Hello folks, I live in Phoenix, Az, and not sure where to post this without causing grief on the general build boards. More of a lurker but I am starting to acquire parts for building up a 5.9 Magnum (need this) based build, A500 transmission (need this, too) with an 8 3/4 rear (I already have this). I am going to put it into the 1941 Plymouth Coupe, as seen in my avatar. I am near the end of my (Non-MoPar) Model A Hot Rod Build, so I am gearing up for my next project.
Is there a good place to get a good buildable 5.9 Magnum in town? I had a lead on one for $300, but it got sold before I could get to the guy's shop. Also, any recommendations for machine shops in town that are MoPar specific? I have a pair of bare EQ318 heads that I am considering using. I am thinking of driving out to IMM Engines in Indio (to save on shipping and get an excuse to visit Joshua Tree, maybe get a Date Shake at Hadley's) have them build them up to their spec, but I want to have the rest of my machining done in town. I am also considering the TrickFlow 190's, as this is not a budget build by any means.
The car is going to be built for the street only, run on pump gas, but I want to build it as naturally aspirated as I can get without losing reliability. This will be my get in and go to another state for shows as well as fully air conditioned and comfortable as I can make this pre-war Chrysler product. I am also going to use an Art Morrison front IFS GT sport clip, triangulated 4 bar rear and use coil overs on all four corners with disc brakes all around as well. The goal of the build is to be a good road going GT type of car. I want to be able to surprise some of the more modern cars when going up the mountain and curvy roads to Flagstaff, Sedona, Payson, Prescott, Jerome etc...
I am reading up and trying to separate the race specific engine build information from good, streetable builds that are performance tilted and don't want to ask a question that has been answered a hundred times before.
So far the parts I have are bare eq318 heads and two new intakes a Edelbrock AirGap and a Weiand Stealth. I have been given advice from a friend who is into Pontiacs (vintage) trying to steer me away from the Edelebrock, unless I stroke it to a 408 due to the power band vs. the street use I want to get out of it. He is under the impression that the AirGap would not be a good fit for the street for what I am looking to do, but I am willing to hear real world experience. I don't want to build a stroker unless it is the only option based on the build I am looking to do with the parts I have. I am also leaning towards using the Holley Sniper EFI vs. Carbeuration.
If there is a better place to ask, please let me know. I just posted it here due to it being a Southwest focused part of the forum. It is hot in Phoenix, so I have to consider building something that won't blow up/overheat on the roads in the middle of summer, as you folks are well aware with older cars.
