Build me a truck engine..........

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justinp61

justinp61

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Using most of the parts I already have. I've been looking for a 80's swb Dodge truck to fix up for a driver/cruiser with a/c that can if needed pull my 18' aluminum boat and I want it run hard, for a truck. LOL

The heads will be my Curtis Boggs ported Edelbrocks that flow in the mid 290's and have a 55cc chamber. I have a couple options for engines, both will most likely need new pistons to get the compression to a manageable level.

A .030" over 340 short block that needs freshened, Ross flat tops, zero decked with eagle rods. With the heads above it was 11.4-1. Also a 408, with a 4" forged crank, Compstar 6.125" rods, diamond pistons with a 20cc dish. It was 10.8-1 with the Edelbrocks.

The truck will probably have 3.21 or 3.55 gears and will run a 904 or a 727 to start and may end up with a overdrive from a early-mid 90's truck. Probably a flat hydraulic, possibly a hydraulic roller. Also I don't want to run a real loose converter, probably a 10" 3-3500.

It'll start out with a carb but may try FI after all the bugs are worked out.

Thoughts?
 
What's wrong with a solid flat or solid roller? Do you just not like power?
 
justinp61 said:
Hey, it runs 6.25 in the 1/8 on pump 93 and I drive it a bunch, it checks all my boxes.
Click to expand...

That's all that counts right there. It's faster than anything I have.
 
Yes I'd like to drop the compression. If I keep the quench it'll require a custom piston, otherwise It'll need a thicker head gasket.

My goal it to run 87 octane gas.
 
Just FYI
My OOTB Eddy-headed 367/4-speed/3.55s has been running on 87E10 since 1999 at from 177 to 185 psi @3650 pounds. The Q is .032, and timing is 32/34 @ 3200/3400.
It only goes 93 in the Eighth, but at 3457, and ~900ft local elevation.
 
408 with the heads you have, .058 cometic head gasket. With the right cam you should be able to run 87oct. And do mile long burnout while pulling the boat. Lol 3.55’s with a 265 tire will be a fun ride
 
dadodgekid said:
408 with the heads you have, .058 cometic head gasket. With the right cam you should be able to run 87oct. And do mile long burnout while pulling the boat. Lol 3.55’s with a 265 tire will be a fun ride
Click to expand...
Zackly!!!
 
Save that 340 for an A body, its not a good fit for a truck. Get some more cubic inches for low rpm 9:1 87 oct forget the "hot rod" truck idea.
 
justinp61 said:
Yes I'd like to drop the compression. If I keep the quench it'll require a custom piston, otherwise It'll need a thicker head gasket.

My goal it to run 87 octane gas.
Click to expand...


Instead of lowering the compression, push your LSA higher. It will lower cranking compression.
 
If you build a hot rod engine for a pickup truck you intend to tow with, you will end up regretting it. Been there, done that......got to build it again! :rolleyes: :BangHead: Find you a good 5.9 Magnum block, build it to have no more than 8 to 1 compression, put a good RV cam in it with headers and dual exhaust, use a 518 OD with a GOOD towing converter, and 3.91 gears. I had an 84 D350 that was an ex US Army truck. It had a 360/727, with a 4.10 Dana single legger. The truck was loaded with options......wipers and a heater! Honestly, it pulled my car trailer just as good as my Dodge diesel does, but just wasn't near as comfortable. What lead to me selling it and buying the diesel was getting carried away with the new motor I built for it. I built a hot rod engine for more power, and it didn't work out well. KABOOMYOW! I rebuilt that engine, stuck it in a 71 Challenger, and put a new timing chain and valve stem seals in the original engine and put it back in the truck. Good luck with whichever way you decide to go....just trying to offer info to keep you from duplicating my mistake.
 
I would look for a 5.9 and use it will the factory F.I. setup, instead of expensive machining and parts for the 340 spend a little time and integrate the electrionics
into the truck.
 
I gotta agree with the above two posts.
You COULD get a 5.9 & use the Edelbrock heads with oil through rockers (like Comp Pro Magnum’s or equal) and then use any LA intake and carb, though that factory F.I. is a gem. Works great and keeps the inside excellent.

Then get the OD of your choice. IDK which one you would favor between the 727 or 904 variants. As a starting point of reference, all of my Magnum powered trucks had a 3.55 gear set. They were quick but cruised the Hwy. @ a nice and low rpm. Going higher to 3.91’s is a route I don’t think I’d travel. Though I’m sure it would prove interesting and fun. It’s just the cruise rpm that I’m not so possibly in favor of.

Any whooooo, that’s my take of what I’d do myself though I didn’t mention the sprinkling of HP parts. But a very mild just off stock cam would be the max size cam I’d look at. If I could get a cam designed for towing somewhere, I’d probably do that. More torque? Hell yea! Less mileage, ehhh, not so much.

That’s my 2 cents there Justin P. Whatever route you take, best of luck.
On a different note, how’s that hot rod doing?
I like that car.
 
I have no intentions of it being a hot rod, just want it to run well. I just want enough cam to hear it, probably something a little bigger than a RV cam. I have a 14 Ram to pull the hot rod or tractor with. Most likely the boat or SXS will always pulled with it too although neither are much of a load to pull.

If I do a 518 it will be down the road as I don't have one, I did but sold it thinking I'd never use it. LOL

I really like the idea of running the 408, with a small cam even with the ported heads it'll be a monster down low. I'll sit on the 340, after thinking about it the short stroke wouldn't be ideal for what I wanting.

I want the truck to be reliable and fun to drive. As mentioned I already have a hot rod and my 14 Ram 1500 4X4 to use.

Thanks Rumble, it's on the lift waiting on it's annual oil change and lash check, also there are new 275 M/T radials to be mounted for it. The 325's still have plenty of tread but it has killed the sidewalls. It really is a fun car, low maintenance, runs hard and does it on pump 93. Did I mention it's fun to drive? Every time I drive it I get the same feeling I did as a 16yo the first time I turned my cousins 69 383 RR loose over forty years ago. It's funny how some things never leave us.
 
I must have missed the ‘14 RAM for towing earlier.
Well, you know what gives a good choppy idle (rhythm) and how the sound (mufflers) will be trumpeted. The narrower the LSA with quick valve action will get you that hard hitting snare drum note. Now select the rpm range with your intended gear which is the main issue you face now since that will dictate your cruising rpm. Now you have just narrowed the cam choices down to under a two dozen.
:rofl:

Depending on them lifter style, it could be as low as 6.
Is that 3500 converter a must use?
 
I'll have to buy a converter as the only one I have is a 8" that flashed about 4900 behind the 434 in the Dart.
 
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