SB Road Racing/Nascar/Sprint Car/Reving BUDGET BUILD
I want to do this from the ground up and instead of throwing in the Gen3 hemi I have right away, I want to do a budget build to R&D from the ground up using what Mother Mopar has already made. I will have a 6 speed TR6060 with a shortened 5th and 6th gear for the trans and then a 8 3/4 with 4.10 SureGrip.
Why go this route?? Perhaps I'm not fully understanding your plan but allow me to provide a counterpoint to what I think you're suggesting. You're basically saying in your statement above that you're ultimately going to go Gen III so why waste time and money on a middle step? Yes, the hemi is going to require different exhaust, fuel system, wiring, accessories, etc. which adds up quick. But if you have to obtain all those parts now for the small block, why do it again when you decide to switch?
Here's a few things to keep in mind. In stock form, the Gen III hemi is light years ahead of any factory, LA-based engine in terms of power output and efficiency. The 345 c.i. engine in my truck ('17 Ram 1500) makes over 400hp with exhaust manifolds. It tows a loaded trailer like it's not even there so there's more than enough torque on tap to get an A body moving quickly.
Honestly, what
factory small block even came close to that kind of performance? The answer is none of them. Realize that stock Gen III heads flow almost 300cfm on the intake side while most stock LA heads are lucky to flow 220cfm. You can argue the minutiae between particular examples of each all you want but generally speaking, the performance potential between the two platforms
in relatively stock/budget form is not even close, the hemi wins every time.
It's hard to argue with lighter, higher-flowing aluminum heads, bulletproof bottom end, better sealing surfaces and more efficient heat management... plus parts availability is much more plentiful since at least for now you can walk into any parts store and get what you need without having to mail order them.
I get it, you have an idea and want to try it. It's your deal, do what makes you happy but again if it were me, I'd go Hemi, it will be a better choice in the long run especially if you're planning to do it at some point anyway.
