what the book states. Also, I would degree the stock cam. IF you decide to run something like the E4 or another small solid, make sure to degree it as well ans also use the correct valve springs.
I have pertonix, original carb (rebuilt) and am planning an 8 3/4 3.55 suregrip but that is debatable. I will be running the Formula S stock exhaust with resonator tip. Even more reason to stay very mild or even stock. The stock exhaust system will not handle too much over stock and would be a bottleneck for something much over stock, IMO.
All advice appreciated!
Again, I want a stock appearance that is dependable and will squeak the tires if I have a notion to. Most driving will be cruising, not racing. Built as I outlined above and with a good HOT ignition curve, it will paint black marks on the street. @Halifaxhops (Ray) can set you up with a NICE distributor with a custom curve. He's a good dude, does reasonable work and he's a great forum member. You'll get a very good product at a reasonable price while helping a fellow member. What's not to like?
Thanks a-bodies family!!!:-D
